News
Quest to uncover intricacies of exoplanet atmospheres reaches important milestone
The quest to uncover intricacies of the atmospheres of faraway planets has reached an important milestone.
First exoplanet image from James Webb Space Telescope revealed
Astronomers from the University of Exeter have led the effort to capture the first-ever direct image of an exoplanet using the pioneering James Webb Space Telescope.
Scientists unravel mystery behind formation of first quasars in the early universe
The quest to unravel the mystery behind the formation of the first quasars in the early universe has taken a significant step forward.
Exeter undergraduate publishes a paper in quantum physics
Undergraduate student Amelia Toghill, a third-year physics student at Exeter, has published a scientific paper following an internship in the summer of 2021.
Breakthrough in quest to control light to evolve next generation of quantum sensing and computing
Scientists have made a pivotal new breakthrough in the quest to control light to evolve the next generation of quantum sensing and computing.
Scientists solve key exoplanet questions through Hubble observations
The quest to solve some of the most crucial mysteries surrounding the atmospheres of planets far outsider the solar system has taken a significant step forward
Hubble detects exotic water cycle and metal clouds in a hot Jupiter exoplanet atmosphere
Scientists have explored the nightside hemisphere of an enormous planet, far outside our solar system for the first time – revealing metal clouds and rain made of liquid gems.
Exeter biologists investigate smallest propeller on earth
University of Exeter scientists have discovered new information about the tiny propellers used by single-cell organisms called archaea.
Exeter secures significant grant to revolutionise wireless and computing technologies
The University of Exeter has received a £1.8 million research grant for a collaboration with the National Science Foundation Industry-University Cooperative Research Center for Metamaterials (CfM)
Exeter researcher co-authors new book on photonic structures
Dr Sébastien R. Mouchet, from the University of Exeter, has co-authored a new book about biological photonic devices.
Mystery behind formation of surface ice-shapes on Pluto unravelled
Scientists have unravelled a fascinating new insight into how the landscape of the dwarf-planet Pluto has formed.
Revolutionising 3D imaging with an endoscope the width of a human hair
Scientists have developed a new form of endoscope, just a hair’s width in diameter, that could transform 3D imaging for a wide range of applications from industrial inspection to environmental monitoring, and eventually make medical imaging less uncomfortable for patients.
Quest to deliver ultra-fast and energy efficient magnetic recording moves step closer
The quest to deliver ultra-fast and energy efficient magnetic recording could be a step closer to fruition, due to pioneering new research on all-optical switching of magnetization.
Physicists exploit space and time symmetries to control quantum materials
Physicists from Exeter and Trondheim have developed a theory describing how space reflection and time reversal symmetries can be exploited, allowing for greater control of transport and correlations within quantum materials
Exeter expert awarded prestigious Institute of Physics medal
Professor Frank Vollmer, from the University of Exeter, has been awarded the prestigious Rosalind Franklin Medal by the Institute of Physics.
Rising research star secures prestigious IoP award
One of the University of Exeter’s rising research stars has received a prestigious award from the Institute of Physics.
Physicists reveal non-reciprocal flow around the quantum world
Physicists from Exeter and Zaragoza have created a theory describing how non-reciprocity can be induced at the quantum level, paving the way for non-reciprocal transport in the next generation of nanotechnology
£2.5 million investment in 35 new PhD studentships
The University of Exeter is investing £2. 5 million in preparing the next generation of researchers to tackle some of the biggest global issues of the 21st century.
Imaging at the tip of a needle
Scientists have developed a new technique that could revolutionise medical imaging procedures using light.
A biological blueprint for tough colour.
The unique mechanical and optical properties found in the exoskeleton of a humble Asian beetle has the potential to offer a fascinating new insight into how to develop new, effective bio-inspired technologies.
Mystery behind the “Great Dimming” of the Betelgeuse star solved
The quest to discover what lay behind the “great dimming” of the aging star Betelgeuse, normally one of the brightest stars on the night sky, has taken a new, fascinating twist.
Star’s death will play a mean pinball with rhythmic planets
Four planets locked in a perfect rhythm around a nearby star are destined to be pinballed around their solar system when their sun eventually dies, according to a new study that peers into its future.
Research project receives €6M to boost greener consumer products in Europe using innovative biotechnology
A pioneering, pan-European research project, designed to boost greener industrial processes for more sustainable daily consumer products like cosmetics or foods, has been launched.
Robots with T-ray technology to spot and remove cancer tumours in £8 million project
New technology that will marry probes that can detect cancer tumours through the skin with high-precision robotic surgery is to be developed for use in hospital settings for the first time.
University of Exeter student awarded grant to study exoplanet climates
University of Exeter astrophysics student Mei Ting Mak has been awarded one of this year’s prestigious grants from the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund.
