The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

Category: Awareness (Page 2 of 2)

Discovering the Future: Research at Edinburgh Napier University image of 3 researchers and a robot

Discovering the Future: Research at Edinburgh Napier University

05/07/2025 / / 0 Comments

Discovering the Future: Research at Edinburgh Napier University

When you think of cutting-edge research, you might picture sprawling labs, scientists in white coats, and complex algorithms running on glowing screens. You’ll find all that—and much more—at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).

Whether it’s developing AI systems to solve real-world problems, helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life, or leading the charge in sustainable construction, ENU is quietly making a big impact. It’s not just a place to study—it’s a place where ideas come to life.

Let’s take a look at some of the exciting research happening across the university—and how you can get involved.

Research with Purpose

One of the things that makes research at ENU so dynamic is its clear focus on real-world challenges. The university’s work is guided by four key themes:

  • AI & Advanced Technologies

  • Health

  • Culture & Communities

  • Environment

These aren’t just buzzwords. They shape everything from collaborative projects to the kinds of PhDs being offered. You can read more on our research webpages.

Cutting-Edge Tech on Campus

In 2024, ENU took a big leap forward by launching ENUCC—a brand-new high-performance computing (HPC) and AI cluster. It gives researchers and students serious computing power to run simulations, analyse big data, and build AI models.

It’s part of a wider push to make sure students and staff have access to the kind of tech that fuels innovation. Read more about it here: ENU launches new HPC and AI cluster

Cool Projects You Should Know About

Cool Projects You Should Know About

ENU is home to some seriously innovative projects and research centres. Here are just a few standouts:

Swarmchestrate: An EU-funded project using swarm computing and blockchain to develop smart, autonomous digital systems. Think of it as nature-inspired tech!

In 2023, a team of Edinburgh Napier University students participated in a pioneering construction project in Guangxi, China. They collaborated with local universities to build the world’s first bamboo-timber composite gridshell structure. This innovative project aimed to explore sustainable building methods to combat climate change. Among the participants were female students like Devika Vijayan, Alice June Davyson, and Zara Anam Rafiq, who contributed their expertise in architectural technology and civil engineering. The project was led by PhD student Yanghao Pei and supervised by faculty members, including Dr. Ahmed Mohamed.

Research into supporting Scotland’s armed forces at the Centre for Military Research and Public Engagement: Housed at the historic Craiglockhart campus, this centre explores topics like PTSD, military transitions, and veteran education.

Innovation Support & Opportunities

If you’re a student, early-career researcher, or even an entrepreneur, ENU has support for you through its Innovation Hub. From Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) to funding for start-ups and seed grants, the university is serious about turning ideas into action.

You can check out what’s on offer here:
ENU Innovation Hub
Research, Innovation & Enterprise Blog

Events & Community

From the ENclusion Conference on equity and inclusion to innovation meetups, ENU offers loads of opportunities to get involved, network, and learn.

One highlight is the annual ENclusion Conference, a day-long event packed with talks, panels, and practical sessions.

The Library

Libraries are essential to research because they provide access to high-quality, credible resources—books, journals, databases, and archives—that researchers need to build on existing knowledge. They offer expert support in information literacy, data management, and referencing, helping researchers work efficiently and ethically. Libraries also preserve knowledge and ensure long-term access to scholarly work, including open-access materials and institutional repositories. Simply put, libraries are the backbone of academic research, connecting people with the information and tools they need to discover, question, and innovate. Start your research journey at one of our campus Libraries or by using our wealth of online resources found at librarysearch.napier.ac.uk.

Don’t forget all the useful information on our Library webpages, including study guides and lists of resources.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

Edinburgh Napier University is fast becoming a major leader in Research. Whether it’s AI, sustainability, social justice, or health tech, ENU’s research is focused on creating a better future.

So if you’re curious, creative, and ready to make a difference, this is a great place to start.

