News archive 2022
Exeter’s medical science and healthcare students recognise staff for excellence
Students in the University of Exeter’s Health Professions and Sciences Awards have awarded prizes to staff to thank them for their support.
Medicine and Health students recognised at awards
A Medical Sciences student whose campaign helped accelerate a number of changes to improve student safety at night has been awarded a prize, at an awards ceremony that marks students’ achievements in academia and beyond.
Family event to create awareness around emerging antimicrobial resistance
Families and members of the public can drop in to meet researchers at a free two-day pop-up exhibition aimed at raising awareness of the health threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Double prize success for Exeter students at international biology competition
A multidisciplinary team of undergraduate students have won two awards in the international Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) competition.
Recommendations for new generation of Brain Health Services, to help prevent dementia
A European Task Force involving the University of Exeter has created an evidence-based road map for Brain Health Services, new services designed to support people in keeping their brains healthy and reducing their risk of developing dementia.
Three or more concussions linked with worse brain function in later life
Experiencing three or more concussions is linked with worsened brain function in later life, according to major new research.
Dietary nitrate – found in beetroot juice - significantly increases muscle force during exercise
A new study has found that consuming dietary nitrate – the active molecule in beetroot juice – significantly increased muscle force while exercising.
University of Exeter contributes to ‘invisible disabilities’ parliamentary report
Members of the University of Exeter’s Inclusivity Project have contributed to a parliamentary briefing that highlights the challenges faced by people with invisible disabilities in education and work.
New research quantifies the 'wow' factor of sunrise and sunset for the first time
A new study has identified the impact that fleeting natural events, such as sunrises and sunsets, can have on people, and sought to quantify their effects for the first time.
Powerful research-led play exploring parent carers' experiences debuts at Exeter Phoenix
A new play based on research that explores the experiences of parents caring for disabled children is showing at Exeter Phoenix.
Trio of Exeter researchers appointed to new UK Young Academy under prestigious Royal Society
Three University of Exeter researchers are among the first bright minds to be appointed to the new UK Young Academy network under the prestigious Royal Society.
Former football manager with motor neurone disease appeals for others to take part in research
A dentist and former football manager whose life has changed dramatically since his ALS diagnosis has appealed with others who have the disease to join him in a new brain imaging study to help the race to find new treatments.
Harmful fungal toxins in wheat: A growing threat across Europe
Harmful fungal toxins are on the rise in Europe’s wheat and affect almost half of crops, according to a new study.
£1 million NIHR funding for new Exeter blood pressure research initiative
A million-pound grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) will fund ground-breaking research that aims to deepen knowledge about blood pressure in older people, with a view to identifying disease earlier.
£2.4million to fund largest-ever trial of ketamine-assisted therapy for alcohol disorder
A new £2.4 million phase III trial delivered across seven NHS sites across the UK will investigate whether ketamine-assisted therapy could help alcoholics stay off alcohol for longer.
Let the patient choose their type 2 diabetes medication says research study
A largescale new study offers a new approach to treating in type 2 diabetes - that puts patients in charge of their own medication.
World Aids Day: Crowdfunder launched for lifesaving research into deadly meningitis in HIV
A new University of Exeter crowdfunder has been launched in time for World Aids Day (Thursday December 1), to fund vital research and education aimed at stopping all deaths from a form of meningitis that is deadly to those living with HIV by 2030.
Skateboarding continues to be subversive despite being part of mainstream competitions such as the Olympics, researchers say
Skateboarding continues to be unkempt, subversive and tacitly political despite inclusion in mainstream competitions like the Olympics, experts have said.
One in four older teens now has a probable mental health disorder, new research shows
One in four 17-19-year-olds now has a probable mental health disorder – up from one in six last year.
Childhood poverty impacts wellbeing in middle-age, study shows
Experiencing poverty in childhood has a particular impact on wellbeing in adulthood around middle-age, according to new research.
First pandemic young people’s mental health review says service demand will rise
The first comprehensive study to evaluate research on the mental health of children and young people using evidence that spanned before and during COVID-19 has found an impact on mental health that could result in an increased demand for support services.
