News archive 2014
Leading university researchers to deliver talks at local aquarium
Falmouth Aquarium, in collaboration with the University of Exeter, is hosting a series of public lectures from January which will see leading researchers discussing topical issues from climate change and food security to how we can reduce our own individual energy usage.
Artificial reef to be created from waste seashells
Specialists in marine resources and artificial reefs have gathered at the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) to discuss the design and creation of an innovative new marine reef in the English Channel.
Satellite tracking identifies Atlantic Ocean risk zones for leatherback turtles
The last large populations of the leatherback turtle are at risk because their migratory routes in the Atlantic Ocean overlap with the locations of industrial fisheries, a new study shows.
Research and creative industries workshop for creative practitioners
Creative practitioners are invited to the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) on Monday 7 April to learn more about how they can work with universities and academic researchers to support and develop their creative practice.
Managed honeybees linked to new diseases in wild bees
Diseases that are common in managed honeybee colonies are now widespread in the UK’s wild bumblebees, according to research published in Nature.
Researchers track light pollution from space
Urban development and the growth of cities across Europe have resulted in a continental trend towards increasing brightness of night-time light.
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Understanding microclimate could improve wildlife conservation management in a warming world, say researchers
Understanding the relevance of microclimate for wildlife may improve the effectiveness of conservation management in a warming world; say a group of researchers who have this week published an article discussing the topic in the popular conservation magazine, British Wildlife.
Virtual bees help to unravel complex causes of colony decline
Scientists have created an ingenious computer model that simulates a honey bee colony over the course of several years.
Cornish pond owners recruited for study into frog killing diseases
Pond owners across Cornwall are being sought by a student at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus who is conducting research into whether two deadly frog diseases can be found in the county.
Global warming may increase methane emissions from freshwater ecosystems
New research led by the University of Exeter suggests that rising global temperatures will increase the quantity of the key greenhouse gas methane emitted from freshwater ecosystems to the Earth’s atmosphere – which could in turn lead to further warming.
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Art and science collaboration explores Cornwall’s mining heritage
Cornwall’s illustrious mining heritage has provided the inspiration for a special collaboration between a local artist and University of Exeter scientist.
Flood prone communities in UK and Africa to share their stories through theatre
An ambitious project exploring the shared experiences of flood-hit and vulnerable communities in Cornwall and Kenya has been announced today, with the aim of building resilience for those affected by climate change and extreme weather events.
New charter group forms a collective voice for Cornish outdoor activity providers
A new group designed to give key providers in Cornwall’s burgeoning outdoor activity sector a collective voice and ensure that they operate with the highest regard for the environment, has been launched.
How Australia got the hump with one million feral camels
A new study by a University of Exeter researcher has shed light on how an estimated one million-strong population of wild camels thriving in Australia’s remote outback have become reviled as pests and culled on a large scale.
Resilience and Development: mobilising for transformation
Eleven scientists from Geography and the Environment and Sustainability Institute at the University of Exeter, will be attending the Resilience2014 Conference.
An eye in the sky: UAVs in Environmental Research
UAVs in Environmental Research, a two-day scientific meeting, takes place 10-11 July 2014 at the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute.
Allotments yield healthier soil, study finds
The soils under Britain's allotments are significantly healthier than intensively farmed soils, researchers have found.
Cornish students help leading university research institute celebrate its first anniversary
Students from secondary schools across Cornwall joined researchers and postgraduate students from the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) to help celebrate the Institute’s highly successful first year.
Climate change and disasters discussed by Exeter academic at Hay Festival
The impact of weather-related disasters and how humans can prepare for climate change in the future will be discussed by a panel including Professor Katrina Brown of the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) at the Hay Festival of Literature and the Arts this week.
Gannet sat nav reveals impact of fishing vessels
Fishing vessels have a far bigger ecological footprint than previously thought, according to research which tracked the movement and behaviour of seabirds using GPS devices.
Young Cornish students help create unique artwork
‘Trawler Trash’ a unique installation created by artist Liz Franklin and Cornish Yr 10 students has been unveiled at the University of Exeter's Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) on the Penryn Campus.
Exeter 6th in UK for most cited researchers says new global ranking
Eight University of Exeter academics feature in an authoritative new list of the most highly cited researchers, published this week by Thompson Reuters. This places Exeter 6th in the UK.
Penryn Campus peloton make final preparations for school maths tour with a difference
A team of intrepid experts are preparing to set the wheels in motion in their quest to bring maths to life for Cornish schoolchildren.
Exeter scientist reveals secrets of Scotland’s basking sharks in new report
Seas between the islands of Skye and Mull on Scotland’s west coast are highly important for basking sharks, according to a report published today by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
Fal-moth study needs your garden
Falmouth residents are being sought by a student at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus who is conducting research into the causes of moth declines.
Business and bees could benefit from new research
Researchers from the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) are collaborating with Cornwall’s leading vegetable growing company to increase its courgette yields by understanding more about how bees and other insects pollinate the plants.
First scientific UAV facility in the UK launched in Cornwall
Cornwall is home to the UK’s first scientific facility dedicated to research involving Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), with a series of talks taking place on July 10-11 to mark the exciting launch.
