Natural Sciences news archive 2010-2022
Exeter’s Natural Sciences programme receives respected accreditation
The University of Exeter’s Natural Sciences programme has received official accreditation from a prestigious national body.
Natural Sciences student undertakes virtual internship
This summer, Matthew Ludwig, a second year Natural Sciences student, participated in the Young Scientist Program (YSP) with the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science (BMSIS) based in Washington.
Research brings scientists a step closer to harnessing viruses to fight antibiotic resistance
As antibiotics increasingly develop resistance, scientists have moved a step closer to harnessing viruses as an alternative form of therapy.
Natural Sciences students’ research published in prestigious journal
A collaborative research project by team of undergraduate students from the University of Exeter’s Natural Sciences department has been published in a prestigious academic journal.
Natural Sciences Graduate Credited as Co-Author in Nature Physics Article
Mitchell Woolley, who graduated this summer with a degree in Natural Sciences, has been credited as a co-author in an article for Nature Physics after his contributions to a research project in 2019.
Natural Sciences Photo Competition 2020 Winners
This term, the Natural Sciences department ran a photo competition from the 9 November - 4 December.
Research develops new theoretical approach to manipulate light
The quest to discover pioneering new ways in which to manipulate how light travels through electromagnetic materials has taken a new, unusual twist.
Natural Science summer projects lead to family scheme, student handbook and more
This summer, thirty students from the Natural Sciences cohort volunteered to work and contribute to a variety of projects. These projects aimed to create useful resources and information for the returning and incoming students, as well as maintaining Natural Science’s sense of community by keeping people connected over the very unusual summer months.
Natural Sciences PhD Programme launches with exciting collaboration
The University of Exeter’s innovative Natural Sciences department has teamed up with one of the world’s most famous multinational companies to offer a fascinating new student opportunity.
Natural Sciences Undergraduate Student Excels at Industry Based Prosperity Partnership Summer Internship
Natural Sciences student, Madeline Stedman, enjoyed a challenging 6 week industry based internship as part of the University of Exeter’s Prosperity Partnership ‘TEAM-A’ with QinetiQ Farnborough.
Exeter student wins national boxing championships
Second year MSci Natural Sciences student, Bethany Warne, has won a national championship for boxing.
Student diabetes researcher with diabetes demystifies condition
A student researcher who specialises in type 1 diabetes, after being diagnosed herself in her teens, has now launched a blog to demystify the condition.
Exeter alumnus supports research internships
Five additional undergraduate students in Natural Sciences will be able to benefit from research internships, thanks to a further donation from Exeter alumnus Mick Jackson (BSc & PhD Chemical Engineering, 1979, 1984).
University of Exeter University Challenge team speak of their excitement after competing in the iconic TV quiz show
The University of Exeter’s University Challenge team faced the “intimidating gaze” of Jeremy Paxman
Natural Sciences student completes international internship at leading research center DESY
Mitchell Woolley a Natural Sciences 1st year student had this to say about his three-and-a-half-month research internship at DESY near Berlin:
Extreme cold winter weather conditions, such as ‘Beast from the East’, can be linked to solar cycle
Periods of extreme cold winter weather and perilous snowfall could be linked to the solar cycle, pioneering new research has shown.
Riding the wave: pioneering research tames Nanoquakes
Researchers from the University of Exeter have pioneered a new technique to control high frequency sound waves, commonly found within everyday devices such as mobile phones.
Exeter secures EPSRC grant to revolutionise wireless technologies
The University of Exeter has received a multi-million pound research grant to pioneer new techniques and materials to control and manipulate electromagnetic and acoustic energy.
Natural Sciences students showcase diverse research
Natural Sciences students at the University of Exeter have presented a wide range of research at a special event.
Innovative Exeter research pioneers nanotechnology for gas sensing
Second year undergraduate students make key contribution to new type of device.
New research exploits extraordinary properties of Graphene
Innovative new research has demonstrated how the extraordinary properties of graphene can be exploited to create artificial structures that can be used to control and manipulate electromagnetic radiation over a wide range of wavelengths.
