A new study published in Science of the Total Environment has found that 21% of Arctic fish eaten by beluga whales contain microplastic particles. Researchers estimate that belugas ingest up to 145,000 particles of microplastics per year, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in the Arctic.
A new study found that young adults feel responsible for protecting themselves and others against COVID-19, but face confusion due to inconsistent messaging. Researchers recommend positive framing, reflecting lived experiences, and accessible platforms to increase effectiveness.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that moderate-intensity physical activity and learning activities lower the risk of cognitive decline. The study tracked over 4,000 older adults for three years, using machine-learning algorithms to analyze brain health data.
A new study by SFU archaeologists has developed a valid method for estimating the age of juvenile remains using crania and mandibular bones. This approach can help forensic teams identify child remains in archaeological work or criminal investigations, providing closure for families.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that older women are more likely to report depressive symptoms than men. The study, which tracked data from over 50,000 people between the ages of 45 and 85, suggests that late life is associated with increased depression rates, particularly among females.
A team from Simon Fraser University has created a low-cost, portable ventilator using 3D-printed origami technology, which can be produced for about $200 compared to $2,000. The design also makes it small and lightweight, making it useful for treating COVID-19 patients or those in remote rural areas.
Researchers found that trees tap into bedrock water stores, relying on them during droughts and dry summers. This discovery overturns assumptions about where trees get their water, highlighting the importance of accounting for rock moisture in understanding forest ecosystem function.
A Simon Fraser University study reveals that workers who use mobile technology to actively connect with colleagues experience higher levels of communication effectiveness and better work performance. However, these same technologies can also impair performance due to interruptions. The study highlights the importance of finding a balan...
Researchers at SFU have discovered a new source of earthquakes and tsunamis in the Greater Tokyo Region, located near tectonic plate boundaries. The study suggests that low-lying areas like Delta, Richmond, and Port Alberni may be vulnerable to tsunamis originating from this region.
A team of researchers, including Simon Fraser University's Christina Giovas, challenges the validity of a controversial paper claiming Indigenous cannibals migrated to the Caribbean circa AD 800. The study finds no evidence to support this claim, contradicting decades of debunked narratives.
A new study from Simon Fraser University found that nearly 60% of people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness in Metro Vancouver have had a criminal conviction. The study identified factors associated with criminal convictions, including irregular income assistance payments, drug addiction, and psychiatric hospitalization.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 case data from 107 nations and found that collectivist countries, high power distance nations, and those valuing group cooperation had lower case growth. Individualistic countries and low power distance nations experienced greater case growth.
A new study confirms that Indigenous people managed shellfish and sea otters for thousands of years, safeguarding access to traditional foods. This challenges widely held assumptions about high numbers of sea otters in the past, affecting conservation policy and Indigenous reconciliation.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that building rapport among tourists can significantly increase satisfaction with guided group tours. The study identified four key aspects of tourist-tourist rapport and showed that high levels of rapport lead to improved overall experience, while low levels decrease satisfactio...
Mitacs is providing $5.1 million in funding to support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at Simon Fraser University's PLANet, accelerating the development of new Canadian wearables. The partnership aims to create intelligent apparel and gear with integrated sensors and machine learning for improved health and wellbeing.
A new study from Simon Fraser University found that only 44.2% of children with mental health disorders receive services, highlighting unacceptable service shortfalls in high-income countries. The study's authors call for increased investment and protection of children's mental health budgets to address growing needs.
Researchers found that proactive, frequent rapid testing is more effective at preventing large transmission clusters than delayed measures. Regular screening identified asymptomatic infections before symptoms developed, leading to a significant reduction in outbreaks.
The study highlights the alarming loss of Indigenous Peoples' and local communities' knowledge systems, with dramatic social and ecological impacts. The authors emphasize the need for support to sustain these knowledge systems and practices, essential for safeguarding biological and cultural diversity.
A collaborative project between Simon Fraser University and local First Nations aims to conserve iconic western redcedar trees suitable for traditional carving and ceremonial purposes. Researchers found that these trees are generally rare, with nearly extinct forms being targeted by industrial logging.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that balancing carbon dioxide emissions with removals could lead to different climate outcomes. Researchers found that a larger amount of CO2 removal is required to compensate for a given amount of CO2 emissions to maintain unchanged atmospheric CO2 concentration.
A new AI tool developed by SFU's International CyberCrime Research Centre aims to identify and counteract COVID-19 misinformation on social media. The project uses machine learning algorithms to rapidly distinguish between accurate and false information, helping to combat vaccine hesitancy and unnecessary transmission.
A new six-year HyTEM program aims to develop greener energy grids, increase skills critical for advancing sustainable energy, and create jobs. The program will provide training to navigate complex contexts, policies, and regulations, enabling the integration of distributed energy resources in hybrid microgrids.
Researchers found that spiders detect the chemicals released by European fire ants and choose to build their webs elsewhere. This instinctual behavior allows spiders to survive in areas with high ant activity, potentially leading to the development of more effective spider repellents.
Researchers are investigating CAV1's dual role in tumor metastasis and suppression using machine learning-based analyses of super-resolution microscopy. They leverage computer vision and AI to automatically analyze data, capturing three-dimensional coordinates with nanometer resolution.
