Featured news - University of Exeter

‘Uplifting’ project nourishing Amazon people and soil

Thousands of trees have been planted in former rainforest land in the Amazon, nourishing the soil and providing impoverished Brazilians with food and increased incomes.

Award-winning children’s author brings story time online to help children during coronavirus lockdown

An award-winning Exeter children’s author has become a virtual bedtime storyteller to help families cope with the coronavirus lockdown.

Student ‘Enterprise Hub’ received £1 million funding boost

A pioneering new project, designed to nurture students’ innovative product development and marketing skills with industry partners, has received a £1 million funding boost.

Research project to evaluate impact of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions receives substantial funding

A new project to predict the spread of COVID-19, and evaluate the impact of quarantine restrictions, has received a substantial research grant.

Genetics expertise could transform fish production

A recent review of research highlights how genetics can support development of sustainable aquaculture for global food security.

Mental health and brain research must be higher priority in global COVID-19 response

A new paper published in The Lancet Psychiatry highlights an urgent need to tackle the harmful impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.

Flamingos form firm friendships

Flamingos form friendships that last for years, new research shows.

First Exeter patients start world’s largest trial of COVID-19 treatments

Patients in Exeter with COVID-19 are being recruited to the largest clinical trial in the world to investigate existing medicines which might be effective against the disease.

Research to investigate impact of COVID-19 pandemic on family carers

The experience of family carers during the COVID-19 pandemic will be explored in a series of weekly interviews conducted over the next three months.

Brown hares and chickens were treated as “gods” not food when they arrived in Britain, research shows

Brown hares and chickens were considered “gods” rather than food when they were first arrived in Britain in the Iron Age, new research shows.

Research to study health impact of air pollution on individuals

A crucial new project, designed to reveal the potentially devastating health impacts of air pollution on individuals, depending on their local environment, has received significant funding.

New research gives insights into how a group of novel organelle-based disorders affects cells

A pioneering study has shed new light on how a group of novel organelle-based disorders affect cells.

University of Exeter spin-out company secures investment for sustainable mining

A spin-out company focussed on driving environmental sustainability in the mining and raw materials sector, founded by experts from the University of Exeter, has secured investment to help develop the business.

Sustainable business expert to join University of Exeter Business School

Professor Gail Whiteman, a leading expert in sustainable business, will join the Business School’s Department of Management in July.

Earliest humans in the Amazon created thousands of “forest islands” as they tamed wild plants for food, study shows

The earliest human inhabitants of the Amazon created thousands of artificial forest islands as they tamed wild plants to grow food, a new study shows.

Vexing Nemo: motorboat noise makes clownfish stressed and aggressive

Hormonal changes caused by motorboat noise cause clownfish to hide, skip meals and attack their neighbours – putting damselfish in distress.

World leading expert in fungal lung disease joins Exeter

One of the world’s leading experts in fungal lung disease has joined the University of Exeter

Exeter launches ‘net-zero by 2030’ plan

Today marks the release of Exeter City Futures’ Plan for a Net Zero Exeter, demonstrating that Exeter’s determination to become carbon neutral by 2030 remains of paramount importance.

University of Exeter Degree Apprentices nominated for South West Apprentice of the Year

Two University of Exeter Degree Apprentices have been nominated for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Apprentice of the Year award.

Litter problem at England’s protected coasts

Beaches in or near England’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have the same levels of litter as those in unprotected areas, new research shows.

Unplanned tree planting could increase global warming and damage the environment, experts warn

No one doubts that trees can help suck carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, out of the atmosphere and help tackle climate change.

Experts to develop new ways of monitoring and tackling extreme right-wing online forums

University of Exeter experts will develop new ways to better monitor activity on extreme right-wing online forums linked with terrorism as part of a major new research project.

University and health trusts collaborating to accelerate genomic testing

Academics and clinicians across Devon and Cornwall are collaborating and innovating to improve testing capacity for COVID-19.

Couples should work as a team and make plans for the future to ensure their relationship thrives during coronavirus lockdown, experts say

Couples trying to cope with the coronavirus lockdown should work as a team and make future plans to keep their relationship strong during the crisis, experts have said.

Plant root hairs ‘unrecognized heroes’ that hold the soil together, research shows.

The tiny hairs found on plant roots play a pivotal role in helping reduce soil erosion, a new study has found.

Pioneering project to unlock decision making process behind larval settlement on coral receives funding boost

A new research project, designed to unlock a greater understanding of one of the key factors that affects coral recovery, has received a significant funding boost.

Parents can have their say on impact of school closures on families as part of major new research project

Parents can have their say on how their families are coping with the upheaval of school closures as part of a major new research project set up to track the impact of coronavirus.

University of Exeter awarded major internationally-recognised award for high health and safety standards

The University of Exeter has been awarded a major internationally-recognised award for high standards of health and safety.

