Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

New study finds that microplastics can help dangerous bacteria survive on Scottish beaches

New research from the University of Stirling has found that dangerous bacteria are able to survive the journey from sewage treatment plants to beaches on microplastic pollution.

Microplastics under a magnifying glass.

Primary school children spend less time outdoors, University study finds

Primary school children spend less time playing and learning outdoors, University study finds.

Young children learning in woodlands. Credit Lorne Gill, NatureScot

University working to monitor water quality in war-torn Ukraine

The University of Stirling is working with a Ukrainian university to monitor water quality in the war-torn country.

Andrew Tyler

International research to tackle exclusion and inequalities faced by people living with dementia

An international project led by the University of Stirling is to investigate how people living with dementia can be better included in decisions taken in their communities.

older people and younger person talking

Solutions to global water crisis sought in Scotland

Professor Andrew Tyler has spoken of the University’s work to mitigate the effects of climate change to mark the 30th anniversary of World Water Day.

Andrew Tyler

Tool developed to identify girls at risk of nutritional deficiency

Professor Dave Little of the University’s world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture used the resource to discover that adolescent girls in Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable.

View of the campus

Health researchers launch ‘first’ Long Covid resource for patients and health care professionals

The first resource of its kind to support those living with Long Covid and the healthcare professionals involved in their care, has been launched by experts from the University of Stirling.

3D Render of Coronavirus.

Growing mushrooms alongside trees could feed millions and mitigate effects of climate change, research finds

Growing edible mushrooms alongside trees can produce a valuable food source for millions of people while capturing carbon, mitigating the impact of climate change, a new study by University of Stirling scientists has found.

Professor Alistair Jump, Professor Paul Thomas

University of Stirling expert in substance use and inclusion health recognised by Academy of Social Sciences

One of the country’s leading experts in substance use and inclusion health, Professor Tessa Parkes, has been made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Aerial photo of the campus

Agriculture needs fresh approach to tackle insect resistance to biopesticides, new analysis finds

A new way to manage insect pests' resistance to greener pesticides is needed, according to analysis by University of Stirling scientists.

Insect pest amid leaves

Social science researchers at the University of Stirling will “hit the ground running” after major £1.25m funding boost

The University of Stirling has received a major funding boost that will have a major impact on social sciences research.

A student and researcher sitting at computer

Climate change concerns increasingly reduce natural gas support

The public’s concerns about climate change could reduce support for natural gas as an alternative fuel source, research suggests.

Child Playing on Dry Parched Desert Land stock photo

Call for Stirling locals to take part in Wallace Monument research

Researchers at the University of Stirling are looking for frequent visitors to the The National Wallace Monument to take part in a tourism study.

View of National Wallace Monument

Piecing together Scotland’s religious past with shards of glass

Two Scottish researchers are attempting to piece together part of Scotland’s religious past by combining hi-tech science with historical knowledge.

Elgin Cathedral aerial photograph

University of Stirling ageing experts share pioneering work with Scotland Office minister

Experts in ageing, dementia and housing at the University of Stirling shared their pioneering research and ambitious plans with UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord during a visit to campus today.

Visitors including Lord Offord outside dementia centre

Reduced subject choice under Curriculum for Excellence is affecting opportunities and outcomes for Scotland’s young people, research finds

Curriculum narrowing and a reduced choice of school subjects under the Curriculum for Excellence are affecting outcomes for Scotland’s young people, according to a new study from the University of Stirling.

University of Stirling campus

Research raises concerns over relationship between major US research institution and the alcohol industry

A new study has uncovered extensive interactions between one of the world’s leading funders of alcohol research and alcohol industry groups, sparking concern about the industry’s influence on science and public health policy.

An image of a loch

Heritage experts to study responses to protecting Ukraine's cultural heritage and monuments

A new international project is to explore how cultural heritage, monuments and the professionals involved in their safeguarding, can be better protected during times of war.

An image of a loch

MSPs learn of “frontline research” in dementia on visit to University of Stirling

Two Scottish MSPs with interests in housing, equality and older people have visited the University of Stirling to learn about its advances in improving the lives of people living with dementia.

Visitors including MSPs outside the dementia centre

Diversifying fish species and sources provide a flexible pathway to food and nutrition security

Scientists from the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture and WorldFish publish findings from their latest study on pond polyculture.

An image of a loch

Burns’ influence on working class English writers revealed after the discovery of ‘lost’ works

The influence of Robert Burns saw poets in the north of England writing verse in Scots, say researchers who have uncovered a host of ‘lost’ literary works penned by industrial workers in the 19th Century.

Burns Cottage, Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland.

Cancer greater cause for concern than COVID for over 50s

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the University of Stirling found chronic health conditions are a greater cause for concern than COVID-19 and that older people feel safer from catching COVID-19 in healthcare settings than in other places in the community.

Older person wears a mask and is gazing out of a window

£2m water quality project to protect river ecosystems

New research led by the University of Stirling is to explore how pollution and climate change are impacting freshwater ecosystems for the first time.

Photograph of a river surrounded by green grass and mountains

Funding announced for major aquaculture project in Thailand and Vietnam

The University of Stirling has secured major funding to improve the welfare of farmed fish in Thailand and Vietnam, with the aim of enhancing the quality of fish for human consumption.

An image of a loch

New exhibition kicks Stirling sporting hero back into spotlight

Raploch born footballer Billy Bremner remembered in new University exhibition

An image of a loch

Privatisation in the UK has cost lives, research suggests

The UK’s privatisation of public services has led to an increase in the number of health and safety disasters which have caused multiple fatalities, according to new research from the University of Stirling.