Exeter awarded £14 million for antimicrobial resistance research to fight “next global pandemic"
The University of Exeter and collaborators have recently been awarded £14 million for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research – widely acknowledged as the “next global pandemic”
£2.6 million to fund largest ever study into social prescribing for dementia
A new study will investigate how social prescribing could be used in promoting a higher quality of life for people living with dementia.
Exeter Hip: history, science, and future of world-leading hip implant explored at museum event
Members of the public can learn about the history and science behind the life-changing Exeter Hip in a talk at Exeter’s largest museum.
Exeter researchers recognised in global rankings
Twenty-one researchers from the University of Exeter have been recognised as leading experts in Clarivate’s annual highly cited researchers list.
New way of exploring causes of rare condition could spare angst for families like Tilly’s
As a toddler, Tilly Douglas’s blood sugar was so variable that she would sometimes have to be on a feeding tube while eating – and would still experience dangerously low blood sugar levels within an hour. She was a regular resident at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Medicine students share anatomical teaching techniques at late-night exhibition event
Visitors will get the chance to learn about the University of Exeter's world-leading medical education direct from students as part of a special late-night event, inspired by a health exhibition at Exeter's largest museum.
Rising star footballers among young athletes to benefit from new screening tool
Elite young athletes are set to benefit from a novel screening tool with the potential to change clinical practice by ruling out a serious heart condition frequently misdiagnosed. The research is thanks to a jointly led study by the Universities of Exeter and Bristol, working with rising athletes from around the world.
Exeter researcher receives distinguished Philip Leverhulme Prize
A University of Exeter researcher has been named among the winners of the 2022 Philip Leverhulme Prizes.
Exemplary nurses receive Human Rights and Nursing Award at University of Exeter
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.
Exeter graduate discovers animal-free method of creating human brain cell for research
A University of Exeter graduate has discovered a new, animal-free method through which neuroscientists can produce human neuron-like cells to study brain development.
Pancreatic image bank expected to help advance diabetes research worldwide
The most extensive image bank of samples of the pancreas from children who developed diabetes shortly before death has gone live at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, with the aim to advance global medical research in the diabetes field.
Exeter wins £15 million NIHR funding for Westcountry’s first Biomedical Research Centre
More than £15 million in government funding will support a university-NHS partnership in setting up the Westcountry’s first Biomedical Research Centre, to translate scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for patients.
Wastewater alert: research highlights antimicrobial resistance risk
As the dumping of untreated wastewater into the sea sparks pollution warnings, new research has identified a “significant risk” of increasing antibiotic resistance associated with wastewater systems across the UK.
Exeter partnership launches world-first national genetic testing centre
Partnership between healthcare professionals and academics in Exeter develops world-first national genetic testing centre.
Largest genome study provides insight into the genetics of human height
Researchers have discovered more than 12,000 genetic variants associated with human height in the largest known genome-wide study.
Medical Student who is also Miss Cardiff aims to study alopecia after losing hair
A medical student at the University of Exeter, who is also Miss Cardiff, has aligned her career path to developing a cure for alopecia after living with the condition for two years.
£200,000 research grant awarded to find high-risk lung cancers
A £200,000 grant has been awarded by Cancer Research UK to improve early detection of lung cancer.
Positive childhood experiences of blue spaces linked to better adult well-being
New study concludes that adults with better mental health are more likely to report spending time around coastal waters, rivers and lakes as children.
Exeter part of large international project into youth mental health
The University of Exeter will collaborate in groundbreaking worldwide research into the genetic and environmental factors of mental health in young people.
Optimising mental health support for children with ADHD in schools
A new research project aims to provide a toolkit holding resources for teachers facing challenges of supporting children with ADHD in schools.
New £8.7 million project seeks to understand the health risks posed by coastal waters due to climate change
The impact of climate change on health risks, specifically in our coastal waters, will be investigated by new funding.
Study is first to show role of genomic changes in specific brain cells in Alzheimer’s disease
New research - which studied genomic changes in different types of brain cell - has yielded a potentially surprising result.
