News archive 2016
Updated app will boost Ménière’s research
Research into Ménière’s Disease is getting a big boost this week, with the release of a newly updated tool to record and analyse symptoms.
Pioneering study to help adults delay frailty and live independently for longer
A major study, involving researchers from the University of Exeter, has launched aiming to help older people stay fitter and live independently for longer.
Dementia: new insights into causes of loss of orientation
New research has revealed how disease-associated changes in two interlinked networks within the brain may play a key role in the development of the symptoms of dementia.
Mothers’ comments linked to eating disorders in Asian young adults
Study to look at the influence of Asian parents on their young adult child’s body dissatisfaction levels and disordered eating in Singapore.
World-renowned clinical epidemiologist to visit Exeter
A world-renowned expert in diagnostic test evaluation will come to Exeter in March as a Visiting International Academic Fellow at the University of Exeter Medical School.
The Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation donates £1 million for cutting-edge medical research
The University of Exeter Medical School has received a £1 million donation from The Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation.
Promiscuity could reduce benefits of successful mating, research shows
Mating with a large number of partners may not be as good an indicator of success as it appears, new research has shown.
Collaboration to improve child mental health
A University of Exeter Medical School Professor is involved in a project to bring together specialists to find solutions to improve mental health services for school children across the country.
Exeter Alumni receive funding for innovative service
Three graduates from the University of Exeter have received funding for their new and innovative online medical revision service.
Cornwall’s researchers lead €6m investigation into ‘Blue Health’
A new €6 million research project launches this month, aiming to shed light on how coasts and rivers affect the health of populations across Europe.
Computer models deliver stroke care boost to South West
People who have had a stroke in Devon are receiving faster and more effective treatment thanks to research that has used the latest advances in computer simulation.
Childhood diabetes discoveries could lead to new treatments
Children who are diagnosed with diabetes before the age of seven develop a more aggressive form of the disease than that seen in teenagers, new research has revealed.
Exeter undergraduate research showcased in Parliament
A University of Exeter Medical School student was invited to the Houses of Parliament to showcase his research as part of The British Conference of Undergraduate Research.
Exeter strengthens links with Ethiopian Medical School
The University of Exeter Medical School has led another successful trip to the University of Wollega Medical School in Ethiopia, strengthening the relationship between the two schools.
New funding to develop cutting edge medical research ideas
The University of Exeter has received a slice of £23.2 million in Government funding for cutting-edge medical research to ensure academics can work with industry and that their research transforms medical care.
More hands-on training for doctors required if policy changes
Research into views on whether doctors should be fully registered to practise on graduation has highlighted scope for improvements in the medical education training system.
Exeter Medical students complete exciting experiential week at AstraZeneca
Undergraduate medical scientists at the University of Exeter Medical School gained a valuable insight into the workplace during a week-long placement at pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.
Dementia: “illness” label can lower mood
People who perceive dementia symptoms as an illness feel more negative than those who see it as an inevitable part of getting older, a new study indicates.
VIP event celebrates South Cloisters opening
Healthcare and research leaders gathered to celebrate the official opening of a £10.5 million new facility that is fostering excellence in clinical research and education.
Medical student scoops Women in Science prize
A medical student who has embraced a wide range of roles is celebrating winning the University of Exeter Medical School’s Quintiles Women in Science Award ahead of International Women’s Day.
Short man or overweight woman? Your size could make you poorer
Scientists at the University of Exeter have found the most robust evidence yet that simply being a shorter man or a more overweight woman leads to lower chances in life, including a lower income.
Self-harming youngsters put at risk by ‘cycle of shame’
Young people who self-harm only seek emergency hospital care as a last resort due to a deep sense of shame and unworthiness, a study at the University of Exeter has found.
School children solve genetic riddle
Children from Devon, Dorset and Somerset got hands-on in University laboratories as they used genetic processes commonly seen in TV crime dramas to help solve a mystery.