Want to know more? Dive into ENU’s Research and Innovation pages or explore funding and partnership opportunities through the Innovation Hub.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on research at Edinburgh Napier University here on our Blog, with our latest post on Women in Stem

International Women in Engineering Day image of woman doing some engineering

International Women in Engineering Day

23/06/2025 / / 1 Comment

International Women in Engineering Day

Celebrating Women Engineers: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Every year on 23 June, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day. First launched in the UK by the Women’s Engineering Society, it’s now a global movement. It shines a light on the achievements of women in engineering and encourages more girls and young women to see this as a path for them.

The numbers are improving, but slowly. According to EngineeringUK, women make up 16.5% of the engineering workforce. In 2010, it was just 9%. There’s progress, but much more work is needed.

So, why does it matter?

Diverse teams are better at solving problems. They bring fresh ideas, challenge assumptions, and drive innovation. In engineering, where solutions shape lives—that matters. Gender diversity isn’t a tick-box exercise; it’s essential for future-ready industries.

The UK is home to many trailblazers. Dr. Nike Folayan MBE, co-founder of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK), champions inclusion across STEM fields. Professor Sarah Hainsworth, a forensic engineering expert and senior leader at the University of Bath, is another standout figure. Their stories are powerful. But for many young women, engineering still feels out of reach.

Education

To get women into engineering, we need to start with early education. A 2022 WISE report showed that girls are much less likely to choose A-level physics, despite doing just as well as boys in GCSE science. Why? A lack of role models. Limited exposure. Persistent stereotypes.

This is where schools, universities, and employers can make a real difference.

Edinburgh Napier University and Women in STEM

At Edinburgh Napier University, change is happening. The School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment offers strong support for women entering technical fields. From dedicated mentoring schemes to outreach in schools, the university actively promotes gender balance. Female lecturers and researchers at Napier lead projects in sustainable energy, transport systems, and digital engineering.

Take for example, the work of female PhD students at Napier who are developing smart materials for construction or working on green transport solutions. Their research not only contributes to global challenges but also inspires the next generation of engineers.

Sarah Taylor, a lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, has been conducting research in smart, light-emitting textiles since 1995. Her work involves integrating optical fibres into woven textile structures, contributing to advancements in smart materials applicable in various fields, including construction.

In 2023, a team of Edinburgh Napier University students participated in a pioneering construction project in Guangxi, China. They collaborated with local universities to build the world’s first bamboo-timber composite gridshell structure. This innovative project aimed to explore sustainable building methods to combat climate change. Among the participants were female students like Devika Vijayan, Alice June Davyson, and Zara Anam Rafiq, who contributed their expertise in architectural technology and civil engineering. The project was led by PhD student Yanghao Pei and supervised by faculty members, including Dr. Ahmed Mohamed.

Women in Engineering  campaigns

Elsewhere in the UK, campaigns like Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, run by EngineeringUK, and events such as She Can Engineer at UCL, continue to highlight female success in the field. INWED itself is packed with virtual events, talks, and case studies—many of them accessible to teachers, students, and parents.

At the same time, the industry is evolving. Companies like Arup, Rolls-Royce, and AtkinsRéalis are investing in inclusive hiring, leadership development for women, and mentoring programmes. But culture still matters. A welcoming workplace—where all voices are heard—makes it easier for women to succeed and lead.

And it’s not just about big firms. Start-ups and SMEs across Scotland and the UK are building inclusive teams, often led by women who studied at universities like Edinburgh Napier.

So, what can you do this International Women in Engineering Day?

  • Share a story of a woman engineer who inspires you.

  • Encourage a girl to explore STEM subjects.

  • Attend a local or virtual event through WES or your local university.

  • Support or volunteer with STEM outreach programmes.

  • Thank the mentors, colleagues, and leaders who make a difference.

Small actions lead to big changes.

Because the future of engineering isn’t defined by gender—it’s built by collaboration, creativity, and courage. Edinburgh Napier University and institutions across the UK are proving that when you back women in engineering, you’re backing innovation for everyone.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on women in Science on our blog here: Scottish Women in Science

Autistic Pride Day June 18th

Autistic Pride Day June 18th

18/06/2025 / / 0 Comments

Autistic Pride Day, June 18th

Autistic Pride and Autistic History

Today is Autistic Pride Day. This was started in 2005 in the UK to celebrate Autism and autistic identity, as opposed to seeing it as a stigma. In the past, autistic people were institutionalised (or worse), particularly when their condition was considered severe; Today, Autistic people still struggle with being accepted and treated with the respect they deserve.

