A £1.1 million trial led by the University of Stirling will investigate whether a self-management programme can help women with pelvic organ prolapse manage their symptoms more effectively. The trial will compare standard care with self-management, focusing on women's quality of life and cost implications.
A new University of Stirling study suggests that the environmental impact of Amazonian hydropower generation may be greater than predicted. Forest fragmentation and liana growth can lead to biodiversity and carbon losses associated with tropical hydropower, highlighting the need for more accurate assessments in dam decision-making.
A new type of plant, 'Shetland's monkeyflower', has been discovered in the Shetland Isles, resulting from the doubling of its chromosomes. The plant, a descendant of a non-native species, produces larger flowers and changes in leaf size and flowering time.
Research by the University of Stirling found that hospital patients with dementia and other causes of confusion have inferior treatment outcomes and longer stays. This study is the first large population-based study to prove this, affecting over one-third of older hospital admissions.
A University of Stirling study found that tobacco companies are offering retailers cash bonuses and other rewards to promote their brands in Scotland. The researchers discovered that retailers were being incentivized to boost sales of tobacco products despite the ban on open displays.
A study by University of Stirling researchers found a link between e-cigarette use and subsequent cigarette experimentation among never smokers. Young people who tried an e-cigarette were more likely to smoke a cigarette in the following year compared to those who had not.
BCAA supplements stimulate muscle growth but lack essential amino acids, leading to a suboptimal response. Taking whey protein supplements with BCAAs is more effective for maximizing muscle growth and protein synthesis.
Scientists have discovered that nearly all beech trees in Scotland are derived from native populations, suggesting they should be considered native to the country. The study challenges current woodland management practices and highlights the need to reassess the distinctiveness of native Scottish forests.
A study by the University of Stirling found that people change their voice pitch depending on who they are talking to and how dominant they feel. Individuals tend to use a higher pitch when talking to high-status people, signaling submissiveness and avoiding confrontation.
The IRIDIS app assesses physical aspects of design impacting on older people's quality of life, recommending changes such as lighting and colour contrast improvements. It provides a simple 20-minute assessment of home suitability for an older person.
Researchers reconstructed the evolution of Iceland's last ice sheet, revealing rapid changes occurred when temperatures rose by 3°C in just 500 years. This period mirrors modern-day ice sheet behavior and provides evidence for significant sea level rise.
Researchers found that a pollinator's size significantly influences how much pollen is deposited, with bees fitting tightly into flowers to vibrate and unlock pollen. This discovery helps understand natural populations of nightshade plants and their pollinators.
A University of Stirling study found that televised gambling adverts during English Premier League matches often promoted complex and highly specific bets, misleading football fans. The research suggests that these types of bets are difficult to accurately predict, leading to significant average losses.
Researchers found that tree death due to drought is consistent across environments worldwide, with denser wood and smaller leaves providing better resistance. Climate change implications include increased tree mortality and future global warming.
A University of Stirling analysis found that doing fewer repetitions of high-intensity cycle sprints on a bike can lead to greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. The optimal number of repetitions appears to be just two, allowing for shorter workouts without compromising results.
A new study by University of Stirling researcher Dr Isaac Tabner suggests that households should carefully consider the costs of renting versus buying a home. The research highlights that even during favorable economic conditions, households may need to own their home for several years before buying becomes financially more advantageous.
Researchers discovered that sexually produced offspring were more than twice as resistant to infectious disease as their clonal sisters. The study used the waterflea, an organism that can reproduce both ways, and found that sex has large-scale benefits that make a difference to the next generation.
New evidence from meteorites on Mars indicates a lasting drought on the planet, making it difficult for life to exist today. The study calculates a chemical weathering rate that shows rust formation takes thousands of times longer on Mars than in driest deserts on Earth.
Researchers found that Senegalese sole cope with stress by their personality and can identify fish at a young age to improve reproduction in captivity. The study used operational behavioural screening tests to measure stress response and identified proactive and curious fish as more likely to reproduce.
A new economic study by the University of Stirling and Royal Holloway, University of London, has found that single women who inherit unexpected wealth are more likely to become entrepreneurs. The study highlights liquidity constraints faced by women in the UK, which may be due to lack of collateral or gender discrimination.
A new study from the University of Stirling found no difference in muscle growth response to protein after a full-body workout between larger and smaller participants. Consuming 40 grams of protein after exercise was more effective at stimulating muscle growth than 20 grams, regardless of body size.
A new study by University of Stirling researchers found that early-life exposure to infections does not lead to increased risk of death in adulthood. Contrary to previous theories on long-lasting inflammation, the study suggests improved adult conditions such as healthcare and diet are responsible for recent increases in lifespan.
