News archive - 2012

Fit females make more daughters, mighty males get grandsons

Females influence the gender of their offspring so they inherit either their mother’s or grandfather’s qualities.

Timely ends: telomere length in early life predicts lifespan

New research by a team from the Universities of Glasgow and Exeter shows that a good indicator of how long individuals will live can be obtained from early in life using the length of specialised pieces of DNA called telomeres. 

Predators hunt for a balanced diet

Predators select their prey in order to eat a nutritionally balanced diet and give themselves the best chance of producing healthy offspring.

Cefas and the University of Exeter sign strategic alliance

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the University of Exeter have sealed a strategic collaboration.

£20 million centre will advance disease treatment

The University of Exeter has announced plans to develop a £20 million interdisciplinary research centre to understand how cells operate and how diseases are caused.

University and Netmums join forces to tackle postnatal depression

The University of Exeter and parenting website Netmums are developing a new online therapy programme for postnatal depression.

The Sport of Science

On the 17 January 2012 we will be bringing together a panel of speakers, including Exeter alumni, who are involved in the Games – both on the field and behind the scenes – to talk about their own experiences and the relationship between science and sport.

Research reveals power of the subconscious on human fear

The human subconscious has a bigger impact than previously thought on how we respond to danger, according to research led by the University of Exeter.

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.

South West researchers awarded £4.2m to improve our understanding of life on Earth

A new partnership, announced by the Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, aims to establish the South West of England as a centre for international excellence in training for bioscience and food security research.

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.

Exeter scientists illustrate plant communication in landmark BBC series

The University of Exeter has contributed to a new BBC Two series, by conducting an experiment that visualises communication between plants.

Redder ladybirds more deadly, say scientists

A ladybird’s colour indicates how well-fed and how toxic it is, according to an international team of scientists.

First study to show that Bisphenol A exposure increases risk of future onset of heart disease

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a controversial chemical widely used in the plastics industry.

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.

Local people share experiences of depression at University launch event

Local people will share their experiences of depression when the University of Exeter’s Mood Disorders Centre opens its doors to the public on Saturday 31 March.

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.

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.

New £3.6 million mood disorders research facility opens its doors

The South West region is set to benefit from a new £3.6 million building dedicated to researching treatments for mood disorders such as depression and Bipolar Disorder.

Exhibition reveals South West's repair industries as threatened and thriving

An exhibition offering a unique insight into the business of repairing everyday objects opens at the University of Exeter on 11 April.

University researcher reaches finals of prestigious global competition

Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, from Lima (Peru) has been named as a finalist in one of the world’s most prestigious wildlife conservation competitions - the Whitley Awards.

Exeter expert to advise on care for children with heart problems

An expert in children’s health from the University of Exeter has been selected to join an expert steering committee that will give children born with heart problems the best possible chance in life.

University granted bronze Athena SWAN award

Following the University’s membership of the Athena SWAN Charter which began in 2011, it was delighted this year to receive the Bronze university award, recognising that the University has a solid foundation for eliminating gender bias and developing an inclusive culture that values all staff.

Green-glowing fish provides new insights into health impacts of pollution

Understanding the damage that pollution causes to both wildlife and human health is set to become much easier thanks to a new green-glowing zebrafish.

Birds cultivate decorative plants to attract mates

An international team of scientists has uncovered the first evidence of a non-human species cultivating plants for use other than as food.

Exeter biologist rediscovers 'forgotten' 19th century illustrations

A unique collection of nineteenth century visual teaching aids belonging to the University of Exeter has been rediscovered after more than six decades.

International research team unravels origin of devastating kiwifruit disease

An international research team including an Exeter scientist has used the latest DNA sequencing technology to trace a devastating pathogen back to its likely origin of China.

Environment and Sustainability Institute reaches construction milestone

The Leadbitter Group and the University of Exeter have celebrated reaching the highest point in the construction of the University’s £30 million Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) with a traditional topping out ceremony.

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.

First satellite tag study for manta rays reveals habits and hidden journeys of ocean giants

Using the latest satellite tracking technology, conservationists from the Wildlife Conservation Society, the University of Exeter and the Government of Mexico have completed a ground-breaking study on a mysterious ocean giant: the manta ray.

Universities showcase creativity and lift the lid on research for the local community

The University of Exeter and University College Falmouth will be showcasing creativity, originality and ground-breaking research in all sorts of ways for the local community and visitors to Falmouth to enjoy between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 19 May 2012.

University scientist joins international team to sequence butterfly genome

A University of Exeter scientist has joined a landmark effort to sequence the genome of a South American butterfly.

