The University of Exeter is working with South West Water to explore the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to help tackle pipe blockages and pollution. Across the region, around 12,000 smart sensors are sewer level monitors, acting as ‘pairs of eyes’, constantly collecting data such as changes in flow patterns. They are installed in manholes on the sewer network and monitor issues like early signs of blockages that could cause pollution in the watercourses or flooding on land or in properties. Richard Price, South West Water’s Director for Waste Water Services said: “The AI acts like a digital detective. It learns what ‘normal’ looks like for each part of the network and spots when something’s wrong even before a human could notice. This means teams can be sent out to the exact location of a suspected blockage, often before customers are even aware of an issue.” Faster detection High-definition cameras inspect the inside of pipes, looking for cracks, blockages, or signs of wear and tear. Researchers at the University of Exeter use this information to develop artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which will help South West Water detect problems earlier and respond more quickly. Richard Everson, Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Exeter, who is working in partnership with South West Water said: “It’s…

Employers believe a new degree apprenticeship will accelerate career progression and bridge the divide between traditional finance roles and the demands of an evolving sector. Senior business leaders last week visited the University of Exeter for the induction of students on the new Accounting Finance Manager Degree Apprenticeship programme. Delivered by the University of Exeter and AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), the programme is unique in offering both academic and professional accounting and finance qualifications. Apprentices work towards the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting in the first year of the programme, making them immediately ready for a range of finance and accounting roles. After three years the apprentices receive a BSc in Applied Finance from Exeter, and completion of the programme provides maximum exam exemptions when progressing to complete full chartered accountancy qualifications. Apprentices work in full-time jobs while they study, so by the time they complete all their formal qualifications they also have three years’ work experience under their belts. Employers say this alternative to traditional degrees helps them to nurture talent from an early stage, embedding their own organisational values and technical standards while supporting formal education. “This approach helps us build a pipeline of professionals who…

A common but often undiagnosed genetic condition may be causing delays in type 2 diabetes diagnoses and increasing the risk of serious complications for thousands of Black and South Asian men in the UK – and potentially millions worldwide. The new study is conducted by the University of Exeter, in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and funded through a Wellcome Discovery Award. It has found around one in seven Black and one in 63 South Asian men in the UK carry a genetic variant known as G6PD deficiency. Men with G6PD deficiency are, on average, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes four years later than those without the gene variant. But despite this, fewer than one in 50 have been diagnosed with the condition G6PD deficiency does not cause diabetes, but it makes the widely used HbA1c blood test – which diagnoses and monitors diabetes – appear artificially low. This can mislead doctors and patients, resulting in delayed diabetes diagnosis and treatment. Professor Inês Barroso from the University of Exeter said: “Our findings highlight the urgent need for changes to testing practices to tackle health inequalities. Doctors and health policy makers need to be aware that the HbA1c test…