Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

Public relations in spotlight at anniversary event

Experts from the field of UK public relations will gather for debates at the University of Stirling – as the institution marks 30 years of teaching and researching the subject area.

An open notebook next to a cup of coffee on a table

Stirling scientist observes arrival of lander on asteroid

A team of international scientists – including a University of Stirling academic – have marked a major milestone in the high-profile Hayabusa2 mission.

outer space

Climate change laws explored by Stirling expert

The UK Government’s approach to tackling climate change via legislation has been examined by a University of Stirling academic.

Climate change is causing the Arctic’s plants to grow taller

Global warming is enabling Arctic tundra plants to grow taller, according to new research involving a University of Stirling scientist.

flower

Impact of narrowing school curriculum on pupil outcomes

A narrowing of the curriculum in secondary schools could impact on student outcomes – particularly for those from deprived backgrounds - according to research carried out by academics at the University of Stirling.

students in an exam

Looked after children wait years for adoption, new study finds

A University of Stirling-led study tracking the progress of 1,836 looked-after children, has found they can wait years to be adopted.

Girl with red, curly hair eating a sandwich with man and woman in the background

Fly mating choices may help explain variation across species

Scientists at the University of Stirling have shed new light on the impact of sexual selection on species diversity after studying the mating rituals of dance flies.

Dance fly

Don’t miss a trick with free bridge session

A free Bridge session is being offered to local residents, staff and students, as part of a University of Stirling research project into the health and well-being benefits of playing the card game.

playing cards

Study reveals impact of habitat fragmentation on migrant birds

Experts at the University of Stirling have shed new light on the impact of habitat fragmentation on migrant birds.

Willow warbler sitting in a tree.

Innovative approach to repeat offending shows promise

The Aberdeen Problem-Solving Approach, which aims to reduce the use of custodial sentences and cut reoffending for persistent offenders, has the potential to be extended to other areas, after a new report published today said it “shows promise”.

court hammer

97% reduction in second-hand smoke exposure revealed by Stirling-led study

The amount of second-hand smoke inhaled by non-smoking Scots has fallen by over 97% over the past 20 years, University of Stirling-led research has found.

Cigarette banner

‘Generation rent’ suffer mental health issues

Being forced to live long-term in private rented housing is impacting negatively on young people’s mental health a new study, led by University of Stirling academic Dr Kim McKee, has found.

Rental agreement document, with keys and pen

Women’s football roots revealed – as Stirling researcher announces inaugural seminar

The first recorded evidence of women’s football in Europe has been commemorated – as a University of Stirling research student announced an inaugural seminar celebrating the beautiful game.

Women's football match

New study using technology to monitor water quality

Experts - including University of Stirling academics - are testing techniques to enhance water quality monitoring worldwide as part of the €5 million MONOCLE project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme.

Technology used to monitor water quality

Plain packaging led to price hike for branded tobacco

Small retailers sold fully-branded tobacco for higher prices while they were being phased out for standardised packaging, a study has found.

Cigarette banner

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.

Cycling banner

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.

Salmon farm, Scotland

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.

Type 2 Diabetes banner

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 conference

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.

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.

An image of an ambulance

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.

An image of a Hornbill

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.

An image of a Pink Footed Goose

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.

An image conveying CPR training

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.

Professor Leigh Sparks holding the first Argos catalogue

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.

Tokyu Land Corporation is presented with a gold accreditation for dementia design by the University of Stirling's Professor Alison Bowes.

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.

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.

two men shaking hands

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.

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.

Parliamentary reform could ‘maximise’ benefits of Scottish devolution

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

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.

a seated panel consisting of four men and one woman