Global network brings together researchers to uncover laws of thermodynamics at the nanoscale
Theoretical Physicists at the University of Exeter initiated and have led a major scientific network, bringing together researchers in Europe and the world, to uncover the laws of thermodynamics at the nanoscale.
The science of spin - older stars rotate faster than expected
Stars spin faster than expected as they age, according to a new study - which uses asteroseismology to shed new light on this emerging theory
University of Exeter joins Europe’s largest astronomy network
The University of Exeter is joining Europe’s largest, ground-based astronomy collaborative network, it has been announced.
University of Exeter partnership develops novel algorithms with the power to transform the use of quantum computers
Dr Oleksandr Kyriienko, lead of the University of Exeter’s Quantum Dynamics, Optics, and Simulation group (QuDOS) is working in close partnership with Dutch start-up Qu & Co to develop quantum software with the potential to transform the way we use the huge power of quantum computers in industry.
Dr Alex Corbett awarded Industry Fellowship
Dr Alex Corbett has received a Royal Society Short Industry Fellowship to work with M Squared Life Limited.
Pioneering new technique could revolutionise super-resolution imaging systems
Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique that could revolutionise the accuracy, precision and clarity of super-resolution imaging systems.
Physicists solve geometrical puzzle in electromagnetism
A team of scientists have solved the longstanding problem of how electrons move together as a group inside cylindrical nanoparticles.
Stargazers given once in-a-lifetime opportunity to see ‘Great Conjunction’ of Saturn and Jupiter
Budding astronomers will be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a truly special celestial event in the run-in to Christmas.
ERC-funded project to explore the origin of diversity in star and planetary systems
One of the University of Exeter’s most distinguished astrophysics researchers has received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.
Research develops new theoretical approach to manipulate light
The quest to discover pioneering new ways in which to manipulate how light travels through electromagnetic materials has taken a new, unusual twist.
Bacteria and 3D printers could help restore coral reefs
A team of University of Exeter students are using genetically engineered bacteria to produce a material that could help repair degraded coral reefs.
New technique could revolutionise accuracy and ease detection of biomechanical alterations of cells and tissues
Scientists have developed an optical elastography technique that could revolutionise the accuracy and ease to which health professionals can detect biomechanical alterations of cells and tissues.
Astronomy expert secure prestigious national fellowship
One of the University of Exeter’s most prominent astrophysics experts has received a prestigious national fellowship, it has been announced.
Professor Roy Sambles awarded knighthood in Queen’s Birthday Honours
Professor Roy Sambles FRS has received a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, announced today.
Physics’ BioSpec team successfully host the 4th Annual Meeting of the EU COST Action BioBrillouin network.
On the 9-11 September 2020, the BioSpec team at Exeter hosted the 4th Annual Meeting of the EU COST Action BioBrillouin (CA16124, 2017-2021),
Physicists “trick” photons into behaving like electrons using a “synthetic” magnetic field
Scientists have discovered an elegant way of manipulating light using a “synthetic” Lorentz force — which in nature is responsible for many fascinating phenomena including the Aurora Borealis.
Exeter physicist earns prestigious fellowship
A University of Exeter physicist has earned a University Research Fellowship (URF) from the Royal Society.
Rising Engineering research star receives prestigious Fellowship
One of the University of Exeter’s rising research stars has been awarded a prestigious Engineering Research Fellowship, it has been announced.
Exeter Astrophysics expert awarded prestigious international prize
Professor Isabelle Baraffe, a leading expert in astrophysics research, has been awarded a prestigious international science prize.
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter: a message written by the Physics Inclusion Working Group.
Business consultant launches confidence course for women in science
Business consultant and author Sadie Sharp is working with 100 scientists, the majority female, to help them build their confidence in a male-dominated sector.
New breakthrough in ‘spintronics’ could boost high speed data technology
Scientists have made a pivotal breakthrough in the important, emerging field of spintronics – which could lead to a new high speed energy efficient data technology.
Thermophones offer new route to radically simplify array design, research shows
Scientists have pioneered a new technique to produce arrays of sound produced entirely by heat.
First measurement of spin-orbit alignment on planet Beta Pictoris b
Astronomers have made the first measurement of spin-orbit alignment for a distant ‘super-Jupiter’ planet.
Presence of airborne dust could signify increased habitability of distant planets, research shows
Scientists have expanded our understanding of potentially habitable planets orbiting distant stars by including a critical climate component – the presence of airborne dust.
Eavesdropping on single molecules with light by replaying the chatter
Scientists have pioneered a new technique to expose hidden biochemical pathways involving single molecules at the nanoscale.
New technique to study molecules and materials on quantum simulator discovered
A new technique to study the properties of molecules and materials on a quantum simulator has been discovered.
Scientists crack 60-year-old mystery of Sun’s magnetic waves
A ground-breaking new discovery of why the Sun’s magnetic waves strengthen and grow as they emerge from its surface could help to solve the mystery of how the corona of the Sun maintains its multi-million degree temperatures.
