News archive 2017
Climate change has mixed effects on migratory geese
Climate change improves the breeding chances of migratory geese in the Arctic – but puts mother geese at more risk of death, according to a new study.
Mother-daughter conflict between killer whales can explain the evolution of menopause
An international research team have found that mother-daughter conflict can explain why killer whales are one of only three known species of mammal, including humans, to go through the menopause.
Exeter research helps protect loggerhead turtles
A long-running research and conservation project is helping save an at-risk species of turtle.
Prehistoric mega-lake sediment offers key insight into how inland regions responded to ‘super-greenhouse’ event
Sediment found at the site of one of the largest lakes in Earth’s history could provide a fascinating new insight into how inland regions responded to global climate change millions of years ago.
GW4 joins industry partners to develop ‘first of its kind’ supercomputer
GW4 Alliance, together with Cray Inc. and the Met Office, has been awarded £3m by EPSRC to deliver a new Tier 2 high performance computing (HPC) service for UK-based scientists.
‘Great West’ region can make the UK a global leader, say Vice-Chancellors and industry leaders
South West England and South East Wales can recapture the ambitious vision of Isambard Kingdom Brunel as a hyper-connected, smart and specialist region, MPs have heard.
Exeter to offer prestigious scholarship for American students
The University of Exeter has entered into an important strategic partnership, designed to enable America’s leading students to embark on postgraduate studies at one of the UK’s leading universities.
Vice-Chancellor Sir Steve Smith comments on US travel ban
Sir Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said the US travel ban “undermines the principle of academic freedom and jeopardises the advancement of knowledge between nations.”
Nobel Laureates to deliver keynote speeches at Living Systems Institute Opening International Symposium
Two Nobel Laureates will deliver keynote speeches at a prestigious international scientific symposium celebrating the opening of the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute (LSI).
LED lighting could have major impact on wildlife
LED street lighting can be tailored to reduce its impacts on the environment, according to new research by the University of Exeter.
Penryn research excellence illustrated by competition success
Penryn PhD students are celebrating after sweeping the board at a high-profile research competition.
University of Exeter launches its largest ever fundraising Campaign
The University of Exeter has launched its most ambitious philanthropic Campaign to date to reinforce its position as one of the leading research institutions worldwide.
Climate change and fishing create ‘trap’ for penguins
Endangered penguins are foraging for food in the wrong places due to fishing and climate change, research led by the University of Exeter and the University of Cape Town has revealed.
Bronze sculpture celebrates Baroness Benjamin’s tenure as Exeter Chancellor
The University of Exeter has commemorated Baroness Floella Benjamin’s successful tenure as Chancellor with a stunning bronze sculpture.
Tough early life makes wild animals live longer
Growing up in tough conditions can make wild animals live longer, new research suggests.
Gene editing could help tackle cancer and inherited diseases
Gene editing techniques developed in the last five years could help in the battle against cancer and inherited diseases.
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Basking sharks seek out winter sun
The winter habits of Britain’s basking sharks have been revealed for the first time.
Warming ponds could accelerate climate change
Rising temperatures could accelerate climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide stored in ponds and increasing the methane they release, new research shows.
From monkeys to exotic birds, students showcase stunning variety of wildlife at Wild Film Festival in Falmouth
Budding wildlife film-makers, presenters and photographers will display their work at a national festival, organised by students at the University of Exeter.
Exeter helps protect Myanmar marine life
A new plan to protect Myanmar’s diverse marine life has been announced.
Watching birds near your home is good for your mental health
People living in neighbourhoods with more birds, shrubs and trees are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and stress, according to research.
Planned protection area would help basking sharks
A proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) off Scotland’s west coast would help basking sharks, researchers say.
Former United States Poet Laureate to return to Cornish roots on visit to Falmouth
The 19th Poet Laureate of the United States will return to her Cornish roots as she visits the Duchy to perform and discuss her work.
Banded mongooses go to war over sex and territory
Gang warfare is not unique to humans – banded mongooses do it too.
‘Tanglebots’ to encourage teamwork in young people with autism
Robots made from recycled toys will be used to boost communication and teamwork among young people with autism and their families.
