Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that mice segregate their living and waste areas, suggesting a need for 'en suite bathrooms' in laboratory settings. The study showed that mice create separate compartments for nesting and eliminating waste, moving bedding and materials between cages to maintain comfort.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice suggests that oral immunotherapy is safe for preschool-aged children with peanut allergies. Researchers followed 270 children who received oral immunotherapy and found that 90% reached the maintenance stage successfully.
Researchers have identified a rarely-seen type of DNA mutation as the cause of an inherited metabolic disorder, a condition where the body can't break down specific nutrients. The gene responsible for the disorder is intact but a repeat expansion error prevents it from functioning.
A study published in Marine Policy found that 97% of sharks and rays caught in the Mediterranean and Black seas are not reported, putting them at risk of extinction. The lack of reporting makes it difficult to detect declines and design effective measures to protect threatened species.
A new species of coral-dwelling parasite has been discovered, producing chlorophyll but not engaging in photosynthesis. The finding raises questions about the evolution and biology of this organism, which may hold clues to protecting coral reefs.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers found that one in ten Canadians prefer open relationships, with 12% reporting this as their ideal type. Despite the prevalence, stigma and difficulty discussing preferences may deter individuals from pursuing these relationships.
A new paper suggests that diseases can be more lethal in new hosts with larger evolutionary jumps between species. This research uses data from the World Organisation for Animal Health to track diseases across domesticated mammals and their outcomes.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that younger groups of organisms diversify faster than older ones, challenging traditional explanations for the Tree of Life's imbalance. This suggests that time-dependent general principles govern life's diversity on Earth, operating beneath other factors
Plant cellulose-based aerogel implants have shown 33% more bone growth in rats at three weeks and 50% more at 12 weeks compared to controls. The innovation has the potential to fill a $2-billion market with economical raw materials and applications in dental and joint replacement surgeries.
A UBC study found that beta interferon treatment for multiple sclerosis patients is associated with a 32% lower mortality risk compared to those who did not take the drug. The study followed nearly 6,000 people with MS in Canada and France over two decades.
Researchers developed a new approach to treat ischemic strokes by blocking hemichannels, reducing brain damage. The approach also showed potential for treating other neurodegenerative conditions.
Engineers at the University of British Columbia have created a three-dimensional computer model of bat flight, capturing its complexity for the first time. This breakthrough could lead to better drone design and efficient aerial vehicles.
Small-scale fishermen in six European countries prioritize trust, transparency, and fairness over ecological effectiveness when supporting marine protected areas. Perceptions of social impacts and good governance processes are stronger predictors of local support than ecological effectiveness.
A new study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that farmed Atlantic salmon's respiratory systems function normally even when carrying large loads of the piscine orthoreovirus. The research, conducted at the University of British Columbia, suggests that infected fish do not experience significant harm to their physiology.
An international research team developed a new technique to analyze vast amounts of data from tiny amounts of newborn blood, revealing molecular changes in the first week of life. The study provides a common developmental pathway for this period, enabling further understanding of newborn health and vaccine impact.
Researchers analyzed honey from urban beehives to detect pollutants like lead and zinc. The study found higher element concentrations near downtown areas with heavy traffic and industrial activity, suggesting potential manmade sources of pollution.
A study by University of British Columbia found that Canadians' fruit and vegetable intake decreased by 13% between 2004 and 2015. Despite this decline, the average daily intake of healthy components like whole grains, fish, and legumes remained stable.
New research by University of British Columbia shows LGBTQ Americans dispersing and diversifying their living spaces beyond traditional gayborhoods. The study reveals a range of emerging neighborhoods catering to specific subgroups within the LGBTQ community, including queer communities of color and same-sex couples with children.
A new study reveals that despite export bans and international regulations, the global seahorse trade continues to thrive through illegal channels. The research found that 95% of dried seahorses sold in Hong Kong's large market came from source countries with export bans in place.
A new study found that achieving the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius warming target could increase global fishers' revenues and seafood workers' income, while reducing household expenditures. The largest gains would occur in developing countries, with a projected 6.5% increase in top revenue-generating fish species globally.
Scientists at the University of British Columbia have discovered a new protein 'switch' that can stop the progression of sepsis, a life-threatening disease. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic and acute inflammatory diseases.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that neighbourhood income and education level are associated with an increased risk of disability progression in patients with multiple sclerosis. The research suggests that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, could be involved in this relationship.
A University of British Columbia study found that automated photo enforcement programs significantly reduce property-related crimes, in addition to collisions, by deterring unsafe driving behaviors. Researchers developed a planning chart to optimize the deployment of mobile speed enforcement units.
A large-scale experiment found seed predation increased by 2.6% for every 10 degrees of latitude toward the Equator and by 0.4% for every 100-metre decline in elevation. Invertebrates, such as insects, played a key role in these interactions.
Researchers at UBC have discovered a protein called podocalyxin that plays a key role in protecting the brain from harmful blood components during inflammation. The study's findings could lead to the development of new treatments for stroke, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis by inducing temporary opening of the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers developed a ball-shaped VR display that supports up to two users, creating a distortion-free 3D image from any angle. This allows for collaborative tasks and multiplayer games while maintaining social interaction.
