Living Systems Institute news archive 2016 - 2022
New technology maps movement of microscopic algae, crucial to ocean health
The movement patterns of microscopic algae can be mapped in greater detail than ever before, giving new insights into ocean health, thanks to new technology developed at the University of Exeter.
Scientists show how fast-growing bacteria can resist antibiotics
Scientists have demonstrated how some fast-growing bacteria can resist treatment with antibiotics, according to a study published today in eLife.
Pioneering study identifies global dynamics of Antibiotic Resistance
Scientists have used ideas from artificial intelligence to identify patterns of antibiotic resistance around the world.
Three Exeter researchers win Discovery Fellowships
Three University of Exeter researchers have been awarded prestigious Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Discovery Fellowships.
Pioneering new technique to barcode cells
Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique to barcode individual cells more accurately and efficiently - which could help pave the way for quicker disease diagnosis.
Pioneering stem cell research could ease global sustainable food crisis
Scientists have made a pivotal breakthrough in the quest to ease the global sustainable food crisis through pioneering stem cell research.
Exeter expert awarded prestigious Institute of Physics medal
Professor Frank Vollmer, from the University of Exeter, has been awarded the prestigious Rosalind Franklin Medal by the Institute of Physics.
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.
Is bacterial acidity a key to tackle antimicrobial resistance?
Decreasing bacterial acidity could help reduce antimicrobial resistance by eliminating bacteria that can survive being treated with antibiotics.
New device refines scientists’ ability to sort and process human cells
An innovative new device which can examine and separate single cells on the basis of their response to stimuli could boost personalised medicine and advance our understanding of our own molecular mechanisms.
Exeter scientists awarded funding to tackle antimicrobial resistance
Three academics from the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute have received half a million pounds funding to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Stem cells create early human embryo structure in major advance for fertility research
Exeter scientists have discovered a simple, efficient way to recreate the early structure of the human embryo from stem cells in the laboratory. The new approach unlocks new ways of studying human fertility and reproduction.
LSI group leaders Scholpp and Bhinge awarded funding for important Alzheimer’s disease pilot study from BRACE
The BRACE award will fund research into the communication of nerve cells and their degeneration relating to Alzheimer’s disease. The research team will test how Wnt signals and β-amyloid interact in neurons to regulate the maintenance and growth of synaptic connections.
Multi-million funding boost for research into the origin and evolution of vision
A Neuroscience expert from the University of Exeter has been awarded multi-million pound funding to investigate the origin and evolution of vision across the animal kingdom.
Research breakthrough in understanding how neural systems process and store information
A team of scientists from the University of Exeter and the University of Auckland have made a breakthrough in the quest to better understand how neural systems are able to process and store information.
Research gives new insight into formation of the human embryo
Pioneering research has provided new insight into formation of the human embryo.
Research shows cytonemes distribute Wnt proteins in vertebrate tissue
Scientists have made a pivotal breakthrough in understanding the way in which cells communicate with each other.
New Business Manager for the Living Systems Institute
LSI welcomes Nicola Rogers as new Business Manager
University of Exeter Living Systems Institute to host global EMBO Conference 5-8 September 2021
International Workshop: Long-distance cell-cell signalling in development and disease
Exeter Professor selected for EPSRC’s Strategic Advisory Network
One of the University of Exeter’s foremost experts in using Mathematics in Biomedicine and Healthcare has been selected to join a prestigious national advisory group.
Research shows how single celled algae rotate as they swim towards the light
Scientists have made a pivotal breakthrough in the quest to understand how single-cell green algae are able to keep track of the light as they swim.
Pioneering new technique for super-resolution imaging
LSI Professor Christian Soeller, Research Fellow Alexander H. Clowsley and interdisciplinary team’s recent Repeat DNA-PAINT paper has been published in @NatureComms
PhD Viva Success for Award-Winning LSI Student
Congratulations to Josh Eaton LSI PhD, Biosciences for passing his viva with flying colours.
Pioneering new technique could revolutionise super-resolution imaging systems
Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique that could revolutionise the accuracy, precision and clarity of super-resolution imaging systems.
