Researchers at Simon Fraser University are using eDNA technology to monitor salmon populations, which is expected to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods. The study aims to compare eDNA samples with human fish counts to determine the most effective method for monitoring upriver migration of Pacific wild salmon.
A new study reveals that dehydration increases amphibian vulnerability to climate change, with rising temperatures and dry conditions posing a dual threat. By 2080s, habitats may become too hot or dehydrating for many species, forcing them to adapt by moving between habitats more often.
Researchers at SFU found that wearing hip protectors reduces the risk of hip fracture by over two times, while mobility aids lower the likelihood of injury by over threefold. The study aims to improve quality of life for seniors in long-term care through fall prevention and injury protection.
A global study found a 20% increase in cardiovascular events and death among middle-aged participants with four or more depressive symptoms. Depression is now considered an important risk factor for heart disease and early death alongside traditional factors like smoking and high blood pressure.
A 50-million-year-old insect fossil found in British Columbia provides crucial insights into the global movement of animals across deep time. The discovery suggests a previously unknown Canada-Australia connection, with modern relatives of the insect found exclusively in Australia.
A new study highlights the need for Indigenous collaboration in managing sea otter populations to improve coexistence between humans and this challenging predator. The study reveals that strengthening Indigenous governance authority and establishing locally designed co-management plans can enable human-otter coexistence.
Colijn's research aims to measure the effectiveness of COVID-19 health policy measures in BC, such as physical distancing. Her team will develop a statistical test to analyze control measures and estimate their strength.
Simon Fraser University researchers have developed a novel method for detecting individual molecules of RNA within a living cell using the Mango system. This technology, which involves binding fluorescent dyes to specific RNA sequences, enables faster and more efficient detection of pathogens like the coronavirus.
A group of researchers used a poverty simulation game called SPENT to study people's beliefs about poverty and economic inequality. The study found that playing the game helped develop stronger recognition of situational causes of poverty and reduced support for economic inequality.
A Simon Fraser University-led study predicts that climate-driven glacier retreat will challenge some salmon populations, while creating new habitats in others. As glaciers lose up to 80% of their ice volume by 2100, southern watersheds may face low water flows and warmer temperatures, posing challenges for adult and young salmon.
Researchers discover potential superbug-killing compound AB569 that targets priority pathogens and additional bacteria causing foodborne illness. The compound has shown promising results in treating a wide range of infections, including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A review of 167 peer-reviewed studies found significant negative impacts on juvenile Pacific and Atlantic salmon from human activity in estuaries. The study identified stressors such as light and noise pollution, as well as tidal gates, which can cut off access for salmon to parts of a river.
A new study finds that young infants exposed to common household cleaning products are more likely to develop childhood wheeze and asthma by three years of age. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggests that chemicals in cleaning products can damage respiratory tract cells, increasing the risk of asthma.
Researchers propose using genomic data and mathematical modelling to design vaccines for the specific geographic location where they will be used. This approach aims to minimize rates of pneumococcal disease, a serious infection that can cause pneumonia, sepsis, and bacterial meningitis.
A new study by Simon Fraser University reveals that sea levels in the central Indian Ocean have risen by nearly a meter over the last two centuries. The research provides new insights into historical sea level variability and its impact on coral reefs and islands.
A new study suggests that taxpayers are more willing to pay their taxes when they recognize how their dollars contribute to the greater good. The research, conducted across multiple countries and demographics, found a positive correlation between tax payment and perceived social benefits.
A study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that adopting risk assessment tools leads to fewer incarcerations while maintaining public safety. The tools provide a structured process for predicting violence likelihood, resulting in more accurate predictions than relying on intuition.
Researchers warn of the dangers of digital addiction, citing links to physical dangers like distracted driving and increased anxiety. Experts propose policy changes, including mandatory app labeling, natural breaks in digital offerings, and taxes on addictive services.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University discovered that tiny fish species around the world are a crucial food source for larger fishes on coral reefs. These 'cryptobenthic' fishes dominate larval communities near reefs and create a steady stream of babies that rapidly replaces each adult fish devoured on the reef.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University developed a theory that predicts maximum efficiency and minimal energy loss in molecular machines. By manipulating DNA hairpins, they demonstrated a strategy to optimize nanomachines, which could lead to significant advancements in fields like computer chips, solar cells, and biotechnology.
A recent archaeological discovery in Barbados sheds new light on the island's early European settlement, revealing a previously undetected historic peccary introduction. The findings suggest that Europeans altered New World environments by introducing non-native species, contradicting accepted colonial history.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that clam gardens along B.C.'s coast date back at least 3,500 years, nearly twice as old as previously thought. This ancient Indigenous food security system has provided sustainable seafood for thousands of years.
Eco-friendly 3D printed cellulose sensors can wirelessly transmit data and be disposed without contaminating the environment. The development will advance green electronics by replacing hazardous plastics with sustainable materials, making recycling of metal components easier.
Researchers will have access to a virtual cohort of 1.4 million individuals through the Common Infrastructure for National Cohorts in Europe, Canada and Africa (CINECA). The project aims to accelerate disease research and improve treatment effectiveness by analyzing genetic, physical and lifestyle data.
A team of researchers has identified a connection between infection control and how well antiviral T cells respond to diverse HIV sequences. This study suggests that individual T cells differ widely in their ability to recognize peptide variants, which may be clinically significant in controlling HIV infection.