Scientists reveal core genes involved in honey bee immunity
An international team of researchers has identified a core set of genes involved in the responses of honey bees to multiple diseases caused by viruses and parasites.
Elastometric mooring tether performance testing advances wave energy project
The University of Exeter has carried out performance and durability tests on a set of elastometric mooring tethers as part of the H2020-funded OPERA wave energy project.
Caledonian forests threatened by climatic change
Efforts to conserve the remaining fragments of the great Forest of Caledon in Scotland may be doomed to fail unless a new strategy is rapidly adopted, new research suggests.
Exeter subjects ranked amongst the global best
Both science and humanities subjects at the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the very best in the world, according to an influential global league table.
European funding launches Marine-i to provide support to marine businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Up to £6.8m of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) has been secured to develop marine technology research, development and innovation activities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Yachtsman to speak about ‘Mutiny’ adventure
A yachtsman who helped recreate an epic voyage for a new Channel 4 documentary will give a talk at the University of Exeter later this month.
Exeter celebrates 10th annual National Apprenticeships Week
Teams of experts from the University of Exeter helped organise a series of hands-on events and activities in Devon and Cornwall, to mark National Apprenticeships Week 2017.
Breeding oilseed rape varieties for pollinator-friendly traits
Amounts and sugar content of nectar vary between commercial varieties of oilseed rape (OSR) produced with different breeding systems, when tested in the glasshouse.
Students pedal for nature at free outdoor cinema event on Cornish beach
Award-winning conservation films will be shown at a new bicycle-powered cinema on a beach in Cornwall, thanks to two University of Exeter students.
The foundation of aquatic life can rapidly adapt to global warming, new research suggests
Important microscopic creatures which produce half of the oxygen in the atmosphere can rapidly adapt to global warming, new research suggests.
6000 Flowers Arts Project creates a buzz for bumblebees as Cornwall welcomes the first day of Spring
A new art show launched this week at The Environment and Sustainability Institute’s Creative Exchange as Cornwall welcomed the arrival of Spring.
Community leaders attend opening of University of Exeter’s £1.2 million Master's Suite
The University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus marked the official opening of its new dedicated, state-of-the-art learning environment for Master's students with a special celebration.
£25m fund could boost high-tech South West projects
Hi-tech South West businesses could be boosted by a new investment fund worth up to £25 million.
Cornish pupils given insight into ‘why energy matters’ at Environment & Sustainability Day
Dozens of schoolchildren from across Cornwall were given a fascinating insight into the relationship between energy and the environment, at a special event held at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus.
Pioneering project to start ‘small deposit’ mining revolution receives €7 million funding
A pioneering new project, designed to lead an ethical and sustainable international ‘mining revolution’, has received a multi-million pound funding boost.
Explore the fascinating creatures on Cornwall’s shores with free guided rockpooling session
Families can identify the fascinating creatures found on Cornwall’s shores with the help of a University of Exeter animal ecology expert as part of the Falmouth Spring Festival.
Beach debris to be transformed into art as part of Falmouth Spring Festival
Families can make art from litter found in the sea and on beaches as part of a free event at Falmouth Art Gallery.
Cornish granites could solve riddle of pinpointing metals crucial for low carbon tech
The composition of granite found underneath much of the South West peninsula could offer a vital clue to where deposits of metals crucial for the production of many low carbon technologies can be found.
University of Exeter and Keypath Education launch digital revolution in UK Higher Education
The University of Exeter and Keypath Education have announced a new ten-year partnership that will see the University provide a range of online Masters Degrees to UK and international students.
Birds to help unravel the inner working of nature’s most complex societies
Prestigious Human Frontiers Science Programme grant awarded to international research team led by University of Exeter
Exeter voted as UK’s top university for international students
The University of Exeter has won a prestigious award for providing the best international student experience of any university in the UK.
Logging threatens breeding turtles
Debris from logging in tropical forests is threatening the survival of hatchling leatherback turtles and the success of mothers at one of the world’s most important nesting sites in Colombia.
