Research news
Stirling expert part of team that has developed the world’s first “non-cuttable” material
A University of Stirling academic is part of a team that has developed the world’s first “non-cuttable” material – which could be used to make items such as bike locks, armour and security doors.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
New e-learning programme will enhance cancer care
An innovative e-learning programme developed by experts at the University of Stirling will educate and empower nurses to improve cancer care.
![nursing](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/july/nurse-450338.jpg)
Scientists to test feasibility of novel protein in fish feed
Experts from the University of Stirling will investigate the feasibility of using a single-cell protein in salmon feed, as part of a ground-breaking carbon recycling project.
![salmon farming](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/july/aqua-450338.jpg)
Tree planting does not always boost ecosystem carbon stocks, study finds
Planting huge numbers of trees to mitigate climate change is “not always the best strategy” – with some experimental sites in Scotland failing to increase carbon stocks, a new study has found.
![trees](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/july/trees-450338.jpg)
Office-based exercise could reduce heart disease risk by 15%
Office-based exercise could reduce heart disease risk by 15%
![exercise bike](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/july/exbike-450x338.jpg)
Arctic plants may not provide predicted carbon sequestration potential
The environmental benefits of taller, shrubbier tundra plants in the Arctic may be overstated, according to new research involving the University of Stirling.
![arctic](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/july/landscape-450x338].jpg)
Impact of shale gas “ignored” in England, new study finds
The UK Government and its advisory groups “marginalised or ignored” the environmental and public health ramifications of permitting shale gas extraction in England, according to new research.
![shale gas](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/july/shalegas-450x338.jpg)
Stirling project could be key in tackling “snail fever”
Pioneering research involving the University of Stirling could play a vital role in reducing the prevalence of “snail fever” – a debilitating infection that affects more than 200 million people worldwide.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
New study to reveal how landlords can support tenants to create ‘homes’
A new study – led by the University of Stirling – will advise landlords on how they can support tenants in the private rented sector to make their leased property a ‘home’.
![A rental sign outside a residential property](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/june/Private-rented-sector-450x338.jpg)
Health psychologist supporting new COVID-19 app design
A health psychologist at the University of Stirling is supporting the development of a new smartphone game designed to educate young people on COVID-19.
![game](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/june/game-450x338.jpg)
New toolkit launched to help deal with isolation
Experts from the University of Stirling have launched a new toolkit providing guidance on the role technology can play in combating feelings of isolation among older people.
![Older person using technology](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/june/Isolation-450x338.jpg)
Major study to investigate COVID-19 impact on gamblers
A major new study has been launched to understand how the COVID-19 lockdown has impacted gambling behaviour, including among potentially ‘high risk’ groups.
![gambling online](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/june/gambling-450x338.jpg)
Aquaculture study findings shed light on lumpfish welfare
New research from aquaculture experts at the University of Stirling could help improve the welfare of farmed lumpfish – a species vital to tackling the problem of sea lice in salmon.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
Employers could face legal action over COVID-19 exposure, expert warns
Employers across the UK could face legal action from employees who return to work and contract the COVID-19 virus, a leading health and safety expert has warned.
![workplace ppe](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/june/ppe-450x338.jpg)
Stirling scientists report on animal welfare in aquaculture
Scientists at the University of Stirling have authored a new report providing guidance on identifying and strengthening best practices for animal welfare in aquaculture.
![salmon cages](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/salmoncage-450338.jpg)
New report reveals impact of minimum unit pricing for alcohol on small retailers
The Scottish Government’s minimum unit pricing policy has been implemented as intended by small retailers in Scotland, according to new research carried out by the University of Stirling.
![alcohol](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/alcohol-450338.jpg)
Stirling experts inform new study on world’s tropical forests
Extensive research on tropical forests in Central Africa – conducted by the University of Stirling over several decades – forms part of an important new paper published in a prestigious journal.
![rainforest](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/rain-450x338.jpg)
COVID-19: Study considers the impact of ‘new’ home working arrangements on wellbeing
The impact of the unprecedented shift towards full-time home-based work (HBW), brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, is the focus of a major new University of Stirling study.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
COVID-19: Dying patients should receive visits, experts say
Families should be enabled to visit dying loved-ones – even during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a healthcare expert who has recently overcome her own life-threatening illness.
![hospital visit](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/hostpial450338.jpg)
Even better than the real thing? The value of replicas at heritage sites
Two University of Stirling academics have co-authored a book looking at the value of replicas at heritage sites and in museums.
![St John's Cross on Iona](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/St-Johns-Cross-450x338.jpg)
Study considers the protection of vulnerable children during COVID-19
Protecting the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people in Scotland, during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the focus of a new University of Stirling study.
![covid19](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/april/coronavirus-450x338.jpg)
Satellite technology to help tackle invasive aquatic weeds
Scientists will use satellites, drones and ground sensors in a bid to tackle the spread of invasive aquatic weeds – a serious problem that damages vital water and food resources in Asia and Africa.
![invasive weeds](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/invasiveweeds-450-338.jpg)
£800k study to look at link between fire and climate change
University of Stirling experts will lead a new £800,000 study investigating the behaviour of pyrogenic carbon – partly-burned plants left behind following fire – and its potential impact on climate change.
![savannah](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/savannah-450x338.jpg)
Eurovision voting points to more than just musical tastes
How people vote in the Eurovision Song Contest may tell us more than just the musical tastes of a nation - according to new research.
![world map](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/world-map-450x338.jpg)
New study examines lifting of pub and nightclub restrictions
A new University of Stirling study is seeking to understand how the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on licensed premises can be effectively managed to protect emergency services.
