News archive 2017
No silver bullet to beating obesity, study finds
New research challenges previous findings that any single aspect of diet or lifestyle can be targeted to reduce the risk of obesity in adults with a high genetic risk of putting on weight.
Mutations responsible for cleft palate and related birth defects identified
Study of Amish and Saudi Arabian families finds mutations in HYAL2 gene that impact development.
New research to act as a catalyst to help GPs diagnose cancer
A revolutionary Cancer Research UK-funded project will investigate ways of bringing new and improved cancer diagnostic tests to GPs.
New genes for height revealed in global study of 700,000 people
83 new genetic variants that strongly influence human height have been discovered in a study.
Emoticons help gauge school happiness level in young children
A new questionnaire based on emoticon-style facial expressions could help teachers and others who work with children as young as four to engage them on their happiness levels in the classroom.
New drive to tackle deadly global disease
The University of Exeter is part of a pan-European partnership worth almost 30 million Euros to improve the prevention and management of Diabetic Kidney Disease.
App combines latest research to help users curb food cravings
Experts are seeking volunteers to test a research-based app that aims to help users curb cravings for unhealthy foods and lose weight.
Exeter doctor wins prestigious diabetes research award
A University of Exeter researcher has just been awarded nearly £800,000 to find out why Type 1 diabetes develops in babies.
World expert in brain function adds to Exeter’s research excellence
A world expert in measuring brain function will give his first lecture at the University of Exeter.
Scientists develop calculators to help clinicians decide on best diabetes treatments
People with diabetes could benefit from digital ‘risk calculators’ in the future that help healthcare professionals prescribe the best combination of medicine for each person.
Diabetes expert wins top international scientific award
A world expert in diabetes will deliver a lecture presented as the top international science award by Diabetes UK.
Celebrating 10 years of European Research Council funding
The University of Exeter will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the European Research Council (ERC) with a celebratory public event at the Streatham Campus.
School children unpick genetic baking riddle in University labs
Pupils from Westcountry schools used genetic processes commonly seen in TV crime dramas to help solve the mystery of who is sabotaging Devon’s very own Bake Off.
Exeter scientist wins prestigious dementia prize
University of Exeter researcher Dr Katie Lunnon has won the Early Career Investigator of the Year Award at the Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference 2017.
Student researcher wins prize at Houses of Parliament poster exhibition
A budding student researcher from the University of Exeter has secured third place at a prestigious poster exhibition of undergraduate research at the Houses of Parliament.
Impact of wobbly bridges and sky-scrapers on human health to be tested in government-funded research centre
The impact of vibrations from very tall buildings and wobbly bridges and floors on people’s health and wellbeing is to be researched in a new £7.2 million government-funded national research facility.
Can online therapy reduce distress in dementia carers?
A new study is inviting people who care for someone with dementia to help investigate whether an online therapy can help carers cope with feeling of stress, anxiety or depression.
£2 million to improve rehabilitation of older people after hospital discharge
Researchers have received £2 million of funding to conduct a five year national study looking at how rehabilitation can be improved for older people with frailty following discharge from hospital.
New tool will help GPs decide if patients under 50 have serious bowel condition
A new research-backed risk assessment tool will support GPs in identifying the symptoms of bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease in patients aged under 50.
Dementia: The right to rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is as important for people with dementia as it is for people with physical disabilities, according to a leading dementia expert.
Medicine students visit Cuba for insight into international health delivery
Medicine students at the University of Exeter Medical School have travelled to Cuba to get an insight into how the country delivers high quality healthcare on a tight budget.
Two in five GPs to ‘quit within five years’
Large scale survey exposes severity of impending GP shortfall.
Global dementia expert gives first lecture as head of Exeter Medical School
World-leading dementia expert Professor Clive Ballard will deliver his first lecture since joining the University of Exeter.