A new study links maternal stress levels at conception to children's cortisol responses at age 11, with different associations for boys and girls. The researchers measured cortisol levels from mothers-to-be and their children over several years.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University are working to improve the efficiency of light electric vehicles by developing next-generation 'passive' cooling solutions for battery chargers. Graphite is being used to enhance thermal performance, eliminate parasitic cooling power, and decrease electromagnetic interference.
A global study by over 100 researchers links climate change to the emergence of taller plant species in the Arctic and alpine tundra, where low-growing grasses and shrubs typically dominate. The study found that temperatures have risen significantly in these regions, leading to an increase in plant community height.
A Simon Fraser University study has found that steelhead trout age of migration, size, and numbers are controlled by a combination of temperature, co-occurring salmon, and other factors. In years with large pink salmon returns, steelhead migrated to sea at a younger age, producing more young fish from the river system.
A new study conducted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia found that high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air purifiers can decrease fine particulate matter by 29% and lead to babies weighing up to 85 grams more at term. The results provide further evidence of the negative impact of air pollution exposure during pregnancy on fetal growth.
A study by Simon Fraser University aquatic ecologists reveals that young salmon may leap out of water to remove sea lice, which can reduce growth and competitive ability. The researchers found that on average, leaping salmon had 22% fewer sea lice than non-leaping fish.
A team of researchers from Simon Fraser University has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) method to anonymize faces in news reports, aiming to improve visuals and amplify emotions tied to the story. The technique uses AI painting to simulate a smart painter, resulting in more engaging videos.
A study by Isabelle Côté and Emily Darling found that scientists with fewer than 1,000 followers primarily reach other scientists, while those with more followers have a broader range of non-scientific followers. This suggests that Twitter can be an effective tool for increasing scientific outreach, but its impact depends on various fa...
Researchers highlight need for emergency video calling systems with careful camera control, sequencing, and replay functionality to address benefits of video calls in overcoming call-taker challenges and providing valuable contextual information.
A new insect fossil discovery highlights a striking resemblance between Canadian and Russian fossils from the same age period, further solidifying an ancient connection between the two regions. The similarity is remarkable, with only the wing color distinguishing the two species, Eomerope eonearctica and Eomerope asiatica.
A study by Victoria Claydon found that bowel care is the top concern for individuals with spinal cord injuries, followed by sexual function, bladder function, and pain. The research highlights the need for holistic solutions to address the complex bodily system impacts of spinal cord injury.
A new study suggests that exercising can reduce the effectiveness of Ranolazine, a second-line therapeutic agent for angina pectoris and some inherited arrhythmias. Elevated body temperature and heart rate may decrease Ranolazine's ability to maintain healthy heart rhythms during exercise.
Researchers analyzed 667 hunt management systems across US and Canadian states, identifying hallmarks of science-based management such as clear objectives, evidence use, transparency, and external review. However, only 60% of these systems met these criteria, casting doubt on the science-based nature of North American wildlife management.
The new microscope developed by SFU researchers allows for the study of molecular interactions under high forces and fast spinning speeds, revealing new insights into collagen stability. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing better treatments to prevent collagen degradation.
A new database, CHILDdb, is being developed by SFU researchers to help identify genetic and environmental factors contributing to childhood asthma. The database will enable precision medicine to diagnose and prevent the disease earlier, reducing healthcare costs.
Scientists created a fully-resolved family tree for shark, ray, and chimaera species to quantify their evolutionary distinctness. This research identified five priority hotspots for conservation, helping to preserve up to 26 million years of unique evolutionary history.
A recent study published in Nature found that Mars' surface water was absorbed by its crust over time, leaving the planet essentially dry. The research suggests that approximately 300 meters of surface water on Mars could have been locked up in microscopic mineral structures.
The Lancet Commission report finds that global pollution is responsible for 16% of all deaths worldwide. Pollution disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, particularly poor and marginalized communities. Accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources can reduce air pollution and improve human health.
Researchers developed a new way to assess and predict facial expressions of movie-goers using factorized variational autoencoders (FVAEs). The method demonstrates a surprising ability to reliably predict viewers' facial expressions for the remainder of the movie after just a few minutes of observation.
A Canadian-led research collaboration reports observing spectral lines from an antimatter atom for the first time in a study published in Nature. The team studied antihydrogen and found that its spectral lines match those of hydrogen very well, which could provide clues about the nature of matter and antimatter.
A new study found that species from groups with high ongoing diversification are at greater risk of extinction than slowly diversifying lineages. Saving just 20 species could safeguard an estimated 1.4 billion years of evolutionary history for fast-speciating amphibian groups.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University are developing sustainable clean-tech solutions for global potable water and clean food production. The project aims to improve energy and water consumption, as well as environmental and carbon footprint in closed greenhouses.
Researchers found that adding a soft foam layer to shoulder pads reduces the severity of shoulder-to-head impacts, resulting in a 25% decrease in linear acceleration and 12% reduction in rotational velocity. This innovation has potential to prevent brain injuries in ice hockey.
A study by SFU professor Kelley Lee found that Asian tobacco companies are shifting from a domestic focus to become transnational players, aiming to increase their share of the world market. The companies' business strategies include government-supported consolidation, product innovation and foreign direct investment.
New research from Simon Fraser University aims to revolutionize In vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates using machine vision software. The software analyzes images of embryos with confirmed pregnancy outcomes to identify key developmental attributes, increasing the likelihood of successful clinical pregnancies.