New research finds that brand-name drug discount cards lead to higher health care spending in Canada, with private insurer costs increasing by 46 per cent. However, for some patients, using a discount card can result in increased out-of-pocket costs, potentially up to $10 more.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that brand-name drug discount cards lead to higher health care spending in Canada, increasing private insurer costs by 46% and public insurer costs by 1.3%. Despite offering some savings, these cards financially disadvantage patients who fill prescriptions with them.
A study by UBC professor John Oliffe reveals eight lessons learnt from successful community-based men's health promotion programs. These programs recognize social forces that uniquely affect men, such as cultural activities and elder-led circles, to improve mental and physical well-being.
A study of health survey data collected from over 24,000 Canadians found that people with PTSD who use cannabis are less likely to suffer from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. The research, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, is promising and merits further study.
Young, low-income women in Canada are more likely to use no contraception or condoms only, compared to those with higher incomes. The study found that lower household income is associated with decreased use of effective birth control methods and increased risk of unintended pregnancy.
Researchers discovered shared brain circuit abnormalities in patients with mood and anxiety disorders, enabling targeted interventions. These findings hold promise for improving outcomes for individuals with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders.
A new study reveals that stalked glandular trichomes in cannabis flowers are the richest source of THC- and CBD-forming metabolites and fragrance-giving terpenes. The findings provide insight into how these trichomes make and store valuable products.
The Gill-Oxygen Limitation Theory explains why fish migrate poleward in response to warming waters. As water temperature increases, the amount of dissolved oxygen decreases, making it harder for fish to breathe, while also increasing their oxygen demand.
A new study published in Science Advances sheds light on the evolution of bird flight styles, highlighting the importance of wing flexibility and wrist movement. Researchers found that birds specializing in gliding, like bald eagles, have a restricted ability to extend their elbows but can move their wrists freely.
New UBC research finds a higher risk of severe tears with unassisted episiotomies, while assisted births like forceps deliveries show some protection against perineal injury. The study suggests caution in applying general guidelines for all vaginal deliveries.
A school-based HPV vaccination program in British Columbia has significantly reduced cervical pre-cancer rates among women, with a 57% reduction found in those vaccinated as Grade 6 girls compared to unvaccinated women. Regular cervical screening is crucial in preventing cervical cancer from developing.
Research found that fluctuations in atmospheric pressure impact the amount of natural gas leaked from wells below ground surface. Continuous monitoring can help accurately detect and evaluate gas migrations and emissions, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions from leaking oil and gas wells.
The new guidelines recommend aerobic and resistance training for cancer survivors, aiming to address common side effects such as anxiety and fatigue. The updated recommendations provide specific 'exercise prescriptions' to improve survival rates after a diagnosis of breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
A new 'DNA clock' can predict a child's age to within four months using chemical tags on their DNA. The tool, called PedBE, could help identify early developmental delays and diagnose conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
A team of international researchers recommends establishing a global coordinating body to develop international guidelines and promoting equitable sharing of benefits in the Blue Economy. This will help ensure sustainable and inclusive development, mitigating potential harms on marine environments and human well-being.
A new UBC psychology study found that biological siblings of people with gambling disorder exhibit markers of increased impulsivity and risk-taking. The research suggests people with gambling disorder may have pre-existing genetic vulnerabilities to the illness.
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.
The study's findings indicate that global tuna catches have increased by 1,000% in six decades, driven by industrial fisheries operating beyond capacity. The Pacific Ocean accounts for 67% of total catches, with many species, including bluefin and sharks, facing significant threats.
A UBC data science method analyzes citizens' access to hospitals and walk-in clinics, revealing large numbers without good access to health care. The study found that 80% of Portland residents, 51% of Seattleites, and 37% of Vancouverites lack sufficient healthcare access due to insufficient facilities and transit services.
New research finds that climate change may exacerbate species conflicts, driving extinctions, and highlights the importance of landscape connectivity. High movement rates can reduce conflict, emphasizing the need for well-connected landscapes.
A new study published in PLoS One found that a kindergarten curriculum emphasizing social play and hands-on learning improves academic outcomes, self-control, and attention regulation. The approach also enhances children's joy in learning and teachers' enjoyment of teaching.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that early blood sampling for microorganisms is critical to treating sepsis. Emergency rooms must follow sepsis guidelines, which demand trained personnel and proper equipment, to prevent organ damage and death.
Fishing fleets' capacity to capture fish is increasing by an average of 2% yearly due to technological advancements like GPS and echo-sounders. This 'technological creep' leads to a doubling of fleet power every 35 years, further straining dwindling fish stocks.
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.