Newly discovered letters shed new light on Thomas Hardy’s “genuine love match” second marriage

Newly discovered letters show Thomas Hardy’s second wife’s joy and happiness at her marriage, and her sadness and loneliness after his death.

‘Tequila’ powered biofuels could be used for transport fuel and hand sanitizer, research shows

The agave plant - which is used to make tequila – could be the key ingredient to unlocking a new way of producing environmentally-friendly transport fuel and hand sanitizer, new research has found.

New director for Environment and Sustainability Institute

Professor Jane Wills has been chosen as the new director of the Environment and Sustainability Institute

Devon and Cornwall’s creative communities invited to show that “home is where the art is”

A playful and innovative set of new small-scale arts commissions, designed to harness Devon and Cornwall’s creative talents by showing that ‘home is where the arts is’, have been launched.

Exeter researchers discover a novel chemistry to protect our crops from fungal disease

Pathogenic fungi pose a huge and growing threat to global food security.

Interactive product labels require new regulations, study warns

Artificial intelligence will be increasingly used on labels on food and other products in the future to make them interactive, and regulations should be reformed now so they take account of new innovations, a study warns.

Self-care for ministers and providing clear information for parishioners essential to help church communities experiencing trauma due to Coronavirus, new advice says

Ensuring ministers look after their physical and mental health and providing clear information for parishioners is key to helping church communities cope with the trauma of coronavirus, new advice says.

Jim Sibson of Babcock International Group Appointed as Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Exeter

The University of Exeter has appointed Jim Sibson as an Honorary Associate Professor.

Global study shows how marine species respond as oceans warm

A global analysis of over 300 marine species spanning more than 100 years, shows that mammals, plankton, fish, plants and seabirds have been changing in abundance as our climate warms.

Engineering Director of SC Group, Steve Austen, appointed Associate Honorary Professor

One of the UK’s foremost mechanical engineers, Steve Austen, has been appointed as an Associate Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter.

Exeter genomics scientists to battle spread of coronavirus

Scientists and clinicians in Exeter are part of a £20 million investment to unlock the secrets of COVID-19.

Film fans can explore Hollywood icon Vivien Leigh’s South West links thanks to major new study

She achieved global stardom thanks to iconic roles in Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire. Now the public can explore how Vivien Leigh had strong links to the South West as well as Hollywood as part of a major new project.

Electric cars better for climate in 95% of the world

Fears that electric cars could actually increase carbon emissions are unfounded in almost all parts of the world, new research shows.

Exeter sea turtle expert on Forbes 30 Under 30 list

A University of Exeter researcher has been chosen for the Forbes “30 Under 30” list of innovators in science and heath across Europe.

“Blind over-reliance” on AI technology to manage international migration could lead to serious breaches of human rights, study warns

Over-reliance by countries on artificial intelligence to tackle international migration and manage future migration crisis could lead to serious breaches of human rights, a new study warns.

Mysterious bone circles made from the remains of mammoths reveal clues about Ice Age

Mysterious bone circles made from the remains of dozens of mammoths have revealed clues about how ancient communities survived Europe’s ice age.

Ship noise hampers crab camouflage

Colour-changing crabs struggle to camouflage themselves when exposed to noise from ships, new research shows.

LGBTQ+ heritage of museum collections to be revealed and celebrated as part of major new project

LGBTQ+ heritage embedded in the rich collections at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) will be revealed and celebrated as part of a major new collaboration, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Older beetle parents ‘less flexible’

Older parents are less flexible when it comes to raising their offspring, according to a new study of beetles.

Exeter appoints Professor Zhongdong Wang as Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean for CEMPS

Professor Zhongdong Wang has been appointed as the new Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean at the University of Exeter’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

Tropical forests’ carbon sink is already rapidly weakening

The ability of the world’s tropical forests to remove carbon from the atmosphere is decreasing, according to a study tracking 300,000 trees over 30 years, published today in Nature.

Facebook “prominent gateway” to untrustworthy websites during 2016 US presidential election, study shows

Facebook was the most prominent gateway to untrustworthy websites during the 2016 US Presidential election, a new study shows.

Jellyfish help understand the timing of egg production

Key protein has links to regulators of vertebrate feeding and reproduction

Exeter subjects ranked amongst the world’s best, according to influential league table

Subjects across the Arts and Sciences at the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the very best worldwide, in the latest influential global league table.

Ocean changes almost starved life of oxygen

Chemical changes in the oceans more than 800 million years ago almost destroyed the oxygen-rich atmosphere that paved the way for complex life on Earth, new research suggests.

Male-killing bugs hold key to butterflies’ curious colour changes

It is a spectacular butterfly breed with an intriguing back story – now scientists have revealed how male-killing bacteria are helping to create a dazzling hybrid of the African monarch.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? – new exhibition offers fascinating insight into Cornwall’s hidden world

A stunning new exhibition will offer a fascinating glimpse into the colourful and often kaleidoscopic world of bacteria, hidden out of sight throughout the distinctive Cornish landscape.

