Research news
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
£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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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‘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.
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.
Substance use experts tackle health inequalities among people released from prison
New research is set to explore how health services can better support people released from prison in a bid to reduce the numbers dying from substance use, overdose, and suicide.
‘Essay Mills’ Pose Serious Risk to Scottish Universities
Vulnerable students are turning to online ‘essay mills’ to purchase written work that they then pass off as their own, threatening academic integrity and exploitation, a new study has found.
675-year-old mystery ends after researchers discover the origins of the Black Death
A team of researchers has ended a more than six-and-a-half-century mystery, after discovering the origins of the Black Death for the first time.
Study to explore impact of distress intervention on suicide
A new study is seeking to understand how a ground-breaking intervention designed to support people in distress has impacted suicidal ideation, suicidal behaviour, and self-harm.
Health visiting study seeks to learn lessons from pandemic
A new £265,000 study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected health visiting services across the UK, with a view to improving them in the future.
Stirling-led evaluation recommends roll out of distress intervention across Scotland
A ground-breaking mental health programme designed to support people in distress has been recommended for roll out across Scotland, following a University of Stirling-led evaluation.
Harmful bacteria survive on wet wipes washed up on beaches, study finds
Harmful bacteria on sewage-associated plastic waste washed up on beaches can survive long enough to pose a risk to human health, new research has found.
Human Rights expert calls for law change to protect the most vulnerable from cost-of-living crisis
A leading human rights lawyer is calling for a change in the law in order to allow those suffering from fuel, food or housing inadequacies to hold the government to account.
REF 2021: University of Stirling is top five in Scotland for research impact
The University of Stirling has been ranked top five in Scotland and top 50 in the UK for the impact of its research, according to new analysis from Times Higher Education.
REF 2021: University of Stirling research is making a difference globally
University of Stirling research is making a tangible difference across the globe – with new analysis recognising that 87% is of the highest standard, having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society.
University of Stirling welcomes Norwegian heritage experts
The University of Stirling is to host some of the world’s leading experts on heritage as it strengthens its international ties to the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU).
Daily activity is route to a better memory as well as fitness for pupils
Schoolchildren who run or walk for 15 minutes during the school day are mentally and physically sharper than those who do not, according to a new study involving the University of Stirling.
Pressures on Euro 2020 hosts led to less effective COVID-19 measures, study finds
Measures designed to reduce transmission of COVID-19 at Euro 2020 matches may not have been as effective due to the multiple pressures faced by host cities, a new study has found.
Youth advisory group launched as part of Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan
Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG) is launching a youth advisory group – supported by the University of Stirling – to inform and improve policy from the perspective of those with lived experience.
University of Stirling to lead third research network hub in British Academy pilot
The British Academy has announced that the third and final hub of its Early-Career Researcher (ECR) Network – a two-year pilot programme for UK-based postdoctoral researchers in the humanities and social sciences – will be in Scotland.
Study reveals few infants taken into care in Scotland are placed with brothers and sister
Only one in five infants taken into care in Scotland who had older brothers or sisters were initially placed with them, according to a new study funded by Scottish Government which has been published today.
Prominent health warnings on alcohol products make drinking “unappealing”, new study finds
Young adult drinkers are more likely to perceive alcohol products as “unappealing” and “socially unacceptable” if they display prominent health warnings, according to new research.
Building a buzz: robot bees to simulate pollination
Two scientists from the UK and the US have been jointly awarded £640,000 to build microrobots that simulate the buzzing of bees.
Wild meat hunting and trade threatens global sustainability, researchers say
The hunting and trade of wild animals for meat is a threat to global sustainability that should be managed on the same scale as deforestation, say researchers.
Net zero drive for the Scottish water sector
A new Scotland Hydro Nation initiative launching on World Water Day today, 22 March, aims to drive Scotland’s water sector to net zero and beyond by 2040.
Study explores impact of singing and dancing on healthy ageing
Researchers at the University of Stirling are exploring how singing and dancing can support healthy ageing and improve mental wellbeing among care home residents.
Flavoured cigarette use by children overlooked, study finds
The widespread use of menthol cigarettes in underage smokers has been overlooked according to new research from the University of Stirling and Cardiff University.
Better understanding of seafood sales messaging could improve global trade
Ahead of the first global seafood trade show of the year, research sheds new light on differences in seafood marketing messages between different regions of the world.
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Calls to extend programme which supports people with alcohol problems in Glasgow’s Deep End Practices
A new study shows the effectiveness of specialist addictions nurses in general practices in the most disadvantaged areas of Glasgow in treating alcohol problems.
Green light for major aquaculture research facility at University of Stirling
A £17m world-class research and innovation facility at the University of Stirling has moved a step closer, after the ambitious plans were approved by Stirling Council.
Stirling social scientists honoured by Academy
Two University of Stirling staff members have been announced as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences.
Academics launch review of digital tech programme tackling social isolation in care homes
A team of academics from the University of Stirling has been funded to study the success of a pioneering digital inclusion programme rolled out in care homes during the pandemic
Environmental benefits of whale strandings are being overlooked in coastal regulations, study finds
The environmental benefits of stranded whale and dolphin carcasses are being undermined by coastal regulations which require remains to be quickly disposed of, a new study has found.
Scottish Government must go further to restore peatlands in pursuit of net zero, study finds
Scotland’s natural capital advantage could be lost unless more ambitious peatland restoration targets are set, according to new research from the University of Stirling.
Researchers publish key guidelines for internet regulation
A new set of guidelines on internet regulation - published by philosophers from the University of Stirling - are aiming to support policy makers to tackle the spread of fake news and protect democratic debate online.
New project to examine how primary educators access research to inform teaching
A new major project to examine how primary teachers access and engage with literacy research to inform teaching is underway.