University

Study examines causes of earthquakes originating deep below earth’s surface

The mechanisms which cause earthquake cycles to begin up to 40km below the earth’s surface in the interiors of continents are to be explored in a new research project led by the University of Plymouth.

Such earthquakes account for around 30% of intracontinental seismic activity, but very little is presently known about what causes them and the geological effects they leave behind....

University Student Launches Debut Novel: Trace This Scar

An exciting debut novel by a young writer, Trace This Scar marks a change from the tone of the first offering by Jessikah Hope Stenson.

Following on from her collection of short stories titled A Single Drop Of Perfect & Other Stories, released in February 2016, Trace This Scar is a psychological thriller with a strong crime focus.

Due for release 24th November, Trace This...

Plymouth expert plays role in Ugandan lung institute

Dr Rupert Jones, a Plymouth GP and Senior Clinical Research Fellow at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, is playing a role in the establishment of the Makerere University Lung Institute in Uganda.

Chronic lung disease is a growing and debilitating health issue for countries in East Africa. Resulting from respiratory infections such as TB and HIV, and...

Olympic-inspired torch relay spreads important hygiene message

The Olympics may be over, but nursing academics from Plymouth University have kept the spirit alive in an inspired torch relay to demonstrate how ‘clean hands save lives’.

Maria Bennallick and Dr Andy Nichols, Lecturers in the University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, who are based at its Knowledge Spa campus in Truro, have visited the Mayflower Steps, the Eden Project, the Minack...

Report identifies ways to boost children's quality of life through outdoor learning

Outdoor learning can have a significant and positive impact on children’s quality of life but needs to be introduced more formally into global school curricula in order for its potential benefits to be fully realised, a new report suggests.

Student Outcomes and Natural Schooling has been produced by Plymouth University and Western Sydney University, following a conference organised in...

Student book goes down swimmingly

Two Plymouth University students have created a book aimed at helping children learn how to swim.

Swimming with Bertie was written by second-year English and Creative Writing student Hannah Stamp, and illustrated by third-year Illustration student Chen Zhen Lee; telling the story of a young cat who overcomes his fear of the water.

The book was the brainchild of University...

Starballing starfish might explain the mystery of mass strandings

Scientists believe they may have discovered the reason why common starfish are prone to mass beach strandings during strong wind and tide conditions.

Researchers at Plymouth University have observed the species Asterias rubens rolling along the seabed with arms curled into a spheroid shape – a phenomenon they’ve termed ‘starballing’.

It’s not yet known whether the technique is...

Sexual arms race drives range expansion in UK diving beetle species

A battle between the sexes may be behind a dramatic shift in diving beetle populations over the past three decades, a new study shows.

Female choosiness has led to the evolution of rough body surfaces in some species which make it harder for males to hold on to them during mating. In a few cases, ‘rough’ and ‘smooth’ females are found within the same species, sometimes having different...

Can beach cleans do more than clean up litter?

Volunteer beach cleans may only make a small contribution to the presence and prevalence of marine litter but could have numerous benefits to those involved and to the environment, new research suggests.

The study – published in Environment and Behaviour – examined the well-being and educational value of beach cleans, and their impacts on individuals’ behavioural intentions, and how...

Plymouth student wins design award

South-West creative agency Toucan is delighted to announce that this year’s winner of its typography award is Plymouth University student Emma Leigh.

Emma, who is a third year undergraduate, beat more than 25 competitors with her project to rebrand an independent theatre.

Josh Beadon, creative director for award-winning Toucan, said although the standard of work was very high,...

Pages