News archive 2017
Research shows driving factors behind changes between local and global carbon cycles
Research has provided a fascinating insight in the quest to determine whether temperature or water availability is the most influential factor in determining the success of global, land-based carbon sinks.
Why hospital antibiotic management strategies do little to curb resistance
With an alarming growth in antibiotic resistance and doctors increasingly having to resort to last-chance antibiotics to save patients, is there a better way for hospitals to manage antibiotic treatment regimens?
Prehistoric mega-lake sediment offers key insight into how inland regions responded to ‘super-greenhouse’ event
Sediment found at the site of one of the largest lakes in Earth’s history could provide a fascinating new insight into how inland regions responded to global climate change millions of years ago.
Exeter Mathematics School Cited as Model by Prime Minister
The Exeter Mathematics School, sponsored by the University of Exeter, has been cited by the Prime Minister as a model for spreading specialist maths schools across the country.
Forests ‘held their breath’ during global warming hiatus, research shows
Global forest ecosystems, widely considered to act as the lungs of the planet, ‘held their breath’ during the most recent occurrence of a warming hiatus, new research has shown.
CEMPS presents Chinese New Year 2017
Friday 27th January saw the celebration of the Year of the Rooster in the Harrison and Physics buildings at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus.
Role of terrestrial biosphere in counteracting climate change may have been underestimated
Research suggests the capacity of the terrestrial biosphere to absorb carbon dioxide may have been underestimated in past calculations due to certain land-use changes not being fully taken into account.
Engineering expert elected chair of Exeter RIBA branch
An engineering expert from the University of Exeter has spoken of her delight after been elected as Chair of the Exeter branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
‘Mirror game’ test could secure early detection of schizophrenia, study shows
Virtual reality could hold the key to unlocking an affordable, reliable and effective device to provide early diagnosis and management of schizophrenia.
Exeter Professor appointed to key role at South Devon UTC
Professor Butler, an expert in Water Engineering and Director of the internationally-leading Centre for Water Systems at the University of Exeter, is the new Chair of the Governing Body and Board of Directors at the college.
Declining Arctic sea ice does influence European weather – but is not a cause of colder winters
The dramatic loss of Arctic sea ice through climate change is unlikely to lead to more severe winter weather across Northern Europe, new research has shown.
New research could trigger revolution in computer electronics manufacturing
A pioneering new technique to produce cutting-edge, versatile microchips could revolutionize the speed, efficiency and capability of the next generation of computers.
Elastometric mooring tether performance testing advances wave energy project
The University of Exeter has carried out performance and durability tests on a set of elastometric mooring tethers as part of the H2020-funded OPERA wave energy project.
University of Exeter strengthens ties with the Chinese University Hong Kong to address global energy challenges
University of Exeter strengthens ties with the Chinese University Hong Kong to address global energy challenges
Exeter subjects ranked amongst the global best
Both science and humanities subjects at the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the very best in the world, according to an influential global league table.
Stage set for brand new interactive theatre performance
The stage is set for children and adults alike to be given a fascinating insight into the brain and epilepsy, thanks to a brand new interactive theatre show.
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.
Impact of wobbly bridges and sky-scrapers on human health to be tested in government-funded research centre
The impact of vibrations from very tall buildings and wobbly bridges and floors on people’s health and wellbeing is to be researched in a new £7.2 million government-funded national research facility.
Flood experts create winning app to help prevent water disease outbreaks
A team of flood experts from the University of Exeter has claimed first prize in a national competition, for their pioneering online Water Disease Prevention System (WDPS).
Pioneering project to start ‘small deposit’ mining revolution receives €7 million funding
A pioneering new project, designed to lead an ethical and sustainable international ‘mining revolution’, has received a multi-million pound funding boost.
New ultrafast flexible and transparent memory devices could herald a new era of electronics
An innovative new technique to produce the quickest, smallest, highest-capacity memories for flexible and transparent applications could pave the way for a future golden age of electronics.
Stunning image of storm waves crashing against lighthouse wins critical acclaim
A stunning photograph offering a bird’s eye view of waves crashing against the craggy rocks housing a remote lighthouse has received critical acclaim.
Early climate ‘payback’ with higher emission reductions
Climate scientists have shown that the early mitigation needed to limit eventual warming below potentially dangerous levels has a climate ‘payback’ much earlier than previously thought.