Fighting Fungi at university labs at family event for UK Fungus Day
World-leading fungi research is being showcased in a fun and innovative way at a family fun event to mark UK Fungus Day.
University health research and education to feature in museum exhibition
World-leading health research and education at the University of Exeter will feature as part of a new exhibition at Exeter’s largest museum.
Documentary film about improving the experience of living with dementia premieres
An innovative and interactive play exploring communication involving people with dementia has been made into a film.
University of Exeter researchers host family fun day to share research and bust myths about ADHD
Families affected by ADHD will attend a day of fun activities at the University of Exeter, designed to bust myths, offer support and share the latest research.
Artificial Intelligence tool could reduce common drug side effects
Artificial intelligence could help clinicians assess which patients are likely to encounter the harmful side effects of some commonly used antidepressants, antihistamines and bladder medicines.
Experts unite to provide guidelines on exercise and physical activity in Cystic Fibrosis
World leading experts have joined forces to create a gold standard document to help people living with Cystic Fibrosis.
University of Exeter researcher wins prestigious diabetes fellowship
A University of Exeter researcher has been awarded the prestigious Diabetes UK RD Lawrence Fellowship.
Longer wait for some forms of cancer diagnosis for Black and Asian patients
Black and Asian patients are waiting up to a month longer than White patients for some forms of cancer diagnosis from the point at which they first seek medical help, new research has found.
Animal Free Research UK supporter is set to trek from Bude to Exeter to raise funds for charity
Animal lover Penny Baxter is preparing to trek from Bude to an Exeter research building, to fundraise for the University of Exeter's Animal Free Research UK Centre of Excellence (ARC).
Considering genetic risk in prostate cancer referrals could lead to earlier diagnosis
Men at the highest risk for prostate cancer could be fast-tracked for investigation if their genetic risk was considered in general practice, new research has concluded.
Former University of Exeter medical student selected to join the prestigious Healthcare Leadership Academy scholars programme
A former medical student from the University of Exeter has been selected to join the Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) Scholars programme - a prestigious scholarship set up to develop and nurture healthcare leaders of the future.
University of Exeter researcher’s thought-provoking photograph among winners in Alzheimer’s Society’s first ever image competition
A thought-provoking photograph captured by a University of Exeter researcher has won the ‘Unexpected’ category in Alzheimer’s Society’s first ever image competition.
New website helps people consider ‘‘what can blue do for you?’’
A new website has been launched to help connect people with blue spaces at home, especially those with experience of mental health conditions.
Harmful antipsychotics prescribing jumped 50 per cent in dementia care homes during pandemic
Prescribing of potentially harmful antipsychotics to people with dementia has increased by more than 50 per cent on average in care homes during the pandemic, new research has found.
How measuring blood pressure in both arms can help reduce cardiovascular risk and hypertension
Blood pressure should be measured in both arms and the higher reading should be adopted to improve hypertension diagnosis and management, according to a new study.
“Sonic bench” uses sound to help Cornish firefighters de-stress
Firefighters in Cornwall have road-tested an innovative bench which uses soothing sounds and mindfulness to help them destress.
Socioeconomic deprivation associated with increased dementia risk, regardless of genetics
People who experience high socioeconomic deprivation are significantly more likely to develop dementia compared to people of better socioeconomic status, regardless of genetic risk, new research concludes.
Hand signals help overcome Zoom fatigue in online meetings
Using hand signals can help overcome the psychological issues linked to online meetings and increase social connection, according to new research.
£1.4 million to fund research on improving health through food subsidies and taxes
The Universities of Oxford and Exeter will lead an assessment of the impact of food subsidies and taxes on public and planetary health, through a £1.4million funding grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Boy (5) with leukaemia dies of fungal infection: Researcher appointed to help improve diagnosis
A charity set up in memory of a five-year-old boy has funded a researcher to work on finding answers to the deadly fungal infection that claimed his life.
Shaping the future of early-stage dementia support
A pioneering international study, coordinated in the UK by the University of Exeter, is exploring how health promotion and self-management programmes could be used to support people with early-stage dementia and improve their health outcomes.
