News archive
February 2022
Can beetroot juice help keep our brains sharp in later life? New study investigates
An innovative clinical trial will investigate how drinking beetroot juice impacts brain function in older adults, via the bacteria that live in our mouths.
Social sciences to play vital role in meeting UK’s net zero goals
The UK’s journey to net zero by 2050 is set to be bolstered by the social sciences, thanks to a major new investment from ESRC.
Experts warn of the increasing overmedicalisation of death, call for radical rethink of how society cares for dying people
Health and social systems around the world are failing to give appropriate, compassionate care to people who are dying and their families.
Councils urged to sign 'motion for the ocean'
UK councils are being urged to sign a "motion for the ocean" – pledging to engage with citizens to promote ocean recovery.
Ground-breaking project advances wastewater grit removal technology
Hydro International and the University of Exeter have completed a ground-breaking two-year research project to optimise the performance of the company’s advanced wastewater grit removal technology.
Construction 4.0 technologies key to improving sustainability of sector
Technologies forming part of the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ can improve the economic and environmental sustainability of an industry that contributes around 11% of all global carbon emissions, a new study shows.
New research sheds light on dramatic criminal trials of authors in 17th century France
A major new study has explored the dramatic criminal trials of authors accused of subversion in 17th century France.
Scouse musician living with dementia writes song for research project
A Scouse musician who has dementia has written an uplifting song to help support others living with the condition, as part of a major research project.
Lauded new novel upends stereotypes about the Iron Curtain and Thatcher’s Britain
In 1980s Eastern Europe there’s limitless luxury for the privileged few but limited freedom, while the UK offers terrible food and cold homes – but without hidden cameras.
Applications now open for Creative Fellowships 2021-22 Artists Callout
Arts and Culture University of Exeter is inviting applications from creative practitioners for a Creative Fellowship that will run March-June 2022. This will be a 4-5 week exploratory placement, working in an interdisciplinary context.
Exeter’s Natural Sciences programme receives respected accreditation
The University of Exeter’s Natural Sciences programme has received official accreditation from a prestigious national body.
Fact checks on COVID-19 misperceptions are effective initially but do not stick over time
As the COVID-19 global epidemic persists, misinformation continues to circulate widely. Journalists and public health officials continue to struggle to debunk these false and misleading claims.
Exeter biologists investigate smallest propeller on earth
University of Exeter scientists have discovered new information about the tiny propellers used by single-cell organisms called archaea.
How do pathogens learn to be pathogens: partnerships between microbes leading to human disease
New research discovered that the fungus Rhizopus fights back against soil predators and human immune cells by partnering with a bacteria called Ralstonia in a two way partnership.
Legal “sunset clauses” should be used to limit use of covid certificates to current pandemic
“Sunset clauses” should be introduced into relevant legislation to limit the use of coronavirus certificates to just the current pandemic and not beyond, a study warns.
Hurricane may have caused 'accelerated ageing' among monkeys
Monkeys that survived a major hurricane show signs of "accelerated ageing", according to new research.
Author, actor and soldier Richard Lyntton gives inspirational example of the power of languages at University of Exeter event
Actor, author and soldier Richard Lyntton showed how he is an inspirational example of the power of learning languages at a University of Exeter event. In a varied career he used his language skills when serving in the Yugoslav civil war and acting in films such as Creed and The Equalizer.
Gabon provides blueprint for protecting oceans
Gabon's network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) provides a blueprint that could be used in many other countries, experts say.
Prestigious scholarship awarded to Exeter student in Venice
University of Exeter history student Stephen Finlayson has been awarded a prestigious RED scholarship, whilst studying abroad at Venice International University.
COP26 deal sparks hope for positive tipping points
The Breakthrough Agenda agreed at COP26 could help trigger positive tipping points to tackle the climate crisis, researchers say.
New butterfly-inspired museum installation highlights LGBTQ+ voices
A new installation inspired by butterflies showcases LGBTQ+ responses to objects at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery.
Three Exeter researchers win Discovery Fellowships
Three University of Exeter researchers have been awarded prestigious Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Discovery Fellowships.
Omicron BA.2 predicted through Exeter professor’s mathematical modelling
An Exeter professor’s mathematical modelling was recently successful in predicting the BA.2 Omicron sub-variant.
Waiting over five hours at A&E increases risk of death
Patients made to wait longer than five hours at A&E face an increased risk of death within 30 days, a new study shows.
New ‘Creative Peninsula’ partnership programme - including a new regional arts summit and international festival - as culture used to boost communities across the South West
A new arts summit and festival will be held in the South West as part of a major project to use culture to boost the economy, environment and health in the region.