Cornish granites could solve riddle of pinpointing metals crucial for low carbon tech
The composition of granite found underneath much of the South West peninsula could offer a vital clue to where deposits of metals crucial for the production of many low carbon technologies can be found.
Falmouth marine energy test site set for further success
A new lease has been signed for marine renewable energy testing in Falmouth Bay.
Huge permafrost thaw can be limited by ambitious climate targets
Global warming will thaw about 20% more permafrost than previously thought, scientists have warned – potentially releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the Earth’s atmosphere.
El Nino reveals impact of global warming on marine production
The extent to which climate change impacts the vital marine food web - which feeds the already pressured global fisheries – is revealed through a new, innovative study.
Cornwall physicist lives the same day twice in global speaking tour
A University of Exeter professor has gone round the world in 39 days to promote the importance of physics.
‘Good vibrations’ no longer needed for speakers as new research encourages graphene to talk
A pioneering new technique that encourages the wonder material graphene to “talk” could revolutionise the global audio and telecommunications industries.
Primitive atmosphere discovered around ‘Warm Neptune’
A pioneering new study uncovering the ‘primitive atmosphere’ surrounding a distant world could provide a pivotal breakthrough in the search to how planets form and develop in far-flung galaxies.
Jurassic drop in ocean oxygen lasted a million years
Dramatic drops in oceanic oxygen, which cause mass extinctions of sea life, come to a natural end – but it takes about a million years.
Scientists take first tentative steps to explore potential climate of Proxima B
The quest to discover whether a planet orbiting our closest neighbouring star, Proxima Centauri, has the potential to support life has taken a new, exhilarating twist.
Engineering students showcase their wares to industry experts
Engineering students at the University of Exeter showcased a range of innovative projects including a knee bracing system, a shaking table and an indoor unmanned aerial vehicle to industry experts.
Pollution ‘devastating’ China’s vital ecosystem, research shows
The startling extent to which man-made pollution is devastating China’s vital ecosystem’s ability to offset damaging carbon emissions has been revealed.
University of Exeter launches new degree to tackle construction skills gap
Exeter joins Laing O’Rouke and Hinkley Point C partners to deliver BEng Civil Engineering Site Management.
Exeter hosts IPCC meeting on the 1.5°C Global Warming target
Some of the world’s leading climate scientists are gathering in Exeter for a high-profile event to examine the impact, significance and implications of global warming, in relation to the Paris Agreement 2015.
Students launch green phone-charging firm
An eco-friendly phone charging network is being launched by three engineering students from the University of Exeter.
Natural Sciences students showcase diverse research
Natural Sciences students at the University of Exeter have presented a wide range of research at a special event.
Exeter engineering expert secures prestigious international award
A materials scientist from the University of Exeter has been bestowed with a prestigious international award.
Secret of why jewel scarab beetles look like pure gold, explained by physicists
‘All that glitters is not gold’, finds research programme into way jewel beetles reflect light.
New technique could revolutionise manufacturing of vital safety equipment
An innovative new technique to use graphene to produce the ultimate photodetectors could revolutionise the manufacturing of vital safety equipment, such as radiation and smoke detection units.
Volcanic eruptions triggered dawn of the dinosaurs, research shows
Huge pulses of volcanic activity are likely to have played a key role in triggering the end Triassic mass extinction, which set the scene for the rise and age of the dinosaurs, new research has found.
Role aerosols play in climate change unlocked by spectacular Icelandic volcanic eruption
Cloud systems “well buffered” against aerosol changes in the atmosphere, research shows.
Exeter’s teaching excellence officially recognised as ‘gold standard’
The University of Exeter’s commitment to providing world-class teaching has been recognised with the award of a “Gold” rating in the first national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment.
Soapbox Science returns to Exeter
Ever wondered what happens in your brain when you eat chocolate? Or whether Nemo’s dad should’ve been less worried about finding his son and more concerned about ocean acidification?
CSM calls for public to vote for Man Engine awards bid
The Camborne School of Mines is giving its support to a high-profile award bid that will resurrect a unique mechanical puppet, designed to celebrate Cornwall’s prestigious mining heritage.
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.
Physicists read Maxwell’s Demon’s mind
Pioneering research offers a fascinating view into the inner workings of the mind of ‘Maxwell’s Demon’, a famous thought experiment in physics.
Research reveals West Antarctic Ice Sheet loss over the last 11,000 years
Wind-driven incursions of warm water have forced the retreat of glaciers in West Antarctica over the last millennia, new research has revealed.