A new study reveals that beech trees in central Europe, particularly in southern England, are increasingly vulnerable to drought due to climate change. The research found that the region's iconic beech woods are at risk of widespread mortality during extreme dry spells.
A UK drug was licensed for alcohol treatment despite weak evidence, a new study found. Nalmefene's effectiveness in reducing drinking in patients dependent on alcohol is uncertain due to flawed trials.
Researchers are seeking volunteers to help investigate the impact of harlequin ladybirds on UK insects, including a wasp parasite. By spotting seven-spot ladybirds in gardens and parks, participants can help track the lifecycle of the wasp and its effects on native species.
Research found that women rate male body odor femininity decreases with application of deodorant. Men who were initially perceived low in masculinity significantly increased their odour masculinity after applying a deodorant.
A new study reveals that hydropower dams across the world are causing continued species extinctions on island habitats, with some communities losing up to 87% of their species. The research highlights the need for stronger environmental regulations and assessments to mitigate the impact of large-scale dam construction.
Researchers at the University of Stirling discovered that wild bumblebees are born with the ability to vibrate flowers to extract pollen. Over time and with practice, bees refine their vibrations, saving energy and maximizing rewards from each flower.
Researchers assess impact of past land use change on current biodiversity by analyzing woodlands planted over 160 years. The project provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of historical land use on modern ecosystems.
The University of Stirling has developed an innovative activity toolkit to support people living with dementia. The 'gardens' themed kit provides a group activity pack to prompt conversation and reminiscence, aiming to bring benefits such as constructive conversations, social connections, and engagement with personal histories.
A new report by academics at the University of Stirling found that adolescents with emotional problems are 32% more likely to be unemployed and 26% more likely to be out of the workforce. The study suggests that investing in childhood and adolescent mental health services could have economic benefits, including reducing population-leve...
A team of Stirling academics investigated the effects of fish oil supplements on muscle growth, revealing no significant difference in healthy, resistance-trained young men. Muscle biopsies showed no increased uptake of omega-3 fats by muscle cells.
A £1.1 million international study, funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant, aims to solve the conflict between food security and biodiversity conservation. The ConFooBio study will produce a new model to predict and resolve these conflicts in seven locations across the Arctic, UK, Europe, and Africa.
The €7 million Tools for Assessment and Planning of Aquaculture Sustainability (TAPAS) project will create cost-efficient management tools to investigate sustainability in European aquaculture. The study aims to enhance environment sustainability, aquatic food security, and support transparent and efficient licensing.
A new study of over 18,000 adults found that most people's happiness is not affected by changes in income, but those who experience an income loss are more likely to feel unhappy. The research suggests that financial stability, rather than continual income growth, is key to achieving happiness and well-being.
A UK-wide collaborative project aims to save the country's dwindling pollinator population by transforming schools' grounds and community spaces. Pupils will gain hands-on experience in creating pollinator-friendly habitats through vertical green walls, night-blooming flower beds, and lobbying for change.
A study by University of Stirling researchers found that older, experienced mothers have a strong effect on their daughters' reproduction and the survival of their grandchildren. The research revealed that having a grandma can provide essential care, leading to higher reproductive rates and longer lifespans among females.
A study by University of Stirling scientists found beaver dam building skills improve stream habitats, increasing species diversity by 28% and reducing pollutants. Beaver dams also store flood water and increase organic matter retention.
A UK study by University of Stirling researchers found that neonicotinoid pesticide use is linked to declining butterfly populations, with 15 species showing population declines. The chemicals can persist in the environment and contaminate wildflowers, providing little nourishment for butterflies.
A rapid-detection Ebola test developed by Dr. Manfred Weidmann has been deployed in Senegal and Guinea, performing exceptionally well under field conditions. The test uses a method called recombinase polymerase amplification and can be stored at room temperature, operated by local teams without the need for confirmatory tests.
A four-year multi-partner study investigates the effects of various pressures on freshwater ecosystems, with a focus on connectivity and stressor interactions. The research aims to improve our understanding of these impacts and inform sustainable management strategies.
A new University of Stirling study has uncovered the secrets of 'pollen thief' bees, which take pollen from flowers without providing pollination services. The research found that these smaller bees often stay longer at each flower and visit fewer flowers in each run, contributing little to seed production.
A £4 million project is increasing production in Scotland's salmon farming industry by utilizing wrasse as a cleaner fish to reduce sea lice challenges. The research aims to improve the quality and delousing efficacy of farmed wrasse, advancing hatchery technologies and optimising welfare.
A recent study by University of Stirling scientist Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin discovered a new species of monkeyflower, Mimulus peregrinus, which provides real-time insight into evolution. The species has evolved multiple times in different regions, challenging the conventional understanding of species formation.