![bar](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/bar-450x338.jpg)
Occupational hygiene expertise could help reduce risk of COVID-19 in workplace
Occupational hygienists could play an important role helping workers return to their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, a University of Stirling expert has said.
![shop worker covid-19](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/covid-19-shop-450.jpg)
Study to research impact of COVID-19 on people who use drugs
Understanding the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people who use drugs in Scotland is the focus of a new University of Stirling study.
![drugs](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/srugs-450338.jpg)
Stirling projects to safeguard wellbeing of carers during pandemic
Three University of Stirling projects will play a key role in safeguarding carers and support workers during the COVID-19 pandemic – and assessing the impact the experience has on them.
![carer](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/carer-450x338.jpg)
Sewage poses potential COVID-19 transmission risk, experts warn
Environmental biologists at the University of Stirling have warned that the potential spread of COVID-19 via sewage “must not be neglected” in the battle to protect human health.
![drain](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/drain-450x338.jpg)
COVID-19 studies focus on Ambulance Service impact
A new University of Stirling study will assess the challenges faced by paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic – and consider how their decisions impact patients with the virus.
![ambulance](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/ambulance-450x338.jpg)
COVID-19 study: Impact of social distancing on older adults
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social contact, loneliness, wellbeing and physical activity in older adults will be the focus of a new University of Stirling study.
![Social distancing](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/older-lady-450x338.jpg)
Inclusive aquaculture can improve the lives of poor farmers
Experts are calling for aquaculture business models to be more inclusive – and ultimately improve the lives – of poor smallholder farmers and others in the industry’s value chain.
![aquaculture](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/april/aquaculture-450x338.jpg)
University of Stirling to lead 10 projects on COVID-19 impact
The University of Stirling will conduct 10 major projects investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic after receiving almost £500,000 in funding from the Scottish Government.
![covid19](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/april/coronavirus-450x338.jpg)
The app allowing people to explore Scotland’s heritage during lockdown
A free smartphone app – created by a University of Stirling academic – is helping people to experience and explore Scotland’s coalmining heritage and the remnants of the industry during the current COVID-19 lockdown.
![Dr Catherine Mills](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/march/Coal-app-450x338.jpg)
Stirling receives £1.2 million to study global sustainability
A new £1.2 million project – led by the University of Stirling – is aiming to “deliver critical step change” to help resolve conflicts between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
![brazil dam](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/april/brazildam-450x338.jpg)
Self-paced exercise may be key to improving children’s attention, memory and wellbeing
Outdoor classroom breaks involving 15 minutes of self-paced exercise may improve children’s attention, memory and wellbeing, according to new research.
![Daily mile participants](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/05/DailyMileThumb.jpg)
Stirling academic offers glimpse into the future of tropical forests
A University of Stirling academic has played a key role in an international research project into what the future may hold for the world’s tropical forests, and how that data can shape governments’ policies.
![Dr Daisy Dent, of the Faculty of Natural Sciences](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/april/Dr-Daisy-Dent-450x338.jpg)
Stirling expert’s potentially life-saving advice to COVID-19 social workers
A leading expert from the University of Stirling is providing potentially life-saving advice to social workers around the world as they tackle the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
![face mask](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/april/facemask-450x338.jpg)
Stirling expert receives fellowship to conduct international research
A leading expert from the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling has received a renowned Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship.
![japanese woman](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/march/japan-450x338.jpg)
System forecasts global warming of lakes globally
A new study – part of a wider project led by the University of Stirling – will enable scientists to predict future warming of the world’s lakes due to climate change.
![lake](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/march/lake-450.jpg)
Parliamentary reception highlights University’s role in empowering communities
The role of research in empowering communities to become resilient as the world’s population ages was the focus of the University of Stirling’s presence at a Scottish Parliament reception.
![Person sitting in a chair using a laptop](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/march/Person-sitting-in-a-chair-using-a-laptop-455x338.jpg)
Sports fans exposed to high levels of alcohol sponsorship
Football and rugby supporters in Scotland are consistently exposed to high levels of alcohol sponsorship, according to new research from the University of Stirling.
![football fans](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/march/football-450x338-(2).jpg)
City Deal signing: Major step forward for University-led projects
Two landmark projects led by the University of Stirling have today taken a major step forward – following the signing of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.
![City Deal Signing](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/february/City-Deal-Signing-450x338.jpg)
Experts welcome heading ban for under-11s – but insist more needs to be done
Experts from the University of Stirling have welcomed news that heading footballs will no longer form part of training sessions for under-11s in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
![Alan Shearer](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/february/shearer-450x338-(1).jpg)
Funding boost to bridge the gap between play and study
A new research project led by the University of Stirling will highlight the benefits and skills gained from playing bridge.
![cards](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/february/cards-450x338.jpg)
MSPs celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health
The Scottish Parliament is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health – praising its contribution to the development of public health policy.
![smoking-450x338](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/february/smoking-450x338.jpg)
Study to investigate energy challenges in Scottish town
A new study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand the everyday energy challenges facing one of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas.
![gas](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/february/gascooker-450x338.jpg)
£2.2m for new study on the care of parents who use drugs
An innovative £2.2 million study will investigate the provision of treatment for parents who use drugs in the UK – in a bid to understand how they interact with health and social care services.
![parent](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/january/adult-450x338.jpg)
Research suggests benefits of conservation efforts may not yet be fully visible
The time it takes for species to respond to conservation measures – known as an ‘ecological time lag’ – could be partly masking any real progress that is being made, experts have warned.
![world map](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/world-map-450x338.jpg)
Efforts to tackle tobacco harm explored by experts
The impact of the tobacco display ban on young people’s attitudes to smoking has been analysed by University of Stirling experts.
![cigarettes thumbnail](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/january/cigs-450x338.jpg)