Did you know: Gardens and mealtime music in care homes can improve lives for dementia residents
Did you know: Gardens and mealtime music in care homes can improve lives for dementia residents
Did you know: Your vitamin D levels are linked to dementia risk
Did you know: Your vitamin D levels are linked to dementia risk
Want to stay mentally healthy in older age? Stimulate your brain in early life
Stimulating the brain by taking on leadership roles at work or staying on in education help people stay mentally healthy in later life, according to new research.
Research moves closer to unravelling mystery cause of multiple sclerosis
A new study has made a major new discovery towards finding the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS), potentially paving the way for research to investigate new treatments.
A third of emergency cancer patients haven't seen their GP
Around one third (34%) of cancer patients diagnosed as an emergency had not consulted their doctor beforehand, according to a Cancer Research UK funded study published today (Tuesday) in the British Journal of General Practice.
Research-based healing exhibition at Musgrove Park
An exhibition on healing will bring together people’s experiences of physical and mental mending as part of a research project.
Students award for Medical Sciences research community
The Medical School’s Medical Sciences programme has been voted Subject with the ‘Best Research Community’ at the University of Exeter Students Guild Teaching Awards.
Cross-Pacific rowers visit Exeter
Four women who rowed 8,000 miles, from San Francisco in the United States to Cairns, Australia, will share their remarkable story at a film screening at the University of Exeter on Wednesday 17 May.
Low levels of ‘memory protein’ linked to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s Disease
Research has discovered that low levels of the protein NPTX2 in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s may change the pattern of neural activity in ways that lead to learning and memory loss.
Medicine students create inspiring book on Exeter cancer stories
Two Medicine students at the University of Exeter Medical School are behind an upcoming book that aims to empower people with cancer by sharing their inspirational stories.
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, as the world's largest festival of public science talks arrives in Exeter.
Five ways people can act on dementia
Five ways people can act on dementia, backed by research
Did you know: Your lifestyle influences your risk of developing dementia
Lifestyle factors influence your risk of developing dementia. We outline how as part of our series to mark Dementia Awarness Week.
Did you know: 10 minutes of daily social interaction can reduce agitation in dementia
Did you know: 10 minutes of daily social interaction can reduce agitation in dementia
Guardian top ten for two Medical School programmes
The University of Exeter Medical School’s Medicine programme has moved up to 5th place in the Guardian University Guide 2018, while Medical Imaging has moved up to 6th.
Exeter researchers unite and take on 350 mile cycle challenge to defeat dementia
A team of six passionate dementia researchers from the University of Exeter are uniting against dementia and cycling 350 miles from London to Paris in a bid to raise £12,000 for the charity Alzheimer’s Society.
Hay fever map of Britain published to help sufferers avoid hotspots
Admissions to hospital for asthma spike days after high pollen counts.
Raised blood platelet levels ‘strong predictor’ of cancer
Having a high blood platelet count is a strong predictor of cancer and should be urgently investigated to save lives, according to a large-scale study.
University of Exeter Medical School to host an NIHR HS&DR Evidence Synthesis Centre
A team of systematic review specialists from the University of Exeter Medical School have been commissioned to conduct evidence syntheses on the organisation and delivery of healthcare.
Older adults under-referred for mental health therapies
A large research study from the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter has revealed that older people are not being referred for mental health support nearly as frequently as their younger counterparts.
PenCHORD awarded funding to forge links with India
An internationalisation grant has been awarded to PenCHORD – PenCLAHRC’s operational research group – to establish a research collaboration between the University of Exeter Medical School and Charusat University in India.
Visiting virtual beach improves patient experiences during dental procedures.
Imagine walking along a South Devon beach on a lovely day. The waves are lapping on the shore, rabbits are scurrying in the undergrowth, and the bells of the local church are mingling with the calls of the seagulls.
Student raising money to build sustainable playground in Africa
A Medical Sciences student from the University of Exeter Medical School is travelling to Uganda this summer to help build a playground from renewable materials.
£800,000 to develop life-saving heel-prick test for babies with diabetes
Exeter’s world-leading diabetes experts have been awarded more than £800,000 to develop a test for babies with neonatal diabetes.