Help tackle climate change in Exeter
Researchers will discuss how climate change could affect Exeter at an event on Thursday 13 July.
Research looks into whether sea spray is losing its sparkle
Pioneering new research has given a fresh insight into the crucial role that sea spray plays in climate change.
Interactive family events to give public fascinating insight into space weather
People of all ages will be given a fascinating insight into the future of pioneering space weather research, during a special series of interactive events, later this month.
Exeter secures EPSRC grant to revolutionise wireless technologies
The University of Exeter has received a multi-million pound research grant to pioneer new techniques and materials to control and manipulate electromagnetic and acoustic energy.
Scientists shed new light on the complex and intricate processes that help the body combat stress
Scientists have developed a pioneering new approach to reveal how the body releases hormones in order to combat stress.
From engineering to IT: 1,000 Exeter students become apprentices
University of Exeter apprentices have helped Exeter College celebrate sending its 1,000th apprentice to hundreds of employers around the city.
University and leading British surf brand seek wetsuit recycler
A pioneering inventor is being sought to create recycled and recyclable wetsuits.
Riding the wave: pioneering research tames Nanoquakes
Researchers from the University of Exeter have pioneered a new technique to control high frequency sound waves, commonly found within everyday devices such as mobile phones.
Hubble Detects Exoplanet with Glowing Water Atmosphere
Scientists have found the strongest evidence to date for a stratosphere on an enormous planet outside our solar system, with an atmosphere hot enough to boil iron.
CSM graduates join prestigious mining company
Graduates from the Camborne School of Mines will launch their fledgling careers with one of the world’s most successful and prestigious mining companies.
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.
Scientists take first snapshots of molecular propeller that runs at 100 degrees Celsius
Scientists have made a new discovery into how ancient microbes that survive in some of the harshest environments propel themselves forward.
Exeter student wins undergraduate essay prize
A student who was at the University of Exeter last year as part of the Study Abroad scheme has won the British Society for the History of Mathematics undergraduate essay prize.
OPERA consortium receives Yoshio Masuda prize
The H2020 OPERA project has received the Yoshio Masuda prize.
Man Engine wins national lottery arts award
An eleven metre tall mechanical puppet has been named as the best arts project in the UK, following a campaign supported by Camborne School of Mines.
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.
Mine waste water project seeks gold in International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM)
This November, a team of undergraduate students will travel to the USA in their campaign to take home a fourth gold medal in the iGEM competition.
New hopes for limiting warming to 1.5°C
Significant emission reductions are required to achieve one of the key goals of the Paris Agreement, and limit the increase in global average temperatures to 1.5°C.
University of Exeter astronomy experts help create 360° VR exoplanet documentary
Budding astronomers and space enthusiasts can explore exotic worlds orbiting distant stars, thanks to a pioneering new VR documentary.
Scientists move step towards “holy grail” of computing by creating brain-like photonic microchips
Scientists have made a crucial step towards unlocking the “holy grail” of computing – microchips that mimic the way the human brain works to store and process information.
Students secure female mining scholarships at Camborne School of Mines
Two female students at the Camborne School of Mines have been awarded scholarships as they embark on a successful mining career.
Phone ‘app’ invented by students helps clubbers beat queues
A new ‘app’ to help party-goers beat long queues for nightclubs has been developed by clubbing students at Exeter.
Creator of Exeter hip dies
A surgeon who played an integral role in creating an artificial implant that revolutionised hip replacements worldwide has died.
Astronomers uncover puzzling early stages of planet formation
The quest to discover how planets found in the far reaches of the universe are born has taken a new, crucial twist.
Exeter secures significant rise in research funding
Exeter has seen an increase in the amount of research funding it receives from Research Councils UK, continuing its upward trajectory over recent years.
Exeter in world's top 125 for Physical Sciences
Exeter has been ranked in the top 125 in the world for Physical Sciences in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Subject Rankings 2017-18.
Exeter alumnus named as Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Highly Commended Graduate of the Year
Camborne School of Mines graduate Kieran Lean (BEng Mining Engineering 2016) was given the award at the CIBSE North East and Yorkshire awards in November.
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.
Call for engineers to help re-design and test software systems that improve water networks
Researchers are calling on engineers to help them re-design and test software systems that improve water networks.
Mine waste water student project secures gold in international competition
A team of Exeter students are celebrating after winning gold at a prestigious worldwide synthetic biology competition.
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.