University of Exeter

The risk of extreme versions of the El Niño weather phenomenon will double over the coming decades due to global warming, new research has shown.

The frequency of ‘extreme El Niños’ could see a twofold increase as the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean warms faster than the surrounding regions.

The last major events in 1982-3 and 1997-98, when sea surface temperatures exceeding 28°C developed in the normally cold and dry eastern equatorial Pacific, caused a massive reorganisation of global rainfall.

The impact of these events, including extreme floods and droughts,...

The eastern Sahara Desert was once home to a 45,000 km2 freshwater lake similar in surface area to the largest in the world today. A study led by the University of Exeter has revealed that the mega lake was probably formed more than one hundred thousand years ago in the White Nile River Valley in Sudan. Dr Tim Barrows of the University of Exeter and colleagues used a dating approach based on exposure to cosmic rays to measure the amount of the isotope beryllium-10 in shoreline deposits. Its abundance can be used to calculate how long rocks or sediments have been exposed at the surface of...

Budding astronomers will be given a unique opportunity to witness the remarkable atmospheric properties of exoplanets when the BBC's hugely popular programme Stargazing Live returns for a new series this week.

Experts from the University of Exeter’s Physics and Astronomy programme will be discussing their pioneering research into exoplanets – or planets that orbit other stars – on the much-loved astronomy programme, on Thursday, January 9.

One of the numerical simulations produced by Dr Nathan Mayne, from the University of Exeter, will also be used to create a distinctive...

The University of Exeter has announced it is to seek a new contractor for its new £30m Living Systems Institute building after reaching a joint decision with Wates Construction not to proceed with the project. Ongoing discussions failed to find a way to deliver the University’s requirements within the allocated budget, therefore the University and the contractor have reached a mutual decision not to continue with the project. Hugh McCann, Director of Estate Development at the University, said: “We have done all we can to work in partnership with Wates and despite the fact we’ve been unable...

New research by scientists at the University of Exeter has shown that cells demonstrate remarkable flexibility and versatility when it comes to how they divide - a finding with potential links to the underlying causes of many cancers. The study, published today in Developmental Cell, describes a number of routes to the formation of a microtubule spindle – the tracks along which DNA moves when a cell divides in order to make two genetically identical cells. In order to understand the phenomenon, the authors, including Biosciences researchers Dr. James Wakefield, PhD student Daniel Hayward...

Spiders may not be the pure predators we generally believe, after a study found that some make up a quarter of their diet by eating pollen. Dr Dirk Sanders of the University of Exeter demonstrated that orb web spiders – like the common garden variety – choose to eat pollen even when insects are available. Spider webs snare insect prey, but can also trap aerial plankton like pollen and fungal spores. Dr Sanders, alongside Mr Benjamin Eggs from the University of Bern, conducted feeding experiments and a stable isotope analysis on juvenile spiders to see whether they incorporate plant...

Exeter joins £18 million industry-academia networks scheme to boost industrial biotechnology and bioenergy

The University of Exeter is set to benefit from a share of an £18million initiative designed to boost interaction between academic research and industry in biotechnology and bioenergy.

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has funded 13 collaborative ‘Networks in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy’ to help promote the translation of research into tangible benefits for the UK.

A leading academic from Exeter’s Engineering...

Hundreds of committed fans braved the winter weather to welcome Luke Friend back home.

The atmosphere was electric outside the University of Exeter’s Great Hall as an army of “friendies” descended on his red carpet entrance.

The 17-year-old, X Factor star hugged lucky fans and signed autographs as he walked down the aisle before heading inside to start his exclusive homecoming gig.

The event was a sell-out with some fans queuing since 4am on Tuesday morning to get a ticket.

Louis Walsh also accompanied his young protégé’s trip past adoring fans saying that...

This Monday (9th December) saw a wonderfully festive celebration in St James' Park.

It promised to be one of the UK’s biggest carol services, transforming the home of Exeter’s football club into a hub of festive cheer.

The stadium filled up in a matter of minutes, as more than 3,500 locals and students flocked to sing a selection of traditional carols and hear about the meaning of Christmas. It was a real joy to see so many people, of all ages, wrapped up and enjoying themselves (and the free mince pies)!

The concert marked the 10th anniversary of the Evangelical...

During a glittering ceremony last night in the Great Hall, the winners of the University of Exeter Impact Awards 2013 were revealed.

The impact awards celebrate the outstanding contributions researchers at the University have made to wider society.

Each award was separated into categories to showcase the particular area that they benefit.

Over many years of study the University has built on its reputation as an international name in technological research, which was evident in the strength of the shortlist for the Outstanding Impact on Technology award.

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