Award success for pioneering diabetes research
Two University of Exeter Medical School scientists have won prestigious awards from the national charity Diabetes UK.
Trainee surgeon completes University’s first MD research degree
A joint project between the University of Exeter Medical School and Physics department has awarded its first Doctor of Medicine (MD).
House of Commons showcase for University of Exeter dementia research
University of Exeter research which can help people living with early-stage dementia to manage their everyday lives and remain independent will be showcased by politicians at the House of Commons.
Pregnant mother’s weight, glucose and blood pressure affect baby’s size
Being overweight or obese in pregnancy causes babies to be born larger, according to new research.
Genomics award establishes Exeter as UK leader
The University of Exeter has been named as the latest site to deliver Health Education England’s Masters programme in Genomic Medicine.
Exeter-Eden garden exhibit opens
An exciting research initiative culminates at the Eden Project this week, with the opening of a new exhibit in the attraction’s outdoor gardens.
University of Exeter part of £13million mental health biomarker study
Researchers from the University of Exeter are involved in a major European £13.3 million funding initiative which aims to unpick the biological reasons underlying social withdrawal.
New insights into how the brain adapts to stress
New research has found that genes in the brain that play a crucial role in behavioural adaptation to stressful challenges are controlled by epigenetic mechanisms.
Blood pressure difference linked to heart disease risk
Blood pressure differences between each arm can signal an increased risk of dying of heart disease, even in healthy people, a new large-scale study has found.
Outstanding diabetes research team awarded four times over
The world leading Exeter team that research diabetes diagnosis and treatment has ratcheted up a string of prestigious international awards.
£2m centre linking maths and medicine will transform healthcare
A pioneering new research centre will celebrate its official launch this month.
New trial aims to prevent type 1 diabetes
A clinical study evaluating a new hypothesis that an inexpensive drug with a simple treatment regimen can prevent type 1 diabetes has been launched in Dundee.
Families contribute to mental health information portal
For Julia Ogden, raising her beloved autistic son can be like bridging the gap to an alien world, one that can be difficult to navigate and interpret.
Working with music groups to improve recovery for people with aphasia
Health researchers are working to bring together people who have communication problems caused by aphasia.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy helps prevent depression recurrence
The largest meta-analysis so far of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for recurrent depression has found that MBCT is an effective treatment option.
£100,000 grants for two medical research leaders of the future
Two talented researchers from the University of Exeter have each been awarded £100k to further their work.
Dementia researchers tell their story on BBC’s Horizon
Researchers from the University of Exeter will appear on BBC Two’s flagship science strand Horizon this week.
Exeter teams celebrate success at the British Medical Journal Awards
Two Exeter teams have been recognised for excellence in healthcare and research at the coveted British Medical Journal (BMJ) Awards in London on 5th May.
Pint of Science Exeter to take local science breakthroughs to city pubs
Experts from the University of Exeter and the Met Office will bring their research out of the laboratory and into city watering holes.
Medical School researchers recognised among UK’s best
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has recognised another researcher at the University of Exeter Medical School.
Survey aims to understand why South West GPs are leaving their jobs
A new research project sets out to understand why some GPs are leaving their jobs to take early retirement or career breaks.
University placed 35th globally in latest 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.
Exercise helps you live longer, evidence shows
Exercise is associated with a longer life in patients with heart failure, according to research by the University of Exeter Medical School.
Medicine breaks into Guardian rankings top ten
The University of Exeter’s Medical School’s Medicine programme has secured a UK top 10 position in this year’s Guardian rankings.
Women scientists bring their subject to life on Exeter streets
Female academics from the University of Exeter, the Met Office and beyond will tackle some of the world’s biggest questions in a fun and engaging way when Soapbox Science hits the streets of Exeter.
Patient-Initiated Clinic project wins at Health Service Journal Awards
Medical School staff were involved in PenCLAHRC’s Patient-Initiated Clinic (PIC) project team.
