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News archive 2021

Diabetes nursing professor chosen for global celebration of women in healthcare

Diabetes nursing professor Maggie Shepherd is one of just four UK nurses and midwives to be included among the Women in Global Health’s 100+ Outstanding Women Nurses and Midwives. 

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BCG vaccine trial extends across Devon, in partnership with RD&E

A large global trial designed to test the theory that the widely used BCG vaccine might help protect against COVID-19 amongst healthcare staff and care home workers is expanding.

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Rotten Egg Gas Could Guard Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Typically characterised as poisonous, corrosive and smelling of rotten eggs, hydrogen sulfide’s reputation may soon get a facelift

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COVID-19: Mortality risk increases by 20 per cent when ICUs are full

Patients admitted to very full hospitals have an increased chance of dying which is equivalent to being up to 11 years older

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New course aims to share Exeter’s world-leading primary care expertise globally

Exeter’s excellence in primary care will help upskill practitioners across the globe, in a new course that aims to make a meaningful impact in communities worldwide

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Simple, cheap test can help save lives from colorectal cancer

New research has demonstrated that a simple, cheap test can help identify who is at risk of developing colorectal cancer, aiding early diagnosis and potentially saving lives

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Motion sensitivity research could benefit people with inner ear condition

Research into motion sensitivity could lead to improved rehabilitation programmes and an improvement in building designs for people with a rare inner ear condition that affects their balance

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Covid lockdown loneliness linked to more depressive symptoms in older adults

Loneliness in adults aged 50 and over during the COVID-19 lockdown was linked to worsening depressive and other mental health symptoms, according to a large-scale online study.

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New nature experiment launched with BBC Music

A new experiment goes live today, investigating how people respond to different kinds of digital nature experience

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Dementia rates higher in men with common genetic disorder haemochromatosis

New research has found that men who have the Western world’s most common genetic disorder are more likely to develop dementia, compared to those without the faulty genes

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$1.2 million to find new treatment for rare cancer

A new grant of $1.2 million (£880,000) from The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) is funding a collaboration involving the University of Exeter to find the cause of a rare form of cancer, and unlock new treatment pathways

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Higher excess COVID-19 death risk in middle-aged people with type 2 diabetes raises vaccine prioritisation questions

A largescale analysis led by the University of Exeter has found a disproportionately higher COVID-19 death risk in middle-aged people with type 2 diabetes

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NHS degree apprenticeships with University of Exeter go from strength to strength – despite COVID-19

The NHS has within a year become the top employer working with the University of Exeter on its degree apprenticeships programmes, in a statement of the university’s commitment to public service and improving access to higher education.

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‘Learning works best with play’, declares founder of The Playful University project

Learning through play can perform a crucial role in higher education by removing barriers to creativity and improving wellbeing, argues a group of academics advocating the development of ‘playful universities’.

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Tocilizumab reduces deaths in patients hospitalised with COVID-19

An anti-inflammatory treatment routinely used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis has been found to reduce death risk in hospitalised patients with COVID-19

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Exeter alumnus appointed Youth Mental Health Ambassador

Exeter alumnus Dr Alex George (Medicine, 2015) has been appointed as a Youth Mental Health Ambassador to advise government and raise the profile of mental health education and wellbeing in schools

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New research identifies biological causes of muscle weakness in later life

A new largescale genetic analysis has found biological mechanisms that contribute to making people more susceptible to muscle weakness in later life, finding that diseases such as osteoarthritis and diabetes may play a large role in susceptibility

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Large-scale study finds genetic testing technology falsely detects very rare variants

A technology that is widely used by commercial genetic testing companies is “extremely unreliable” in detecting very rare variants

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Leading experts in public health and social mobility made fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences

Leading University of Exeter experts in public health and social mobility have been made fellows of the prestigious Academy of Social Sciences.

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New drug molecules hold promise for treating fatal child disease

Scientists have identified a way to “rescue” muscle cells that have genetically mutated, paving the way to a possible new treatment for rare childhood illness such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

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Recycle anaesthetics to reduce carbon emission of healthcare, study concludes

New research has highlighted the value of recycling general anaesthetic used in routine operations

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How rehabilitation could help people with COVID-19 recover – evidence reviewed

Progressive exercise and early mobilisation are among the elements of rehabilitation programmes that may improve recovery for people who are hospitalised with severe COVID-19

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College of Medicine and Health Awards Celebrate Student Success

Some of the University of Exeter’s brightest stars from across the Medicine, Medical Science and Medical Imaging programmes have been awarded for their academic and extracurricular achievements.