The first person to identify and diagnose ‘autism’ was the Ukrainian child psychiatrist Grunya Sukhareva. She conducted her research when working at a Moscow children’s clinic from the 1920s onwards in the Soviet Union.

Characteristics

Nowadays, autism is seen as existing on a broad spectrum (Autism Spectrum Disorder), with autistic people experiencing a variety of characteristics to varying degrees.

Common characteristics are:

  • Motor Difficulties
  • Communication Difficulties
  • Sensitivity to Change and Stimulation
  • Social Impediments
  • Repetitive Behaviour

An autistic person on one side of the spectrum might be non-verbal, and have great difficulty in processing sounds, emotions, information etc. They may also need carers to support their day-to-day lives. Alternatively, there are also low support need individuals. They can hold down jobs, complete complicated tasks, socialise, and be verbally eloquent, whilst also experiencing other features of autism. For instance, they can find it hard to understand social conventions, experience sensory overload, and find it difficult to deal with sudden changes in routine.

Some people like to think of autism through the bio-psychological-social model (BPSM) – that is to say, what we consider illness and health are based on interactions between biology, psychology and social life. Sukhareva hypothesised in the 1950s that autistic brains were different in a biological sense – something that brain scan imaging is proving today. The condition has measurable psychological effects (e.g links to social anxiety), and is undoubtedly shaped by the social attitudes to difference/differently abled people.

A Broad Church

Every autistic person is different, an original. Autistic people excel in a variety of fields, from academia to music, sports to visual art and politics. Without question, autism is a broad church.

Expert on animal husbandry and care, Temple Grandin is autistic – in more recent years, she has become a prominent public advocate for autistic people. Scottish-born David Byrne, the singer/guitarist of the band Talking Heads, is likewise on the spectrum. He was the driving musical force of the band, a sometime film-maker, as well as a distinguished writer. His book How Music Works is in the library catalogue.

Lisa Llorens, a multiple Paralympic Games winning athlete, is autistic, as is ultramarathon runner Jacqueline Herron. Likewise, Irish footballer James McClean (currently playing for the Ryan Reynolds/Rob McIlhenney-owned Wrexham F.C) and former World Number 1 tennis player Chilean Marcelo Rios – both were, like Byrne, diagnosed as adults.

Fife-born artist Richard Wawro was autistic. Legally blind, Wawro primarily used crayons as opposed to a more traditional artistic medium; he became well known in the 1970s after receiving the patronage of Edinburgh arts impresario Richard Demarco, one of the co-founders of the Traverse Theatre and, later in life, pivotal in setting up Summerhall. The 1983 documentary With Eyes Wide Open depicts his life and artistic practice. Last but certainly not least, the most famous climate and social justice activist on the planet – Greta Thunberg – is autistic.

By Kieran Curran

Read more on the blog about mental health with this article: World mental health day

 

 

 

 

 

World Health Day image of earth shaped like a heart with a stethascope

World Health Day

07/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

World Health Day

About World Health Day

World Health Day is a global awareness campaign that is celebrated annually on the 7th of April. The primary focus is to draw attention to a range of pressing and detrimental health problems and issues that affect individuals from all across the globe. It also actively promotes and calls for individuals and communities worldwide to devote a significant degree of focus toward public health and health-related challenges, and for institutions and governments to tackle these as a priority. Every year, a specific health issue of concern or illness will be a primary focal point that World Health Day will address and aim to raise awareness of. The specific theme and focus of each year can be, for example, a highly transmittable disease, barriers to sufficient healthcare access, environmental health and mental health challenges in today’s world.