African Heritage Sites threatened by coastal flooding and erosion as sea-level rise accelerates
Important heritage sites on the African coast classed as having “outstanding and universal value” are threatened by flooding and erosion because of the climate emergency, a new study warns.
Research aims to improve sleep for people with dementia
Two new research programmes are helping find new ways to support people with dementia who experience problems with sleep.
UK biodiversity renewal project to revive nature and communities receives £10 million investment
Researchers at the University of Exeter have received £10 million to investigate and tackle biodiversity loss in the UK through partnerships and community action.
Decolonise research to save heritage threatened by climate change
Climate change threatens to destroy invaluable heritage sites and traditions in marginalised countries – but empowering local people is key to adaptation, according to a new study.
'Freeze or flee' reactions run in fish families
Families of fish tend to share similar reactions to stressful situations, new research shows.
Researchers win Medical Research Foundation’s Changing Policy and Practice Award
Two University of Exeter researchers have won a prestigious award, to help fund work to improve the accuracy of genetic testing in epilepsy.
Sexual orientation linked to choice of transport to work
Men and women in same-sex couples are more likely to commute by public transport and less likely to drive to work than those in different-sex couples, according to a new study.
Covid tip of iceberg for farmer mental health, new research shows
Farmers’ mental health was already at a critical point prior to Covid-19, which widened existing cracks in support according to new research.
More research needed into negative effects of loneliness, say experts
A new report has highlighted where more research is needed into the negative effects of loneliness on the UK’s population.
Zoo visits focused on sound give visitors new perspectives on the lives of animals, study suggests
Encouraging zoo visitors to focus on sounds as much as sights can help them feel a sense of connection with the lives of animals, a study indicates.
International Women’s Day event to explore why women and girls are key to solving the climate crisis
How women and girls can secure the legacy of COP26 and make a powerful contribution to the climate agenda will be the focus of an International Women’s Day panel event at the University of Exeter Business School next month.
Exeter professor named among most influential women in psychedelics
University of Exeter Professor Celia Morgan has been named as one of the 16 most influential women shaping the future of psychedelics, by global news publication Insider.
Step back in time to explore Exeter with characters living through the city’s most dramatic moments
A colourful cast of characters living through Exeter’s most dramatic moments are bringing the city’s history to life thanks to new research.
Hubble detects exotic water cycle and metal clouds in a hot Jupiter exoplanet atmosphere
Scientists have explored the nightside hemisphere of an enormous planet, far outside our solar system for the first time – revealing metal clouds and rain made of liquid gems.
Over two thirds of UK social scientists warn their academic freedom is under threat, new study shows
Academics have said their freedom is under threat with evidence suggesting one of the reasons for this concern is the effect of internationalisation including risks associated with the rising influence of authoritarian states such as China.
University sponsors Exeter College Adult learner of the year award
The University of Exeter has sponsored Exeter College’s Adult Learner of the Year Award, as part of an ongoing commitment to supporting adult learners.
The Exeter MBA ranked among best in Europe
The University of Exeter Business School’s flagship MBA has been named among the top MBA programmes in Europe in CEO Magazine’s 2022 Global Executive MBA rankings.
New documentary tells the story of the “Red River” – the powerful symbol of Cornish identity
A new documentary by a University of Exeter expert celebrates the unique Cornish Red River – a powerful symbol of the county’s identity.
Leading UK marine scientists welcome move towards global plastics pact ahead of major UN meeting
Plastic pollution is universally accepted as having dire effects on the world’s marine life and ecosystems, in addition to presenting risks to human health including through the leaching of chemical additives and consumption of microplastics contained in seafood
University receives Gold Award for commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion at work
The University of Exeter has received a Gold Award for its commitment and efforts to become an LGBTQ+ inclusive employer, it has been announced.
Celebrate Cornish innovation past and present at exciting St Piran’s Day event
Cornwall’s unique heritage and identity will be celebrated at a special St Piran’s Day event which marks innovation in the county.
Bid to protect "blue food" revolution
Scientists have developed a new way to identify and reduce the impact of chemicals and diseases in global aquaculture (fish farming).
Racing looks through eyes of horses to help deliver improved safety at all British jump courses
Racing at Stratford Upon Avon on 14 March will mark the start of a new era over jumps in Britain as obstacles begin turning white as part of a welfare-driven project to develop new ways to help make hurdle and fence design safer.
IPCC report highlights need for climate action and adaptation
A new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the need stop carbon emissions and adapt to "unavoidable risks", according to one of its Lead Authors.
Plastic labelling needs 'sustainability scale'
Labelling of plastic products needs a drastic overhaul including a new "sustainability scale" to help consumers, researchers say.
Major new study will show how widening inequalities in education and employment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will impact children’s life prospects
A major new study will show how widening inequalities in education and employment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will impact children’s life prospects.