Exeter student project to monitor space weather events
University of Exeter students are leading a project with the Met Office, British Geological Survey and Lancaster University to better understand space weather events and the prediction of their impacts.
Air pollution stunts coral growth
A new study has found that air pollution can shade corals from sunlight and cool the surrounding water resulting in reduced growth rates.
Predicting drought or rainfall in the desert
A new study by Professor Jim Haywood, from Mathematics at the University of Exeter, and colleagues suggests that sporadic volcanic eruptions in the northern hemisphere strongly influence the sea surface temperature and cause drought in the Sahel – the area of sub-Saharan Africa, just south of the Sahara desert.
Exeter receives share of £84 million boost to PhD training
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is this year investing £84.2 million in postgraduate training through its annual Doctoral Training Grants (DTGs).
Superfast model brain to predict flooding during heavy rain
Heavy rain has once again resulted in widespread flooding across the country. With climate change likely to cause further severe weather events in the coming years, methods of quickly predicting flooding will become increasingly important.
Live tracking of vulnerable South Atlantic seabirds
Real-time information showing the locations of the threatened frigatebird is now available online thanks to a new Darwin Initiative funded study led by the University of Exeter and Ascension Island Government Conservation Department.
Long predicted atomic collapse state observed in graphene
The first experimental observation of a phenomenon in quantum mechanics that was predicted nearly 70 years ago holds important implications for the future of graphene-based electronic devices.
Exeter student strikes gold with physics display in Parliament
Claire Woollacott, 24, a PhD Postgraduate Research Student from the School of Physics at the University of Exeter, struck gold at a competition in the House of Commons yesterday for excellence in her physics research, walking away with a £3,000 prize.
European countries pool expertise to save water
Intelligent water monitoring systems could soon be in place across Europe thanks to iWIDGET, a €5 million European Commission project that will use cutting edge smart-metering technology to improve water use efficiency.
Bioscience to battle ash dieback
The University of Exeter is a member of a consortium awarded £2.4M by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for urgent research into the ash dieback fungus and the genetics of resistance in ash trees.
Breast cancer technique to be tested on human breast tissue for the first time
A technique that could take away the anxious wait by patients for breast cancer results by removing the need for a needle biopsy is to have its performance evaluated for the first time, on breast tissue and lymph nodes.
How birds of different feathers flock together
When different species of birds flock together, their flight formations are determined by social dynamics between and within species.
Lizards facing mass extinction
Climate change could lead to dozens of species of lizards becoming extinct within the next 50 years, according to new research published today.
Reducing numbers of one carnivore species indirectly leads to extinction of others
A team from the University of Exeter and the University of Bern has now found that reducing the numbers of one species of carnivore can lead to the extinction of others.
Ship noise makes crabs get crabby
A study published today in Biology Letters found that ship noise affects crab metabolism, with the largest crabs faring worst, and found little evidence that crabs acclimatise to noise over time.
University to work with Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Hospital Trust on sustainability
The Centre for Energy and the Environment (CEE) based at the University of Exeter has been awarded £25,000 by the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Hospital Trust to research the prioritisation of sustainability measures at the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E).
£5 million to expand knowledge on human health, life and space
Grants totalling more than £5 million will allow world-class researchers at the University of Exeter to push the boundaries of knowledge in ground-breaking five year projects.
Rising ocean acidity makes the effects of pollutants more damaging
Increasing levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere are changing ocean chemistry, making seawater more acidic.
Lungs of the planet reveal their true sensitivity to global warming
Tropical rainforests are often called the “lungs of the planet” because they generally draw in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen.
Bio-inspired fibres change colour when stretched
A team of materials scientists at Harvard University and the University of Exeter has invented a new fibre which changes colour when stretched. Inspired by nature, the researchers identified and replicated the unique structural elements, which create the bright iridescent blue colour of a tropical plant’s fruit.
MP swaps white papers for white coat in science pairing scheme
Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw became a scientist for the day when he took part in experiments in University of Exeter laboratories.
Health and medicine showcase hailed a success
A dynamic event highlighted the wide range of medical and health research involving the University of Exeter, the NHS and business partners.
