Skip to main content

News archive 2017

Tuna dissected by university scientists

A tuna accidentally caught off Devon has been dissected by scientists at the University of Exeter.

Read story


First ESI Think Tank held on “The Anatomy of Adaptation”

The first ESI Think Tank took place on Friday 24 November, tackling the subject of “The Anatomy of Adaptation”.

Read story


ESI researcher awarded prestigious fellowship

Dr Stineke Van Houte from the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute has been awarded a prestigious BBSRC Future Leader Fellowship entitled: "CRISPR-Cas9 gene drives to fight antimicrobial resistance".

Read story


First ESI Think Tank held on “The Anatomy of Adaptation”

The first ESI took place on Friday 24 November, tackling the subject of “The Anatomy of Adaptation”.

Read story


ESI researcher awarded prestigious fellowship

Dr Stineke Van Houte from the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute has been awarded a prestigious BBSRC Future Leader Fellowship entitled: "CRISPR-Cas9 gene drives to fight antimicrobial resistance".

Read story


Lighting revolution may increase light pollution

A study of pictures of Earth by night has revealed that artificial light is growing brighter and more extensive every year.

Read story


Diversity and immigration increase productivity in microbial communities

Natural selection quickly turns a melting pot of microorganisms into a highly efficient community, new research shows

Read story


Communities Secretary Sajid Javid visits Penryn Campus

Key senior Government members visited the Penryn Campus to strengthen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities for Cornwall arising from Brexit.

Read story


Project develops next generation of offshore renewable energy technology

World-leading researchers from the University of Exeter will collaborate with counterparts in China on a pioneering new project to develop the next generation of offshore renewable energy (ORE) technologies.

Read story


Buildings to generate their own power with innovative glass blocks

Buildings could soon be able to convert the sun’s energy into electricity without the need for solar panels, thanks to innovative new technology.

Read story


‘Inefficient’ sailing fleet keeps oyster fishery alive

Oyster stocks in a Cornish fishery are sustained thanks to “inefficient” traditional fishing methods, new research suggests.

Read story


Grown-up gannets find favourite fishing grounds

Like humans, some birds can spend years learning and exploring before developing more settled habits. 

Read story


Heritage Futures event marks project midpoint

The University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute invited partners and collaborators of the 4-year research project Heritage Futures to mark the project’s midpoint.

Read story


Cornwall businesses create a buzz for the environment

Businesses from different sectors including hospitality, food and drink and tourism explored solutions to help reverse bee declines.

Read story


Bees move in at university after swarming on to campus

A swarm of bees that turned up on a university campus has been allowed to stay.

Read story


Prize for ‘outstanding’ University of Exeter ecologist

A University of Exeter ecologist has won a prestigious prize for his outstanding achievements. 

Read story


Connecting the Curriculum - ESI Teacher Affiliate Day

Teachers and technicians from Cornwall’s post-16 sector spent a day with Kevin Gaston's research group for the first ESI Teacher Affiliate Day..

Read story


Drowsy dormice doze into decline

Britain’s population of hazel dormice has declined by more than 70%, new research shows.

Read story


‘BEEHAVE’ project wins innovation award

A project which helps protect bees has won the 2017 BBSRC Innovator of the Year award for Social Impact.  

Read story


‘Let some heritage sites go’, says academic

Some heritage sites cannot be preserved and should be allowed to decay, a new book argues.

Read story


Vice-President of Royal Society visits University of Exeter

One of the UK’s leading scientists has praised the “energy, commitment and enthusiasm” of researchers at the University of Exeter, during a special visit.

Read story


Global warming kills gut bacteria in lizards

Climate change could threaten reptiles by reducing the number of bacteria living in their guts, new research suggests.

Read story


Volunteers needed to help save ‘less popular’ species

Which species would you save from extinction: Elephants or newts? Toads or tigers?

Read story


Environment and Sustainability Institute appoints new Director

Professor Juliet Osborne has been appointed as the new Director of the University of Exeter’s flagship Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI).

Read story


Creativity and Stewardship in Changing Landscapes

Mid-Cornwall’s china clay country has seen many changes over the last several hundred years, and it continues to change along with the clay industry and the surrounding communities. 

Read story


Light pollution has serious impact on coastal wildlife, research shows

Scientists have recognised for some years that light pollution is a growing phenomenon that impacts on the behaviour and success of many animals.

Read story


Cornish pupils given insight into ‘why energy matters’ at Environment & Sustainability Day

Dozens of schoolchildren from across Cornwall were given a fascinating insight into the relationship between energy and the environment, at a special event held at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus.

Read story


6000 Flowers Arts Project creates a buzz for bumblebees as Cornwall welcomes the first day of Spring

A new art show launched this week at The Environment and Sustainability Institute’s Creative Exchange as Cornwall welcomed the arrival of Spring.

Read story


The foundation of aquatic life can rapidly adapt to global warming, new research suggests

Important microscopic creatures which produce half of the oxygen in the atmosphere can rapidly adapt to global warming, new research suggests.

Read story


Breeding oilseed rape varieties for pollinator-friendly traits

Amounts and sugar content of nectar vary between commercial varieties of oilseed rape (OSR) produced with different breeding systems, when tested in the glasshouse. 

Read story


European funding launches Marine-i to provide support to marine businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Up to £6.8m of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) has been secured to develop marine technology research, development and innovation activities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Read story


Planned protection area would help basking sharks

A proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) off Scotland’s west coast would help basking sharks, researchers say.

Read story


Watching birds near your home is good for your mental health

People living in neighbourhoods with more birds, shrubs and trees are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and stress, according to research.

Read story


Exeter helps protect Myanmar marine life

A new plan to protect Myanmar’s diverse marine life has been announced.

Read story


Warming ponds could accelerate climate change

Rising temperatures could accelerate climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide stored in ponds and increasing the methane they release, new research shows.

Read story


Basking sharks seek out winter sun

The winter habits of Britain’s basking sharks have been revealed for the first time.

Read story


Gene editing could help tackle cancer and inherited diseases

Gene editing techniques developed in the last five years could help in the battle against cancer and inherited diseases.

Read story


Climate change and fishing create ‘trap’ for penguins

Endangered penguins are foraging for food in the wrong places due to fishing and climate change, research led by the University of Exeter and the University of Cape Town has revealed.

Read story


Penryn research excellence illustrated by competition success

Penryn PhD students are celebrating after sweeping the board at a high-profile research competition.

Read story