This year’s theme and focus…

This year’s campaign for World Health Day is titled ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’ and solely focuses on pushing governments and healthcare institutions to try to put a stop to preventable newborn and maternal fatalities, as well as prioritising and devoting a significant focus toward the reproductive health, long term general health and wellbeing of women overall. For women and families across the world, the importance of adequate and high-quality care being in a place that caters for their physical and emotional health during the early and late stages of pregnancy as well as the post-partum stage cannot be emphasised enough. Current published estimates by the World Health Organisation suggest that approximately 300,000 women lose their lives due to pregnancy-related complications or during childbirth every year. It is also reported that close to two million babies die during the first month of their lives each year with two million more being a stillbirth.

 

With these terrifying and stark statistics in mind, the World Health Organisation intends to put out a variety of helpful information to promote healthy pregnancies and reproductivity, as well as better postnatal health and healthcare as well. Our Napier libraries also have a range of resources available regarding women’s reproductive health and general wellbeing, as well as women’s health during pregnancy and pregnancy-related care before, during and after childbirth.

Our School of Health and Social Care, Nursing and Midwifery

Edinburgh Napier hosts one of the largest schools of Health and Social care in the country and is recognised as one of the biggest providers of nursing and midwifery education as well. It has an excellent reputation which is recognised throughout the UK and beyond, and it’s midwifery course allows it’s student community to gain first-hand clinical experience and practice in midwifery in a range of healthcare settings. They are also taught and supported by lecturers with a high level of expertise in both current research and first-hand clinical practice. This ultimately means that many of our midwifery graduates leave us having acquired a wide range of clinical skills and knowledge which equips them to effectively support, advise and advocate for women and their families throughout each stage of pregnancy and childbirth.

Our Napier libraries also have a wealth of resources and textbooks on Midwifery and healthcare which are primarily located in our Sighthill campus library. The literature available encompasses a range of unique experiences which each individual women can have throughout their pregnancy journey and ultimately helps to support the research and clinical skills development and progression of our midwifery student community with a wealth of high-quality information and sources.

How Our Libraries Can Support Midwifery Students

All of the print and electronic resources that we have can be found and requested through LibrarySearch. As well as a wealth of material on current research regarding midwifery and reproductive healthcare, we also have a variety of resources in our research collection about the art and skill of conducting healthcare and midwifery research including how to write a literature review, for example. We also have subscriptions to a vast number of healthcare databases which include healthcare and allied health journals with the most current and up-to-date research on various health topics, including midwifery and women’s reproductive and general health. MA Healthcare Complete is one of the databases mentioned in our LibGuide which includes some leading titles in midwifery research. Another database where coverage of midwifery research is mentioned is Ovid Emcare, which is ran by Elsevier and covers all areas of nursing specialities and healthcare. Furthermore, the likehood of the other healthcare databases listed in our Libguide having resources with current research on midwifery and women’s reproductive and general health is pretty high as well!

 Some Recommendations from the Library

As well as our ever-popular Mayes Midwifery textbooks and PROMPT Practical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training Course manual (3rd edition), we have a wide variety of other resources covering midwifery research as well as women’s reproductive and general health and wellbeing. These recommendations can be found below.

By Rachel Downie

Cycle to campus

World Sustainable Transport Day

26/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

World Sustainable Transport Day

You would hardly know it as you try to negotiate your way around Edinburgh’s potholes and roadworks, but it’s World Sustainable Transport Day. It’s a new venture, created last year by the UN and will be celebrated annually on 26th November. This is a day for reflecting on how we can make transport safer, more efficient and greener.

How can we integrate transport options into our natural environment? How can we plan to move people around more quickly, comfortably and reliably while preserving habitats, migrating to cleaner fuel systems and causing the least disruption to our communities?

These are taxing questions, to be sure. Here at Edinburgh Napier, we’re committed to answering them. Our Transport Research Institute has been teaching, consulting and researching since 1996, and in the last few years has included low-carbon transportation and new technology solutions for the future of UK transport and city solutions as part of its thematic focus. If you’d like to know more about our TRI, see here: Transport Research Institute

On a wider level, Edinburgh Council has ambitious plans to commit to their general sustainable transport options. These include encouraging residents, by 2030, to increase their walking by 3% per week, cycling by 35%, journeys by bus or tram by 26% and rail by 12%. This assumes, of course, that residents will be happy to ditch their cars, and that the alternative transport options will be attractive ones. You can monitor the stats and gauge the results here: Targets for a sustainable transport future – The City of Edinburgh Council

Meanwhile, we would encourage you to move around our campuses by foot, bike or bus. We have a wealth of information on bike access and safety, bus timetables and route planning here: Cycling to campus. 