£1.1 million will help develop products from super-material
New ways of making and using the wonder material graphene will be identified through pioneering work by engineers and scientists at the University of Exeter and Bath.
Slinky science inspires African school children
A University of Exeter physicist has inspired hundreds of African school children to engage with science during a whirlwind outreach tour to Malawi.
Taking refuge from climate warming: how can we help our wildlife?
Conservation policymakers and practitioners have met with researchers from the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) to discuss the conservation potential of ‘microclimatic refugia’.
World-renowned scientist joins food research alliance
Professor Sarah Gurr joins the Food Security and Land Research Alliance between Exeter, Bristol and Rothamsted Research taking up a post based at the University of Exeter and Rothamsted’s North Wyke campus.
Ecologists shed new light on effects of light pollution on wildlife
Light pollution is often associated with negative effects on wildlife.
Cultural dimensions of climate change are underestimated, overlooked and misunderstood
The impact of climate change on many aspects of cultural life for people all over the world is not being sufficiently accounted for by scientists and policy-makers.
Exeter students take bronze at international biology competition
A multidisciplinary team of Exeter undergraduates captured bronze in the European round of the international Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) competition.
Exeter Scientists key to creating one of UK's greenest schools
Scientists at the University of Exeter have been heavily involved in developing a school which is in the national top ten for energy efficiency.
University academic works with manufacturing giant on project to influence consumer recycling behaviour
Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) recently announced the details of a new project led by Dr Stewart Barr in Geography which will try to understand household recycling behaviours.
Climate change research recognised by Napier Shaw medal
Two Exeter Physicists have been awarded the 2012 Napier Shaw medal for their work to help the building sector adapt to the challenges of climate change.
Pesticides not yet proven guilty of causing honeybee declines
The impact of crop pesticides on honeybee colonies is unlikely to cause colony collapse, according to a paper in the journal Science.
Warming causes more extreme shifts of the Southern Hemisphere's largest rain band
South Pacific countries will experience more extreme floods and droughts, in response to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a paper in the journal Nature.
Research funding success for Exeter Engineer
Dr Michael Hammond (Centre for Water Systems) has won research funding as a result of attending a summer research institute at Brown University.
Coral reef thriving in sediment-laden waters
Rapid rates of coral reef growth have been identified in sediment-laden marine environments, conditions previously believed to be detrimental to reef growth.
Exeter physicist bends light waves on surfboards
A University of Exeter scientist is bringing together his passions for physics and surfing with research that could inspire a host of new technologies.
Exeter physicist awarded Faraday Medal
A physicist whose University of Exeter career spans 40 years has been awarded the Faraday Medal of the Institute of Physics.
Research paves the way for accurate manufacturing of complex parts for aerospace and car industries
Producing strong, lightweight and complex parts for car manufacturing and the aerospace industry is set to become cheaper and more accurate thanks to a new technique developed by engineers from the University of Exeter.
Dramatic change spotted on a faraway planet
A University of Exeter scientist is part of a team of astronomers that has seen dramatic changes in the upper atmosphere of a faraway planet, using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.
Major changes critical for Energy Bill and Green Deal to succeed
The University of Exeter, SSE, Consumer Focus and WWF, along with representatives from 20 other organisations, have published the results of a series of roundtables on UK energy policy.
Marine energy doubled by predicting wave power
The energy generated from our oceans could be doubled using new methods for predicting wave power.
Expansion of forests in the European Arctic could result in the release of carbon dioxide
Carbon stored in Arctic tundra could be released into the atmosphere by new trees growing in the warmer region, exacerbating climate change, scientists have revealed.
Exeter scientist plunges school pupils into marine science
University of Exeter biologist Dr Ceri Lewis is supporting a national campaign to get marine science on the agenda of Britain’s schools.
Exeter researchers awarded prestigious fellowships
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has today announced the recipients of its first ever Fellowships in Manufacturing.
Exeter professors win research prizes from the Royal Meteorological Society
Professor David Stephenson and Professor Jim Haywood in Mathematics at the University of Exeter have won prestigious research prizes from the Royal Meteorological Society.
Research reveals threats to ice sheet stability in West Antarctica
Threats to the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet have been revealed by new research involving the University of Exeter.