Falmouth marine energy test site set for further success
A new lease has been signed for marine renewable energy testing in Falmouth Bay.
Computer game helps scientists understand animal camouflage
Computer games have helped scientists understand animal camouflage and colour vision.
Captive meerkats at risk of stress
Small groups of meerkats – like those often seen in zoos – are at greater risk of chronic stress.
Top marks for young people in Cornwall
The University of Exeter Penryn Campus Excellence Awards ceremony took place on Thursday 20 April, to celebrate the achievements of young people in Cornwall.
Banded mongooses target family members for eviction
Banded mongooses target close female relatives when violently ejecting members from their social groups, University of Exeter scientists have found.
English student writes and features in comedy drama at Edinburgh Fringe
An English student from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus has written and will star in a play at the Edinburgh Fringe festival this August.
Exeter subjects secure top 10 status in latest influential rankings table
Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Exeter has been recognised as the best course of its kind in the country in the latest influential rankings.
New population of endangered cats found in Borneo
A new population of an endangered and elusive cat species has been found in Borneo.
Light pollution has serious impact on coastal wildlife, research shows
Scientists have recognised for some years that light pollution is a growing phenomenon that impacts on the behaviour and success of many animals.
Mongoose pups conceal identity to survive
Young mongooses may conceal their identity – even from their own parents – to survive.
Rare oak hybrid takes root at Penryn Campus
A rare variety of oak tree is the newest addition to the stunning gardens at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus.
Environment and Sustainability Institute appoints new Director
Professor Juliet Osborne has been appointed as the new Director of the University of Exeter’s flagship Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI).
Volunteers needed to help save ‘less popular’ species
Which species would you save from extinction: Elephants or newts? Toads or tigers?
Teaching excellence recognised in latest awards
Top academics at the University of Exeter have been recognised by students for their teaching excellence, at an annual awards ceremony.
Insecticide-resistant flies ‘rubbish’ at courting females
Insecticide resistance sounds like a superpower for the average male fruit fly – but there’s a catch.
Global warming kills gut bacteria in lizards
Climate change could threaten reptiles by reducing the number of bacteria living in their guts, new research suggests.
‘BEEHAVE’ project up for award
A project which helps protect bees has been nominated for an innovation award.
Brexit negotiations crucial for future UK energy supplies and nuclear safeguards
Energy policy offers the UK and EU an important opportunity to develop new models of partnership and common ground imperative to the UK’s future, according to a new Chatham House paper.
Vice-President of Royal Society visits University of Exeter
One of the UK’s leading scientists has praised the “energy, commitment and enthusiasm” of researchers at the University of Exeter, during a special visit.
Exeter researchers help protect Peru’s river dolphins
Peru's river dolphins will get new protection thanks to a plan developed with help from the University of Exeter.
Top 10 status for Exeter subjects in latest Guardian league table
The University of Exeter’s teaching excellence across a wide range of subjects has been acclaimed in the latest national league table rankings.
University retains global position in influential rankings
The University of Exeter has reinforced its position amongst the leading universities both nationally and internationally, according to the latest influential global rankings.
Exeter secures respected university HR award
The University of Exeter has received a prestigious award in recognition of one of its most innovative and forward-thinking HR initiatives.
Hay fever map of Britain published to help sufferers avoid hotspots
Admissions to hospital for asthma spike days after high pollen counts.
Summer rainfall in vulnerable African region can be predicted
Summer rainfall in one of the world’s most drought-prone regions can now be predicted months or years in advance, climate scientists at the Met Office and the University of Exeter say.
Student societies win national awards
Two FXU societies have scooped awards at this year’s National Societies Awards ceremony.
Universities of Exeter and Queensland cement new global impact partnership
The University of Exeter and The University of Queensland (UQ) have reinforced their relationship by cementing a new multi-million pound partnership designed to bolster their joint global research impact.
Exeter hosts IPCC meeting on the 1.5°C Global Warming target
Some of the world’s leading climate scientists are gathering in Exeter for a high-profile event to examine the impact, significance and implications of global warming, in relation to the Paris Agreement 2015.
