Latest news with #StirlingUniversity
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Ten-strong Stirling Uni contingent prepare for Singapore test at World Champs
The university's heralded swimming programme has delivered eight athletes for the British team - including Olympic legend Duncan Scott - as well as swimmers for Zimbabwe and Malaysia. A group of Stirling-based swimmers are preparing to jet out to Singapore tomorrow as they prepare to hit the pool for the World Swimming Championships. The ten-strong contingent will include eight athletes competing for Great Britain - anchored by Olympic legend Duncan Scott and rising stars Angharad Evans and Katie Shanahan. The group, all coached in Stirling University's coveted high-performance programme, also includes Keanna Macinnes, Holly McGill, Freya Anderson, Lucy Hope and Jack McMillan for Britain alongside Paige van der Westhuizen and Arvin Shaun Singh Chahal. The latter two athletes will swim in the event for Zimbabwe and Malaysia . Scott, who became Scotland's most decorated Olympic athlete with his seventh and eighth medals in Paris last year, is relishing his sixth World Champs and will be hoping to add to his hardware tally. That challenge will be made more difficult by the presence of French phenom Leon Marchand, with whom he will be competing in the 200 metres individual medley race. 'The group is in a really exciting place – with the most athletes we've ever had in a team from the University of Stirling,' the 28-year-old said. 'I think it speaks volumes to what we've been able to do in the pool here – from what Steve [Tigg] has built up over past years, to what Ben and Brad have been able to do. It's a really exciting group. 'From an individual point of view, I want to chase the top level and go there and win. I've obviously got a difficult task in that regard – with one of the best swimmers ever, Léon [Marchand], in the event that I'll be competing in [200m Individual Medley]. 'In terms of my other events, the four by two relay [4x200m Freestyle] is always really strong, and the four by one relay [4x100m Medley] has also got a chance as well.' Evans is heading to Singapore on the back of a stellar year which has seen her crowned Female Athlete of the Year at the Scottish Student Sport Awards, and shortlisted for Sportswoman of the Year at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Awards. The 22-year-old said: 'This is the hardest training block, and the most consistent, I've had. I'm going to Singapore with no pressure on me and I'll just see what I can do. 'I will enjoy the experience, particularly going there with Ben and Brad and the rest of the Stirling group. 'It can be quite hard mentally and physically travelling halfway across the world – but when you're with a group of people you get on with, support, and genuinely want the best for each other, that makes it much easier.' Elsewhere, Shanahan will be aiming to improve her finishes from the 2023 Japan event, where she came in fourth in the 200 metres backstroke and seventh in the 400 metres individual medley. She said: 'Preparations are going well for the Worlds. We've just come off the back of a three-week training camp in Arizona and that's always so good – going up there and getting a good block of work in – just swimming and the gym, no other distractions. 'I want to do one better than the 2023 Worlds – if I can make finals, be up there in the top five and get some personal bests too, that would be great.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Your sunscreen is threatening to make pollution even worse
Slathering on sunscreen on hot days could be having an invisible and, until now, unknown side-effect that is making plastic pollution even worse. Experts have warned that a chemical found in the product could be "clinging" to plastic in the oceans, preventing it from breaking down more quickly. As a result sunscreen could be worsening the issue of plastic pollution, which harms the environment, poses threats to wildlife, and can negatively impact human health. The latest discovery relates to a chemical called ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and is the first study to investigate such 'co-pollution', where plastics in the sea act as carriers for other chemical contaminants, including ultraviolet (UV) filters from sunscreen. Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, also known as octinoxate, is an oily UV-absorber used in sunscreen as well as moisturisers, lip balms and make-up containing sun protection. It protects against UVB rays (which cause sunburn) but has limited protection against UVA (which penetrates more deeply into the skin and is responsible for ageing), so it's commonly used in combination with other chemicals. Sunscreens, like oil, are hydrophobic – meaning that they do not dissolve in water. This makes them a combined threat as, while it has long been known that they can accumulate on plastics and other surfaces and remain in the environment, now researchers at Stirling University have shown that EHMC could be hindering the development of useful aerobic bacteria that help break down plastic pollutants at an early stage. The problem with the chemical is that its sun-blocking abilities continue long after it has been slapped on skin at the beach. To put it simply, the same chemistry that blocks UV rays from human skin then 'protects' the plastic. The chemical blocks the 'right' sort of bacteria that help plastic to break down more quickly in the oceans, and instead promotes harmful bacteria that then clings to the plastic – preventing it from disintegrating. Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget, the lead researcher at Stirling University, said: 'The UV-protective properties of EHMC, combined with its suppression of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, may indirectly protect plastics from photodegradation and biodegradation, further contributing to their persistence in marine environments. 'This impact, combined with the enrichment of potentially pathogenic bacteria, raises significant concerns for ecosystem stability and human health, particularly in coastal regions with high rates of tourism, and high levels of plastic pollution.' But the problem does not end with making plastic last longer. Plastic waste in the ocean provides a new surface where microbes can grow, forming slimy layers called the plastisphere. Plastics also absorb other pollutants, including sunscreens washed off human skin that are insoluble in water, and these can then attach to marine plastic surfaces. Scientists have previously studied the role of the plastisphere, but little is known about how additional chemicals such as EHMC affect the microbes living on the plastic. The new study shows that when plastics are co-contaminated with EHMC, not only do pollutant-degrading bacteria like Marinomonas decline, but bacteria like Pseudomonas develop more proteins that improve their ability to survive. Some Pseudomonas strains are also classified as opportunistic pathogens, capable of causing serious infections that can require antibiotic treatment – raising potential public health concerns that the researchers hope will be further investigated. Dr Matallana-Surget said: 'These changes matter. By suppressing the aerobic bacteria that help degrade plastic, and selecting those that stabilise or reinforce the biofilm, UV filters would prolong the life of plastics in the ocean – making them more resistant to breakdown by sunlight or microbes. 'Targeted research and policy interventions are therefore urgently needed to mitigate these compounded ecological threats.' More than 100,00 marine mammals and a million sea birds are killed each year by plastic pollution, according to the UK Government. The first decade of this century saw more plastic produced than all the previous plastic put together, with just 9% of that having been recycled, according to Surfers Against Sewage. Studies estimate that there are now up to 51 trillion pieces of plastic in the oceans, which kill animals and birds either by tangling them in plastic or after the animals ingest plastic. There are thought to be at least 700 species directly affected by marine debris in the ocean. By prolonging the life of plastic in the ocean, sunscreen could be directly contributing to this problem.
The Herald Scotland
03-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Meet the Stirling Uni graduate who defied the odds
Millicent Wenlock, who graduated last week from Stirling University with a degree in environmental science, is one of these students. Wenlock explains: 'I grew up in the Midlands. Soon after results day in 2020, I found out my family didn't want me to go to university. It escalated to the point where I didn't feel safe so I had to cut contact with my parents and become estranged from my siblings.' Wenlock went to Stirling University. (Image: NQ) Wenlock first moved to Dundee, before beginning studies at Stirling University. At this point in the narrative, she pauses, before continuing. 'This is where things went downhill. I ended up homeless and had to move up to Aberdeen. I felt so frustrated because there were so many added challenges I had to overcome as an estranged student. 'The university didn't care, because as long as rents were high, they were making money.' Read more: Scottish Water spend on sewage spills revealed amidst 'fat cat' bonus criticism Dundee University roiled as interim finance chief quits after eight days in job Inside the community-led campaign to save a beloved library from closure Wenlock decided to go public with her story several years ago, and has since advocated for care experienced students in Parliament and across the UK. She says: 'When I tell people about my background, I get a very mixed reaction. Some people say I'm inspirational but don't actually listen to what I'm saying. They want photos but don't want to provide support. 'Some people definitely care about the care-experienced community, but unfortunately some people don't care at all.' Asked what universities and the Scottish government should be doing to care for estranged students such as herself, Wenlock said greater housing support needs to be provided. She notes: 'It is incredibly difficult to find a guarantor. The housing shortage is amplified by the fact that you can't rely on a guarantee from your family. There are awful systems in place. 'When I moved to Aberdeen, I had to fork out £5,000 in advance just for them to take me. It is such an uphill battle. Reflecting on her journey, Wenlock says she would not have managed to make it through if not for a strong community of people with similar experiences to her. 'I don't think I would have finished,' she says. 'Community is so important, as is mental health. 'Even so, I felt so isolated at times because the community can be so disconnected and it felt like so few of us went to the university.' Now, as she begins her journey outside of the classroom, Wenlock says she will continue to advocate for the rights of students like herself. 'I love campaigning,' she says, her smile evident even over the phone. 'I draw so much joy and purpose from my activism. It makes me happy.'