Two babies and a Medicine degree – “Daddy doctor” celebrates graduation
Studying for a medical degree is challenging under any circumstances, yet one new graduate achieved this as he and his partner welcomed two babies in the middle of a pandemic.
Digitalise hip and knee replacement surveys to save time and improve compliance, research finds
Modernising a paper-based patient questionnaire on outcomes around hip and knee operations by moving to a personalised digital system could save tens of thousands of hours of data collection time, without compromising accuracy, new research shows.
Exeter part of new £2.3m clinical trial to benefit children with neurodisability
The University of Exeter is part of a new £2.3m clinical trial called PARROT, led by UK researchers from the University of Liverpool and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
Gender differences in behaviours linked to faster cognitive decline revealed in research
Men who experience behaviour changes including apathy or having false beliefs and perceptions in later life are at risk of faster cognitive decline than women, according to new research.
Artist and doctor sisters co-author art book promoting wellbeing through creativity
An artist and doctor family team have co-authored an art book due to be published later in June aimed at promoting readers’ wellbeing and mental health through creativity.
Exeter students deliver top medical care to revellers at Glastonbury
Nursing and medical students from the University of Exeter put their learning into action by volunteering in the delivery of first-rate medical care to festival goers at this year's Glastonbury event.
Medicine and health students who made own gowns in 2020 graduate in person
Students who made their own gowns to graduate in 2020 are among three years of medicine and health-related graduates to celebrate this month.
Two Exeter diabetes researchers named "Rising Stars"
Two researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School have been recognised as rising stars in diabetes research.
Early success of Exeter’s NIHR School for Primary Care Research celebrated at launch event
The early success of the University of Exeter’s membership of the national network of National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Schools for Primary Care Research has been celebrated at a launch event.
Gene discovery indicates motor neurone diseases caused by abnormal lipid processing in cells
A new genetic discovery adds weight to a theory that motor neurone degenerative diseases are caused by abnormal lipid (fat) processing pathways inside brain cells.
Podium finish in World Triathlon Duathlon Championships for Exeter Medical Student
University of Exeter medical student has today (Thursday June 10) clinched third place in the World Triathlon Duathlon Championships in Targu Mures, Romania.
Exeter experts to share world-leading primary care knowledge with Rwanda
Healthcare practitioners and researchers from the University of Exeter will share their expertise in first point of patient contact and care with Rwandan medical professionals
One in five hundred men carry an extra sex chromosome, putting them at higher risk of several common diseases
Around one in 500 men could be carrying an extra X or Y chromosome – most of them unaware – putting them at increased risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and thrombosis, say researchers at the universities of Cambridge and Exeter.
Exeter healthy ageing treatments company raises £2 million in latest seed funding round
A company borne out of University of Exeter research has raised more than £2 million from existing investors, to take its cell rejuvenation technology to aid healthy ageing to the next stage of development.
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Higher rate of COVID-19 death before vaccination linked to certain common inflammatory immune conditions
New analysis of 17 million patient GP records in England provides important evidence for decisions around future booster vaccine programmes
Multiple heart-related conditions linked to triple dementia risk, regardless of genetics
Having multiple conditions that affect the heart are linked to a greater risk of dementia than having high genetic risk, according to a largescale new study.
United Kingdom’s redistributive health system faces major challenges
A new health system review for the United Kingdom (UK) reveals recent developments in financing, governance, organisation and delivery of health care in one of the world’s most comprehensive health systems.
A husband-and wife emergency medicine doctor team row around Great Britain soon after completing epic Atlantic row
Married Emergency Medicine Doctors have begun a new challenge rowing around Great Britain for charity just three months after completing an epic 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic.
Medical Student sets up community Triathlon Club, inspired by Truro’s scenery
University of Exeter Medical Student sets up a community triathlon club to engage the people of Truro.
Exeter partners with Surrey to support set-up of new medical school
The University of Exeter is supporting the University of Surrey in setting up a medical school for the first time.
Children who play adventurously have better mental health, research finds
Children who spend more time playing adventurously have lower symptoms of anxiety and depression, and were happier over the first Covid-19 lockdown, according to new research.