Science could help Cornwall lead the world in sustainable lobster fishing
Biologists from the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute at the Penryn Campus are assessing the impact of the National Lobster Hatchery’s activities on wild lobsters around Cornwall’s coast.
Feedback control could be key to robust conservation management
Mathematical algorithms used to control everyday household items such as washing machines could hold the key to winning the fight for conservation, a new study has claimed.
Cornish collaboration could revolutionise the market for electric vehicles
A new partnership between businesses and academics in Cornwall could revolutionise the way electric vehicles (EVs) are marketed in the UK.
Should we listen to our genes, or does mother know best?
Breaking the mould of inherited family characteristics could help you survive in a fast-changing world, scientists have discovered.
New report takes stock of jellyfish in UK seas
A new report by the University of Exeter and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) takes stock of where and when UK jellyfish occur in UK seas for the first time in over 40 years.
Penryn mathematicians help local magnet company attract international markets
A Falmouth company aims to beat off international competition by offering a more accurate method of characterising magnets for its global client base.
Cornish winemakers could benefit from climate change study
The UK’s burgeoning winemaking industry will benefit from new research to assess climate change's impacts on Cornwall’s vineyards.
Cornwall team investigates potential for bacteria to boost Europe’s metal production
Cornwall could lead the way in developing green techniques to help European mining companies extract more scarce and valuable metals and significantly reduce their environmental impact.
Royal visit to Hatchery gives an insight into lobster research
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow recently where he learnt about the charity’s pioneering research work with the University of Exeter.
Research shows how buildings can better generate and retain energy
A PhD student has published new research into how improvements to Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BiPV) systems can mean more efficient, lower cost energy.
Cornish residents sought for study into environmental risks
Scientists at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus are seeking members of the public to help conduct research into how certain plants, animals and other environmental factors in and around homes are perceived by Cornish residents.
It’s all a front – scientists unravel the mystery of gannets’ feeding success
Researchers at Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Exeter have combined two innovative technologies to probe the mystery of how seabirds locate food hotspots across vast tracts of ocean.
Protected areas proven to conserve biodiversity
Protected areas such as nature reserves and national parks do conserve biodiversity and more action is needed to ensure safeguards are in place to preserve them, according to a new international study.
New research highlights impacts of light pollution on marine life
Newly-published research highlights the variety of impacts light pollution has on the marine environment.
The ESI on the BBC
The Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI)’s Politics contingent has been in demand on the BBC.
The Environment Agency at the ESI
The ESI recently hosted meetings with Environment Agency (EA) colleagues to explore collaborative opportunities and improve understanding of each other’s work.
The ESI on the BBC, part two ...
The ESI's Director, Professor Kevin J Gaston, joined - among others - Monty Don and George Monbiot on BBC Radio 4's 'Shared Planet'.
Two-minute tours of ESI research
ESI researchers take the opportunity to explain their work in no more than 120 seconds.
Study identifies priority regions for conservation of iconic large marine animals
Oceanic fronts - areas where nutrients are drawn together resulting in foraging hotspots - should be priority regions for conservation efforts.
ESI hosts signing of major new funding deal for the region
ESI hosts signing of £200m Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Deal
ESI researchers pivotal in major world conference
Renewables researchers help bring the world's best together for major conference in India.
The ESI: in demand on the BBC again
Another ESI researcher has appeared on BBC Radio 4's 'Shared Planet' with Monty Don.
The next generation: researchers and teachers strengthen links
Local school and college teachers and lecturers meet ESI researchers to discuss collaboration.
Citizens' Takeover of County Hall, Truro
The people of Cornwall get their chance to say what they would do if given the chance to run the county and shape its future.
Study reveals startling decline in European birds
Bird populations across Europe have experienced sharp declines over the past 30 years, with the majority of losses from the most common species, say researchers from the University of Exeter.
Dr Glücksman's Arctic Role
ESI researcher moderates a session on young people in the Arctic at a major international conference in Iceland.
Exeter researchers go to town with badgers and meerkats
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter will be heading to London on Friday to showcase their research on badgers and meerkats as part in the Great British Bioscience Festival.
Reports identify areas where wildlife can survive in a changing climate
The University of Exeter has worked with Natural England on a project that helps to target conservation action.
New report highlights 'significant and increasing' risks from extreme weather
University of Exeter researchers have played a crucial role in creating a comprehensive new report indicating that the global risk from extreme weather is set to intensify.
Cornwall’s mysterious Bluefin tuna dissected at Penryn Campus
Researchers from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus have completed their post-mortem of a Bluefin tuna.
Researchers to use algae to clean up mine water
A ground breaking research project aims to clean up water from a Cornish tin mine, using algae to harvest the precious heavy metals and produce biofuel.
University of Exeter receives £5 million investment for STEM subjects
The University of Exeter has today received a £5 million funding boost to create its next generation of world-class science facilities.
Unwrapping the science of Christmas
Many species of animals do weird and wonderful things during the colder months.
Sustainable Cornwall - The Cultural Connection
The ESI recently hosted a day's conference organised by the Institute of Cornish Studies (ICS).