Have a look at the research and innovation that our School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment on their blog.

By Lesley McRobb

 

Merchiston Library and information

International Day of Universal Access to Information

28/09/2024 / / 0 Comments

International Day of Universal Access to Information

Universal access to information is not only recognised as possessing great significance worldwide, but is also viewed as a fundamental right protected by many constitutions across the globe. Access to information encourages transparency, democracy and progression. It also allows the public to hold public authorities and constituencies to account as well as allowing for informed debates and negotiations to occur, thus being more productive in practice. In today’s digital era today, it empowers individuals and groups across the world and fosters innovative practices and actions. The promotion of inclusivity, social progression, and the encouragement of informed negotiations, cannot be understated.

Background…

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) officially proclaimed the 28th of September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). This was declared on the 17th of November 2015 in recognition of the importance of universal access to information and the right to seek, receive and transmit information. Four years later, the International Day for Universal Access to information was also proclaimed on the 28th of September on a UN level by the 74th UN General Assembly in October 2019. From 2016 onwards, the International Day for Universal Access promoted by UNESCO had already spanned across roughly 26 countries around the world.

The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) primarily promotes a worldwide commitment to ensure that individuals and groups across the globe can feasibly access, search for and openly communicate information. The right to universal access to information greatly coincides with the right to freedom of the press. As the media relies on the feasibility of receiving and seeking out information to provide the public with crucial updates or information about issues of interest. Another relevant act is the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), enacted in over 70 countries across the globe and enshrined in constituencies in over 80 countries overall.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOI)…

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) allows for citizens to access information held by public authorities. It does this by enforcing that public authorities publish certain or significant information about their activities as well as allowing for members of the public to request information from public authorities as a given right. The Act itself covers all information recorded and held by public authorities and institutions throughout England, Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as UK-wide public authorities in Scotland. The key principles of the FOI act are as follows:

  • All individuals and groups have the right to access any information which is made official.
  • Applicants and requesters are not required to provide a reason behind their wish to access official information. Anyone can also make a freedom of information request without having to be a UK citizen or resident. Any refusal made toward a freedom of information request must be justified.
  • All freedom of information requests must be treated equally albeit situations involving vexatious requests or personal data. This also means that any information disclosed is information you would disclose to any other patron or group that asked for it.

    Digital Access and Poverty…

    Our digital era has made information more easily accessible than ever. And more so with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and e-governance which can be utilised to conquer the digital divide by providing tailored and accessible content. At the click of a button, individuals can find and gain access to information. Information regarding public authorities and government services. This is essential for maintaining a fair and equitable society. However, digital poverty remains a significant issue worldwide. In some areas and regions. According to the Digital Poverty Alliance website, 26% of young people do not have access to a laptop or relevant device. 53% of people also cannot afford an average monthly broadband bill. Digital exclusion and poverty, if unaddressed can have a detrimental effect on economic, financial circumstances of individuals and societies as well as exacerbating linguistic, racial and gender issues.

    How the library can help…

    Our libraries have a wide range of physical and digital resources and devices which can help you access all of the essential information you will require for your course and university career. As well as our physical resources and books, you can find many online versions and digitised copies of resources within our collection through LibrarySearch (exlibrisgroup.com). You can also find all of the information you may need when using our campus libraries through Library (napier.ac.uk).  In need of a laptop to access this information and our online resources? Our lapsafe laptops  can be loaned out to patrons for a maximum of 14 days before they have to be returned.  Our lapsafe lockers located in each campus library, the JKCC and Bainfield student accommodation. If you think you need a laptop for longer, we also have our Digital Access Scheme. Find out more about our laptop loans at Laptops to loan (napier.ac.uk).

     

    Further Reading…

    Freedom of information – Edinburgh Napier University (exlibrisgroup.com) – Available at Merchiston.

