A new University of Stirling study investigates the health impacts of COVID-19 on people who use drugs in Scotland, exploring how social distancing affects their purchasing and using behaviors. The research aims to inform pragmatic risk reduction messages for this vulnerable group.
University of Stirling-led projects aim to reduce risk of infection among informal carers and support workers. The apps will provide peer support, learning resources, and minimize feelings of isolation.
A University of Stirling study explores the effects of social distancing on over 70s, examining whether technology can enhance social engagement and physical activity. The research aims to identify positive impacts and inform policy recommendations to minimize negative effects.
The University of Stirling has received £1.2 million to study global sustainability, with a focus on resolving conflicts between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The project will use hydropower as a model system to identify and mitigate issues caused by competing objectives.
Experts analyzed impact of tobacco display ban on young people's attitudes to smoking, finding high retailer compliance and a positive influence. Recommendations include limiting retail outlet density and targeting schoolchildren with anti-smoking messages.
The University of Stirling has launched a pioneering tool to minimize environmental and occupational health risks in shrimp farming. The Pedigree project aims to bring research into practical use, providing a 'traffic-light system' to differentiate riskier from higher-quality probiotic products.
Researchers found that selectively bred oysters can alter their shell biomineralisation mechanisms to promote resilience against environmental acidification. This breakthrough could be a global mitigation strategy for sustainable shellfish aquaculture in the face of climate-driven change.
Researchers found short-term impairments in brain-to-muscle communication and decreased memory performance after nine-minute boxing sparring sessions. The study suggests that routine impacts in sports like football and other combat sports may pose health risks.
A new study suggests that individual cigarette warnings could be an effective way to discourage smoking among young people and non-smokers. The innovative approach would make health messages more visible and prolonged throughout the consumption experience.
A recent study published in Diversity and Distributions found that beaver-built ponds have a higher biodiversity than other wetlands in the same region, with 50% more species. This research suggests that reintroducing beavers to their native habitat could benefit wider biodiversity and help solve the freshwater biodiversity crisis.
A team of scientists will conduct a scientific cruise to the Arctic Ocean to understand the behavior of copepods, small crustaceans that are a vital source of food for fish and other species. The research aims to shed light on how climate change affects the Arctic food chain, with implications for ecosystem dynamics.
A new study found that only half of 11-19 year old drinkers in the UK recall seeing health messages or warnings on alcohol packaging, despite being a crucial target market for this information. The research highlights the need for effective labelling and regulation to reduce alcohol-related harm among young people.
A new study investigates the use of multiple fungal biopesticides to prevent uniform evolutionary response and promote sustainable control. The project aims to make agricultural landscapes more diverse, allowing for longer-term use of biopesticides without consistent resistance evolution.
A new study finds that New World monkeys are highly vulnerable to climate change, with many species facing substantial temperature increases and habitat changes over the next 30 years. The research suggests urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change on primate populations.
A University of Stirling study found that the UK's tobacco display ban has reduced smoking susceptibility among 11-16 year olds, making cigarettes seem unappealing and unacceptable. The ban also led to a decrease in cigarette brand awareness, with 90% of young never smokers supporting the policy.
A new University of Stirling study found that banning smoking in prisons significantly reduced secondhand smoke levels across Scotland. The study, which measured air quality before and after the ban's introduction, showed an average 81% decrease in fine particulate matter concentrations.
Women are often prevented from seeking early treatment for pelvic organ prolapse due to confusion about symptoms and feelings of shame. The condition causes pain, incontinence, and psychological distress, but conservative treatments can be effective if detected early.
A new study by the University of Stirling has identified a silence around suicidality among children and young people, with many feeling they cannot access help or are not listened to by healthcare professionals. The research emphasizes the importance of using explicit language, such as 'suicide,' in mental health conversations.
Experts recommend 1.6-2.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body mass for athletes aiming to increase muscle mass, while those restricting energy intake should target 1.6-2.4 grams/kg/day to minimize lean body mass loss.
A new study challenges the idea that substituting fishmeal with plant ingredients is environmentally friendly, finding it may shift pressures to land-based food production systems. The research suggests a paradigm shift is needed in thinking around aquafeed ingredient sustainability.
Experts have developed a model to identify suitable locations for the reintroduction of Eurasian lynx in Scotland, suggesting that the Kintyre Peninsula is the most suitable site. The study found that Scotland possesses sufficient habitat for population establishment and spread, with the Central Belt acting as a barrier to colonization.
A new study reveals that violence against long-term care staff in Canada is widespread and largely unreported due to fear of reprisals. The research identifies underlying causes such as understaffing, poor organization, and inadequate emotional care as contributing factors.
Research reveals that smokers using plain-packaged cigarettes are more likely to notice and read health warnings, think about the risks, and consider quitting due to the appearance of the pack. The study supports standardised packaging as an effective measure in reducing tobacco appeal and promoting public health.
A landmark study found that high awareness of alcohol marketing is associated with increased and higher-risk consumption in young people. Young people who own alcohol-branded merchandise are also more susceptible to drinking, regardless of their previous drinking habits.
A new study found little evidence of elk modifying their behavior to avoid grey wolves in Yellowstone National Park, contradicting earlier research on the topic. The study used GPS tracking technology to monitor elk and wolf movements between 2012 and 2016.
