News archive - 2011

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

Bacteria and their parasitic viruses

A study on bacteria and their parasitic viruses by Professor Angus Buckling has been published by ‘Science’ this month.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Congratulations to the Biosciences Class of 2011!

We extend our warmest congratulations to the class of 2011 undergraduate Biosciences students for outstanding degree results.

Top 10 for student satisfaction

Biosciences at the University of Exeter has been ranked 8th for Biology in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2011.

‘Lost’ bats found breeding on Scilly

A University of Exeter biologist has discovered a ‘lost’ species of bat breeding on the Isles of Scilly.

Student wins national prize for sea turtle study

A Cornwall Campus-based University of Exeter student has won a national prize for his research.

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.

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.

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?

Study shows small-scale fisheries’ impact on marine life

Small-scale fisheries could pose a more serious threat to marine life than previously thought.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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?

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.

World-class biosciences building

Biologists can now visit any aquatic environment in the world, without leaving Exeter.