    An open Scotland: freedom of information: a consultation – Edinburgh Napier University (exlibrisgroup.com) – Available at Sighthill.

    Freedom of information manual – Edinburgh Napier University (exlibrisgroup.com) – Available at Craiglockhart Law Hub.

     

    More resources can be found in Craiglockhart Law Hub and through Librarysearch.

     

    By Rachel Downie

     

    Read about the library and information.

     

     

     

Rain on the high street

St Swithin’s Day

15/07/2024 / / 0 Comments

.St Swithin’s Day

Today is Swithin’s Day. Today determines what the weather will be for the next 40 days.

Who is St Swithin

St. Swithun (also known as Swithin) was an Anglo-Saxon Bishop of Winchester from 852 – 862. He died on 2nd July 862 AD.

Not much is known about St. Swithun’s life. He was well-known for giving gifts to others and building churches. And built a stone bridge over the River Itchen to allow the poor to cross the river and sell their wares in the town.

He has only one miracle attributed to him. An odd one of repairing broken eggs which were dropped by a woman crossing the bridge. He would hear the woman crying and repaired the eggs immediately.

St Swithin in Norway

St Swithun is also honoured in Norway. He is commemorated at Stavanger Cathedral. The Catholic Church in Stavanger is also named after him. In Norway St. Swithun’s Day is celebrated on the 2nd of July, the date of his death. St. Swithun requested that he was to be buried outside the church so parishioners could walk on his grave and the rain would fall on it. However, the Bishop of Winchester, and Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, declared that Swithun was to be the patron saint of the restored Winchester Cathedral. Swithun’s body was moved from the church grounds and was interred in the new Cathedral on 15th July 971. Legend has it that a huge storm followed. Raining for forty days after his body was moved, suggesting that St. Swithun was unhappy with being moved from outside the church.

The weather of St Swithin’s Day

St. Swithun is probably best known for a British weather proverb.  It says that if it rains on St Swithun’s Day, it will rain for 40 days.

The St. Swithun’s Day Rhyme:

St. Swithun’s day if thou dost rain, 

For forty days it will remain, 

St. Swithun’s day if thou be fair, 

For forty days ’twill rain nae mair.

 

According to the Met Office, there has never been 40 dry or 40 wet days following St. Swithun’s Day since records began in 1861. So it seems unlikely that it will happen any time soon!

Keep an eye on the weather.

Another fun Day of the Year: Bakewell Tart Day.

Photo by Sarah (Unsplash) 

Gulten free bread

Coeliac Disease Awareness Month 2024

15/05/2024 / / 0 Comments

Coeliac Disease Awareness Month 2024

Coeliac disease is recognised as a serious autoimmune condition affecting 1 in 100 people throughout the UK. But it may be the case that approximately 7 out of 10 people are undiagnosed. This could mean a staggering half a million people are suffering from symptoms with the cause being unknown. Throughout the entire month of May this year, the charity Coeliac UK aims to find these individuals and assist them with managing these symptoms whilst raising awareness of the condition itself.

Symptoms and Signs…

The NHS website lists a range of both gut-related and more general symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is diarrhoea, which results from the small bowel (intestines) struggling to fully absorb nutrients (malabsorption). Some other gut-related symptoms also include bloating, recurring pain in the abdomen, constipation, being sick and indigestion. If left untreated, the coeliac disease will not allow the body to digest food properly which can lead to more general symptoms such as sudden weight loss and fatigue (extreme tiredness).

Other more general symptoms can also include:

  • Dermatitis herpetiformis, which is deemed to be an autoimmune reaction to gluten does not always evolve from coeliac disease primarily but can be a symptom of the condition, nonetheless. It is an itchy and often painful rash which causes blisters to emerge on any area of the body.
  • Fertility issues and difficulties getting pregnant.
  • Numbness and a tingling feeling in the hands and feet (also known as peripheral neuropathy).
  • Ataxia, which is an issue with coordination and balance.

