Study of the machinery of cells reveals clues to neurological disorder
Investigation by researchers from the University of Exeter and ETH Zurich has shed new light on a protein which is linked to a common neurological disorder called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Food security expert, Sarah Gurr, gives talk for Research Focus Week
Food security is a global issue which affects us all. From production to supply, feeding a rapidly expanding population requires cutting edge technology and complex logistical networks.
Coral reefs' collapse isn't inevitable, researchers say
Coral reefs are in decline, but their collapse can still be avoided with local and global action.
Two Exeter academics appointed Wolfson Research Merit Award holders
The Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science, has announced the appointment of two Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award holders from Exeter out of a total of 27 new awards.
Fish win fights on strength of personality
When predicting the outcome of a fight, the big guy doesn’t always win, suggests new research on fish.
Battling with bugs to prevent antibiotic resistance
New scientific research published in the journal PLoS Biology shows that bacteria can evolve resistance more quickly when stronger antibiotics are used.
Bugs produce diesel on demand
It sounds like science fiction but a team from the University of Exeter, with support from Shell, has developed a method to make bacteria produce diesel on demand.
French retreat for salmon during last Ice Age
Scientists from the University of Exeter have identified an important refuge for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) during the last Ice Age using genetic techniques.
University ranks 49th best institution in the world
The Leiden University World Rankings shows that the University of Exeter ranks 49th best institution in the world.
Future European Science Leaders to Work on Cutting-edge Peroxisome Research
The Marie Curie Initial Training Network PERFUME announces the start of a new multiple year research programme on Peroxisome Function Metabolism.
NERC grant success to investigate effects of oestrogens on wild fish populations
Prof Charles Tyler has successfully secured a highly competitive Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) grant of £600k to investigate the adaptation of wild roach (Rutilus rutilus) populations to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in Britain’s rivers.
University of Exeter Fellow publishes third contribution to prestigious New Naturalist series
Dr Michael Proctor, a University of Exeter Honorary Fellow since his retirement in 1994, makes his third contribution to the popular New Naturalist series with the release of his book “Vegetation of Britain and Ireland”.
Bioscience to battle ash dieback
The University of Exeter is a member of a consortium awarded £2.4M by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for urgent research into the ash dieback fungus and the genetics of resistance in ash trees.
How birds of different feathers flock together
When different species of birds flock together, their flight formations are determined by social dynamics between and within species.
Lizards facing mass extinction
Climate change could lead to dozens of species of lizards becoming extinct within the next 50 years, according to new research published today.
Reducing numbers of one carnivore species indirectly leads to extinction of others
A team from the University of Exeter and the University of Bern has now found that reducing the numbers of one species of carnivore can lead to the extinction of others.
Ship noise makes crabs get crabby
A study published today in Biology Letters found that ship noise affects crab metabolism, with the largest crabs faring worst, and found little evidence that crabs acclimatise to noise over time.
Rising ocean acidity makes the effects of pollutants more damaging
Increasing levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere are changing ocean chemistry, making seawater more acidic.
Plant biology text book selected for prestigious Choice award
Functional Biology of Plants, a text book co-authored by Exeter Professor Emeritus, John Bryant and Martin Hodson from Oxford Brookes University, has been listed as an Outstanding Academic Title by Choice.
Pigeon project highlighted on BBC’s Winterwatch
Many people view pigeons as pests, or even ‘rats with wings’ - but according to one student, they are ‘super doves’.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
Ecologists shed new light on effects of light pollution on wildlife
Light pollution is often associated with negative effects on wildlife.
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.
£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.
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.
Scientist joins royalty and celebrity as conservation trustee
A biologist is in prestigious company after he joined a princess and environmental broadcaster David Bellamy in supporting the world’s longest-established international conservation body.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Study proves that one extinction leads to another
When a carnivore becomes extinct, other predatory species could soon follow, according to new research.
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.
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.
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.
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 of Exeter boosts research in disease prevention and treatment
The University of Exeter is furthering our understanding of the causes and treatments of diseases.
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.
Light pollution transforming insect communities
Street lighting is transforming communities of insects and other invertebrates, according to research by the University of Exeter.
£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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
World-class biosciences building
Biologists can now visit any aquatic environment in the world, without leaving Exeter.