Activism and growth of small independent publishers leading to “profound change” for translated fiction, research shows

Activism, new networks and the growth of small independent presses is leading to profound change in the way translated fiction is published, a new study shows.

Early worm lost lower limbs for tube-dwelling lifestyle

Scientists have discovered the earliest known example of an animal evolving to lose body parts it no longer needed.

Seagulls favour food humans have handled

Seagulls favour food that has been handled by humans, new research shows.

New national circular economy coordinators announced

First investment of a £30m initiative supporting the UK’s transition to a circular economy

World-leading plastics research team collect Queen’s Anniversary prize

Prince Charles has awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education to a team at the University of Exeter.

Nine new staff join Global Systems Institute

A University of Exeter research institute has been boosted by the arrival of nine new staff.

Male doctoral graduates more likely to have a full-time, permanent job than their female counterparts, study shows

Male doctoral graduates are more likely to get a permanent job compared to their female counterparts, a new study shows.

Jet stream not getting ‘wavier’ despite Arctic warming

Rapid Arctic warming has not led to a “wavier” jet stream around the mid-latitudes in recent decades, pioneering new research has shown.

Researchers to investigate impact of shame on doctors, medical students and patients as part of major new study

Patients, doctors and medical students will share their experiences of shame as part of a new project that aims to understand the impact that the emotion has on healthcare.

World-class musician Nitin Sawhney to star in ‘Creative Dialogues’ event

One of the most important musicians of his generation will give a fascinating new insight into his influential and innovative work, during a special event at the University of Exeter.

Trial finds benefits to people and wildlife from beavers living wild in English countryside

A major five-year study into the impacts of beavers on the English countryside has concluded that the water-living mammals can bring measurable benefits to people and wildlife.

‘Disruptive Innovation’ in the spotlight at Cornwall Lecture

One of the UK’s most prominent digital experts, Tony Moretta, has spoken about the crucial role that ‘disruptive innovation’ can play in revolutionising the business landscape, during a special lecture event.

Build-up of brain proteins affects genes in Alzheimer’s disease

New research has shed fresh light on how the build-up of two proteins in the brain might affect the activity of genes involved in Alzheimer’s disease.

University of Exeter wins £4 million extension for health and housing project

The University of Exeter has announced that it has been awarded £4 million in further funding to continue with a project researching technology, health and housing in Cornwall.

Exeter in global initiative to use wearables to revolutionise dementia detection

The University of Exeter is part of a global initiative to revolutionise the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Testosterone levels affect risk of metabolic disease and cancers

Having genetically higher testosterone levels increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in women, while reducing the risk in men. Higher testosterone levels also increase the risks of breast and endometrial cancers in women, and prostate cancer in men.

Power of older people could save villages

Older people could hold the key to revitalising rural communities, researchers say.

People power key to new wildlife havens

People power will be the driving force behind new wildlife havens in three Cornish towns.

Teenagers learn of the horrors and legacy of the Holocaust at University of Exeter event

Teenagers learned of the horrors and legacy of the Holocaust – including a secret Nazi family past - as part of a University of Exeter event.

Beach clean data could boost science

Beach cleans can provide vital information on plastic pollution, researchers say.

£1.2 million USA grant to investigate psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease

Funding expected to total £1.2 million ($1,566,874) over four years from the USA’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) will help Exeter academics advance understanding about the underlying biological mechanisms leading to some people with Alzheimer’s disease developing psychosis.

Fundraising campaign hits target one year early

£60 million raised to support students and research at Exeter

University of Exeter and University of Madrid welcome new student exchange programme

A new exchange programme between the University of Exeter and University of Madrid will bring exciting new opportunities for staff and students.

First radiography degree apprenticeship launched in Exeter

The first degree apprenticeship in the UK for diagnostic radiography has been approved and will launch this March.

Zoo improvements should benefit all animals

Zoo improvements should benefit all animals and include a wide range of “enrichment” techniques, researchers say.

Tougher start could help captive-bred game birds

Tougher early lives could help captive-bred game birds develop survival skills for adulthood in the wild, new research suggests.

Shortness of breath and cough increase as first symptom of lung cancer

GPs are being urged to consider shortness of breath and cough as potential predictors of lung cancer, after a study found they were becoming more common as the first symptom in diagnosis.

Cutting road transport pollution could help plants grow

Cutting emissions of particular gases could improve conditions for plants, allowing them to grow faster and capture more carbon, new research suggests.

Turtle tracking reveals key feeding grounds

Loggerhead turtles feed in the same places year after year – meaning key locations should be protected, researchers say.

Perception of when its acceptable to sacrifice one person to save a larger group led by cultural differences, research shows

Cultural differences play a pivotal role in how people in different parts of the world perceive when it is acceptable to sacrifice one person to save a larger group, new research has shown.