Researchers have developed a new method to collect and study salmon lice secretions, allowing for the examination of individual lice and reducing faecal contamination. The study found 148 secretory proteins, 64 of which were detected in each tested condition, potentially representing targets for vaccine development.
A new study found that nostalgia and family traditions are major barriers to adopting plant-based diets, with personal experiences and cultural identities playing a significant role. Researchers suggest recreating nostalgic or culturally significant dishes using vegan ingredients can make dietary change feel more accessible.
A University of Stirling study found that most people in the UK don't fully understand dog laws and often believe stronger protections exist than actually do. Dog owners were consistently more confident but not more accurate in their knowledge, raising concerns about improving legal understanding.
A University of Stirling-led review found that certain design elements, such as striped patterns and high-contrast colors, can contribute to visual discomfort. This can range from eyestrain to migraine, and is often more pronounced in individuals with sensory sensitivities like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia.
Researchers found that portrayals in media lacked diversity, often focusing on white, socially awkward male characters. Autistic participants felt that such portrayals were exaggerated and simplified, limiting public understanding and self-understanding.
The EVApeCognition Dataset is the largest and most comprehensive collection of experimental studies of great apes' cognition and behavior available globally. Researchers compiled over 262 experimental datasets from 150 publications, enabling unprecedented examination of how great apes think, learn, and understand their environment.
During the Covid-19 crisis, small community sports clubs in Brazilian favelas adapted to meet urgent needs by distributing food parcels, sharing public health information, and transporting residents to vaccination centres. These efforts strengthened trust and cooperation with local communities.
A new study by the University of Stirling found that beaver-created wetlands had 19% more species than other types of wetland. The research team believes their findings could hint at the scale of past biodiversity loss associated with a lack of beaver-dependent wetlands.
Since Scotland's landmark smoke-free legislation in 2006, second-hand smoke exposure has decreased significantly, with a 95.7% reduction in salivary cotinine levels among non-smokers between 1998 and 2024. Despite this progress, many workers still face risk of exposure, particularly in outdoor hospitality settings.
A new study published in eNeuro found that people remain engaged with stories even in noisy environments. The research team used fMRI scans to examine brain activity while participants listened to engaging stories in background chatter, revealing distinct neural systems involved in naturalistic speech listening.
A University of Stirling professor has warned that tree-planting may not be as effective at reducing climate change as previously assumed due to potential soil carbon losses. The study found that deep soils in forests may lose more carbon over time than expected, which could reduce the net climate benefits of tree planting.
A University of Stirling-led study finds that deforestation, farming, and urbanization can heighten the risk of zoonotic diseases like Covid-19 and malaria. The research highlights the need for careful land-use planning to protect both human health and nature.
A six-year study found dwarf birch trees in blanket bogs survived with higher rates of growth and survival at lower deer densities. The study suggests that lowering deer densities can help restore lost mountain woodlands in the Scottish Highlands.
A new study by the University of Stirling has found that introducing parkwalkers to parkrun events has led to a surge in walker participation. The initiative has increased the proportion of new female participants and reversed a decline in the average age of new attendees.
A three-year study by the University of Stirling has shown that Himalayan balsam disrupts riverbank stability, causing erosion during high-flow periods. This leads to increased sedimentation, damaging habitats and wildlife, and changes to river shape and structure.
A new University of Stirling study shows that using insects like parasitic wasps to control agricultural pests is safer and more environmentally friendly than using chemical pesticides. Despite some whiteflies developing genetic resistance, the study found that survivors have low reproductive success, limiting widespread resistance.
A £1.4 million funding has been secured by the University of Stirling to explore tissue remodelling processes in salmon, with a focus on reducing mortality linked to gill and skin health issues. The research will deliver practical tools for fish health and productivity while enhancing sustainability in the Scottish aquaculture industry.
A University of Stirling-led study aims to improve care for vulvodynia patients by prioritizing patient-centered treatment and addressing knowledge gaps. The research found that education for healthcare providers, improved care pathways, and multidisciplinary support are top priorities.
Research by the University of Stirling found that beaver-created wetlands have a significant impact on pollinator populations, with a 29% increase in hoverfly species and 119% more individuals. This study suggests that beavers can play a crucial role in boosting biodiversity and reversing declining pollinator numbers.
A new study led by Dr Elisa Fuentes-Montemayor identifies key ecological factors supporting natural colonisation, which can provide environmental and societal benefits. Hybrid approaches combining tree planting and natural colonisation offer intermediate values of forest growth and structural complexity.
A newly discovered threat to marine ecosystems emerges as a common sunscreen chemical slows the degradation of discarded plastic in oceans. Biofilm bacteria thrive under the influence of this chemical, and researchers warn policymakers of urgent action needed to mitigate ecological threats.
Scientists have discovered that a species of wasp can reproduce both with and without a mate, challenging previous assumptions about the evolution of this insect. This finding opens up possibilities for improving natural pest control by harnessing the reproductive behavior of these wasps to adapt them to different regions.
Researchers at the University of Stirling have identified fibroblast-like stem cells in the skin of Atlantic salmon, which play a central role in wound healing and tissue remodeling. These adult stem cells are thought to be involved in maintaining the skin's barrier and structural properties.
Changes to a pest's diet could delay the evolution of resistance to biopesticides, according to University of Stirling scientists. The study found that altering the crop a pest eats has a greater impact on resistance than switching pesticide types.