Scientists defuse the Vietnam time bomb
A key mechanism by which a bacterial pathogen causes the deadly tropical disease melioidosis has been discovered by an international team, including a University of Exeter scientist.
UK scientists come together to help feed the 7 billion
The Universities of Exeter and Bristol, in partnership with Rothamsted Research have officially joined forces to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing humanity: how can we sustainably feed a growing population?
Clustered hurricanes reduce impact on ecosystems
New research has found that hurricane activity is 'clustered' rather than random, which has important long-term implications for coastal ecosystems and human population.
Students celebrate partnerships with Cornish businesses
Students and local businesses are celebrating how they are together helping further our understanding of Cornwall’s flora and fauna.
Is chivalry the norm for insects?
The long-standing consensus of why insects stick together after mating has been turned on its head by scientists from the University of Exeter.
Study finds decline in dolphins around Cornish coast
The number of bottlenose dolphins around Cornwall’s coast could be declining according to a new study by the University of Exeter and Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
‘Heat-proof’ eggs help turtles cope with hot beaches
Sea turtles face an uncertain future as a warming climate threatens to reduce their reproductive viability.
Exeter student sheds new light on social life of bats
Ecologists are getting a unique and unexpected insight into the private lives of bats thanks to a University of Exeter PhD student.
Females choose mates for their personalities, study shows
Adventurous females choose mates with similar personalities, regardless of the male’s appearance and other assets, according to research led by the University of Exeter.
Research reveals how butterflies copy their neighbours to fool birds
The mystery of how a butterfly has changed its wing patterns to mimic neighbouring species and avoid being eaten by birds has been solved by a team of scientists.
Exeter scientists grow plants with friendly fungi
The lack of rainfall and higher-than-average temperatures in spring 2011 were predicted to hit harvests, leading to higher food prices.
Study shows small-scale fisheries’ impact on marine life
Small-scale fisheries could pose a more serious threat to marine life than previously thought.
UK scientists tackle food security
The Universities of Exeter and Bristol, in partnership with Rothamsted Research are joining forces to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing humanity: how can we feed a growing population?
Decline in species shows climate change warnings not exaggerated
One in 10 species could face extinction by the year 2100 if current climate change impacts continue.
Exeter study reveals US turtles’ movements
A University of Exeter team has monitored the movements of an entire sub-population of marine turtles for the first time.
Student wins national prize for sea turtle study
A Cornwall Campus-based University of Exeter student has won a national prize for his research.
‘Lost’ bats found breeding on Scilly
A University of Exeter biologist has discovered a ‘lost’ species of bat breeding on the Isles of Scilly.
Helping to protect giants of the ocean
Researchers at the University of Exeter are helping to find out more about basking sharks, one of the biggest marine visitors to UK waters, as part of ongoing conservation work.
Africa’s sea turtles need passports for protection
Research by experts at the University of Exeter has led to calls to create an international marine park to protect sea turtles.
University pond reveals hidden history of fungi
Researchers at the University of Exeter have uncovered a ‘missing link’ in the fungal tree of life after analysing samples taken from the university’s pond.
Evolutionary biologist honoured with Royal Society award
An expert in evolutionary biology at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus has been honoured with a prestigious award which recognises her outstanding research achievement and potential.
Bacteria and their parasitic viruses
A study on bacteria and their parasitic viruses by Professor Angus Buckling has been published by ‘Science’ this month.
Research shows not only the fittest survive
Darwin’s notion that only the fittest survive has been called into question by new research published in Nature.
A return to the Arctic for Exeter scientist
A scientist from the University of Exeter is preparing to brave sub-zero conditions as she returns to the Arctic to carry out research on how climate change is affecting the region.
‘Stupid strategies’ could be best for the genes
Blindly copying what your parents did – no matter how stupid it may seem – could be the best strategy for the long-term success of your genes, according to research by the Universities of Exeter and Bristol.
Exeter research helps explain mystery of ocean sediment
New research by an international team of researchers has revealed the previously unidentified role that fish play in the production of sediments in the world's oceans.
Big Muddy Dilemmas
Naturalist and broadcaster, Nick Baker, led a fieldtrip to the Severn Estuary to explore and discuss the value of the estuary mud to wildlife.