Carers speak about helping to shape research and education
Carers have spoken about the value of sharing their experiences with students and researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School.
Exeter’s world diabetes expert awarded CBE
A world-leading diabetes expert has been awarded the CBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for his work in revolutionising global diagnosis and treatment.
£2 million for Exeter Centre of Excellence in dementia care research
Alzheimer’s Society has announced today that it has committed almost £2million to the University of Exeter.
Exclusion from school can trigger long-term psychiatric illness
Excluding children from school may lead to long- term psychiatric problems and psychological distress, a study of thousands of children has shown.
Two Exeter diabetes researchers recognised as “Rising Stars”
Two researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School have been recognised as rising stars in diabetes research.
Starting school young can put child wellbeing at risk
New research has shown that the youngest pupils in each school year group could be at risk.
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?
Medicine student meets Prince Charles to advocate social prescribing
Medicine student Bogdan Chiva Giurca has met HRH The Prince of Wales to champion a new social prescribing project.
Aspirin reduces risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
Extensive study offers ‘definitive proof’ of improved outcomes in high-risk pregnancies.
Medical student wins prize for exploring sensitive issues around miscarriage
University of Exeter Medical School Medicine student, Charlotte Williams, won the prestigious prize for her Medical Humanities project based on real stories of miscarriage.
Student medics performed at Glastonbury Festival
A group of Exeter Medical students battled the crowds and mud of Glastonbury Festival to deliver top medical care to revellers.
Bowel cancer diagnosis delayed by other illness
A new study revealed that additional serious long-term health conditions, such as heart disease, can push a bowel cancer diagnosis back by up to twenty six days.
Medical School launches Exeter Expert Series in Genomics
The University of Exeter Medical School will launch the first course in its Expert Series in Genomics this Autumn 2017.
New international guidelines to identify dementia with Lewy bodies
New international guidelines will help ensure an accurate diagnosis and the best possible care for people with dementia with Lewy bodies.
Research shortfall on common form of dementia highlighted
New research has highlighted the scarcity of evidence on the prognosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.
One social hour a week in dementia care improves lives and saves money
Person-centred activities combined with just one hour a week of social interaction can improve quality of life in care homes.
How to eat like a Mediterranean to reduce dementia risk
How to eat like a Mediterranean to reduce risk of dementia
Dementia researchers gear up for epic cycle challenge
A group of dedicated and intrepid dementia researchers are gearing up to cycle 350 miles to raise £12,000 for Alzheimer’s Society
Daily crosswords linked to sharper brain in later life
The more regularly people report doing word puzzles such as crosswords, the better their brain function in later life, a large-scale and robust online trial has found.
People with dementia benefit from goal-oriented therapy
Personalised cognitive rehabilitation therapy can help people with early stage dementia significantly improve their abilities.
One in three cases of dementia could be prevented by targeting risk factors from childhood onwards
One in three cases of dementia could be potentially prevented if brain health is improved throughout life.
Alzheimer's Research UK Chief Executive awarded honorary degree
Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Exeter in recognition of her work at the helm of the UK’s leading dementia research charity.
Supporting coastal communities in Southeast Asia
A group of UK researchers have been awarded funding to help support coastal communities in East and South East Asia that depend on healthy and diverse marine ecosystems.
Exeter researcher wins prestigious diabetes research award
An Exeter researcher has just been awarded £362,337 from leading charity Diabetes UK to understand if certain genes can protect people from developing Type 2 diabetes.
Dementia researchers raise thousands for Alzheimer’s Society in epic bike challenge
Five researchers at the University of Exeter have pedalled from London to Paris, raising thousands of pounds for Alzheimer’s Society.
Can singing help overcome impact of strokes?
Researchers are seeking volunteers to help study the benefits of singing groups for people with a communication disorder associated with strokes.
How to keep your brain sharp in older age
New research from the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) has revealed which mentally engaging activities best keep the brain sharp.
BlueHealth makes a media splash
University of Exeter researchers hit television screens and radio speakers across the country this week, as millions of people across the UK tuned in to learn about the BlueHealth programme.
