Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of British Columbia


How to make carbon pricing palatable to air travellers

A new study from the University of British Columbia suggests that consumers are more accepting of carbon pricing in air travel when the fee is labeled as a carbon offset and directed at fossil fuel producers. The study found that consumers were willing to pay more for flights if the extra money supported carbon emission reductions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateOct 3, 2019

UBC researchers design roadmap for hydrogen supply network

A new study by UBC researchers provides a comprehensive model for hydrogen adoption in British Columbia, recommending a refuelling infrastructure and production plants to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered cars. The study sees significant growth in hydrogen demand every year, provided policies like B.C.'s carbon tax are maintained.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateSep 12, 2019

Biodiversity highest on Indigenous-managed lands

A UBC-led study found that Indigenous-managed lands have the highest levels of biodiversity worldwide, with even protected areas coming in second. The research highlights the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities to protect species and conserving biodiversity beyond traditional conservation boundaries.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJul 31, 2019

Supportive families and schools help prevent substance use among trans youth: UBC study

A new national study by UBC researchers found that strong family and school connections are key to preventing substance use among transgender youth. The study analyzed data from 323 trans youth ages 14-18 and found that those with supportive families were 61% less likely to smoke tobacco and 88% less likely to report smoking cannabis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateJun 10, 2019

UBC researchers find ways to hackproof smart meters

Researchers at UBC have developed a program to improve the security of smart meters and protect against software-interference attacks. The method addresses vulnerabilities that can be carried out by an attacker with low-cost equipment, found nine types of attacks within an hour through code-level analysis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalACM Transactions on Embedded Computing Systems·DateJun 6, 2019

Scientists revisit the cold case of cold fusion

A team of scientists from top universities and Google is investigating cold fusion, a type of benign nuclear reaction that could offer an attractive option for decarbonizing the global energy system. The research collaboration has produced promising new insights into metal-hydrogen interactions and has not yet found evidence of the phe...

Lure of the 'loot box' looks a lot like gambling

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found a correlation between excessive engagement with loot boxes and measures of problem gambling, but not problem video gaming. Loot box use was associated with risky gambling behaviours, suggesting that the feature may be contributing to gambling-like problems in gamers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateMay 1, 2019