Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

Eating breakfast prior to exercise helps burn more carbs

Eating breakfast prior to exercise may “prime” the body to burn carbohydrates and more rapidly digest food post-workout, according to research involving the University of Stirling.

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Study sheds light on peer pressure and alcohol consumption

A new study involving the University of Stirling has found that more than four in five people in the UK have experienced pressure from friends to consume alcohol.

Alcoholic drink

Fresh insight into invasive plant that blights UK rivers

New research into the behaviour of an invasive plant seen on riverbanks across the UK could help improve the management of the problem, experts have found.

Himalayan balsam

New study could revolutionise salmon farming

Scientists believe a new feed solution for Atlantic farmed salmon – created from a genetically modified plant – could help relieve pressure on stressed marine resources.

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Breakthrough in battle against Type 2 diabetes

Experts from the University of Stirling have made a breakthrough in understanding how people respond to lifestyle treatment for preventing Type 2 diabetes.

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Study to track trends in the public’s opinion on fracking

A new study involving the University of Stirling will investigate and help understand the public response to fracking across the UK.

Fracking definition

Invasive plants adapt to new environments, study finds

Invasive plants have the ability to adapt to new environments – and even behave like a native species, according to University of Stirling research.

Monkeyflower

Enhanced handovers could improve wellbeing of patients

The care and wellbeing of critically ill or injured patients could be enhanced by improving communication between paramedics, prehospital critical care teams and emergency departments, new research has indicated.

Ambulance

Marketing experts gather at University to discuss future challenges

Marketing experts are gathering at the University of Stirling

Marketing the Brave logo

Foam rolling warm-up enhances performance

Sportspeople should consider replacing static stretch warm-ups with foam roller routines in a bid to maximise performance, a new study by the University of Stirling has suggested.

Lewis Macgregor

Freud’s views on love and work backed up by Stirling research

New research has given weight to Sigmund Freud’s claim that love and work are important for our well-being – by highlighting how the threat of unemployment can activate thoughts of death for those not in a relationship.

Man sitting at harbour

New study could improve monitoring of tropical trees in face of climate change

Experts have challenged the principle that tropical ecosystems are aseasonal – after discovering regular cycles in fruiting, flowering and leafing in such climates.

An image of Emma Bush

Stirling expert leads research expedition to the Arctic

A research team led by a University of Stirling expert have set off on a scientific cruise to the Arctic Ocean to study the effects of warming on marine life.

An image of an Arctic Ice breaker

Camouflage protects animals – even if they are spotted

Pythons, moths and frogs exhibit a certain type of camouflage that hides their identity from other animals even after they have been spotted, new research has found.

An image of a frog that is in camouflage

Study reveals greater ape population than predicted – but numbers are still on decline

A decade-long survey of western lowland gorillas and central chimpanzees has revealed that there are far more apes living in the Western Equatorial region of Africa than previously estimated.

An image of a Gorilla

Graded punishment system could improve anti-doping in sport

Introducing a points-based grading system to punish athletes caught doping could revolutionise the approach to tackling drugs in sport, experts have said.

An anti-doping image

Scotland leads the way on fracking analysis, experts find

Scotland’s “comprehensive” approach to assessing hazards and public health risks posed by fracking is world-leading and sets a precedent for other countries, according to experts.

An image of Professor Andrew Watterson

Major conference on emergency care research held at Stirling

Leading academics, clinicians and politicians have gathered at the University of Stirling for a major conference discussing the latest research into emergency medicine.

Dr Edward Duncan, of the University of Stirling, pictured alongside (L-R): Professor Helen Snooks, Aileen Campbell, Pauline Howie and Dr David Fitzpatrick

Brain size of human ancestors evolved gradually over three million years, study finds

The average brain size of humans has increased gradually over the past three million years, a new study involving a University of Stirling researcher has found.

An image depicting the brain

Hunting in central Africa could devastate bird populations, study finds

Bird populations in central Africa will continue to decline – with major consequences for biodiversity – unless the threat of unsustainable hunting is reduced, University of Stirling experts have warned.

Robin Whytock

Research could improve management of conflict between wildlife and farmers across the globe

A new study led by the University of Stirling highlights improvements in the way conflicts between wildlife conservation and farming are managed worldwide.

Dr Jeremy Cusack

Half of Scots “not confident” in giving CPR, study finds

Half of the Scottish adult population do not feel confident administering CPR – and more than a fifth do not know when it is required, according to a new study led by the University of Stirling.

Fiona Dobbie, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Social Marketing

Unique Argos catalogue collection shows changes in consumer habits

A complete collection of Argos catalogues – held by the University of Stirling’s Institute for Retail Studies – has offered a unique insight into changing consumer habits over the years.

Unique Argos catalogue collection shows changes in consumer habits

Stirling awards Japan its first gold for dementia design

The University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) has awarded its first international gold accreditation for excellence in dementia design.

dsdc

Stirling scientist secures £3.4 million to tackle tobacco-related harm in Asia and Africa

A team of researchers, led by the University of Stirling, has been awarded £3.4 million from the Global Challenges Research Fund to reduce tobacco-related harm in low and middle income countries in Asia and Africa.