South West celebrates 100,000 Genomes Project
Families affected by rare conditions or cancer across the South West are having their genomes sequenced as part of a national research bid.
Exeter teams shortlisted for Nursing Times Awards
Two Exeter teams have been shortlisted for the prestigious Nursing Times Awards.
International award for excellence in health technology assessment research
Researchers at the Medical School have won a prestigious international award for outstanding research in health technology assessment.
Exeter researchers to hold free dementia information day
Scientists in Exeter are inviting the public to a free meeting on Wednesday 6 July to discuss current dementia research.
Exercise can change brain structure and reduce dementia risk
Getting regular exercise can lower the risk of cognitive decline and can even change our brain structure.
Behavioural Activation as effective as CBT for depression, at lower cost
A simple and inexpensive therapy is equally as effective at treating depression as the “gold standard” of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Did you experience drought of ‘76?
Researchers are urging people who experienced the 1976 drought to share their stories of how they coped during the most severe water shortage in living memory.
Ambulance call-out research leads to positive changes for ambulance service trust
Research investigating the reasons behind a rise in ambulance call-outs in the South West is already being used by a local ambulance service trust.
Help test new online depression therapy
People feeling low or depressed are being offered the opportunity to take part in a study exploring the effectiveness of a simple new therapy online.
Medical student tackling Olympics in GB rugby sevens squad
Luke Treharne is making full use of his gap year – he is currently in Rio as part of the Team GB rugby sevens squad.
Medical School subjects rank in top ten for student satisfaction
Two programmes at the University of Exeter Medical School have ranked in the top ten nationally for student satisfaction.
Long-lived parents could mean a healthier heart into your seventies
The longer our parents lived, the longer we are likely to live ourselves, and the more likely we are to stay healthy in our sixties and seventies.
Exeter diabetes team to feature on national radio
Ground-breaking diabetes research and treatment in Exeter will feature in a BBC documentary to air on Radio 4 this week.
New laser to help Exeter scientists study brain changes in dementia
Dementia researchers have been awarded £91,500 to purchase a new laser to create a state-of-the-art microscope, transforming their ability to image the brain.
Charity donates £10,000 to support Exeter medical students’ training
A charity has made a generous donation of £10,000 to support Medicine students at the University of Exeter Medical School in essential specialised training.
Exeter student tackles plight of child brides in Bangladesh
A student with close ties to Bangladesh has just returned from a research mission to raise awareness of the damaging culture of child marriage.
Progress in refining the genetic causes of schizophrenia
An international study has made advances in understanding the ways in which genetic risk factors alter gene function in schizophrenia.
Rotten egg gas could help protect diabetics from heart complications
A gas that was formerly known for its noxious qualities could help people with diabetes recover from heart and blood vessel complications.
Exeter professor awarded prestigious diabetes prize
A world-leading diabetes expert at the University of Exeter Medical School has won a top international Diabetes prize in recognition of his research and its worldwide impact on patient care.
Teenage weight gain down to dramatic drop in calories they burn
Ground breaking research shows teens burn up to 500 less calories in puberty
Lifesaving medical student wins hero award
A medical student’s dedication and life-saving first aid skills have won him the St John’s Ambulance Volunteer of the Year award.
Study suggests genes and environment interact to increase risk of obesity
New research presented at this year’s European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meeting in Munich, Germany (12-16 September) shows that environmental and lifestyle factors have greatest effects on obesity in those who also carry the most obesity genes.
'Green exercise’ in England benefits health to the tune of £2.2 billion a year
Physical activity in natural environments, or ‘green exercise’, is estimated to provide health benefits of £2.2 billion a year to the English adult population.
How baby’s genes influence birth weight and later life disease
New research finds genetic differences that help to explain why some babies are born bigger or smaller than others.
Exeter hosts first European medical assessment conference
Experts in medical education from across the world will gather in Exeter this month, to discuss how to ensure assessments in training produce safe, responsible doctors.