Stand Up for Nature students win award
Two students at the University of Exeter have received an award for their conservation organisation, Stand Up for Nature.
‘Let some heritage sites go’, says academic
Some heritage sites cannot be preserved and should be allowed to decay, a new book argues.
Students launch green phone-charging firm
An eco-friendly phone charging network is being launched by three engineering students from the University of Exeter.
University of Exeter to showcase research at Royal Cornwall Show
Students and staff from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus will be at the Royal Cornwall Show again this year to showcase research taking place in Cornwall.
Motor-boat noise makes fish bad parents, leading to the death of their babies
Noise from motorboats is making fish become bad parents, and reducing the chance of their young surviving, research led by marine experts at the University of Exeter has shown.
Exeter retains strong position in influential league table
The University of Exeter has retained its strong position in the QS World University Rankings.
Cornwall cats needed for behaviour study
Where does your cat go when it leaves the house? What does it eat?
Climate change risk for animals living in prime conditions
Animals living in areas where conditions are ideal for their species have less chance of evolving to cope with climate change, new research suggests.
‘BEEHAVE’ project wins innovation award
A project which helps protect bees has won the 2017 BBSRC Innovator of the Year award for Social Impact.
Volcanic eruptions triggered dawn of the dinosaurs, research shows
Huge pulses of volcanic activity are likely to have played a key role in triggering the end Triassic mass extinction, which set the scene for the rise and age of the dinosaurs, new research has found.
Drowsy dormice doze into decline
Britain’s population of hazel dormice has declined by more than 70%, new research shows.
Exeter’s teaching excellence officially recognised as ‘gold standard’
The University of Exeter’s commitment to providing world-class teaching has been recognised with the award of a “Gold” rating in the first national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment.
Businesses invited to explore virtual reality in Cornwall
From health and social care to training and gaming, Cornish businesses are invited to explore the uses of virtual reality at a free, interactive event at the University of Exeter’s Truro Campus.
Soapbox Science returns to Exeter
Ever wondered what happens in your brain when you eat chocolate? Or whether Nemo’s dad should’ve been less worried about finding his son and more concerned about ocean acidification?
Prize for ‘outstanding’ University of Exeter ecologist
A University of Exeter ecologist has won a prestigious prize for his outstanding achievements.
Bees move in at university after swarming on to campus
A swarm of bees that turned up on a university campus has been allowed to stay.
CSM calls for public to vote for Man Engine awards bid
The Camborne School of Mines is giving its support to a high-profile award bid that will resurrect a unique mechanical puppet, designed to celebrate Cornwall’s prestigious mining heritage.
Research reveals West Antarctic Ice Sheet loss over the last 11,000 years
Wind-driven incursions of warm water have forced the retreat of glaciers in West Antarctica over the last millennia, new research has revealed.
Exeter students rub shoulders with international experts
University of Exeter students got the chance to trade ideas with a host of prestigious experts during the ever-evolving Grand Challenges programme last week.
Exeter secures EPSRC grant to revolutionise wireless technologies
The University of Exeter has received a multi-million pound research grant to pioneer new techniques and materials to control and manipulate electromagnetic and acoustic energy.
Exeter shortlisted for Global Teaching Excellence Award
The University of Exeter is amongst a select group of institutions shortlisted for a major new global teaching award.
‘Wonderful’ Penryn Campus wins Green Flag Award
A Cornish university campus described as a “wonderful, unique” place for students has won a Green Flag Award.
‘No solid evidence’ for biopesticide-diarrhoea link
A report commissioned by EU food regulators wrongly linked a highly effective biopesticide with diarrhoea in humans, an expert says.
Grown-up gannets find favourite fishing grounds
Like humans, some birds can spend years learning and exploring before developing more settled habits.
Two new appointments made to University Council
Two of the UK’s leading authorities in the health and aerospace sectors have been appointed as independent members of the University of Exeter’s governing body.
How camouflaged birds decide where to blend in
Animals that rely on camouflage can choose the best places to conceal themselves based on their individual appearance, new research shows.