An image of a loch

New research explains dramatic reduction of ivory trade in Japan

With implications for global wildlife trade, research from the University of Stirling and National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan has shown how Japan, once the largest consumer country of ivory, stopped being a destination for the product.

Pile of animal tusks for sale in the local shop in market in the Old town of Fenghuang, Hunan Province, China

Video games project aims to awake ‘sleeping giant’ industry in Scotland

University of Stirling experts are setting out key recommendations to boost Scotland’s videogame industry.

Rear view of young gamer wearing gaming headphones with backlight and playing in computer video game on computer

Heatwaves to impact almost every child on earth by 2050: UNICEF report

New research from UNICEF, supported by experts at the University of Stirling, has estimated that by 2050, every child in the world is expected to be exposed to worsening heatwaves.

An image of a loch

Collaborative project to educate communities on air quality

Air quality experts from the University of Stirling have launched a new collaborative project to help communities understand how they contribute to air pollution in their local area.

An image of a loch

Low-tech gadgets have biggest impact for older people, research finds

New research undertaken by housing and ageing experts at the University of Stirling has found that introducing low tech gadgets to retirement living schemes has a major impact on health and well-being.

An image of a loch

Pandemic has worsened global childhood physical inactivity crisis – and Scotland is no exception

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated shortfalls in children’s physical activity around the world, including in Scotland, according to a new study involving the University of Stirling.

two children using smartphones

Voucher scheme highly effective at helping stop smoking in pregnancy, study finds

A high street voucher scheme is highly effective in helping women stop smoking during pregnancy, according to new research involving the University of Stirling.

Pregnant woman gives up smoking.

Research shows music and movement hits right note with care home residents

A pilot study by the University of Stirling has found that music and movement can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of care home residents – and could lead to similar activities being rolled out on a wider scale.

danceSing initiative at Balhousie Care Home

Moving mussels: new insights into shellfish farming

Researchers have identified how mussel larvae move – giving mussel and other shellfish farmers important insights into where and how to grow them.

mussels

Evaluation finds extension of distress intervention during pandemic was a success

A ground-breaking mental health programme which supports people in distress was successfully extended during the pandemic, according to a new evaluation led by the University of Stirling.

An image of a loch

Tech project succeeds in connecting care home residents during pandemic

A pioneering project introducing iPads to care homes during the pandemic had a significant impact on social isolation, according to experts at the University of Stirling.

Healthcare worker with senior woman using digital tablet at care home

One in four children referred to mental health services in Scotland have suicidal thoughts or behaviours, study suggests

A quarter of children referred to mental health services in Scotland have been thinking about or attempted suicide – and face a postcode lottery as to whether they will be assessed or treated, a new study suggests.

Young man speaking to counsellor.

£2m research to study impact of place and stigma on older disabled adults

New research exploring the impact of stigma on fuelling inequalities experienced by UK disabled adults in later life has secured funding of £2m.

An image of a loch

Lessons for Police Scotland in introduction of body cameras

There is widespread public support for Scottish police to wear body cameras when attending incidents, but certain pitfalls must be avoided, new research highlights.

Two police officers from behind in a crowd

Monocultures or mixed species? Surprising research shows how forests cope with drought

Monocultures of some of the UK’s most economically important conifers may be more resilient to spring drought than mixed species forests, new research has shown.

Scots pine forest

Study reveals negative experience of family caregivers during the pandemic

Family caregivers in the UK were marginalised during the pandemic, and vulnerable older people were let down by the health system, a new study has found.

Elderly lady sitting in the dark

New exhibition celebrates Scotland’s Commonwealth Games heroes

A new exhibition curated by University of Stirling experts to celebrate Scotland’s historic sporting heroes is set to open in Birmingham as part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Angela Bridgeman Baxter

How the humble sea cucumber could transform fish farming

Help to solve one of the world’s most pressing dilemmas - how to feed our growing population whilst protecting the planet – may be at hand from a surprising ally – the sea cucumber.

Mediterranean sea cucumber

Study reveals impact of alcohol packaging on young people

New research from the University of Stirling has highlighted the significant impact that alcohol packaging has on capturing the attention of, and creating appeal amongst, young people.

bottles of wine

New sustainable aquaculture investment for Stirling

An ambitious new aquaculture research and innovation facility at the University of Stirling has received a further one million pounds of investment.

Planning image of NATIH

Most stakeholders support review of alcohol laws at UK football stadia but concerns persist, new study finds

Easing legal restrictions around the sale and consumption of alcohol at UK football stadia could deliver public safety and financial benefits, but is not without risks, according to key stakeholders interviewed as part of a new University of Stirling study.

alcohol

On the ‘elevator to extinction’: arctic-alpine plants endangered in Scottish Highlands

Rare arctic-alpine plants are being driven higher up Scotland’s mountains by climate change and will soon become extinct if we don’t intervene, new research from the University of Stirling has found.

Sarah Watts on Ben Lawers

‘Hitch-hiking’ viruses can survive on microplastics in freshwater, new study finds

Scientists have proven for the first time that viruses can survive and remain infectious by binding themselves to plastics in freshwater – raising concerns about the potential impact on human health.

Plastic waste

New report reveals strength of holistic welfare service model for supporting veterans in Glasgow

A new report has been published examining the Social Return on Investment (SROI) generated by Glasgow’s Helping Heroes (GHH) a partnership between SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and Glasgow City Council.

Military personnel standing in George Square Glasgow