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“Stark warning”: Combating ecosystem collapse from the tropics to the Antarctic

Eminent scientists warn that key ecosystems around Australia and Antarctica are collapsing, and propose a three-step framework to combat irreversible global damage

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Visiting water bodies worth £700bn to economies, study finds

Europeans spend more than £700 billion (€800bn) a year on recreational visits to water bodies – but perceived poor water quality costs almost £90 billion (€100bn) in lost visits, a new study has found

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Cognitive impairment research project to help improve lives by increasing contact with nature

New research project ENLIVEN will help older people living with cognitive impairment – including dementia – to be more active and independent and experience a better quality of life through increasing their contact with the natural environment.

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Data science boosts Trusts’ ability to manage ambulance demand

A University of Exeter Data Science team have helped develop a tool that could modernise the way Ambulance Trusts predict and respond to demand, at a critical time for the NHS.

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Combining public health and environmental science to develop pollen forecasting

New research, which brings healthcare data together with ground-breaking ecological techniques, could set a roadmap for refining pollen forecasts in the future.

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Exeter Medical Imaging students use virtual reality to enhance socially distanced learning

Diagnostic Radiography students in Medical Imaging at the University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health have begun studying using virtual reality (VR) x-ray rooms, allowing them to enhance their clinical skills training by practicing techniques learned in their x-ray room sessions.

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University of Exeter spin-out SENISCA secures £1.3M investment for pioneering anti-ageing technology

SENISCA, a University of Exeter biotech spin-out company has been successful in securing £1.3M for the development of its ground-breaking anti-ageing technology.

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University of Exeter joins national cancer health data research hub

The University of Exeter has signed up as an associate partner to DATA-CAN: The Health Data Research Hub for Cancer.

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Common inflammatory bowel disease treatment is linked to reduced COVID-19 antibody response

Commonly-prescribed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) drug infliximab blunts the immune system to COVID-19 infection, potentially increasing the risk of reinfection.

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Alumnus treats Exeter Medicine students to £30 food delivery, to boost wellbeing during pandemic

Thanks to a generous donation from Exeter alumnus Mr David Higgins (Law 1990), all 913 Medicine (BMBS programme) students at the University of Exeter have been offered a £30 voucher to spend at one of three food retailers.

 

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Exeter excellence in primary care research recognised through NIHR research school membership

Excellence in primary care research at the University of Exeter has been recognised, through membership of a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) collaboration designed to strengthen parts of the NHS.

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Exeter Medical School help deliver vaccine trial as part of rising to COVID-19 challenge

Students studying Medicine, Nursing and Medical Imaging at the University of Exeter have supported the NHS in a wide range of roles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Free online physiotherapists course aims to reduce falls in people with Parkinson’s

Physiotherapists can now sign up for a free online programme to reduce the common and disabling problem of falls in people with Parkinson’s.

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£1.75 million to improve cancer diagnosis in people with multiple health conditions

A major new grant from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) will fund studies to help GPs diagnose cancer more swiftly in people who have other health conditions, so that more lives can be saved.

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Medical School alumnus awarded prize for ‘Excellent Medical Education’

Alumnus Dominic Proctor (MSc Clinical Education, 2019) has won the undergraduate category in the ‘Excellent Medical Education’ Programme.

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Type 1 diabetes can cause musculoskeletal problems, new study finds

Research led by the University of Exeter and presented today at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference (DUKPC) 2021 has revealed that type 1 diabetes is likely to directly cause certain musculoskeletal conditions, including frozen shoulder.

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National public health leader Professor John Newton takes up new chair at University of Exeter

A national leader in public health is taking up a new role at the University of Exeter.

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Common inflammatory bowel disease treatment blunts COVID-19 vaccine response

People who take a commonly-prescribed drug for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should not assume they are protected after a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, after a large-scale study found many had poor antibody responses.

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Exeter Medicine student awarded for project on thyroid cancer

A Genomic Medicine student at the University of Exeter has received a prestigious national student surgery award of £3,000 for her project on thyroid cancer. Her work aims to help clinicians find the right treatment and care for each patient.