Professor Linda Bauld

Beavers’ unique ability to restore landscapes revealed

Beavers’ exceptional ability to re-create diverse wetland landscapes that are home to a wide variety of species, has been revealed by researchers at the University of Stirling.

An image of a beaver

Not all muscle building supplements are equal

Popular muscle building supplements, known as branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are ineffective when taken in isolation, according to new research from the University of Stirling.

man working out back muscle

Gold for Stirling internal communications campaign

The University of Stirling has won the Gold Award for Best Internal Communications Campaign at the 2017 Heist Awards in Manchester.

You can make it happen graphic

Beech trees native to Scotland after all, scientists discover

Beech trees should be considered native to Scotland – despite a long-running debate over their national identity, researchers at the University of Stirling and Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) report.

beech trees in leaf in a forest setting

Aquaculture experts make a splash at Royal Highland Show

Scientists from the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture made a splash at this year’s Royal Highland Show, promoting the Scottish aquaculture industry to hundreds of school children.

Students learning about salmon biology

Social status of listener alters our voice

People tend to change the pitch of their voice depending on who they are talking to, and how dominant they feel, a study by the University of Stirling has found.

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Stirling students earn passport to brighter future

Almost 50 students will begin degree courses this year after graduating from a University of Stirling access to higher education programme.

Access to Degree Studies graduation

Importance of GPs in reducing alcohol-related harms

Two new reports launched involving the University of Stirling highlight the important role that GPs have in raising the issue of alcohol use in GP consultations.

Dr Niamh Fitzgerald

Parliamentary reform could ‘maximise’ benefits of Scottish devolution

Reforming the Scottish Parliament may help to ‘improve’ devolution, according to a University of Stirling academic.

Professor Paul Cairney

Stirling expertise to inform inquiry into Scotland’s energy future

University of Stirling expertise will contribute to a major inquiry into Scotland’s energy future.

man in a suit sitting in front of a banner that says rse

Flights can make aircrew sick, Stirling study suggests

Flying a plane should come with a health warning, according to research led by the University of Stirling.

Dr Susan Michaelis

International focus on curriculum development

The University of Stirling has welcomed international researchers, policymakers and practitioners to a major European conference on curriculum studies.

Mark Priestley

Retailers and manufacturers should promote healthy choices, Stirling-led study finds

Shops should be transformed to drive customers towards buying healthy food and drink, according to a report by University of Stirling academics.

men in shirt leaning on banister in front of windows

Stirling cleaner fish projects unwrapped on Channel 4 show

As part of the Channel 4 food and science series, Food Unwrapped, an aquaculture expert from the University of Stirling has shown how nature has a solution to a major salmon production problem.

Dr Andrew Davie joins presenter Jimmy Doherty and Alastair Barge

Tweeters’ feelings towards main UK political parties revealed ahead of #GE2017

An analysis of the Twittersphere conducted by University of Stirling researchers over the past week has uncovered people’s feelings towards the two main UK political parties.

An image of the Parlimant

Dementia experts host international masterclass

International experts in the design of environments for people with dementia have gathered at the University of Stirling to attend a masterclass hosted by the Dementia Services Development Centre.

an elderly lady sitting in a wheelchair with a crochet blanket over her lap with her carer outside

New app to help improve environments for people living with dementia

The University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre has announced the development of a ground-breaking new app to help improve workplaces, public buildings and homes for people living with dementia.

IRIDIS application screenshots

Paws for Progress unveils new dementia dog training project

An initiative from the University of Stirling will benefit people living with dementia with the introduction of Scotland’s first prison-based assistance dog training programme.

two dogs wearing green vests

Women and babies in prison research explored

Top child welfare experts have gathered at the University of Stirling to discuss the wellbeing of babies and women in prison.

Professor Judith Phillips

New evidence finds standardised cigarette packaging may reduce the number of people who smoke

A Cochrane Review, co-authored by Stirling's Professor Linda Bauld, finds standardised tobacco packaging may lead to a reduction in smoking prevalence and reduces the appeal of tobacco.

Professor Linda Bauld

Report highlights how alcohol industry bent the rules on advertising during UEFA Euro 2016

A new report highlights how alcohol producers worked to circumvent legislation designed to protect children during the UEFA Euro 2016 football tournament.

UEFA Euro 2016

Stirling experts tackle the gender pay gap

Experts from the University of Stirling presented evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Fair Work and Jobs Committee today, 25 April, as part of its inquiry into the impact of equal pay.

Professor David Bell

Climate change clues revealed by ice sheet collapse

The rapid decline of ancient ice sheets could help scientists predict the impact of modern-day climate and sea-level change, according to research by the universities of Stirling in Scotland and Tromsø in Norway.

Sheets of ice

Dancers' brainwaves under the spotlight in art and science link-up

Looking at dancers' brain activity as they perform is at the centre of a new body of science and arts activity between the University of Stirling and Macrobert Arts Centre.

A dancer

Leading Stirling academic joins UK research panel

A leading University of Stirling academic has been announced as a member of a UK-wide research panel.

Professor Judith Philips