Focus Malaysia
03-07-2025
- Focus Malaysia
Public safety compromised: Drug gangs hijacking Malaysia's vape industry with drug-laced products
FORMER Sarawak State Police Chief Datuk Dr Yusoff Nook has called for a sharper distinction between drug crimes and the legitimate vape industry following reports that investigated the widespread online sales of synthetic drug-laced vape products. It has been found that illicit vape liquids laced with dangerous substances like methamphetamine, syabu and ketamine were being sold openly on social media and e-commerce platforms outside regulatory reach and entirely separate from licensed retailers. These products are disguised as flavoured vape – often in colourful packaging that appeals to younger consumers – and are traded via anonymous sellers through private messaging and courier services. 'These are not rogue retailers or irresponsible shop owners. These are organised drug traffickers – sophisticated, transnational and criminal in nature,' revealed Yusoff who was head of the Special Branch's economic intelligence division. 'They are merely using vape as a new delivery mechanism. But the issue is not with vape – the issue is drugs. At its core, this remains a drug crime and it must be treated as such.' According to Yusoff, the recent calls for state-level vape bans are misdirected as they do not address the real source of harm. 'These products are not sold by licensed players but are sold online by criminals operating in the shadows,' insisted the former commercial crime head. 'A state ban on vape shops won't stop this. If anything, it punishes the visible and regulated segment of the market while doing nothing to touch the underground networks.' Distinguishing narcotics Yusoff further observed that the legitimate vape industry is now governed under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) which imposes strict requirements including product registration, price approvals and retail licensing. 'Licensed players are complying. They are subject to inspections and oversight,' he justified. 'The ones flooding our streets and social media aren't part of that system. They're traffickers. Let's stop conflating legal vaping with narcotics. This is a criminal abuse of a product, not a failure of regulation or industry.' Towards this end, Yusoff urged the relevant authorities to act with precision by using tools like the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2001, stronger criminal enforcement, targeted raids and cross-border intelligence sharing to combat these syndicates. 'This is a matter of national security. We should be using every legal weapon available to counter drug networks – not redirecting blame onto products that criminals happen to exploit,' asserted Yusoff who holds a PhD in Economic Crime from Stirling University. 'If we spend time penalising the legal market, we risk giving the illegal market room to grow. The vape industry is not the threat but drug syndicates are. Enforcement – not prohibition – is the only real answer to this threat.' – July 3, 2025
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Predatory pastor sexually assaulted woman while pretending to exorcise demons from her body in Scots town
He also attempted to rape a young woman during a depraved campaign of sexual abuse spanning six years VILE BEAST Predatory pastor sexually assaulted woman while pretending to exorcise demons from her body in Scots town A PERVERTED church pastor has been convicted of sexually molesting a female parishioner while pretending he was 'exorcising demons' from her body. Walter Masocha, 61, repeatedly groped the woman at his home in Stirling, a jury heard, telling her she was a gift to him from God. 1 Walter Masocha arriving at Livingston High Court He also attempted to rape a young single female and indecently assaulted her during a depraved campaign of sexual abuse spanning six years, between 1 January, 2006 and 31 July, 2012. The predatory preacher, of Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, was found guilty after a trial at the High Court in Livingston of the attempted rape, an indecent assault and a sexual assault against one woman and indecent assault of another. The jury heard compelling evidence from a 39-year-old female who said she was aged 20 when Masocha - who made followers call him 'daddy' - began sexually abusing her in Stirling. She told the court: 'He would say 'My children' implying we needed to be there for him. 'He would tell me 'God said I need to look after you and has given me special love for you in particular'. She said Masocha sexually assaulted her the first time in his home in Bridge of Allan by suddenly grabbing her face and forcing his tongue in her mouth. In the second incident she said he slapped her bottom as she was going upstairs and later tried to rape her after taking her into his bedroom. She said: 'Next thing all I remember is he pushed me forward and pulled my trousers and pants down.' He also assaulted her another time at his £500,000 mansion in Sauchieburn, near Stirling. The court heard the woman's husband confronted Masocha and he responded by throwing himself on the floor and asked them to pray for him, saying: 'I'm sorry I loved you too much.' Why I married a sexual predator and I want babies with him Another woman, 58, told how Masocha had told her that God had 'given her to him as a gift' and ordered her to kiss his 'holy lips'. She said he tried to justify groping her by claiming he was 'removing demons' from her body and giving her blessings in return. Advocate depute Michael McIntosh said: 'She was looking for prayer and she found herself being preyed upon. 'Walter Masocha wasn't just a pastor and a preacher, he was a predator who thought that his power and position rendered him immune from suspicion.' Giving evidence Masocha, a former accountancy lecturer at Stirling University, accused the complainers of lying. Masocha founded his own successful church in Scotland in 2007. The Zimbabwean national built up The Agape for All Nations Church into a formidable international religious organisation with more than 2,000 members, appointing himself as Archbishop on the same salary as the Archbishop of Canterbury. He set up ministries across the UK, the United States and Canada as well as in numerous African countries and lived a jet-set lifestyle flying to visit his appointed pastors and preach overseas. He was known by church members as "The Prophet", "The Apostle" and "A Man of God", but in reality he was abusing his position of trust for his own sexual gratification. Judge Susan Craig blasted Masocha's "appalling behaviour" and remanded him in custody until sentencing on July 28. Masocha was convicted in June 2015 of sexually assaulting a woman at the Church of Agape and sexual activity with a schoolgirl. Falkirk Sheriff Court. But the conviction was later quashed after appeal court judges ruled he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice.