University sees huge rise in research funding
The University of Exeter has more than doubled the amount of research funding it receives from Research Councils UK (RCUK), bucking the trend for falling government investment in research in the university sector.
Genetic discovery helps explain Irish giant folklore
Scientists at the University of Exeter Medical School were part of genetics research which could help explain the legend of giants in Irish folklore.
Students launch new health research journal
Students at the University of Exeter Medical School have joined forces with their peers from the universities of Bristol, Cardiff and Plymouth to launch a new journal that showcases original research.
Exeter wins £1.5m funding for world-leading initiative to advance health research
The University of Exeter has been awarded £1.5 million by Wellcome to enable translation of findings from its world-leading research programmes into improvements in human health on a global scale.
New Exeter Clinical Trials Unit boost to health research
The University of Exeter’s new dedicated unit to facilitate and conduct clinical trials in health research will officially launch next month.
Medical students raise the awareness of pathology through event
Two Medical students at the University of Exeter Medical School will bring National Pathology Week 2016 to Exeter through a series of events to engage everyone from clinicians to children.
Young medical alumni come together to share career insights
Over 70 students from Medical Sciences were recently inspired by the huge range of career paths open to them, thanks to...
NHS England boss delivers Exeter Lecture
Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, has delivered the latest in the University of Exeter’s ‘Exeter Lecture’ series.
Astronaut joins Extreme Medicine team
Astronaut Dr Michael Barratt has signed up to support the Extreme Medicine teaching team, which will help train doctors on how to practice high-quality Medicine, even in space.
New Medical School Pro-Vice Chancellor now in post
Globally-renowned dementia and ageing expert Professor Clive Ballard is now in post as the new Dean and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter Medical School.
Award-winning cartoonist joins experts to discuss dementia care and support
Experts in dementia and those affected by the emotional experience of having a loved one with the condition will join an award-winning cartoonist to discuss the care and support available for those with memory loss at an event today.
Exeter experts join global response to climate change health crisis
Experts at the University of Exeter will join forces with 15 other organisations worldwide to drive action on climate change given potential “catastrophic risk to human health”.
New report recommends measures to improve dementia care
Enabling people with dementia to maintain control of the decisions surrounding their care is key to avoiding isolation, according to a new report by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Universities unite with industry to foster next generation researchers
The University of Exeter is part of a newly awarded £19 million doctorial training partnership programme with industry leaders.
Nearly £6 million for patient-centred research facility
An Exeter research facility which puts people at its heart has received nearly £6 million in funding over the next five years.
Students and staff recognised in Medical School awards
Outstanding students and staff based in Exeter and Truro have been recognised for their commitment and academic excellence at the University of Exeter Medical School’s annual Prizes and Awards ceremony.
Exeter professor wins prestigious medal for international medical education service
An expert in medical education has been awarded the prestigious President’s International Medal.
New report contributes to European policy on patients with multimorbidity
The UK fact sheet for the ICARE4EU project – part funded by the European Commission, has been published this month.
Experts given £4m to tackle world’s most pressing health problems
Historians, literary scholars, social scientists and medical experts will work together to tackle some of the world’s most pressing public health issues as part of a new £4m research centre at the University of Exeter.
Teachers and support staff lack training to tackle “taboo” of self-harm in schools
The majority of teachers and support staff lack the time and training they need to support students who self-harm, according to a new report co-led by the University of Exeter.
Gut microorganisms affect our physiology
Researchers have found evidence that could shed new light on the complex community of trillions of microorganisms living in all our guts, and how they interact with our bodies.
MBE for inspiring physiotherapist and researcher
A Senior Research Fellow and physiotherapist at the University of Exeter Medical School has been honoured with an MBE in the New Year 2017 Honours List.
CBE for environment and health research pioneer
A professor who was one of the first in the country to investigate the links between the environment and human health has been awarded a CBE for his work.
Professor Janice Kay Awarded CBE
The University of Exeter’s Provost, Professor Janice Kay, has been awarded a CBE for her services to higher education in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.