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Stem cells create early human embryo structure in major advance for fertility research

Exeter scientists have discovered a simple, efficient way to recreate the early structure of the human embryo from stem cells in the laboratory. The new approach unlocks new ways of studying human fertility and reproduction.

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Help fund lifesaving research programme for babies with diabetes

The University of Exeter’s world-leading diabetes research team has appealed for donations to continue a worldwide genetic testing programme which can dramatically improve lives for babies born with diabetes.

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Once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen the NHS and invest in UK health and care

Post-pandemic, there is a historic opportunity to strengthen the NHS and improve health and care for all, according to a new LSE-Lancet Commission on the future of the NHS, involving the University of Exeter.

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City health boost from nature mapped by researchers

Your local city park may be improving your health, according to a new paper led by Stanford University researchers and involving the University of Exeter.

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Using green social prescribing to prevent and tackle mental ill health

Lockdown highlighted the impact of green spaces on our mental health and wellbeing – and now researchers are investigating whether prescribing nature can help prevent and tackle mental ill health.

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Exeter dementia research team are award finalists

The University of Exeter’s INCLUDE project, part of the IDEAL programme, has been announced as one of three finalists for the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Hero Award for Research 2021. This award is ‘to recognise an individual or group of researchers who have undertaken exceptional dementia research in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’.

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Save our oceans to protect our health – scientists call for global action plan

Scientists have proposed the first steps towards a united global plan to save our oceans, for the sake of human health.

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Cancer expert to lead South West NHS alliance in genomic medicine revolution

A leading cancer expert at the University of Exeter has been appointed as clinical director of a new regional network that aims to embed genomic medicine into routine care across the NHS.

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Primary school children have long-term mental health benefit from counselling in school

Counselling sessions improve long term mental health in primary-school aged children, according to a new study. The research has implications for reversing declining mental health in young people in a COVID-19 era.

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Exeter Clinical Trials Unit: instrumental in important and wide-ranging COVID-19 research

Exeter Clinical Trials Unit: instrumental in important and wide-ranging COVID-19 research

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Exeter academics author WHO “call to action” on nature, biodiversity and health

The multitude of ways in which the natural environment and human health are inextricably linked have been outlined in a document designed to help individuals and organisations across the 53 member states of the WHO European Region make evidence-based decisions.

 

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South West Genomics Laboratory Hub team given ‘Excellence in Healthcare Delivery’ award by Chief Scientific Officer

A team at the South West Genomics Laboratory Hub has received national recognition.

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New handbook to help prescribe nature for mental health and wellbeing

Understanding how the power of nature can help people improve their mental health and overcome conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress has been boosted thanks to a new handbook.

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Exeter researcher wins prestigious paediatric infectious diseases award

Professor Adilia Warris, co-director of The MRC Centre for Medical Mycology based at the University of Exeter, has received this year’s Bill Marshall Award for her pioneering paediatric infectious diseases research.

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Ethnic diversity in research identifies more genomic regions linked to diabetes-related traits

By including multi-ethnic participants, a largescale genetic study has identified more regions of the genome linked to type 2 diabetes-related traits than if the research had been conducted in Europeans alone.

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Play expert joins Exeter’s child mental health research group

An international expert on children’s anxiety and the importance of adventurous play for children is joining the University of Exeter.

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Significant decline in the number of people receiving life-enhancing cardiac rehabilitation during the pandemic

The number of people engaging with life-enhancing cardiac rehabilitation clinics has declined during the pandemic, according to a BMJ clinical update which makes the case for more home-based and virtual alternatives.

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Worms blast off into space for muscle loss mission

Thousands of tiny worms will be launched into space today (3 June) to help scientists to understand more about muscle loss and how to prevent it.

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Play the Lameness Game to help reduce antibiotic use in sheep farming

A new citizen science study is trying to understand how easy it is to spot lameness in sheep by using a simulation game - in order to help reduce the use of antibiotics in sheep farming and fight the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. Click here to take part.

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Defying body clock linked to depression and lower wellbeing

People whose sleep pattern goes against their natural body clock are more likely to have depression and lower levels of wellbeing, according to a largescale new study.