Mind’s eye research nominated for “Oscars” of Higher Education
A research project that comforted thousands of people who lack a “mind’s eye” by naming their condition has been shortlisted for the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards 2017.
Public health academics win medical book prize
An academic at the University of Exeter Medical School is among a trio of authors to win a prestigious book prize.
Study finds GPs are unwilling to refer patients for bowel cancer checks
GPs can be reluctant to refer patients with symptoms of bowel cancer for further investigations, a study by the Universities of Birmingham and Exeter has found.
Nursing plans unveiled
The University of Exeter Medical School will be launching a series of training and education programmes to develop the nurses of the future.
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.
£500,000 for dementia brain research at Exeter
Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) has announced more than £500,000 in funding for researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School to advance understanding of how dementia affects the brain.
Can spending time in parks, woodlands and beaches improve our mental health?
A new study involving the University of Exeter will investigate whether spending time in green and blue spaces, such as parks and beaches, can have a positive effect on our long-term wellbeing and mental health.
Psychosis in Parkinson’s dementia: new treatment provides hope
New research involving King’s College London and the University of Exeter has highlighted the benefits of a promising new treatment which could relieve psychosis in thousands of people with dementia related to Parkinson’s disease.
Variation in genetic risk explains which people develop type 1 diabetes in later life
Having certain genetic variants could explain why people can develop type 1 diabetes at markedly different ages, including later in life, says new University of Exeter research being presented at this year’s annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Lisbon, Portugal (11-15 Sept).
Global experts seek to end damaging dementia psychosis cycle
A new research report calls for a change in approach in the treatment of psychosis in dementia, to find alternatives to highly damaging antipsychotics.
Healing molecule discovery could reduce limb amputations for diabetes patients
Scientists have discovered new insights into a molecule which is part of the body’s tissue repair system, in a finding which could help treat non-healing wounds and injuries, such as diabetic foot.
Cancer identification genetics project wins European Health Award
Identifying cancer links more quickly – genetics project wins European Health Award
More than £1 million to identify genomic changes in schizophrenia
The Medical Research Council is awarding more than £1 million to the University of Exeter Medical School to continue their pioneering work into how and why schizophrenia develops.
Creator of Exeter hip dies
A surgeon who played an integral role in creating an artificial implant that revolutionised hip replacements worldwide has died.
Social media accounts promote skeletal images of women
Skeletal images of bodies featuring protruding bones and pencil-thin limbs are being shared and promoted on social media, new research shows.
Public invited to interactive talk on dementia in Exeter
Members of the public are being invited to an interactive talk, to hear more about the personal experiences of those living with dementia, and the portrayal of the condition in the media.
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.
Medical students win Management & Leadership award
A group of Medical students have won a national award which celebrates Management and Leadership.
Academics awarded ‘Research Paper of the Year’ by the Royal College of General Practitioners
A paper involving the University of Exeter, led by researchers from the University of Bristol, has been awarded Research Paper of the Year Award 2016 from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).
Exeter Professor wins international award for psychiatric genetics research
A genetics researcher has won a prestigious award from the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics (ISPG) for his work on diseases that affect the brain.
Physical inactivity and restless sleep exacerbate genetic risk of obesity
Low levels of physical activity and inefficient sleep patterns intensify the effects of genetic risk factors for obesity
Student medics encouraged to try research
Aspiring doctors, dentists and vets are being encouraged to try their hands at research in a student-run journal.
€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.
Tales and imagery of life with dementia captured on Exeter allotment
People whose lives have been affected by dementia have worked with well-known professional artists to create insightful images and poems that capture some of their experiences, to form a new book.
Climate change already damaging health of millions
Climate change is already a significant public health issue and a looming global health emergency, new research shows.
More women than men diagnosed with bowel cancer as an emergency despite extra GP visits
More than a third (34%) of women with bowel cancer in England were diagnosed after an emergency hospital visit compared to less than a third of men (30%).