Boat noise disrupts fish co-operation
Noise from motorboats changes the behaviour of cleaner fish and the species they help.
Children to explore natural world at Science in the Square
Budding nature-lovers will be taken on a voyage of discovery to find out how animals have evolved to deal with friends and foe, at a special interactive event.
Innovate Energy wins Shell LiveWIRE Smarter Future Award
Innovate Energy, founded by recent graduates from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, have won £5000 to invest in their business, which will hire out battery packs to charge mobile phones.
New children’s books mix storytelling and science
Birds and turtles are common enough on the pages of children’s books – but what about bacteria or psyllids (otherwise known as jumping plant lice)?
Students help to save lives through stem cell donations
Cornish students are hoping to save lives by donating their stem cells to strangers fighting cancer.
Biosciences student’s 850km cycle to save the Curlew
A student will cycle 850km from North Wales to Cornwall to raise funds for conservation of the Curlew.
‘Inefficient’ sailing fleet keeps oyster fishery alive
Oyster stocks in a Cornish fishery are sustained thanks to “inefficient” traditional fishing methods, new research suggests.
Buildings to generate their own power with innovative glass blocks
Buildings could soon be able to convert the sun’s energy into electricity without the need for solar panels, thanks to innovative new technology.
3,000 turn out for Science in the Square
More than 3,000 people joined scientists from the University of Exeter for a fun-filled day in Falmouth last week.
CSM graduates join prestigious mining company
Graduates from the Camborne School of Mines will launch their fledgling careers with one of the world’s most successful and prestigious mining companies.
Otters learn by copying each other
Otters can learn how to solve puzzles by watching and copying each other, new research shows.
High-flying ducks cross Himalayas
A high-flying duck species reaches altitudes of up to 6,800 metres (22,000 feet) to cross the Himalayas, new research shows.
Exeter team brief government on threats to coastal communities
University of Exeter scientists have been commissioned by the Government to write a briefing paper on the health and wellbeing of people living in coastal cities, towns and villages.
University campuses up for People’s Choice Awards
Three University of Exeter campuses are among the nominees in a vote for the UK’s favourite green spaces.
Cold region ‘tipping point’ now inevitable
The decline of cold regions called periglacial zones is now inevitable due to climate change, researchers say.
Project develops next generation of offshore renewable energy technology
World-leading researchers from the University of Exeter will collaborate with counterparts in China on a pioneering new project to develop the next generation of offshore renewable energy (ORE) technologies.
Educationalists and academics explore how young people engage with history of the two world wars
Educationalists and academics from around the world gathered to discuss the latest research and practical experiences around the way young people engage with the complex histories of the First and Second world wars, including the Holocaust.
Fish have complex personalities, research shows
Tiny fish called Trinidadian guppies have individual “personalities”, new research shows.
Mining history of iconic cliff-scape at Perranporth set to be studied for the first time
Experts are studying the little-known mining history of the vulnerable cliffs overlooking the beach at Perranporth to show if the search for tin and copper in the area began in medieval or even prehistoric times.
Global companies attend Exeter careers fairs in China
Some of the world’s leading multi-national companies attended recruitment fairs in China to meet some of Exeter’s top graduates in the region.
Student cycles 500 miles to return to university
As many students used planes, trains and automobiles to return to university, one travelled hundreds of miles by pedal power.
Conservationists should harness ‘Hollywood effect’ to help wildlife
Researchers say conservation scientists could work with filmmakers to harness the “Hollywood effect”.
Students secure female mining scholarships at Camborne School of Mines
Two female students at the Camborne School of Mines have been awarded scholarships as they embark on a successful mining career.
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid visits Penryn Campus
Key senior Government members visited the Penryn Campus to strengthen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities for Cornwall arising from Brexit.
University alliance awarded £2m to train a new generation of freshwater leaders
Exeter is part of the UK’s first freshwater doctoral training programme to address the complex challenges facing freshwater sustainability.
Truro event to boost older people’s wellbeing through nature
People with dementia and their carers are being invited to an interactive event which will discuss the significant benefits nature can have on their wellbeing.