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Robots with T-ray technology to spot and remove cancer tumours in £8 million project

New technology that will marry probes that can detect cancer tumours through the skin with high-precision robotic surgery is to be developed for use in hospital settings for the first time. 

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Kinder Exeter festival to get underway with message to ‘wake up to kindness, compassion and play’

Look out for ‘kindness ninjas’ roaming the streets of Exeter next week as part of a new festival that aims to create cities of compassion and playfulness.

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Brain connections mean some people lack visual imagery

New research has revealed that people with the ability to visualise vividly have a stronger connection between their visual network and the regions of the brain linked to decision-making. The study also sheds light on memory and personality differences between those with strong visual imagery and those who cannot hold a picture in their mind’s eye.

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Largescale brain epigenetics study provides new insights into dementia

The largest study of its kind has unveiled new insights into how genes are regulated in dementia, including discovering 84 new genes linked to the disease.

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Research establishes safe water thresholds for antimicrobials, advancing the battle against resistance

Researchers have made progress towards a G7 commitment to establish safe standards for the release of antimicrobials into the environment, by developing a new framework that establishes safe thresholds.

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Exeter doctor to launch diabetes education programme in Denmark

A diabetes expert at the University of Exeter has been awarded a fellowship at the Danish Diabetes Academy to develop an education programme to help people with Type 1 diabetes to exercise safely.

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Exeter in GW4's world-leading One Health approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance pandemic

The GW4 Alliance (Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter universities) formally launch their new ‘One Health’ antimicrobial resistance research consortium today.

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Public concern on human health impact of plastic pollution

The impact of marine plastic pollution on human health tops a list of health-related concerns over marine threats in a large scale survey which could help shape policy over how best to protect our oceans.

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New device refines scientists’ ability to sort and process human cells

An innovative new device which can examine and separate single cells on the basis of their response to stimuli could boost personalised medicine and advance our understanding of our own molecular mechanisms.

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£3.7 million for Exeter to develop student wellbeing approach for higher education sector

New research by the University of Exeter and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will evaluate and establish the best model to support student wellbeing across the university sector.

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Medicine at Exeter in top 10 in The Complete University Guide

Medicine at Exeter in top 10 in The Complete University Guide

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Exeter-based research team crowned winners at prestigious new gastroenterology awards

A world-leading research team from Exeter has been announced as the winner of a prestigious national award for their “outstanding” contribution to NIHR gastroenterology studies.

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GW4 BioMed2 MRC Doctoral Training Partnership secures major boost

The Medical Research Council has awarded the GW4 BioMed2 MRC Doctoral Training Partnership funding for 64 studentships over the next three years across the GW4 Alliance of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter Universities. 

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Common household products should carry asthma warnings, research concludes

Commonly-used household products should carry a warning that they increase the risk of asthma, according to a new evidence review.

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Twin doctors graduate from Exeter together after training during pandemic

Twin brothers Adam and Jack Tremlett have defied the odds by graduating in Medicine at the University of Exeter together.

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New clinical trial aims to improve diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of long COVID

Exeter is part of a consortium to reeive £6.8 million from NIHR to research long COVID

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GP cancer expert bolsters Exeter’s research expertise

Am  internationally-recognised expert in cancer and primary care is joining the University of Exeter, where he will further strengthen a team that has helped improve cancer diagnosis in the UK.

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Coastal Living benefits from Exeter University research highlighted in UK Chief Medical Officer's Report

Research on the health benefits of coastal living will be highlighted to Government after University of Exeter experts authored a chapter for the Chief Medical Officer’s annual report. The academics warn that these benefits must not be taken for granted in the face of mounting environmental and social pressures.

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Evidence of sustained benefits of pimavanserin for dementia-related psychosis

Evidence of the sustained benefits of an investigational antipsychotic treatment for people with dementia-related psychosis has been published. 

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£2.5 million for Exeter research to understand links between overlapping long-term conditions

The links between different long-term health conditions will be explored in new research funded with a £2.5million grant from the Medical Research Council.

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Exeter in new £7m consortium to boost nature’s impact on health inequalities

A new consortium involving the University of Exeter has been awarded more than £7.1 million from the UK Prevention Research Partnership (UKPRP) to investigate the impact that nature can have in helping to prevent and reduce health inequalities in urban areas.