Professional Training Year students present scientific posters
Medical Sciences students have showcased scientific posters on the work they carried out during the Professional Training Year, which gives them key research skills to prepare for their working lives.
Old human cells rejuvenated in breakthrough discovery on ageing
A new way to rejuvenate old cells in the laboratory, making them not only look younger, but start to behave more like young cells, has been discovered by researchers at the Universities of Exeter and Brighton.
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.
Hong Kong residents invited to study to maintain healthy brain
People in Hong Kong aged 50 and over are being invited to join a ground-breaking online study called PROTECT, to help learn how they can maintain a healthy brain in later life.
World Diabetes Day: Exeter researcher recruits trial participants
A Diabetes expert is recruiting hundreds of people with a recent diagnosis of the disease to an ongoing clinical trial.
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).
Brave Exeter Lecturer cuts hair off for children’s charity
A Senior Lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School, who is due to undergo chemotherapy, has cut off her long hair in aid of a children’s cancer charity close to her heart.
Asthma attacks reduced in tree-lined urban neighbourhoods
People living in polluted urban areas are far less likely to be admitted to hospital with asthma when there are lots of trees in their neighbourhood, a study by the University of Exeter’s medical school has found.
University of Exeter researchers among world’s ‘most influential scientific minds’, says new ranking
Leading academics from the University of Exeter – including an authority on plastics pollution – are among the world’s most “influential scientific minds”, according to a new ranking.
Helping the UK visitor economy to become more dementia friendly: new research findings
An estimated 46.8 million people are affected by dementia worldwide, a figure expected to double every 20 years reaching around 131.5 million by 2050.
Dementia research at Exeter gets £190,000 boost
The dementia research charity BRACE and Kirby Laing Foundation have together awarded more than £190,000 to the University of Exeter Medical School to support cutting-edge genomic research to better understand the causes of dementia.
Research hopes to make dental visits less stressful for children with autism
Inspired by her own experience as a mum to a five-year-old son with autism, a dental hygienist has published new research hoping to make dental examinations less stressful for autistic children.
Exeter Clinical Trials Unit receives national registration
The future of high quality health research in Exeter and the South West has been boosted by announcement of the national registration of the Exeter Clinical Trials Unit.
Research will help GPs diagnose dementia more accurately
Research at the University of Exeter designed to help identify patients with dementia and reduce the pressure on health services has received a generous boost of £120,000 from the Halpin Trust.
Charity funds Medicine students’ placements abroad
Final year Medicine students have spent the summer developing their clinical skills through international work placements in locations around the world, thanks to a charity donation.
Type 1 diabetes as common in adults as children, but many adults are misdiagnosed
Type 1 diabetes is not predominantly a ‘disease of childhood’ as previously believed, but is similarly prevalent in adults, new research published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology shows.
Medical School celebrates exceptional achievements of students and staff
Students and staff have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at the fourth University of Exeter Medical School’s annual Prizes and Awards ceremony.
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.
Blood pressure declines 14 to 18 years before death
Blood pressure in the elderly gradually begins to decrease about 14 or so years before death, according to a new largescale study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine.
Artist and students transform cardboard into stunning artwork
A local artist has worked with students from the University of Exeter Medical School to create a striking sculpture made from a humble everyday material: cardboard.
Parental lifespan genes could hold clue to longer life
A large-scale international study led by the University of Exeter Medical School has discovered new genes linked to parents’ lifespan – which could one day be targeted to help prolong human life.
Exeter to award and host prestigious MRC Skills Development Fellowships
The Centres for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare and Biomedical Modelling and Analysis will partner with the MRC to award and host Skills Development Fellowships.
Elf and fitness boost through cycle challenge training
Two researchers from the University of Exeter put elf before beauty to prepare to cycle 350 miles from London to Paris for the charity Alzheimer’s Society.
Students bring Yuletide merriment to care home
A group of Medicine students from the University of Exeter have organised a Christmas party to boost engagement with the arts for people living in a residential care home.