A study published in Cancer Discovery found that cabergoline reduced breast cancer risk by 70% in women who took the medication after childbirth. The drug may also enhance the natural process of breast involution, which can help prevent cancer.
Researchers have discovered a vulnerability in water and energy networks that allows hackers to target and disrupt critical infrastructure without breaking encryption. By analyzing traffic patterns, attackers can identify critical communications and selectively block them, causing operational disruptions.
A new study highlights the limitations of forensic techniques, including sniffer dogs, bloodstain pattern analysis, and ballistics evidence. The research argues that greater scrutiny is needed to ensure accurate and reliable presentation of forensic evidence in courts.
Researchers developed a system of mathematical equations to examine interactions between interventions and post-infection effects. The team found that even small post-infection costs could shift the optimal vaccine coverage to higher rates, even to elimination levels.
Researchers at the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) have successfully mapped the earliest glow of hydrogen gas from deep in the universe's past using only its own data. This breakthrough enables a faster, less expensive method for studying dark energy, a mysterious force driving the universe's expansion.
A UBC study reveals consumers use product shelf lives as a mental shortcut to determine naturalness, leading to a preference for shorter-shelf-life foods. This phenomenon can result in unnecessary food waste, as consumers overestimate the relationship between shelf life and naturalness.
Researchers at UBC have developed tools that combine high-resolution satellite heat mapping with shade and equity modelling to identify urban hot spots and determine where new trees can deliver the greatest benefits. The tools can pinpoint areas as small as 700 square metres, about the footprint of a large residential lot, and suggest ...
Two new sea spider species are discovered in the Salish Sea, shedding light on the diversity of marine arthropods and their impact on ecosystems. Researchers found these species to have unique traits, such as hairy legs, red eyes, and dexterous ovigers.
A global analysis of catchments reveals complex behavior in 87% of rivers, with rainfall rhythm and water availability playing key roles in determining runoff responses. Simple catchments with consistent behavior are rare, concentrated in areas with steep terrain.
Researchers found that a genetic variant accelerates Huntington disease by driving runaway DNA changes, leading to a more aggressive form of the disease. The study suggests that suppressing the expansion of the mutation may delay progression or delay disease onset.
A global review found that rising sea levels will negatively impact shorebird habitats and populations, while human infrastructure exacerbates the issue. Researchers urge planners to protect space inland of existing wetlands, remove artificial barriers, and enhance sediment supplies to mitigate the effects of sea-level rise.
Canada's last epishelf lake, a millennia-old ecosystem, has been confirmed to be gone for good. The loss of the lake shows that even the Arctic's projected last ice refuge is vulnerable to rapid change, and that once this ecosystem is lost, it cannot be restored.
A UBC-led study finds that insects pose a more immediate threat to North American forests, with over 60% of areas projected to experience 30% more insect pressure by mid-century. Climate change and pests could jeopardize critical carbon sinks and air quality, costing billions of dollars in economic losses.
A new study from the University of British Columbia finds that AI cannot replace traditional language learning, but a hybrid approach combining corpora and AI can be effective. The study suggests that educators use AI to verify student answers and improve accuracy, while still relying on traditional corpora for teaching collocations.
Industrial-scale illegal fishing accounts for 8-15% of global marine wild capture, with impacts unevenly distributed globally. Eliminating harmful subsidies and strengthening enforcement are key to addressing the issue.
A new study by UBC researchers found that watersheds with greater variation in elevation are less prone to flooding after tree harvesting, while flatter landscapes are more vulnerable. The study also highlights the role of fog in influencing flood behavior and suggests a targeted approach to forest management.
Researchers developed an edible coating made from agar, zinc, and tannic acid that reduces spoilage and maintains vitamin C and antioxidants in strawberries, grapes, and apple slices. The coating has a lower carbon footprint than refrigeration and can reduce food waste by up to 85%.
A recent study found that most injuries linked to deaths in released coho salmon can be avoided by not using landing nets. Researchers recommend keeping the fish in the water whenever possible and avoiding tandem or treble hooks.
Deep-diving insect larvae have developed sturdy air sacs that control their buoyancy, defying the idea of oceanic insect extinction. Their unique respiratory system uses resilin to adjust air sac volume and pH, allowing them to thrive in extreme depths.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown waste drainage system at the back of the eye, called the posterior ocular lymphatic outflow, or POLO pathway. This discovery provides a new framework for understanding leading causes of blindness and opens opportunities for harnessing this system to treat disease.
Researchers identified a rare CO chondrite meteorite as the probable impactor that struck Earth 66 million years ago, leading to the extinction of 75% of Earth's species. The study used advanced nickel isotope analysis to narrow down the composition of the deadly Cretaceous-Palaeogene meteorite.
A recent study found that nearly 9 in 10 pregnant participants struggled to place their seatbelts correctly, despite instruction and guidance. The researchers highlighted the need for updated restraint system designs to accommodate changing female anatomy during pregnancy.
A new study identifies a rare genetic mutation in the CDK12 gene as a cause of aggressive prostate cancer at a young age. Genetic testing for this mutation could help identify families at risk and support early cancer detection, potentially saving lives.
A new study led by Dr. Anthony Lapsansky and Dr. Doug Altshuler found that pigeons make slow, subtle eye movements during flight to gather more information about their surroundings. This research has implications for the development of autonomous flying robots or drones, which can learn from bird-like visual strategies.
A study on coyote attacks in Stanley Park revealed that habituation and food conditioning contribute to aggressive behavior. To coexist with coyotes, people should not feed them, avoid approaching them, and be aware of their presence during certain times and locations.