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Exeter part of research to improve adolescent mental health with £5.3 million award

Evidence shows that people of lower socioeconomic status have a higher likelihood of developing and experiencing mental health problems. There is also evidence to suggest that young people who were struggling financially before the pandemic will be worse off, leading to more difficulties that will further impact on their mental health.

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Scientists reflect on diabetes research 100 years after discovery of insulin

Researchers at the University of Exeter teamed up with colleagues at the Indiana University School of Medicine to commemorate the centennial of the discovery of insulin and the critical moments that have led to today’s understanding and clinical approaches.

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Researchers identify new genes linked to longer reproductive lifespan in women

The age at which women go through menopause is critical for fertility and impacts healthy ageing in women, but reproductive ageing has been difficult for scientists to study and insights into the underlying biology are limited.

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New drug molecules could prevent skin ageing caused by sun exposure

Two new molecules that generate minute amounts of the gas hydrogen sulfide have been found to prevent skin from ageing after being exposed to ultraviolet light found in sunlight.  

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High BMI causes depression – and both physical and social factors play a role

A largescale new study provides further evidence that being overweight causes depression and lowers wellbeing and indicates both social and physical factors may play a role in the effect.

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Families sought to take part in award-winning dementia care project in Exeter

Families affected by dementia in Exeter, Torbay and Teignbridge are being invited to take part in an award-winning programme, to help train the healthcare professionals of tomorrow and improve dementia care.

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Award-winning Exeter Medical student competes in global student challenge final

A University of Exeter Medicine student has received a prestigious award of £5,000 and reached the final of a global medical student competition.

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Devon woman has the world’s longest lasting Exeter hip replacement

A Devon woman has had her hip replacement for 50 years – the longest lasting Exeter Hip replacement in the world.

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Exeter Extreme Medicine graduates to tackle 3,000 mile Atlantic row as first married couple

Two University of Exeter graduates in Extreme Medicine are preparing to tackle a 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic as the first ever married couple to race in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (TWAC). 

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Exeter Medical students to receive suicide prevention training

A charity whose work aims to prevent suicides among young people will now be able to help students at the University of Exeter Medical School, thanks to new funding by BMA Giving.

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Exeter to host international conference on ethical challenges in care during COVID-19

An international conference will bring together experts from around the world to discuss the complex ethical issues encountered by nurses and other care-givers during the COVID-19 pandemic, hosted for the first time by the University of Exeter and including a prestigious award ceremony.

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Exemplary nurses receive Human Rights and Nursing Award at international Exeter conference

Two nurses have received a prestigious award to recognise their outstanding contribution to human rights and care, at an international conference about ethics in care during COVID-19 hosted by the University of Exeter.

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Medicine and Nursing students perform top medical care at Reading Festival

A group of students from the University of Exeter recently put their training into practice by helping to deliver first-rate medical care at Reading Festival.

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World-leading dementia expert bolsters Exeter’s research excellence

A world-leading expert in a wide range of dementia research is joining the University of Exeter, where he will further bolster an outstanding reputation for academic excellence on ageing.

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Encyclopaedia chapter will aid UN goal on improving ocean sustainability

The University of Exeter has led a collaboration to define the term “Oceans and Human Health” for a new Encyclopaedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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Major international study reports the impact of genetics on epigenetic factors

Understanding what causes epigenetic variation could be a step closer thanks to a new atlas of genetic effects on epigenetic factors.  

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£1.5 million for Exeter to research the role of genes and specific cell-types in Alzheimer’s disease

Research that will for the first time examine changes in how genes function in specific brain cell-types to better understand the development of Alzheimer’s disease has received a £1.5 million grant from the Medical Research Council.

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Exeter research underpins NHS bid to identify thousands of cases of rare diabetes

Exeter research is providing knowledge and testing to support an NHS bid to diagnose thousands of people who are unaware that they have a rare form of diabetes.

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Exeter part of world’s first trial for new cancer test

The University of Exeter is part of a collaboration working with the NHS on the world’s largest trial of a revolutionary new blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear.

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Exeter research results in practical self-help guide for people with dementia

A free self-help guide is now available to support people diagnosed with dementia to achieve their goals to enjoy daily activities and independent living.