£30,000 award to South West sea-life scientist

HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) has presented a Whitley Award for inspirational conservation leadership to University of Exeter research fellow Joanna Alfaro Shigueto for her work to build a better future for Pacific coast wildlife and fishing communities.

The heart rules the head when we make financial decisions

Our ‘gut feelings’ influence our decisions, overriding ‘rational’ thought, when we are faced with financial offers that we deem to be unfair, according to a new study.

Light pollution transforming insect communities

Street lighting is transforming communities of insects and other invertebrates, according to research by the University of Exeter.

Universities champion biodiversity in Cornwall

Students from the University of Exeter and Falmouth University have joined forces with the Tremough Campus Services Group (TCSG) to collaborate on the formation of a new Biodiversity Enhancement Plan for the Cornwall Campus.

UK study into whether physical activity aids depression finds no additional benefit

Current clinical guidance recommends physical activity to alleviate the symptoms of depression.

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.

University scientists develop new tools for conservation and wildlife management

A University of Exeter team has developed new software tools for helping prioritise efforts in species conservation.

Attitude towards age increases risk of dementia diagnosis

Our attitude towards our age has a massive impact on the likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia.

Ancient story of Dartmoor tors has an ice-cold twist

Ice extended further across the UK than previously thought and played a part in sculpting the rocky landscape of Dartmoor in South West England during the last Ice Age, according to new research which challenges previously held theories.

Training people to inhibit movements can reduce risk-taking

New research from psychologists at the Universities of Exeter and Cardiff shows that people can train their brains to become less impulsive, resulting in less risk-taking during gambling.

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.

Eat less meat and improve farming efficiency to tackle climate change

We need to eat less meat and recycle our waste to rebalance the global carbon cycle and reduce our risk of dangerous levels of climate change

Cornwall academic awarded prize for conservation contribution

Professor Brendan Godley from the Cornwall Campus has been awarded a prestigious prize from the Zoological Society of London for his outstanding contributions to conservation science.

University of Exeter research uncovers rice blast infection mechanism

Scientists at the University of Exeter have made a new discovery that they hope might lead to effective control of rice blast disease.

University of Exeter boosts research in disease prevention and treatment

The University of Exeter is furthering our understanding of the causes and treatments of diseases.

Exeter Sports Science students win Coubertin Award

Two Sports Science students will be collecting an award for their essay on corruption in sport at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London on June 25th.

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.

Helping family is key for social birds

Social birds that forgo breeding to help to raise the offspring of other group members are far more likely care for their own close relatives than for more distant kin, a new study has found.

University scientists to reveal the secret life of sharks

University of Exeter scientists are part of a team investigating the movements of large sharks visiting Scottish waters.

Public sightings suggest increase in basking sharks in British waters

The number of basking sharks recorded in Britain’s seas could be increasing, decades after being protected from commercial hunting in the late 20th century.

Snacking and BMI linked to double effect of brain activity and self-control

Snack consumption and BMI are linked to both brain activity and self-control, new research has found.

Expert takes part in Olympic symposium

A world-leading expert in health and exercise among children has been taking part in an international conference ahead of the start of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Obama needs to show Americans he's still 'one of them'

To win a second term in office, President Obama needs to persuade voters that he is still 'one of them' – and recapture some of the charisma that helped propel him to the top four years ago.

Exeter lecturers awarded for excellent teaching

The Higher Education Academy (HEA) has announced that two University of Exeter lecturers have been awarded National Teaching Fellowships.

Dairy cows' health and productivity set to benefit from Exeter study

University of Exeter scientists are undertaking the first ever study of its kind to investigate how the way dairy cows interact with one another impacts on their health and productivity.

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 geographers collaborate with artists on the Jurassic Coast

University of Exeter geographers have helped shape a series of new artworks and special free events for visitors to Hive Beach, Dorset, to enjoy this summer.

Exeter team solves fungi cell mystery

A University of Exeter team of scientists has solved the puzzle of how fungi organise their nuclei, which contain their DNA.

Be a scientist for the day in Falmouth

University of Exeter scientists from the Cornwall Campus are inviting local people to join them and become scientists for the day in Falmouth on Friday 17 August.

Exeter professor's double accolade for nursing science

A University of Exeter professor has been elected President of the European Academy of Nursing Science.

Study proves that one extinction leads to another

When a carnivore becomes extinct, other predatory species could soon follow, according to new research.

Research links Bisphenol-A to narrowing of the arteries

A research team from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD), University of Exeter, and University of Cambridge has for the first time established a link between high levels of urinary Bisphenol-A (BPA) and severe coronary artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries).