Alumnus gifts Medicine students £30 food delivery, to boost morale ahead of exams
Medicine students at the University of Exeter have been offered a £30 food delivery voucher to spend, thanks to a generous donation from an Exeter alumnus.
Comic illustrated by former UK Comics laureate depicts experiences of shame in medical learning
A new comic will be used to teach medical students about the role of shame in their training to become doctors.
Exeter extreme medicine experts deliver £890,000 in life-saving medical aid to Ukraine
Global experts in delivering medical training for people working in remote environments have galvanised more than £645,000 worth of life-saving medical supplies to the frontline of the Ukrainian war zone.
Global impact of Exeter’s health, life sciences and environment research recognised in REF 2021
All University of Exeter health, life sciences and environmental research submitted to the UK’s national research assessment has been ranked 100 per cent world-leading or internationally excellent for impact.
Exeter students lead planetary health agenda in medical schools around the world
Medical students at the University of Exeter are improving sustainability and planetary health in medical schools around the world, as part of a global movement.
New GP blood test could help diagnose ovarian cancer faster and more accurately
A simple blood test that can be given by GPs could help diagnose ovarian cancer faster and more accurately, particularly for women under the age of 50.
Research unlocks personalised care in type 2 diabetes
Moving away from a “one-size fits all” care regime has the potential to transform care for people with type 2 diabetes, a University of Dundee study has shown.
School friends of boy who died with leukaemia learn of research hope
Scientists will visit school friends of a five-year-old boy who died of a fungal infection linked to his leukaemia, to share their pioneering research aimed at reducing further deaths.
Man with serious lung condition raises funds for research in epic Westcountry cycling challenge
A man with a serious lung disease is taking on an epic Westcountry cycling challenge to raise funds for research into his condition.
Smartline shortlisted for the Housing Heroes Awards 2022
Ground-breaking Cornwall-based research project Smartline and Coastline housing have been shortlisted for the Housing Heroes Award 2022 the under the ‘Best company health and wellbeing initiative category’.
GW4 Generator Award: Seven collaborative research communities awarded £125k funding
Projects exploring the circular economy in building construction, net zero transport systems, and antibiotic-resistance genes are among seven research communities awarded £125,000 in GW4 Alliance funding.
Loneliness leads to higher risk of future unemployment, study finds
Experiencing loneliness appears to lead to a higher risk of future unemployment, according to new research.
Supporting staff to improve the lives of those living with dementia in care homes
A study to evaluate a care home dementia training programme that could improve the lives of the most vulnerable people with dementia in the UK has begun as part of the National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR) National Priorities Programme (NPP).
Newly connected datasets track how exposure to green space impacts health
A new data cohort, funded by the NIHR Public Health Research programme, can for the first time link national green/blue space data with electronic health records for over a decade.
Researchers discover drug-resistant environmental mould is capable of infecting people
A new study led by Imperial College London, working with the University of Exeter, finds that drug-resistant mould is spreading from the environment and infecting susceptible people’s lungs.
University spin-out company aiming to treat degenerative disease announces funding
A biotech company which aims to harness University of Exeter research to develop new therapeutics to stop the progression of degenerative diseases has received new seed financing.
New research calls to scrap the smoking prevention/cessation binary when addressing the issue of tobacco use among young adults
A complex array of smoking behaviours and identities among young adults explains why public health initiatives around smoking prevention and cessation are not working for this age group, according to latest research led by Dr Ria Poole at the University of Exeter.
Students recognise College of Medicine and Health staff for excellence
Students in the University of Exeter’s College of Medicine and Health have awarded prizes to staff to thank them for their support.
Medicine and Health students recognised at prizes award
A Medicine student who helped with an emergency houseboat evacuation and a Neuroscience student who supported hospital patients with dementia are among dozens of students to be recognised for excellence in a prizes ceremony.
Low Psychological resilience predicts future high blood sugars in type 1 diabetes
New research from the University of Exeter and University of Brighton indicates that people who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are more likely to manage their condition successfully if they have high levels of psychological resilience.