New research shows that young salmon are more susceptible to heat stress than older fish, and current methods may be underestimating the risks. Younger fish can tolerate warmer temperatures for longer periods, but fish acclimated to cooler temperatures struggle with rapid heat events.
Transient killer whales, humpback whales, and grey whales are spotted in the Salish Sea due to seasonal feeding and conservation efforts. Researchers attribute this increase to improved fisheries management, reduced whaling, and increased seal populations, allowing whales to thrive in their ancestral habitats.
Researchers found over 5 million amphibians and reptiles relocated in BC between 2019-2022, primarily for development projects. The lack of post-relocation monitoring raises concerns about the effectiveness of these efforts in supporting population persistence.
The study found that out-of-pocket spending on prescription contraception dropped by 83% within two years of universal coverage, with the largest financial gains for people in their 20s. The policy also led to increased uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives and reduced unintended pregnancy rates.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers links multinational activity to greater deforestation and biodiversity loss in Africa. Multinational firms are found to have a much larger environmental impact than domestic firms, driven by factors such as sector concentration and the 'pollution haven' effect.
Researchers discovered that children who take risks during play are quicker and more efficient at making safe decisions when crossing busy streets. This challenge traditional assumptions about letting children take risks, highlighting the importance of playful risk-taking in developing judgment skills.
For at least 1,000 years, early herders in eastern Africa continued to fish, hunt, and gather alongside livestock, revealing a diverse diet that varied greatly from person to person. This strategy likely helped them adapt to a changing environment and ensured survival.
A new study finds that immigrants struggle to translate their knowledge and skills in the host market, leading to underemployment and overqualification. The researchers developed machine learning models to identify key factors, including lack of degree recognition and unfamiliarity with employment norms.
A new study by UBC researchers found that Indigenous lands consistently protect forests, biodiversity, and carbon stores at levels equal to or greater than government-designated protected areas. The study highlights the importance of securing formal land rights for Indigenous Peoples and funding and resourcing Indigenous stewardship.
A global study led by UBC researchers found that pet cats allowed to roam outside unsupervised carry infectious diseases at rates comparable to feral cats. The study analyzed data from over 174,000 cats across 88 countries and identified nearly 100 pathogens that can infect humans.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a new method to target intrinsically disordered proteins, which are difficult to treat with medication. The approach has shown promise in slowing prostate cancer growth and could lead to new treatments for various diseases.
A minimally invasive catheter ablation procedure has been shown to provide substantial benefits for patients with advanced forms of atrial fibrillation. By targeting faulty electrical signaling in the heart, the procedure can lead to improved control of the disease and reduced risk of serious adverse events.
Researchers identified three main patterns of AI addiction: role-playing and fantasy worlds, emotional attachment to chatbots as close friends or partners, and constant information-seeking. These patterns led to disruptions in daily life, including anxiety, stress, and negative impacts on work, studies, and relationships.
A new targeted therapy has shown strong results in preclinical studies against aggressive childhood and adult cancers, eliminating tumours and stopping cancer spread. The therapy targets the IL1RAP protein, which is found on cancer cells but largely absent from normal tissues, allowing for precise delivery of treatment.
A new book by Dr. Suzanne Simard outlines a different approach to forest stewardship, emphasizing the importance of retaining mature trees and protecting soils, biodiversity, and underground fungal networks. The research shows that intact and lightly harvested forests store more carbon and support stronger recovery over time.
Researchers developed a natural, biodegradable wash that removed up to 96% of pesticide residue from fruit and slowed browning and moisture loss. The coating also showed antimicrobial effects and added nutritional value.
Research by University of British Columbia researchers found that summer weather is arriving earlier, lasting longer and packing more heat. The average summer season has grown about six days longer per decade in the tropics and polar circles since 1990.
A global inventory reveals that bottom trawling catches over 3,000 fish species, including critically endangered and vulnerable species, highlighting the urgent need for better documentation and management of its impacts on marine biodiversity.
A new UBC study found that global aquaculture production is increasingly relying on less beneficial species for food security, climate mitigation, and biodiversity. The industry's shift towards finfish has lower sustainability potential, while earlier systems like seaweed and shellfish had higher sustainability.
A UBC study finds invasive grasses are a sleeper threat on B.C.'s post-fire landscape, with the window to stop them narrow. The research highlights three actions to reduce risk: vehicle and boot washing stations, targeted seeding, and early herbicide treatment.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified genes and pathways responsible for plant recovery from environmental stress, including cold snaps and flooding. This discovery could lead to the creation of climate-resilient crops that can recover faster and more efficiently after climate events.
A recent study on the 2021 North American heat wave reveals that some species, such as sea lettuce, were able to withstand the extreme temperatures, while others, like mussels and blueberry plants, suffered severe declines. The research highlights the importance of understanding these differing effects to prepare for future heat waves.
A UBC study finds raccoons continue to solve puzzles even after food rewards are removed, suggesting intrinsic motivation and a desire for information. The raccoons' flexible problem-solving and exploration-exploitation trade-offs may contribute to their success in urban environments.
A new study reveals that apocalyptic thinking is no longer fringe and significantly influences how people interpret and respond to global threats. Beliefs about the end of the world are diverse and predict how individuals perceive and react to risks like climate change, pandemics, and emerging technologies.
A global review of 20 studies covering over 220,000 infants and caregivers found nearly five per cent of infants experience physical aggression from caregivers in their first two years of life. Simple education, support lines, and clear policies against hitting children can help address the issue.