research

Breast cancer is not yesterday’s problem says Neil Parish MP

Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton, has joined leading UK charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s call to make the issue of access to drugs a top priority, and help put breast cancer back on the agenda. Neil Parish joined more than 70 MPs at a reception hosted by Breakthrough Breast Cancer on Tuesday 8 October at the House of Commons. There, the charity called on the Government to bring about a new focus on breast cancer, with a priority of introducing an equitable system through which effective new treatments are routinely made available to patients. Earlier this year Breakthrough...

Camborne School of Mines celebrates 125 year anniversary

A centre of mining excellence which has pioneered the very best in industry-led teaching, research and technological advances is celebrating a truly special landmark. This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Camborne School of Mines (CSM), one of the world’s foremost mining and minerals engineering institutions.

To celebrate, CSM is organising a series of events help share the passion, enthusiasm and excellence that has become the hallmark over the years. These include a distinctive Live Wall , an interactive forum designed to showcase the highlights, milestones and...

Poetry is like music to the mind, University of Exeter scientists prove

New brain imaging technology is helping researchers to bridge the gap between art and science by mapping the different ways in which the brain responds to poetry and prose.

Scientists at the University of Exeter used state-of-the-art functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology, which allows them to visualise which parts of the brain are activated to process various activities. No one had previously looked specifically at the differing responses in the brain to poetry and prose.

In research published in the Journal of Consciousness Studies , the team found...

Mathematical model predicts rise and fall of empires

Researchers have developed a new mathematical model that accurately describes the evolution of ancient empires. The computer model can predict with 65% accuracy where and when the largest complex societies arose in human history.

The research, which suggests that intense warfare is the evolutionary driver of large complex societies, is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). It was carried out by researchers from the University of Exeter in collaboration with University of Connecticut and the National Institute for Mathematical and...

Research confirms Mediterranean diet is good for the mind

The first systematic review of related research confirms a positive impact on cognitive function, but an inconsistent effect on mild cognitive impairment.

Over recent years many pieces of research have identified a link between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of age-related disease such as dementia.

Until now there has been no systematic review of such research, where a number of studies regarding a Mediterranean diet and cognitive function are reviewed for consistencies, common trends and inconsistencies.

A team of researchers from the University...

New safety advice gives guidance to motorcycle commuters

A new guide aims to promote safe driving techniques for people who use low powered motorbikes particularly mopeds to get to and from work.

Research shows that there has been an increase in the number of crashes in Devon involving lower powered motorbikes.

One theory is that more people are using low powered bikes these days as they are more economical to use and riders can make savings on fuel costs.

The guide has been developed with the help of a Max Rider instructor, who has 25 years riding experience, a police advanced riding qualification and 10 years of...

US depression treatment proved effective for UK

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 08/21/2013 - 10:09am

A US model of treating depression through a network of specialists could effectively be imported into the UK, new research has revealed.

Collaborative care involves depressed people having access to a team of specialists, with advice and support often given over the phone.

A trial led by Professor David Richards at the University of Exeter Medical School found that collaborative care led to improvement of depression symptoms immediately after treatment. Furthermore, 15 per cent more patients were still improved after 12 months, compared with those who saw their GP.

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£10 million boost to South West health research

A partnership that supports research in Devon and Cornwall with direct benefits to patients’ health and NHS care delivery has secured £10m in funding for the next five years.

The National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care in the South West Peninsula (NIHR PenCLAHRC) was established as one of the first nine CLAHRCs in the country in 2008. It was a partnership between the University of Exeter, Plymouth University, the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, and the NHS in Devon and Cornwall. The recent funding means...

Grapefruit biomolecules may herald new treatment for heart disease

New research, published today in the 'Biochemical Journal' , has identified molecules occurring naturally in fruit that may play an important role in the future treatment of heart disease.

Molecules called flavanoids, which are found in citrus fruits, particularly grapefruit, have proven effective at reducing the inflammation that can lead to deadly cardiovascular disease. These molecules may hold the key to the development of a new generation of anti-inflammatory drugs which are cheaper, easier to produce and less toxic than current therapies.

Despite the widespread use of...

Office plants boost well-being at work

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Sun, 07/14/2013 - 10:56am

We know that office plants can improve air quality , but can it boost well-being and productivity too? A recent study suggests the answer is ‘Yes’.

Office plants can assist in boosting staff well-being by up to 47% according to workplace research carried out at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show were challenged to take part in the study which measured their creativity, happiness and productivity as they experienced a range of different workspace designs.

The study, designed by the Identity Realisation research group at the...

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