Triggers for coeliac disease…

Gluten is recognised as a huge trigger for symptoms of coeliac disease. Gluten itself is a structural protein which is found in certain grains such as wheat, rye and barley, and is what gives bread and baked products a soft and chewy texture. One of the substances which makes up gluten, named gliadin, is what triggers an abnormal immune system response in individuals with coeliac disease as the immune system will misinterpret the substance as a danger to the body. As a result, antibodies emerge which lead to inflammation of the surface of the intestines. This disrupts the villi (known as tube-shaped growths) around the surface area of the gut and makes it more difficult for them to aid with digestion.

It remains unknown why many people end up with coeliac disease, and why some people experience more severe symptoms than others as well.

A gluten-free diet…

Coeliac disease is mainly managed and treated by avoiding foods which contain gluten. It is recommended by the NHS that those following a gluten-free diet should not eat the following foods unless it is stated on the labelling that the specific food item is a gluten-free version.
• Pasta
• Gravies
• Cereals
• Cakes and pastries.
• Biscuits and cookies
• Crackers
• Pizza and pies
• Bread

• Sauces including soy sauce and some pasta sauces

Living with Coeliac Disease…

There is no doubt that living with coeliac disease and managing symptoms can be very challenging. There is a wide range of support available for those diagnosed with coeliac disease or who suspect they may have the condition. This includes:

  • Make an appointment with a dietician who can help with putting together a step-by-step plan for cutting out gluten from your diet and adopting a gluten-free lifestyle.
  • Joining the Gluten-Free Food Service. More information is available on the NHS Inform website through the following link: Gluten-free Food Service.
  • Information and support sites, charities, and organisations such as Coeliac UK. More information is available on Coeliac UK’s website about local support groups.
  • The Gluten Free Scanner App.
Some gluten-free brands…
  • LazyDay: Specialises in a range of gluten-free, milk-free, egg-free and vegan cakes and confectionery. Some of their products are in  Sainsburys, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons and Ocado.
  • Garofolo: A brand which offers a range of gluten-free pasta options. Available through Amazon and in Ocado.
  • Bread brands such as Schar and Dillon. These are available to order online and are available in some selected stores.
  • GO-FREE Cereals which are available in supermarkets such as Sainsburys, Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, Ocado and the Co-op.

For more information:

Check out some of the library books and ebooks. Links  below:

Read about colour blindness day 

Photo by Wesual Click 

By Rachel Downie

Mer wellbeing Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week

13/05/2024 / / 0 Comments

Mental Health Awareness Week

When was the last time you went for a walk, run or swim? Danced to your favourite song? Flew a kite? Strolled through the park and stopped to smell the flowers? We suggest that now is a good time: the sun is shining*, the city’s gardens are in full bloom, and you’d be amazed at how much of a tonic even a tiny bit of physical activity can be.

It’s with this fact in mind that the Mental Health Foundation has chosen “movement” as their theme for this year’s mental health awareness week, 13-19 May.

You don’t have to run a marathon or bag a Munro. We’re not even suggesting a couch-to-5K.  A gentle walk around the block, a spot of gardening or even a few stretching exercises can be enough to make you feel better. It releases those “feel good” hormones, gets your circulation going, stretches the muscles, aids your digestion and improves your sleep. All these factors play into mental well-being.

Mental Health Foundation | Everyone deserves good mental health

And if today you find that you’re not feeling so great, and even the idea of getting out of the house is too much, know that you’re not alone. Health in Mind is a local organisation that is there for you. Give them a call:

Health in Mind | Homepage (health-in-mind.org.uk)

And remember that we are here for you too!

Wellbeing Support and Inclusion (napier.ac.uk)

We’d love to see you in our libraries. Drop into our relaxation zones and check out our well-being resources.

Relaxation Spaces (napier.ac.uk)

Online Relaxation Space

Home – Wellbeing Collection – LibGuides at Edinburgh Napier University

*true at the time of writing, but this is Scotland so we can’t guarantee it’s true today.

By Lesley McRobb

Newer posts »

Contact Us

Email: library@napier.ac.uk

Telephone: 0131 455 3500

Bluesky: @ENULibrary

Instagram: @ENU_Library​

 

© 2026 The Library Blog

Theme by Anders Norén — Up ↑