A unique program called Reclaiming our Spirits, which integrated elder-led circles and cultural elements, showed significant improvement in symptoms of trauma and depression among Indigenous women. Participants reported better quality of life, greater self-empowerment, and felt more supported by their family and community.
A new study reveals that marine fishing vessels release almost as much CO2 as 51 coal-fired power plants, with a total of 207-million tonnes emitted in 2016. The researchers found that the industry's reliance on fossil fuel and lack of policy management has led to a significant increase in emissions.
Researchers found that VR stimuli trigger contagious yawning at similar rates to real-life, but social presence has little effect in virtual reality. In contrast, actual human presence significantly reduces yawning in both settings.
A new test for pediatric tumour analysis has been developed that may provide faster diagnosis times and more accurate genetic mutation detection. The test uses DNA sequencing technology to identify weaknesses in tumor cells that can be targeted with drugs, offering potential improvements in treatment options for children with cancer.
A new review by UBC researchers found that up to one-third of pregnant women do not believe cannabis is harmful to their fetus. The study suggests that perceptions about cannabis use influence decision-making among pregnant women. Women who used cannabis during pregnancy were more likely to be under 25, unemployed, or have low income a...
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that people with higher incomes and more education tend to have greater access to urban green spaces than their less privileged neighbors. The study highlights the need for wider distribution of trees, shrubs, and pocket parks as cities continue to expand.
Researchers have developed a breakthrough technology to grow human blood vessels as organoids in a petri dish, which can be used to study vascular diseases and identify potential treatments. The discovery has the potential to unravel causes of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
A genomic analysis by University of British Columbia researchers found that northern goshawks on Haida Gwaii have a highly distinct genetic cluster, with only around 50 birds remaining. The study adds context to conservation efforts and highlights the need to protect this vulnerable population.
A new study finds that high-status individuals increasingly prioritize sustainable and ethical foods over traditional gourmet options. Those who consider themselves both foodies and ethical eaters tend to have higher socioeconomic status, with many earning over $100,000.
Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered that gulls can adapt their wing shape to gusty conditions by flexing a single elbow joint, which could inspire improved aircraft design. This novel mechanism enables gulls to sacrifice stability for maneuverability.
A UBC-Western study found that respectful, inclusive practices in primary care clinics can improve the health of marginalized individuals. Researchers developed modules to promote equity-oriented care and interviewed 395 individuals, finding reduced pain, depression, and trauma symptoms.
A new study found that a simple online game can teach people to sort waste correctly with lasting results. Players who received immediate feedback on their sorting choices showed significant improvements in accuracy, even after multiple sessions.
Global seabird food consumption decreased by 13 million tonnes between 1970 and 2010, while fisheries increased their catches of prey species. Seabirds are facing extinction due to unfair competition with massive vessels for food, entanglement in fishing gears, and plastic waste.
A new model for calculating property tax could help combat Vancouver's housing affordability problem by transferring tax burden from owners to renters. The proposal aims to raise property taxes and lower income and sales taxes, stimulating the economy and making it easier for workers to afford housing.
A recent review by University of British Columbia sleep expert Wendy Hall emphasizes the importance of good sleep hygiene for children, recommending regular bedtimes and limiting technology use before bedtime. The study found that these practices can help promote healthy sleep and prevent problems at school and development delays.
A new UBC study found that 55% of Canadians consider physical inactivity a serious public health concern. The social climate around physical activity is seen as a key factor in addressing the issue, with two-thirds believing it is both a private and public health matter.
Researchers discovered a newly found species of wasp transforming social spiders into zombie-like drones, abandoning their colonies. The wasps' parasitic relationship involves injecting hormones to alter the spider's behavior, making it leave its nest and spin new structures.
Research from the Sea Around Us initiative reveals that fishing companies could have increased profits by $50 million and $3-9.1 million by adopting sustainable fishing practices for menhaden and anchoveta stocks, respectively.
Researchers have found that pulse oximeters can detect normal, elevated, and high blood pressure with high accuracy. The studies, conducted in the US and China, used large sample sizes and a unique mathematical program to identify electrical signatures that correlated with hypertension.
New research reveals modern slavery promotes overfishing by allowing distant-water fishing fleets to remain profitable, with crews from China, Taiwan, and Russia facing high risk of labour abuses. Global marine fish catches are declining at a rate of 1.2 million tonnes per year.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a 43% increase in pedestrian deaths on Halloween compared to control days. The risk of fatal crashes is 10 times higher for children between 4-8 years old, highlighting the need for improved pedestrian safety measures.
The University of British Columbia study suggests that cacao was domesticated around 1,500 years earlier than previously thought in South America. Archaeological evidence from Ecuador shows that people were harvesting and consuming cacao 3,900 years ago.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies reduces risks for both mothers and babies. The research suggests that a gap of 12-18 months is the optimal interval, with risks to the mother decreasing significantly after this period.
Researchers have developed a new technique to measure the magnetic field in the atmosphere, 100 km above the planet, using ground-based lasers. The method provides new insights into space weather and atomic processes.