Research news
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marketing experts gather at University to discuss future challenges
Marketing experts are gathering at the University of Stirling
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.