Climate and Security
Professor Neil Adger, from Geography at the University of Exeter will be convening at the international workshop ‘Climate and Security’ hosted by The Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations at Sciences Po (IDDRI, Paris).
Exeter scientist wins Rosenhain Medal
University of Exeter physicist Professor Steve Eichhorn has won the Rosenhain Medal in recognition of his distinguished achievement in materials science.
New graphene-based material could revolutionise electronics industry
The most transparent, lightweight and flexible material ever for conducting electricity has been invented by a team from the University of Exeter.
800-year-old farmers could teach us how to protect the Amazon
In the face of mass deforestation of the Amazon, we could learn from its earliest inhabitants who managed their farmland sustainably.
Exeter team to adapt weather forecasting for Exoplanets
A University of Exeter team is adapting the UK Met Office’s weather and climate model to study the atmospheric properties of planets orbiting other stars.
Discoveries boost region's reputation for environmental research
New discoveries from the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute will boost the region’s reputation for world-class research.
Marine Protected Areas are keeping turtles safe
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are providing sea turtles with an ideal habitat for foraging and may be keeping them safe from the threats of fishing.
University team to lead project to safeguard Ascension Island's wildlife
A University of Exeter team will deliver an ambitious programme to protect the unique flora and fauna of Ascension Island.
First plants caused ice ages
New research reveals how the arrival of the first plants 470 million years ago triggered a series of ice ages.
Turtles’ mating habits protect against effects of climate change
The mating habits of marine turtle may help to protect them against the effects of climate change, according to new research led by the University of Exeter.
What do sunsets look like from other planets?
A University of Exeter astrophysicist has shown what sunsets look like on planets outside our solar system.
Nick Baker joins University experts to debate future of land use in the South West
TV presenter Nick Baker joined University academics, students and local people for a debate on the future use of land in the South West on 18 November.
World-class professors will help Cornwall take centre stage for environmental research
A trio of renowned professors will move to Cornwall following an international hunt for academics of the highest calibre to establish the region as a world-leading centre for environmental research.
Limited options for meeting 2°C warming target, warn climate change experts
We will only achieve the target of limiting global warming to safe levels if carbon dioxide emissions begin to fall within the next two decades and eventually decrease to zero.
From Exeter to Benin – physics communicator takes the prize
A University of Exeter astrophysicist and a Cardiff-based Research Engineer for EADS have won the Institute of Physics’ (IOP) inaugural Early Career Communicators’ Award for the inspirational activities they have undertaken to introduce a diverse range of people to the wonders of physics.
Falmouth set to host wave energy test site
Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) and The Crown Estate have signed a lease to create FabTest, a new wave energy ‘nursery’ test site in Falmouth Bay on the south coast of Cornwall.
New buildings will be safer in the heat thanks to climate change study
New buildings should be safer in hot weather, thanks to research led by the University of Exeter.
International team to use Hubble Space Telescope to answer key astronomy questions
An international team of scientists led by the University of Exeter is aiming to answer some of the biggest questions facing astronomy today.
Climate experts join international health conference
Climate and health experts from the Met Office and the University of Exeter will be heading to Africa for a conference to help fight life-threatening diseases across the continent.
Exeter physicist advances early universe theory
Research by a University of Exeter astrophysicist has helped to explain how the first stars and galaxies formed.
University invites businesses to the future of manufacturing
Businesses that are producing prototypes and developing products can now benefit from a pioneering £2.6 million facility at the University of Exeter.
Scientists simulate seashells’ structures
Scientists have successfully created synthetic crystals whose structures and properties mimic those of naturally-occurring biominerals such as seashells.
Chocolate research shapes the future of gift shopping
Manufacturing and retail could get a boost from a newly-developed 3D chocolate printer.
Decline in species shows climate change warnings not exaggerated
One in 10 species could face extinction by the year 2100 if current climate change impacts continue.
Invisibility cloak to be unveiled with new research
Becoming invisible with the swish of a cloak as in J K Rowling’s Harry Potter novels could soon be a reality with a £4.5 million research project.