A University of Stirling study found that genetic mixing changes local mussel populations, helping farmers with site selection and management. The research also identified key areas for growing mussel populations along Scotland's Atlantic coast.
Researchers found chemical dispersants from the Deepwater Horizon spill increase stress in bacteria, and sunlight intensifies this effect. This discovery could lead to improved ocean cleanup strategies globally.
A team of international experts has released the first medical protocol for treating individuals exposed to aircraft cabin fumes. The guidance outlines actions for medical staff and airline staff to take in response to contaminated air supply events.
A new tool has been developed to identify adolescent girls in developing countries who are at risk of nutritional deficiency, with a focus on Bangladesh. The tool uses a simple metric and can be applied online, avoiding the need for costly finger prick blood sampling.
The first Long COVID resource has been launched by health researchers at the University of Stirling, providing practical information and support for those affected. The resource covers topics including symptoms, management, and impact on daily life, as well as messages from patients to healthcare professionals.
A new study by University of Stirling scientists found that growing edible mushrooms alongside trees can produce a valuable food source for millions of people while capturing carbon. The approach incentivizes tree planting and reduces the need for deforestation to make way for crops, mitigating the impact of climate change.
Researchers propose a practical framework for managing the risks of biopesticide resistance evolution, suggesting that farmers can help by planting a wider diversity of crops and using multiple biopesticides. This approach aims to reduce the spread of resistance and keep biopesticides effective in the long term.
A University of Stirling study found that COVID-19 lockdowns triggered feelings of loneliness in older adults but also encouraged them to engage with technology, reconnect with friends, and build new relationships with neighbors. The research highlights the importance of addressing loneliness and social support in older adults, particu...
Researchers at the University of Stirling have developed a new algorithm that analyzes data from satellite sensors to estimate trophic state directly, improving monitoring of issues like harmful algal blooms. This method outperforms current approaches with an accuracy rate of over 90% for highly affected waters.
A new study aims to improve understanding and treatment of developmental prosopagnosia, a condition affecting face recognition. The research will develop and test training interventions for children with facial recognition difficulties.
A new study questioned whether pub operators can consistently prevent COVID-19 transmission risks, despite physical and operational modifications. Researchers observed significant risks arising from close customer-staff interaction and intoxication, which were rarely addressed by staff.
A £375,000 two-year study led by Professor Kate Hunt aims to understand the lived experiences and support needs of people suffering from 'long COVID'. The research will produce a reliable online resource with practical information and support for those affected and their families and carers.
A University of Stirling study found a decrease in self-reported sea turtle egg consumption and poaching of adult sea turtles after a community-based campaign. However, the increase in anti-poaching law enforcement may have impacted results.
A University of Stirling study found that social distancing during COVID-19 increased feelings of loneliness among Scotland's over 60s population, leading to worse wellbeing and health. A larger social network and better perceived social support were protective against loneliness and poorer health.
A new study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research Public Health programme, investigates the impact of changing bar and club opening hours on health, crime levels, and emergency services in Scotland. The study aims to understand how later opening hours affect ambulance callouts, crimes, and public services.
A significant reduction in fruit production by trees has coincided with a decline in the physical condition of fruit-eating forest elephants. The study found an 81% decline in fruit production between 1986 and 2018, alongside an 11% drop in the physical condition of fruit-dependent forest elephants since 2008.
A study found that lockdowns in Scotland had little impact on outdoor air pollution, with no decline in toxic fine particles despite a 65% reduction in vehicles on the road. Instead, people may be at greater risk from air pollution in their own homes due to increased indoor exposure.
Researchers found that flower buzzing produced forces of over 50G, five times that experienced by fighter jet pilots, and suggests bees use specific types of buzzing vibrations for certain tasks. This discovery provides important insight into the pollination process and how flowers coevolved with bees.
A recent study found that tree planting on heather moorland in Scotland did not increase carbon storage, but instead led to a decline in soil organic carbon stocks. The research suggests that planting trees may not be an effective strategy for mitigating climate change in certain areas.
New research reveals that Arctic shrub communities can release stored carbon from soils, offsetting potential carbon sequestration. This could lead to a net source of CO2 in the atmosphere if not addressed.
A Stirling-led project aims to reduce the prevalence of schistosomiasis, a debilitating infection affecting 200 million people worldwide. By boosting native snail predators through aquaculture, researchers hope to control snail populations and limit the spread of the disease.
A new University of Stirling study investigates the effects of full-time home-based work on productivity and wellbeing, particularly among lower socio-economic groups. The £275,000 project aims to identify key challenges and develop coping strategies for workers and their households during this unprecedented shift.
A new study led by the University of Stirling will use satellite technology to monitor invasive aquatic weeds in neglected water bodies in India. The project aims to detect regrowth early and prevent damage to fisheries, drinking water sources, and agricultural irrigation.
Researchers will gather new data on pyrogenic carbon and investigate its behavior in tropical savannahs, including the impact of soil depth and fire frequency. The study aims to update models and provide better forecasts of carbon cycle dynamics, informing land management and climate change policies.
New research from the University of Stirling and University of Glasgow reveals that Eurovision voting patterns can indicate the likelihood and nature of business exchanges across borders. The study found correlations between voting bias and levels of foreign direct investment, migration movements, and cross-border mergers.
A new University of Stirling study aims to understand how easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions can be managed to protect emergency services. The project will investigate policy options for reopening pubs, nightclubs, and restaurants while minimizing infection risks.