Ants ecosystem role is ‘key’
Research by the University of Exeter has revealed that ants have a big impact on their local environment as a result of their activity as ‘ecosystem engineers’ and predators.
Opposites may attract, but they aren’t better parents
A study by experts at the University of Exeter has revealed that couples with similar personalities make much better parents than those with different dispositions – at least in the world of zebra finches.
Epic journeys of turtles revealed
The epic ocean-spanning journeys of the gigantic leatherback turtle in the South Atlantic have been revealed for the first time thanks to groundbreaking research using satellite tracking.
Finding new ways to tackle environmental diseases
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new approach to studying potentially deadly disease-causing bacteria which could help speed up the process of finding vaccines.
High profile research to tackle plant disease
Researchers from the University of Exeter have played a key role in research which aims to tackle plant disease and contribute to future food security.
University forges stronger research links with Fera
The internationally recognised research expertise of the Biosciences department at the University of Exeter and the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) will now work in closer collaboration following a new agreement.
Brent geese show parents know best
Research from a six year study on migrating geese has discovered an interesting outcome – they return to the same spots they were taken to as youngsters.
Research reveals impact on endangered turtles
New research has revealed up to 16,000 endangered turtles are being caught each year by villagers in just one region of Madagascar, despite a government ban.
No easy solution to genetic ‘battle of the sexes’
A study involving researchers at the University of Exeter shows a genetic ‘battle of the sexes’ could be much harder to resolve and even more important to evolution than previously thought.
Catching Geese on Autumnwatch 2010
Dr Stuart Bearhop from the the Centre of Ecology and Conservation joins Chris Packham on Autumnwatch 2010 to catch light-bellied Brent Geese
Research proves ‘gender-bending’ chemicals affect reproduction
New research has provided the first evidence that ‘gender bending’ chemicals which find their way from human products into rivers and oceans can have a significant impact on the ability of fish to breed in UK Rivers.
Salmon 'losing distinct genetic characteristics'
The distinct genetic characteristics of salmon populations in Spain are being lost as a result of climate change and human interference, a study has warned.
CSI-style detection work reveals the advantage for crafty crows
Scientists from the University of Exeter have used ‘CSI-style’ detective work to help reveal the huge evolutionary advantage that can be gained by animals using tools to forage for food.
BPA and testosterone levels: first evidence for small changes in men
An international group of researchers led by the Peninsula Medical School and the University of Exeter have for the first time identified changes in sex hormones associated with BPA exposure in men.
Fossil reveals 48 million year history of zombie-ants
A 48 million-year-old fossilised leaf has revealed the oldest known evidence of a macabre part of nature – parasites taking control of their hosts to turn them into zombies.
Do snails have sat-nav?
A scientist from the University of Exeter is helping to solve one of the great gardening mysteries – do snails have sat-nav?
Putting research into practice with the GWCT
Conservation of the British countryside and its biodiversity will be key research themes for collaborative work between the University of Exeter and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).
Killer whales and the mystery of human menopause
The evolutionary mystery of menopause is a step closer to being solved thanks to research on killer whales.
Battle of the sexes exists in the plant world too
A University of Exeter scientist has contributed to research which shows plants, like animals, also have a battle of the sexes when it comes to raising their offspring.
Mongoose traditions shed light on evolution of human culture
A groundbreaking study of banded mongooses in Uganda has shown even small-brained animals pass on traditions, giving a valuable insight into how complex human culture could have evolved.
Grant to explore link between chemical and heart disease
The British Heart Foundation is to fund research exploring the link between Bisphenol A (BPA), a manmade chemical found in commonly used plastics, and heart disease.
Exeter biologist earns international award for reef research
A bioscientist from the University of Exeter is one of five people worldwide to be named a recipient of the 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation.
Does promiscuity prevent extinction?
Promiscuous females may be the key to a species’ survival, according to new research by the Universities of Exeter and Liverpool.
Exeter scientist advances north on Arctic expedition
A scientist from the University of Exeter is one of three South West women taking a leading role in a major Arctic expedition this spring.
Cornwall research project inspires major new BBC series
A research project based at the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus has inspired the BBC’s latest primetime wildlife documentary series.
Exeter student uses artificial intelligence to understand bee behaviour
A University of Exeter PhD student has used artificial intelligence to shed new light on the behaviour of bumble bees.