LSI staff going above and beyond
LSI colleagues Dr Steffen Scholpp, Associate Professor Cell and Developmental Biology and Mrs Karina Scholpp, Senior Administrator, LSI have been recognised with Above & Beyond awards for their unstinting contributions over the past year.
The Living Systems Institute hosts Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Lisa Roberts for end of year visit
Vice-Chancellor Roberts said of the meeting “It was an absolute delight and a real treat to be able to visit the LSI to see for myself the facilities and meet some of the researchers in person. The strength of interdisciplinary working shone through and it was a very good occasion to discuss future opportunities with Professor Smith.”
Research dispels fears human stem cells contain cancer-causing mutations
Pioneering new research has made a pivotal breakthrough that dispel concerns that human stem cells could contain cancer-causing mutations.
Conference brings together GW4 researchers to explore new directions and networks related to Physics of Life
The Living Systems Institute will host a one day conference and workshop on Monday 11th January 2021, bringing together GW4 researchers working in the field of biosensing and protein structures to establish a research community around emerging tools, and cutting edge research questions, in Sensing and modelling dynamic protein structures.
Award winning paper from West Group LSI PhD Josh Eaton
PhD student Josh Eaton and other members of the West Lab awarded 2020 Best Paper from the Oligonucleotide Therapeutic Society.
LSI researcher explains the Covid-19 vaccine on BBC Spotlight
Dr Steve West of the Exeter Living Systems Institute gave a brilliant explanation of how the Covid-19 vaccine works on BBC Spotlight.
Impact of social isolation on the brain... of fish
Have you recently wondered how social-distancing and self-isolation may be affecting your brain?
University of Exeter and Medicines Discovery Catapult combine to industrialise academic medicines research
Today (November 12th 2020) the University of Exeter and Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) announce their strategic partnership to accelerate medicines Research & Development (R&D), creating value for the sector and enhancing translational skills.
Exeter receives £1.2 million grant for pioneering new research hub
The University of Exeter has been awarded a grant of more than £1 million to create a new research hub to boost diagnosing and managing some of the world’s most debilitating long-term health conditions and antimicrobial infections.
Eavesdropping on single molecules with light by replaying the chatter
Scientists have pioneered a new technique to expose hidden biochemical pathways involving single molecules at the nanoscale.
State-of-the-art imaging method provides new insights into how bacteria move and exchange genetic information
Scientists have made a pivotal breakthrough in advancing our understanding of how bacteria move and perform genetic exchange.
Rising research star receives prestigious fellowship to develop “molecular movie camera”
One of the new generation of rising research stars at the University of Exeter has received a prestigious national fellowship.
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.
Rising research star at Exeter secures prestigious Biochemical Society award
A rising research star at the University of Exeter has received a prestigious national award, it has been announced.
Jellyfish help understand the timing of egg production
Key protein has links to regulators of vertebrate feeding and reproduction
Letting the Biological Question Drive the Technology
The University Biosciences community enjoyed an inspiring talk by Paul Verkade
Pioneering research gives fresh insight into one of the pivotal building blocks of life
The quest to better understand how genomic information is read has taken a new step forward, thanks to pioneering new research.
Newly appointed Mireille Gillings Fellows will develop future women leaders in health science
The University of Exeter has appointed three Mireille Gillings Professorial Fellows in Health Innovation.
LSI and Nanyang Technological University launch pioneering Biomedical PhD studentship scheme
The University of Exeter’s pioneering Living Systems Institute has teamed up with one of the world’s fastest-rising universities to offer a new, exceptional student opportunity.
LSI hosts its first Fulbright US Scholar
The Living Systems Institute will host its first recipient of the Fulbright scholarship to study mathematical biology.
World-leading stem cell researcher appointed new Director of Living Systems Institute
One of the world’s most influential and renowned stem cell researchers has been appointed as the new Director of the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute.
Rising research star receives prestigious ERC funding award
A rising research star at the University of Exeter has received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.