A new study reveals that secondary forests adjacent to extensive primary forests can host diverse bird communities and boost populations of forest specialist birds. The research, published in Biotropica, challenges previous assertions about the conservation potential of young secondary forests.
A new study has identified reliable symptoms for diagnosing antenatal anxiety in pregnant women, improving screening tools for health professionals. The findings suggest that elevated worry, panic symptoms, and excessive concerns about the baby's health are robust indicators of antenatal anxiety.
A new approach to collating and analyzing qualitative studies has led to the creation of tailored reporting guidance for meta-ethnography. This will give researchers and healthcare bosses greater confidence in findings, ultimately improving patient care and services.
A new study warns against mega-dams in lowland tropical forest regions due to their impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. The Balbina Hydroelectric Reservoir system in the Brazilian Amazon showed that tree communities on islands are 'unstable' and prone to extinction.
A new study found that plain packaging for tobacco products led to a five percent increase in sales price and an eight percent rise in hand-rolling tobacco prices. The research contradicts predictions made by the tobacco industry, suggesting they aimed to deter government implementation through increased prices.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a decline of 78-100% in European truffle production between 2071 and 2100, with significant economic and social impacts. The study highlights the need for conservational initiatives and management strategies to mitigate soil temperature fluctuations and conserve soil moisture.
A new study suggests that policymakers should consider the socioeconomic circumstances of an area when establishing early intervention initiatives. The research found a link between economic growth and cancer incidence, with poorer people having a greater likelihood of developing certain types of cancer.
A new study found that around one in 10 people are considering opting out of a proposed new system that aims to increase organ donation by presuming consent. The research suggests that campaigns targeting feelings and emotions may be more effective than interventions that present facts.
Researchers from the University of Stirling used European Union data to assess the risk of imported farmed shrimp, finding it to be comparable to other seafood products. The study analyzed 18 years of data and found that consumers would need to eat over 300g of shrimp per day to exceed safe limits for antimicrobials.
Researchers found that zebrafish with specific personalities outperformed those based on coloration patterns in terms of reproductive parameters. The study suggests that pairing animals by personality can boost fitness and inform conservation efforts.
Researchers at the University of Stirling investigate how female dance flies use sexual ornaments to attract mates, finding that females deceive males by inflating their appearance to increase food rewards. This discovery sheds light on the role of sexual selection in creating diversity among species.
Researchers used audio technology to analyze willow warbler migration patterns in fragmented woodlands. They found that birds arrived earlier in patches with less surrounding habitat, indicating a shift in their behavior due to habitat loss.
A new study reveals that Himalayan balsam thrives in drier riverbanks and prefers steeper slopes to native plants, shedding light on its spread. Understanding these conditions can help mitigate the invasive plant's impact on UK rivers.
Experts from the University of Stirling have made a breakthrough in understanding how people respond to lifestyle treatment for preventing Type 2 diabetes. A new genomic signature has been discovered that indicates improved insulin sensitivity in individuals whose Type 2 diabetes status improves following a treatment intervention.
A global study found that Leguminosae trees are twice as common in dry compared with wet secondary forests during the first three decades of natural forest regeneration. These trees have high drought tolerance and can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, making them essential for tropical forest regrowth in dry regions.
Researchers at the University of Stirling discovered regular cycles in 36% of samples from 851 tropical trees, challenging the principle that tropical ecosystems are aseasonal. The study found flowers are more likely to occur on a regular annual cycle than fruits and leaves.
The Daily Mile program, which involves a 15-minute daily break for physical activity, has been shown to improve fitness, body composition, and activity levels in children. The study found significant positive changes in the intervention school compared to the control school.
Researchers find that many invertebrates, including corals and molluscs, can produce omega-3 fatty acids through enzymes called desaturases. This breakthrough challenges the long-held principle that marine microbes are responsible for primary production of omega-3.
A new study by University of Stirling experts reveals that interest rate hikes can negatively impact the mental health of individuals heavily in debt. The research found a significant increase in mental health issues among those with high debt levels, resulting in an estimated £156 million cost to society.
A new study by University of Stirling researchers found disparities in wildlife management approaches across Europe, leading to worsening conflicts. The team assessed nine different schemes involving large grazing birds and discovered a lack of adaptation to changes in bird numbers and damage levels.
A new study by the University of Stirling found that half of Scottish adults are not confident administering CPR, with over a fifth unaware of when it is required. The study's findings suggest priority groups include those who are unemployed, in lower social grades, and elderly.
A new study reveals that animal traffickers are smuggling pangolins out of Central Africa, primarily for their meat and scales, due to high international demand. The price of giant pangolin scales has risen over 45 times the rate of inflation between 2002 and 2014, driving up local costs.
A study conducted by primary school pupils found that exercising at their own pace significantly improves a child's mood, attention, and memory. The research used over 11,000 schoolchildren across the UK, who completed various physical activities before answering tests on concentration and happiness.
A University of Stirling study found that single men are significantly less likely to take part in bowel screening tests compared to those living with a partner. The participation rate for men living alone was 57.6%, lower than the 77.8% of women living alone who took the test.
A new study found that pesticides significantly reduce bumblebees' ability to collect pollen and perform complex behaviors like buzz pollination. Chronic pesticide exposure interferes with bees' vibrations, leading to reduced pollen collection over time.