Exeter scientist discovers how the butterflies got their spots
How two butterfly species have evolved exactly the same striking wing colour and pattern has intrigued biologists since Darwin’s day.
Stain repellent chemical linked to thyroid disease in adults
A study by the University of Exeter and the Peninsula Medical School for the first time links thyroid disease with human exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
Study confirms Bisphenol A link to disease in adults
Researchers from the University of Exeter and Peninsula Medical School have found more evidence for a link between Bisphenol A exposure (BPA, a chemical commonly used in plastic food containers) and cardiovascular disease.
Coral can recover from climate change damage
A study by the University of Exeter provides the first evidence that coral reefs can recover from the devastating effects of climate change.
Turtles’ Christmas journey tracked by scientists
The journeys of two marine turtles around the world’s oceans will be available to view online this Christmas, thanks to a new research project launched by the University of Exeter.
Whiskers hold secrets of invasive mink
Details of the lifestyle of mink, which escaped from fur farms and now live wild in the UK, have been revealed through analysis of their whiskers.
Studies suggest males have more personality
Males have more pronounced personalities than females across a range of species – from humans to house sparrows – according to new research.
Exeter scientists track green turtle’s 900km migration
University of Exeter scientists are part of the first team to monitor a sea turtle’s journey from the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Impact of renewable energy on our oceans must be investigated, say Exeter scientists
Scientists from the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth are calling for urgent research to understand the impact of renewable energy developments on marine life.
Mother knows best
University of Exeter scientists have found new evidence to explain how female insects can influence the father of their offspring, even after mating with up to ten males.
Exeter scientists help tackle threat to farmers
Scientists from the University of Exeter are working on a €3.54million European Union project to tackle the most common disease among European livestock.
Researchers capture bacterial infection on film
Researchers have developed a new technique that allows them to make a movie of bacteria infecting their living host.
First genome sequenced in Cornwall
A team of scientists based in Penryn has conducted the first genome sequencing in Cornwall.
Cornwall students sample sealife surveying
University of Exeter students benefited from a marine surveying course at the Cornwall Campus, Penryn, on Friday 29 May.
Scientists identify world’s largest leatherback turtle population
An international team of scientists has identified a nesting population of leatherback sea turtles in Gabon, West Africa as the world's largest.
Eggs to benefit from local support this Easter
The support of local people will help ensure a bumper yield of eggs in Cornwall this Easter, according to researchers from the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus, Penryn.
Exeter researcher to develop coatings that kill superbugs
A scientist from the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus is part of a €3 million Europe-wide research collaboration to pioneer research into safer, more effective antibacterial plastics and coatings.
British butterfly reveals role of habitat for species responding to climate change
Most wild species are expected to colonise northwards as the climate warms, but how are they going to get there when so many landscapes are covered in wheat fields and other crops?
Bizarre bird behaviour predicted by game theory
A team of scientists, led by the University of Exeter, has used game theory to explain the bizarre behaviour of a group of ravens.
Exeter study links water pollution with declining male fertility
New research strengthens the link between water pollution and rising male fertility problems.
Fish guts explain marine carbon cycle mystery
Research by the University of Exeter reveals the major influence of fish on maintaining the delicate pH balance of our oceans, vital for the health of coral reefs and other marine life.
Biosciences research sheds light on benefits of multiple mates
New research could explain why females of many species have multiple partners.
Playing a game shows how personalities evolved
Why do some of us always do the right thing while others only seem to be out for themselves?
University team finds link between common chemical and disease in adults
A research team from the University of Exeter, Peninsula Medical School, the University of Plymouth and the University of Iowa, has found evidence linking Bisphenol A (BPA) to diabetes and heart disease in adults.
Study shows rise in dolphin, whale, and porpoise deaths
A study by the University of Exeter and Cornwall Wildlife Trust, published in the journal Biodiversity and Conservation, has revealed a disturbing rise in the number of whales, dolphins and porpoises found dead on Cornish beaches.
You are what your mother eats
New research by the Universities of Exeter and Oxford provides the first evidence that a child’s sex is associated with the mother’s diet.
Exeter scientist warns: the carbon crisis is lethal for coral reefs
Major new research indicates that coral reefs will not survive the rapid increases in global temperatures and atmospheric CO2 that are forecast this century by the IPCC.