€2 million project to explore links between oceans and human health
The European Union is investing €2 million (£1.78m) to coordinate research into the complex links between oceans and human health and wellbeing.
Diversity and immigration increase productivity in microbial communities
Natural selection quickly turns a melting pot of microorganisms into a highly efficient community, new research shows.
Exeter graduate launches paddle board tracking app
A Geography graduate from the University of Exeter has launched a paddle sports brand based around an app that tracks journeys on the water and provides data on performance.
The first witch’s cat was white and spotty – and called Satan
The black cat, now a crucial accessory for Halloween witches, was a relatively late development in the history of witchcraft, new research has found.
Crime-scene technique used to track turtles
Scientists have used satellite tracking and a crime-scene technique to discover an important feeding ground for green turtles in the Mediterranean.
Historians working to analyse legacy of World War I centenary events
Members of the public are being asked for their views on the way Britain has commemorated the centenary of the First World War by completing a new survey being launched on Armistice Day (11 November).
App inspired by Pokémon GO aims to reconnect people with British wildlife
Two students have created an app inspired by Pokémon GO to help people connect with nature.
Research highlights ethical sourcing of materials for modern technology
Researchers have identified methods to predict the environmental and social cost of resourcing new deposits of rare earth minerals.
Forecasts help predict future of UK birds
Forecasts which predict how climate change will affect UK birds are improving, new research suggests.
Exeter to participate in TEF subject level pilot scheme
Exeter will participate in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) subject level pilot scheme, it has been announced.
Cornish residents help improve health and wellbeing within their communities
Residents from Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth have united with businesses and academics in a project designed to improve people’s health and wellbeing in tomorrow’s homes.
Female mongooses help their pups by driving out rivals
Mongoose mothers boost their pups’ survival chances by evicting rival females from their social groups, new research shows.
Rising stars in antibiotic resistance research awarded Industrial Fellowships
Two talented young researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School’s European Centre for Environment and Human Health, have been awarded prestigious Industrial Innovation Fellowships by the National Environment Research Council (NERC).
O2 backs eco-friendly phone charging network
A trio of graduates have won backing from mobile phone giant O2 for their eco-friendly phone charging network.
Exeter secures significant rise in research funding
Exeter has seen an increase in the amount of research funding it receives from Research Councils UK, continuing its upward trajectory over recent years.
Exeter and Tsinghua establish jointly-awarded Doctoral degree programme
The University of Exeter and Tsinghua University have launched a jointly-awarded PhD degree programme in climate and environmental sciences, it has been announced.
Lighting revolution may increase light pollution
A study of pictures of Earth by night has revealed that artificial light is growing brighter and more extensive every year.
Students rally support for climate change initiatives
Students are calling on their peers and the wider public to protect the environment by cutting down on single-use plastics and other waste.
Stunning ocelot picture wins photography prize
A researcher overcame termites, mice, flash floods and camera malfunctions to win a nature photography award.
Exeter reports to UN on antibiotic resistance in environment
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health challenges of modern times – and now two world-leading academics have reported to the United Nations on how the problem can be spread through our natural environment.
Tuna dissected by university scientists
A tuna accidentally caught off Devon has been dissected by scientists at the University of Exeter.
Marine turtles dying after becoming entangled in plastic rubbish
Hundreds of marine turtles die every year after becoming entangled in rubbish in the oceans and on beaches, including plastic ‘six pack’ holders and discarded fishing gear.
Does the Father Christmas myth harm children?
When do children stop believing in Father Christmas? Did you feel distressed by the revelation that Santa isn’t real? Were you angry you were lied to, when you found out? Was Christmas different after that? Did the magic disappear?
Experts explain the Science of Christmas
The Christmas dash is on: who’s faster - Santa or animals? Why are gifts exchanged at Christmas? How do you sort the naughty from the nice?
Human societies evolve along similar paths
Societies ranging from ancient Rome and the Inca empire to modern Britain and China have evolved along similar paths, a huge new study shows.
Exeter students among most active community ‘volunteers’ in the world
Christmas may be a traditional time for giving, yet student volunteers from the University of Exeter give their time all year round.