Does living a simpler life mean a happier and healthier life? New TV series co-designed by GW4 experts aims to find out
Could living a simpler life with no modern comforts, cut off from the modern world be better for us?
Outstanding Exeter diabetes nurse wins prestigious leadership scholarship
An internationally renowned diabetes research nurse has been awarded a prestigious Florence Nightingale Foundation Leadership Scholarship.
Sounds of nature benefit mental health and promote environmental protection
The sounds of nature could help us recover from mental fatigue
Group exercise has long-term positive impacts for over-65s with mobility limitations
Positive results from a major study into the effectiveness of a community-based group exercise programme designed for people aged 65 and over with mobility limitations.
Exeter in pioneering initiative to train radiographers in the independent sector
A community diagnostic centre in Somerset is set to become the first independent facility in the UK to offer conventional apprenticeship training to student radiographers, thanks to a unique partnership between Rutherford Diagnostics, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Exeter.
Lady Mireille Gillings to Open Neuroimaging Centre
Global business leader and philanthropist Lady Mireille Gillings, PhD, will officially open the cutting-edge new imaging centre which bears her name on International Women’s Day (March 8).
Whole-genome sequencing reveals new secrets about killer fungus
New research from the University of Exeter reports largest ever whole-genome sequencing project for the potentially fatal yeast infection Candida glabrata from hospitals across Scotland
Exeter’s “home-grown” medical scientist: From school research project to major study lead
He got his first exposure to the Exeter labs at the age of just 17, and now Merlin Davies is the lead author of a major research paper that attracted media attention around the globe.
Researchers win Medical Research Foundation’s Changing Policy and Practice Award
Two University of Exeter researchers have won a prestigious award, to help fund work to improve the accuracy of genetic testing in epilepsy.
Research aims to improve sleep for people with dementia
Two new research programmes are helping find new ways to support people with dementia who experience problems with sleep.
Scouse musician living with dementia writes song for research project
A Scouse musician who has dementia has written an uplifting song to help support others living with the condition, as part of a major research project.
Married emergency medicine doctors finish first out of mixed pairs in Atlantic rowing challenge
A husband-and wife emergency medicine doctor team have landed in the Carribean after rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic as the first ever married couple to participate in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (TWAC).
Can beetroot juice help keep our brains sharp in later life? New study investigates
An innovative clinical trial will investigate how drinking beetroot juice impacts brain function in older adults, via the bacteria that live in our mouths.
Experts warn of the increasing overmedicalisation of death, call for radical rethink of how society cares for dying people
Health and social systems around the world are failing to give appropriate, compassionate care to people who are dying and their families.
Seeing the same GP improves treatment for people with dementia, study finds
People with dementia who see the same GP each time have lower rates of health complications and fewer emergency hospital admissions, according to a new study.
Lucky genes can help protect people with obesity from some disease
Geneticists from the University of Exeter and Brunel University London have revealed why some people with obesity remain relatively healthy, whilst others suffer from life-changing ailments such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
World-leading Movement expert joins University of Exeter
An expert in Movement Science, Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Helen Dawes, has just joined the University of Exeter.
One in ten people may still be infectious for COVID after ten days, new research indicates
One in 10 people may have clinically relevant levels of potentially infectious SARS-CoV-2 past the 10 day quarantine period, according to new research.
Study finding “recurrent delirium over 12 months predicts dementia” wins prestigious prize
A research paper involving the University of Exeter has been awarded the prestigious Dhole-Eddlestone Memorial Prize 2022.
Ketamine and psychological therapy helped severe alcoholics abstain for longer in trial
People with severe alcohol disorder were able to stay off alcohol for longer when they were treated with low doses of ketamine combined with psychological therapy in a clinical trial.
Play featuring 83-year-old actress will involve audiences to understand experiences of dementia
At 83, Gill Cree thought her acting days were behind her, yet she is now part of a cast who will involve audiences in an innovative play designed to share understanding of the experience of living with dementia.
£6 million-funded studies into Parkinson’s disease seek participants
People affected by Parkinson’s disease are being invited to take part in a series of cutting-edge trials enabled by nearly £6 million in funding to the University of Exeter.