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Two shortlistings for national Nursing Times Awards

Two teams linked to the University of Exeter have been shortlisted for awards at the prestigious 2021 Nursing Times Awards.

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NIHR research school recognises Exeter’s excellence on public and environmental health

Excellence and innovation in public and environmental health research at the University of Exeter have been recognised through membership of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research.

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University of Exeter supports launch of new NHS Ocean Project

A new project aiming to reduce healthcare’s impact on the oceans is being jointly launched by the University of Exeter and NHS Ocean.

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Care for hip fractures in dementia explored at World Alzheimer’s Day event

A new approach to treating people with dementia who endure hip fractures will be laid out at a special symposium on World Alzheimer’s Day.

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Three Exeter primary care research projects funded under NIHR research school

Three projects that aim to improve different aspects of primary care in the UK will be funded as part of the University of Exeter’s recent membership in a national research collaboration.

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Number diagnosed with autism jumps 787 per cent in two decades, study shows

The number of people diagnosed with autism has jumped by 787 per cent in the past two decades, a new study shows, likely an effect of increasing recognition.

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Cruise ships must be effectively regulated to minimise serious environment and health impact

The cruise ship industry should be subject to global monitoring and effective legislation because of its continuous increasing impact on both the environment and human health and wellbeing, according to new research.

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£2.5 million to improve treatment of delirium in hospitals

A new £2.5 million research programme led by the University of Exeter will find new ways to help people recover from delirium after hospital stays, which could stop dementia symptoms getting worse.

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Hospitals in Cornwall committed to cutting plastic use – but ‘closing the loop’ essential, say researchers

Cornwall's hospitals are redoubling their efforts to use less single-use plastics despite the huge demand for PPE during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Type 2 diabetes drug trial uses patient experience to find their best drug

An innovative trial which invited people to take three drugs in turn, then choose their preferred option, has generated insights into which type 2 diabetes drug is best to prescribe to individuals.

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One in six children has probable mental disorder in 2021 – continuing 2020 peak

A survey published today by NHS Digital found one in six children in England had a probable mental disorder in 2021 – a similar rate to 2020 but an increase from one in nine in 2017.

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New cohort of Exeter academics secure prestigious Alan Turing Institute Fellowships

The next generation of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) experts from the University of Exeter have secured prestigious fellowships from The Alan Turing Institute, it has been announced.

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Patients with “red flag” cancer symptoms not referred for urgent investigation in 6 out of ten cases

Six out of ten patients who show common “alarm” symptoms for cancer are not referred for urgent investigation, a largescale new study has revealed.

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Festival of Compassion announced with aim of ‘making people feel better’

How can we make sure compassion is embedded in our lives, institutions and communities? In a week-long festival run by the University of Exeter this November, renowned experts will address this very question.

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Researchers unite with artist to shine a spotlight on UK’s unpaid carers

Large scale, hand-drawn animations of unpaid carers will be projected onto buildings in London and Exeter this month

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Exeter-led team receives national funding to roll-out innovative rehab programme

Healthcare professionals will be trained to deliver an award-winning programme, led by the University of Exeter, which supports people with heart failure to undergo cardiac rehabilitation in their own homes, thanks to funding from NHS England.

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Environmental Protection Scotland launches e-booklet for COP26 climate summit

An electronic pocket guide to the environment and sustainability has been launched today (11th Oct) with the COP26 climate change summit three weeks’ away.

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Research on detecting cancer in primary care wins RCGP Research Paper of the Year award

University of Exeter have won the 2020 Research Paper of the Year for Clinical Research, awarded by the Royal College of General Practitioners, for their paper on detecting cancers in primary care.

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Report highlights opportunities to mitigate climate change to promote human health

A new report involving an Exeter expert shows how action to mitigate climate chance could promote human health.

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Tool to guide local health policy amid climate change shortlisted for COP26 Climate Challenge Cup

A simple tool to help organisations use the latest evidence to adapt to climate change in ways that benefit human health has been shortlisted for the international Climate Challenge Cup.

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Visiting Lourdes results in a transcendent experience for two in five pilgrims, study finds

Two in five Pilgrims who visit Lourdes report having a transcendent experience, researchers have found.

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Common antidepressant should no longer be used to treat people with dementia

A drug used to treat agitation in people with dementia is no more effective than a placebo.