Past environments and the sustainable future in Cornwall
Recent concerns about floods, drought, energy efficiency and sustainable land use have brought communities together to devise strategies to cope with environmental change.
Exeter study brings brain-like computing a step closer to reality
The development of ‘brain-like’ computers has taken a major step forward today with the publication of research led by the University of Exeter.
The future of manufacturing comes to Exeter
A £2.6 million facility at the University of Exeter is set to become a leading centre for a manufacturing technique which could revolutionise the way things are made.
Climate change disasters could be predicted
Climate change disasters, such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, dieback of the Amazon rainforest or collapse of the Atlantic overturning circulation, could be predicted according to University of Exeter research.
Glaciers contributing to faster sea-level rise
Melting mountain glaciers are contributing to sea-level rise faster than at any time in the last 350 years, according to new research published in Nature Geoscience.
Student think tank tackles Big Dilemmas for sustainability
A group of Exeter students presented their findings of an interdisciplinary study of ‘The future of renewable energy in the UK’ to an audience of over 100 academics, students and community stakeholders.
West Antarctic ice sheet ‘could be more stable than thought’
Whether global warming may cause the giant West Antarctic Ice Sheet to melt and raise sea-levels by several metres is one of the most contested debates in climate science.
Exeter astrophysicist honoured with top prize
An expert in studying distant planets at the University of Exeter has been awarded the highest prize for physics in France.
Intrepid researchers heading to Antarctica
Two researchers from the University of Exeter will be braving temperatures of -30C as they head to Antarctica to carry out important research on one of the world’s largest ice sheets.
New report highlights low carbon opportunities for Devon
A new report created by the University of Exeter for Devon County Council has highlighted a number of opportunities for the county as part of the examination of the Low Carbon Transition Plan (LCTP).
Exeter climate research highlights the ‘compost bomb’
The rate of global warming could lead to a rapid release of carbon from peatlands that would further accelerate global warming.
Warm welcome for 2010 Nobel Prize winner
The University of Exeter laid on a warm welcome for 2010 Nobel Prize winner, Professor Kostya Novoselov.
Research suggests climate change target ‘not safe’
An analysis of geological records that preserve details of the last known period of global warming has revealed ‘startling’ results which suggest current targets for limiting climate change are unsafe.
Exeter’s role in major climate research programme
A major international research programme aiming to solve some of the fundamental issues facing climate prediction is being led by experts from the University of Exeter.
Turning the spotlight on exoclimates
Some of the world’s leading experts in studying these far-off worlds, known as exoplanets, are heading to the University of Exeter for a conference to discuss the latest findings in this rapidly developing area of research.
Breakthrough in the study of distant planet atmospheres
A research team led by the University of Exeter has discovered a previously undetected element in the atmosphere of a planet almost 500 light years from Earth.
Scientists discover Westerly winds have bigger role in climate change
Scientists believe climate variations thousands of years ago over Campbell Island may shed light on the future climate of New Zealand.
Exeter’s high profile role in climate change report
Experts from the University of Exeter will play a high profile role in creating what is set to be the world’s most comprehensive report on climate change.
Triple Royal Society first for Exeter physicists
Speakers from around the globe attended a very special Royal Society Discussion Meeting hosted by academics from the University of Exeter.
Blast-proof curtain will reduce impact of bomb explosions
A new type of blast-proof curtain that gets thicker, not thinner, when stretched is being developed to provide better protection from the effects of bomb explosions.
University of Exeter scientists create the first, comprehensive future weather predictions
Using existing UKCP09 (UK Climate Impacts Programme) data and the weather generator produced by Newcastle University and the University of East Anglia, scientists from the Centre for Energy and the Environment have created the first comprehensive future weather files that include a realistic representation of wind speed and direction.
Exeter biologist earns international award for reef research
A bioscientist from the University of Exeter is one of five people worldwide to be named a recipient of the 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation.
Exeter scientist advances north on Arctic expedition
A scientist from the University of Exeter is one of three South West women taking a leading role in a major Arctic expedition this spring.
Exeter astronomer wins international award for planet discovery
A discovery by a team including a scientist from the University of Exeter has won the 2009 Newcomb Cleveland Prize of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).