Menopause evolved to prevent competition between in-laws

The menopause evolved, in part, to prevent competition between a mother and her new daughter-in-law, according to research published in the journal Ecology Letters.

Blanket bogs need protection from climate change

Blanket bogs, which provide vital habitats for a unique range of plants, birds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, are at risk of declining as a result of climate change.

Exeter academics contribute to arts-science debate

Artists, scientists and policy makers will come together at the third Creative Coast Forum event at the University of Exeter on 10 September.

Long menopause allows killer whales to care for adult sons

Scientists have found the answer to why female killer whales have the longest menopause of any non-human species - to care for their adult sons.

Exeter research reveals winning ingredient that can’t be beet

Athletes competing this summer have benefited from an unlikely ingredient to fuel their Olympic and Paralympic success.

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.

Exeter scientist discovers UK's rarest bat in East Devon

University of Exeter scientist Dr Fiona Mathews has discovered one of Britain’s rarest mammals living in East Devon.

Football scores a health hat trick for hypertensive men

Playing football (soccer) could be the best way for people with high blood pressure, known as hypertension, to improve their fitness, normalise their blood pressure and reduce their risk of stroke. 

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.

New report by Exeter academic identifies connection between brain injury and crime in young people

Psychology Professor Huw Williams has authored a major new report, published today, on the impact that acquired brain injuries can have on young people in childhood.

Twitter principles of social networking increase family success in nesting birds

New research carried out by scientists at Universities  in Exeter, France and Switzerland reveals for the first time the importance of social networking in producing a successful family.

American academic to assess impact of Frankenstorm

An American scientist at the University of Exeter is assessing the impact of the mega storm resulting from Hurricane Sandy as it rips through his homeland.

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.

Grant award of €5 million will fund pioneering University research

Four of Europe’s most promising scientists from the University of Exeter have received a total of more than €5 million to advance cutting-edge research which will help develop a deeper understanding of the world.

Research to reveal route to affordable, secure and sustainable energy

What is the best way for people in the UK to have access to affordable, secure and sustainable energy?

Inspirational Scientist wins European award for Communicating Research

A University of Exeter academic has been hailed as one of Europe’s best young researchers when she received an award in recognition of her work in making complex science easily accessible.

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.

Teenagers urged to exercise to ward off bone disease

Playing football or running for at least three hours a week could help teenagers counteract the potential damage to their bone health caused by prolonged spells of sitting.

Say hi to a magpie via new app

A new app which encourages people to say “good morning Mr Magpie” via their mobile phone will help scientists evaluate the benefits which birds bring to the quality of human life.

£2 million research boost for Exeter scientists is part of major international push to help the world’s poorest farmers

University of Exeter scientists have received a £2 million boost to their efforts to tackle crop diseases that affect farmers globally – from Sub Saharan Africa to South West England.

Poetry, photography, and procedures - the arts meet medicine

Preventive medicine, cancer and body image are the issues which will be explored in a creatively focused event at the University of Exeter on 27 November.  

Blame, responsibility and demand for change following floods

New research shows that concerns about governmental failure to act effectively and fairly in the aftermath of extreme weather events can affect the degree to which residents are willing to protect themselves.

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.

Industry and communities unite on energy security

An expert from the University of Exeter will join energy company executives and community leaders at the Eden Project on Thursday (6th Dec) to discuss how to secure the UK’s energy needs.

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’.

Cognitive behavioural therapy proves effective at reducing depression in people who have not responded to antidepressants

Antidepressants are the most widely used treatment for people with moderate to severe depression.

Group interaction among elderly is the key to significant health outcomes

The health benefits of 'water clubs' in care homes for the elderly, where residents gather together regularly to drink water, owe as least as much to the social nature of the activity as to the value of drinking water itself, an investigation by psychologists has shown.

Viruses cooperate or conquer to cause maximum destruction

Scientists have discovered new evidence about the evolution of viruses, in work that will change our understanding about the control of infectious diseases such as winter flu.

Double win for water research projects

Two prestigious awards have been presented to projects in which University of Exeter scientists are helping to develop groundbreaking methods to monitor the success of restoration of the South West’s upland peatlands.

Kids go wild for Cornwall’s new science lab

Broadcaster and naturalist Nick Baker has opened a new state-of-the-art teaching laboratory in Cornwall, which will help encourage children to engage with science.

Birdsong bluster may dupe strange females, but it won’t fool partners

Male birds use their song to dupe females they have just met by pretending they are in excellent physical condition.

Badger sleeping habits could help target TB control

Sleeping away from the family home is linked to health risks for badgers, new research by the University of Exeter and the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) has revealed.