Researchers from Simon Fraser University and Canadian Space Agency will develop a new system to capture detailed seismic and gravimetric models of the lunar subsurface. This project aims to advance our understanding of the moon's geophysical properties and inform future exploration, potentially enabling human settlement.
A faster and cheaper COVID-19 test kit has been validated by Simon Fraser University researchers, offering an alternative to existing tests. The microchip-based test can provide accurate results in 30 minutes and requires significantly less reagent usage.
Researchers recommend increasing milkweed stems in the Midwest and southern U.S. to support the eastern monarch butterfly population, which has dwindled to 2.3 overwintering hectares due to habitat loss and climate change.
A recent study found that four out of five women in prison in Scotland have a history of head injury, mostly sustained through domestic violence. Women who had such injuries were more likely to engage in violent criminal behavior and had longer prison sentences.
A new study reveals that fish biodiversity can provide benefits to mixed-stock fisheries, such as stabilizing catches, but comes with the cost of increased conservation risks. By targeting specific productive stocks and avoiding unproductive weak ones, fisheries can maintain high harvest rates while reducing these risks.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University design an information engine that converts random particle motion into stored energy, extracting power comparable to biological systems. The engine achieves speeds of over ten times that of previous implementations, pushing the capabilities of this type of engine beyond its limits.
Research from Simon Fraser University suggests that remote learning leads to delayed sleep timing without increased overall sleep duration. Students slept later but did not sleep more, contrary to assumptions that would suggest better time management would lead to improved sleep habits.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed a new coating solution that can transform regular materials into waterproof surfaces, with potential applications in various industries. The patented formula is up to 90 percent cheaper to produce and free of harmful fluorinated compounds.
A joint research study by SFU and the Pacific Water Research Centre highlights the need for certified, nature-based solutions to protect salmon habitats in the Lower Mainland. Adopting urban development policies and certifications can advance progressive land and water management.
A new study by Simon Fraser University finds that ancient Indigenous-managed forests, or
The Canadian Network for Modelling Infectious Disease (CANMOD) will inform public health decisions and prepare Canada for future pandemics. CANMOD will build and coordinate national capacity by sharing research problems, models and estimates across a broader community of researchers.
A recent fossil discovery of four new snakefly species has deepened the mystery surrounding their evolutionary history and distribution. The ancient insects, dating back 50 million years, were found in British Columbia and Washington state, where scientists had previously believed they required cold winters to thrive.
A new study found correlations between increased autistic-like behaviors in pre-school aged children and gestational exposure to environmental toxicants like metals, pesticides, and phthalates. Higher maternal concentrations of cadmium, lead, and some phthalates were associated with increased autistic-like behaviors.
Scientists have isolated a genetic clue in the form of an RNA polymerase enzyme that offers new insights into the origins of life. The discovery provides evidence for the RNA World Hypothesis, suggesting that self-replicating RNA molecules were capable of driving chemical reactions essential for life.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University are developing robots that can measure essential healthcare information, such as physiological signals and oxygen levels. The robots aim to support remote healthcare tasks and may potentially interact with patients, process data, and prescribe medication in the future.
A team of researchers led by Simon Fraser University paleontologist Bruce Archibald has discovered a major new insect group closely related to damselflies and dragonflies. The distinctive shape of the insect's non-protruding, rounded eyes is the defining feature of Cephalozygoptera, which lived among dinosaurs in the Cretaceous age.
A study analyzing 100-year-old salmon scales found a 70% decline in wild sockeye salmon populations and diversity in the Skeena River. This decline has weakened the adaptive potential for salmon to survive climate change.
Three of five sawfish species are critically endangered due to easily caught rostra in fishing nets and valuable fins in the shark fin trade. Conservation efforts focus on eight countries where protections can save the species; adequate protections exist in Australia and the US for some remaining populations.
A new study from Simon Fraser University found that women's voices are underrepresented in Canadian news media, with men quoted three times more often than women. Despite having prominent female leaders, the research team identified key areas for improvement, including hiring more women as reporters.
Researchers have discovered a 2-meter-long burrow attributed to ancient giant worms, providing insights into their behavior and habitat.
A Simon Fraser University study examines how different types of PPE impact public perception of police. Most PPE, including surgical masks, N95 masks, and face shields, enhances perceptions of officer accountability and professionalism.
A recent study by Simon Fraser University found that approximately half of media stories featuring COVID-19 'preprint' research did not accurately frame the studies as being preprints or unverified research. The study analyzed over 500 mentions in over 450 stories from digital news outlets covering preprint COVID-19 research.
Simon Fraser University professors Paul Tupper and Caroline Colijn found that physical distancing reduces COVID-19 transmission in all settings. Social bubbles are more effective in high-transmission settings but less so in low-transmission settings or activities with mixing.
Viking identity was not limited to Scandinavian ancestry, with Scottish and non-Scandinavian ancestry found in some individuals. Gene flow from the British Isles, Southern Europe, and Asia also occurred during the Viking Age.
A new process developed by SFU chemist Robert Britton and his team allows for the creation of new nucleoside analogues in a fraction of the time previously required. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating viral infections and cancer.
A Simon Fraser University professor's research analyzes CSR impact in forestry, mining, and textiles industries, finding few initiatives translate to improvements for local communities. He advocates for global pressure, transparent reporting, and harmonized labels to promote sustainable production and reduce conflicts.