New twist in quest to develop understanding of time crystalline behaviour
The quest to develop the understanding for time crystalline behaviour in quantum systems has taken a new, exciting twist.
Pupils given ‘out of this world’ virtual tour of exoplanets
Schoolchildren are being given an ‘out of this world’ opportunity to explore distant worlds discovered and studied by astronomers and climate scientists– all from the comfort of their classroom.
QuantIC wins £28m funding boost in ‘Next Leap Forward’
A ground-breaking research hub involving the University of Exeter, which is focused on the development of quantum-enhanced imaging systems, will be funded for five more years, it has been announced.
Exeter experts awarded prestigious Institute of Physics medals
Two physicists from the University of Exeter have received prestigious national awards in recognition of their long-standing, pioneering research.
Exeter scientist secures major international fellowship
Exeter scientist Jess Spake has been selected for a prestigious international fellowship.
Research paves the way for next generation of optical tweezers
Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique that could pave the way for the next generation of optical tweezers.
Pioneering infrared imager gives sharpest-ever view of stars and planet-forming discs
A pioneering new instrument could give astronomers a glimpse into how the solar system looked more than 4.5 billion years ago.
College hosts its 5th annual Christmas Lectures
On 19th December 2018 the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences hosted their 5th annual Christmas Lectures, arranged by Professor Pete Vukusic, Dr Gihan Marasingha, Dr Alice Mills and Vicky Glazer.
Newly discovered adolescent star seen undergoing ‘growth spurt’
Astronomers have discovered a young star undergoing a rare growth spurt – giving a fascinating glimpse into the development of these distant stellar objects.
Helium exoplanet inflated like a balloon, research shows
Astronomers have discovered a distant planet with an abundance of helium in its atmosphere, which has swollen to resemble an inflated balloon.
Graphene unlocks new potential for ‘smart textiles’
The quest to create affordable, durable and mass-produced ‘smart textiles’ has been given fresh impetus through the use of the wonder material Graphene.
Exeter professor conferred as Honorary Fellow of Institute of Physics
Professor Roy Sambles has been made an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Physics – the highest honour the organisation can confer.
Rising stars of research at Exeter receive prestigious European Research Council funding
Three rising research stars at the University of Exeter have received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.
Scientists use ‘funnel-vision’ to pioneer cheap and efficient solar energy
Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique that could unlock new methods of making solar energy more efficient.
Shadow of a clear sky - astronomers find an exoplanet atmosphere free of clouds
Scientists have detected an exoplanet atmosphere that is free of clouds, marking a pivotal breakthrough in the quest for greater understanding
Helium detected in Exoplanet atmosphere for the first time
Astronomers have detected helium in the atmosphere of a planet that orbits a star far beyond our solar system for the very first time.
Stunning virtual tour of exoplanets takes its one millionth ‘passenger’.
One million budding astronomers and space enthusiasts have taken a magical tour to explore the exotic worlds orbiting distant stars, through a stunning virtual reality documentary.
Fossil study sheds light on ancient butterfly wing colours
Pioneering new research has given an illuminating new insight into the metallic, iridescent colours found on the earliest known ancestors of moths and butterflies, which habited the earth almost 200 million years ago.
When sound waves do the twist – backwards!
Scientists have demonstrated for the first time how ‘twisted’ sound waves from a rotating source can produce negative frequencies - akin to turning back time.
Exoplanet atmosphere observed in more detail than ever before
An international team of scientists has used the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to study the atmosphere of the hot exoplanet WASP-39b.
Hubble Probes Atmospheres of Exoplanets in TRAPPIST-1 Habitable Zone
Scientists have made the first steps towards understanding what makes up the atmospheres of several Earth-sized exoplanets orbiting the red dwarf star TRAPPIST-1.
Physics and Astronomy department awarded IOP 'Juno Champion' status
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has been named a champion of gender equality as part of the Institute of Physics' Project Juno initiative.
Quest to advance towards next generation of computing takes quantum leap
The quest to understand a variety of intriguing phenomena that may advance progress towards the next generation of computing has taken a quantum leap.
Exeter receives EPSRC grant to revolutionise detection and treatment of life-threatening illnesses
The University of Exeter has received a multi-million pound research grant to lead pioneering new research to develop vastly more accurate procedures to detect, identify and treat life-threatening diseases, such as cancer.
Pioneering new technique could boost understanding of causes of heart disease
The complex and mysterious mechanisms that drive communication and reactions within human cells could be on the verge of being unravelled, due to a pioneering new technique.
Gaia helps discover directly imaged planet undergoing nuclear fusion
Scientists have used the subtle movements of a distant star to help discover a new exoplanet – which is displaying signs of undergoing nuclear fusion in its core.