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Poetry by leading climate scientists and health professionals warns of “last chance” to act on climate crisis ahead of COP26

Leading health professionals and climate scientists are using poetry to warn of the catastrophic impact of the climate crisis and there is “one chance left” to act in the lead up to, during, and after COP26.

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Research reveals new clues for the shared origins of irritable bowel syndrome and mental health disorders

Research finds Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has revealed that IBS symptoms may be caused by the same biological processes as conditions such as anxiety. 

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Tributes paid after death of creator of revolutionary Exeter hip, a global success story

Heartfelt tributes are being paid to a pioneering University of Exeter engineer who co-created an implant that has revolutionised hip replacements for millions.

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Festival of Compassion announces eclectic programme

A unique festival will this month be helping to foster compassion within our communities.

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Showcasing the faces behind antimicrobial resistance research

An exciting new 3D photography exhibition will showcase the research and people behind Exeter’s  antimicrobial resistance research. 

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Six years of memory decline seen in anxious, depressed older people during pandemic.

Older people who were more anxious and depressed during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic were found to have an average decline in their short term memory equivalent to six years of natural ageing.

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Transforming a run-down waterside park led to higher wellbeing in Plymouth community

Transforming a run-down waterside park in Plymouth into a high-quality open air theatre and play area has led to higher wellbeing and life satisfaction.

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Whole genome sequencing improves diagnosis of rare diseases and shortens diagnostic journeys for patients

A world-first scientific studyhas shown that whole genome sequencing (WGS) can uncover new diagnoses for people with rare diseases and benefit the NHS. 

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Arm and shoulder disability and pain after breast cancer surgery reduced by exercise

Physiotherapy can reduce the debilitating arm and shoulder disability and pain that some women experience after breast cancer surgery, research shows.

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Climate change policy decision-making tool “highly commended” in COP26 Climate Challenge Cup

A simple tool to help organisations use the latest evidence to adapt to climate change in ways that benefit human health has been highly commended in the  international Climate Challenge Cup

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Exeter academics on list of top researchers

Twenty-two University of Exeter academics have been named on an annual list of highly cited researchers.

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New study identifies thousands of novel brain-expressed gene isoforms

New research has shed light on the complexity of gene expression in the brain by characterizing the extent of isoform diversity in the cortex.

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£2 million US government funding may provide new treatment for rare genetic disease

£2 million from the US government will fund ground-breaking research to find new treatments for a rare childhood condition.

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Poor sleep linked to feeling older and worse outlook on ageing, which can impact health

Poor sleep in the over 50s is linked to more negative perceptions of ageing, which in turn can impact physical, mental and cognitive health, new research has revealed.

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New resource launched to help people live as well as possible with dementia

The experience of thousands of people affected by dementia has fed into a new resource which aims to be a comprehensive guide to supporting people to live as well as possible with the condition.

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Collaborative research project receives funding to help improve remote care for an ageing population

Reseachers have been awarded £148,000 by the NIHR to develop remote assessments and care for older people living with frailty.

 

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Falls in care homes can be significantly reduced with intervention, says new study

The largest study of care homes in the UK has found that a co-ordinated approach to fall prevention in care homes is effective in significantly reducing the number of times residents fall.

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Exeter Extreme Medicine graduates heading off to 3,000 mile Atlantic row as first married couple

This Sunday, two University of Exeter graduates in Extreme Medicine will head off to tackle a 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic as the first ever married couple to race in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (TWAC). 

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Global Extreme Medicine expert receives honorary degree

A global expert in extreme medicine has been awarded an honorary degree.

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Exeter Medicine students help secure clean water wells for schools in Ethiopia

An international project supported by Exeter Medicine students has secured a supply of clean water for four schools in Ethiopia, to tackle health problems caused by poor hygiene and sanitation.

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Artificial intelligence accurately predicts who will develop dementia in two years

Artificial intelligence can predict which people who attend memory clinics will develop dementia within two years with 92 per cent accuracy, a largescale new study has concluded.

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Research takes early step towards drug to treat common diabetes complication hypoglycaemia

New research has taken an important step towards the goal for a treatment for the common diabetes complication hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar.

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Reduce frailty to lower dementia, study finds

Reducing frailty in older adults could be an effective strategy to prevent dementia, according to a largescale new study.

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