Maths experts receive prestigious fellowships
Two leading mathematicians from the University of Exeter have been selected to receive prestigious international fellowships.
Privatization of public goods can cause population decline, research shows
Scientists have given a fascinating new insight into the way microbes adopt a ‘co-operative’ approach to securing the nutrients they need to thrive.
Pioneering research project received substantial grant
A new research project to help unravel the mysteries behind some of the most important biochemistry and molecular signalling that make our bodies work, has received a substantial grant.
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Astronomers help wage war on cancer
Techniques developed by astronomers could help in the fight against breast and skin cancer.
Free interactive public event at Exeter’s Living Systems Institute
People of all ages will be given a fascinating insight into some of the pioneering research taking place at the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute at a special public event.
EMBO Lab Leadership Course at LSI
The LSI hosted a 4-day EMBO Laboratory Management Course as a part of its mentoring programme, to support the junior PIs and Research Fellows at the Institute from 21 -25 January 2019.
Exeter neuroscience expert secures prestigious award
A neuroscience expert from the University of Exeter has secured a prestigious Wellcome Trust Investigator Award to pioneer new research into the function of neural circuits.
New state-of-the-art optical spectrum analyser will help to detect disease
Pioneering research, conducted by Professor Frank Vollmer at the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute, will advance even further thanks to support from the Berthold Leibinger Stiftung.
Research into cell-to-cell signalling mechanism may lead to new cancer treatments
Pioneering new research into the way in which cells communicate with each other could hold the key
Rising stars of research at Exeter receive prestigious European Research Council funding
Three rising research stars at the University of Exeter have received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.
‘The eyes have it’- photoreceptors in marine plankton form a depth gauge to aid survival
The eyes of some marine-dwelling creatures have evolved to act like a “depth gauge”, allowing these creatures to swim in the open ocean at a certain depth .
Exeter gets two Entrepreneurs in Residence
The University of Exeter now has two Entrepreneurs in Residence, appointed as part of a new Royal Society scheme.
Research offers new insight into workings of building blocks of life
Pioneering new research could offer a fascinating new insight into how genomic information is read.
Pulling power reveals new insights into membrane dynamics in human cells
Scientists have discovered how the movement and membrane dynamics of a specific organelle – called peroxisomes – are mediated.
Pioneering new technique could boost understanding of causes of heart disease
The complex and mysterious mechanisms that drive communication and reactions within human cells could be on the verge of being unravelled, due to a pioneering new technique.
Exeter to award and host prestigious MRC Skills Development Fellowships
The Centres for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare and Biomedical Modelling and Analysis will partner with the MRC to award and host Skills Development Fellowships.
Nerve cell findings may aid understanding of movement disorders
A pioneering study of the human nervous system could provide a breakthrough in our understanding of the causes of movement disorders, such as motor neurone disease.
Breakthrough in understanding mitochondria
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding how mitochondria – the “powerhouses” of human cells – are made.
Research could give insight into genetic basis of the human muscle disease, myopathy
Pioneering research using the tropical zebrafish could provide new insights into the genetic basis of myopathy, a type of human muscle disease.
Rising stars of research at Exeter receive MRC fellowships
Prestigious fellowships from the Medical Research Council (MRC) will help nurture the next generation of research excellence at the University of Exeter.
Living Systems Institute a double winner at 2017 Michelmores Property Awards
The University of Exeter’s flagship Living Systems Institute (LSI) secured two accolades at a prestigious awards ceremony.
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.
Cabinet Minister visits University - and gives students tips on how to become an MP
Cabinet Minister David Lidington visited the University of Exeter today and met academics who have given evidence to Parliament and students studying politics and history.
Nobel Laureates to deliver keynote speeches at Living Systems Institute Opening International Symposium
Two Nobel Laureates will deliver keynote speeches at a prestigious international scientific symposium celebrating the opening of the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute (LSI).
Exeter’s New Living Systems Institute hosts ‘Global Conversation’
The pioneering and world-leading research conducted at the University of Exeter’s state-of-the-art Living Systems Institute (LSI) will form the basis of the latest high-profile Global Conversation event.