A recent study by the University of British Columbia found that consumers are more likely to purchase upgraded products with an additional cost presented as an 'add-on' rather than a higher overall price. This effect applies across various product categories, from plane tickets to computer monitors.
Researchers found that fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as Ciprofloxacin, are associated with an increased risk of heart problems, including aortic and mitral regurgitation. Current users face a 2.4 times greater risk compared to patients taking amoxicillin.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered three new viruses in endangered Chinook and sockeye salmon populations. The viruses are related to those causing serious disease in other species and may play a role in population dynamics and aquaculture threats.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with larger households have a lower risk of fire-related injuries and deaths among children. A household size of 2-3 people was associated with the highest risk of injury or death, while households with 4 or more people had a significantly reduced risk.
Researchers found that bar-headed geese can fly at altitudes of up to 8500m by reducing their metabolism, increasing oxygen transport per heartbeat and heart rate, and lowering blood temperature. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy and fly efficiently in low-oxygen conditions.
A new study found that low-cost active teaching techniques, such as group work and worksheets, significantly improve learning in university science classes. Increasing class time dedicated to group work by just 10% resulted in a 3% improvement in student performance.
Women who used oral contraceptives during adolescence are more likely to develop depression as adults, according to a new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. The research found that teenage birth control pill users were up to three times more likely to be clinically depressed in adulthood.
A new study by a UBC psychologist and researchers found that hiring committees who deny the existence of gender bias are less likely to promote women. The study, based on actual decisions made by 40 hiring committees in France, suggests that awareness and acknowledgement of barriers faced by women can help overcome implicit biases.
A new study published in Public Health Nutrition found that Canadian children's diet quality during school hours improved by 13% over an 11-year period. The improvement was largely due to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as a reduction in calories from minimally nutritious foods.
A recent study found that fewer than eight per cent of cancer drug trials included participation from all four major races in the US between 2008 and 2018. Black and Hispanic patients were particularly underrepresented, with rates of 22 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that amateur investors fail to diversify their portfolios, leading to increased financial risk. More experienced investors understand the importance of diversifying assets by including negatively correlated and uncorrelated assets.
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.
A new study found that when public interest in CSR is high, investors place a premium on companies involved in CSR activities, perceiving greater value despite fundamentals. Companies respond by upping their CSR efforts to boost stock market performance, especially for firms with transient investors and higher share turnover.
A new study found that Canada's high school curricula often fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of climate change, including its causes and consequences. The research highlights the need for accurate and scientifically-based climate education to prepare the next generation of Canadians to address this pressing issue.
Newly discovered microscopic protists Rhodelphis limneticus and Rhodelphis marinus have a complex genome and chloroplast, indicating their close ties with plants in the distant past. They are genetically linked to red algae, but show a surprising evolutionary twist, pointing to an ancient organism resembling a triffid.
A Pokémon-like card game about ecology and biodiversity can result in broader knowledge of species and a better understanding of ecosystems than traditional teaching methods. Participants who played the Phylo game retained information about species and ecosystems and were more motivated to donate money to prevent environmental events.
A recent study has found a greater diversity of coralline algae species in kelp forests compared to sea urchin barrens, where they thrive despite the loss of sea otters. This discovery suggests that corallines may play a crucial role in maintaining these ecosystems.
Researchers captured high-resolution images of a gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9 using cryo-EM technology, revealing new information about its mechanism. The findings hold promise for developing more efficient and precise versions of the enzyme to correct disease-causing DNA mutations.
A recent study published in Evolution Letters found that a single old-growth tree can have up to 100,000 genetic differences between its base and tip. This suggests that these massive trees are capable of accumulating significant genetic variation over time.
A recent study found that natural biodiversity can effectively buffer farmers' incomes against droughts and other weather-related shocks in tropical regions. Farmers in areas with greater biodiversity took less of an income hit from droughts compared to those with lower biodiversity.
Eleven-month-old infants can associate languages with ethnicities based on individual encounters, the study found. The researchers played Cantonese and English to infants of Caucasian ancestry, showing them faces of Asian and Caucasian individuals.
A study found that music students outperform non-musical peers in math, science, and English exams. The research suggests that instrumental music skills transfer broadly to academic subjects, enhancing cognitive capacities and motivation to learn.
A new UBC study found that older smartphone users rely more on auto-lock features and prefer using PINs over fingerprints to unlock their phones. The study also revealed gender differences in authentication choices, with men relying more on auto locks as they age.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered 12 genes that increase MS risk in families with multiple members affected by the disease. They found a common biological process leading to increased inflammation, paving the way for personalized treatments and preventative strategies.