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University of Exeter


New hope from the 'seven year switch' in Type 1 diabetes

A study published in Diabetes Care found that the rapid decline in insulin production associated with Type 1 diabetes follows a two-phase pattern: an initial exponential fall and a subsequent stable phase. This discovery suggests that people with Type 1 diabetes may retain some working beta-cells for seven years after diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 8, 2018

Thousands of turtles netted off South America

New research reveals tens of thousands of sea turtles are caught each year by small-scale fishers off South America's Pacific coast, with over 16,000 killed. The study highlights Ecuador and Peru as key places to tackle this issue, which threatens critically endangered species like leatherbacks and hawksbills.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFisheries Research·DateJun 5, 2018

Mixed signals from poisonous moths

Scientists studied six-spot burnet moths to examine if natural variation in wing markings indicates toxicity levels. Smaller red forewing markings were associated with more cyanide in females but not males. The study suggests evolutionary pressures may be complex and drive colors beyond matching toxicity levels.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEvolution·DateJun 4, 2018

Cautious prawns win battle for food

Research by University of Exeter scientists found that cautious rockpool prawns are better at controlling a limited resource than bolder counterparts. This may be due to their risk-averse strategy, which involves staying near a food source rather than exploring new areas and risking competition with stronger rivals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJun 1, 2018

Goal conflict linked to psychological distress

Research at the University of Exeter and Edith Cowan University found that goal conflict and ambivalence are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study involved over 200 young adults aged 18-35, who reported experiencing psychological distress due to conflicting goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 25, 2018

'Virtual safe space' to help bumblebees

The Bumble-BEEHAVE model predicts individual and interacting effects of stressors on bumblebee survival and informs management recommendations. The tool aids in designing field experiments, risk assessments, and assigning bespoke management advice.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 22, 2018

Critically endangered South American forests were man made

A new study reveals that ancient communities in South America, particularly the Southern Jê people, played a significant role in expanding the critically endangered Araucaria forests between 1,410 and 900 years ago. The forests, which date back to the time of dinosaurs, were initially established on grasslands and expanded into highlan...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 17, 2018

Climate-threatened animals unable to relocate

Researchers studied species' characteristics to predict their relocation abilities, finding that some animals are unable to adapt to changing habitats. Climate change will impact 30 of the 62 mammal species in Europe, with many being at greater risk than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateMay 17, 2018

Temperature swings to hit poor countries hardest

New research suggests that poor countries will experience significant increases in temperature variability due to climate change. The study found that up to 15% more extreme temperature fluctuations are predicted for southern Africa and Amazonia, highlighting the unfair pattern of climate impacts on vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2018

Research gives new ray of hope for solar fuel

A team of renewable energy experts at the University of Exeter has developed a new method to produce hydrogen from sunlight using a revolutionary photo-electrode. This breakthrough could create a virtually limitless energy source with zero carbon emissions and double the energy density of fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 27, 2018

Job hunters drop ties with supportive colleagues

Research reveals job seekers focus on forming new ties for career advancement, rather than relying on former colleagues. Meanwhile, those considering quitting still value maintaining relationships with friends at work due to concerns about losing social connections upon leaving.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateApr 16, 2018

Crowded urban areas have fewer songbirds per person

Research by the University of Exeter and the British Trust for Ornithology found that people in crowded urban areas see fewer songbirds but more nuisance birds. In contrast, green and leafy suburbs have up to three and a half times more songbirds and woodpeckers, associated with positive human wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 13, 2018

Weight loss is an important predictor of cancer

Research analysis found unintended weight loss to be the second-highest risk factor for some forms of cancer. The study of 11.5 million patients revealed significant associations with colorectal, lung, pancreatic, and renal cancers, emphasizing the need for streamlined services to investigate non-specific symptoms like weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateApr 10, 2018

270 million visits made to English coastlines each year

A recent study by the University of Exeter reveals that 271 million people visit England's coastal environments each year, with walking being the most popular activity. Additionally, research shows that these 'blue' spaces play a crucial role in supporting physical activity, especially among females and older adults.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Policy·DateApr 5, 2018

Climate change could raise food insecurity risk

A new study suggests climate change could raise food insecurity risk in many countries due to weather extremes, with the worst impact expected in South and East Asia. At 2°C global warming, most developing countries will face increased vulnerability to food insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateApr 1, 2018

Dolphins tear up nets as fish numbers fall

New research reveals that dolphins are not only being accidentally caught in fishing nets but may be actively seeking them out for food. The study found that acoustic deterrents were ineffective and may even attracted more dolphins, highlighting the need for effective fish stock management to break the vicious cycle of overfishing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHuman Ecology·DateMar 29, 2018