Women who smelled their partner's shirt felt less stressed before and after a stress test. The study found that women who correctly identified the scent also had lower cortisol levels, suggesting the benefits are strongest when women know what they're smelling.
A study by UBC Sauder School of Business found that price-conscious consumers perceive customer service workers as less human. This dehumanization can lead to poorer treatment and higher job dissatisfaction among employees. The research highlights the importance of recognizing human needs in customers, even when focusing on saving money.
Researchers discovered that a medication used to treat joint and skin conditions can help people with cancer survive by increasing the survival of transplanted blood stem cells. The drug etanercept blocks TNF-a, which kills healthy cells, allowing human blood stem cells to thrive in new hosts.
Researchers from UBC and UNC Chapel Hill discovered that halogens can increase conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells by 25%. The presence of halogens accelerates electron transfer, allowing for faster regeneration of the light-absorbing dye.
A team of experts re-analyzed data from 31 clinical trials to compare single vs. multiple-use catheters and urinary tract infections. They found that studies tend to favour single-use catheters, indicating potential risks with catheter reuse.
A UBC study found that extroverts perform better in Pokémon Go due to their strong social skills, while introverted players struggle. The researchers now aim to design video games with increasingly involved social features to aid those who struggle socially.
A UBC study found that iPhone pedometers missed about 1,340 steps per day compared to a purpose-built accelerometer, highlighting the need for accurate data in health research.
A new study found that 50% of transgender young Canadians avoid healthcare because they're uncomfortable with doctors, leading to negative health outcomes. Increasing provider knowledge is crucial for improving the health of this vulnerable group.
Researchers at University of British Columbia developed a method to identify unwanted animal products in ground beef with 99% accuracy. The technique uses a laser-equipped spectrometer and statistical analysis to determine the presence and concentration of offal in meat samples.
A study published in Development and Psychopathology found that infants who experienced higher distress and received less physical contact had an underdeveloped molecular profile compared to those with more comfortable interaction. This effect was detectable four years later, pointing to the possibility of slower epigenetic aging.
Research finds that companies caught in fake news scandals experience significant reputational damage, with the effects lingering for over two years. The study suggests that deceptive marketing tactics can lead to a prolonged negative impact on the offender's reputation.
New species of microbes named Pseudotrichonympha leei, lifesoni, and pearti are found in termites' guts and have long flagella resembling Geddy Lee's hair. The microbes also exhibit rhythmic movements, prompting researchers to name them after Rush musicians.
Researchers observed bowhead whales rubbing against rocks in Cumberland Sound, Nunavut, to remove dead skin. The warmer coastal waters may facilitate molting during summer months.
Research suggests that amyloid-beta, a toxic protein, can travel to the brain from other parts of the body, contributing to Alzheimer's disease. This discovery offers hope for new drug therapies that target the kidneys or liver to prevent the protein from reaching the brain.
A Canadian study found that transgender patients seeking gender-affirming surgical care face complex pathways and long wait times, with many traveling hours to access publicly funded surgeries. The research highlights the need for improved access and training for healthcare providers to support these patients.
Researchers found that herbivores, such as limpets, play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem diversity and resilience. By controlling temperatures and promoting biodiversity, these species can mitigate the effects of climate change on intertidal ecosystems.
Researchers have identified a new gene associated with peanut allergy, suggesting a role in general allergic predisposition. The study's findings suggest potential targets for predicting and managing food allergy treatments.
A study found that Quebec's system increased access to medicines for working population but came at a cost of $200 more per person than the rest of Canada. The private-public model disproportionately affects low-income individuals and families, with premiums exceeding three percent of household income.
A review of over 60 studies found road pricing to be the most effective strategy to reduce emissions and traffic. Low-emission zones also encourage cleaner vehicles and reduce driving, leading to improved air quality.
A new study from the University of British Columbia has linked lower education and income to higher suicide risks among gay and bisexual men. The research found that these individuals have more than five times the odds of attempting suicide compared to their more advantaged peers.
A UBC study identified 294 marine species that will be highly vulnerable to climate change by 2050. These species have limited temperature ranges, restricted geographic ranges, and specific habitat requirements making them more susceptible to climate change.
A new study suggests that Palau's reefs can be better maintained by shifting seafood consumption to open water fish. The health of reefs is critical for local communities' culture, food security and livelihoods. Researchers recommend a 70% reduction in reef fish consumption to mitigate climate change impacts.
A University of British Columbia study suggests that providing women with early knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth can help reduce unnecessary Caesarean deliveries. Young women who had sufficient information on childbirth preferred vaginal births over Caesarean deliveries by a significant margin.
A new study finds that basic primary health care and education are crucial for women leaving provincial prisons, addressing trauma, addiction, and chronic diseases. Researchers suggest partnership programs between the health, education, and criminal justice ministries to improve outcomes.
Researchers found that changes in the Earth's crust led to the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere around 2.4 billion years ago. This period, known as the Great Oxidation Event, paved the way for the evolution of complex life on Earth.
A study found that university students consistently believe their peers have more friends than they do, affecting their happiness. This misperception can be corrected through interventions to promote friendship formation, supporting students' transition to university life.
A new UBC study found that joining a running group can help individuals successfully quit smoking, with half of participants able to stop smoking after completing a 10-week program. Participants who stuck it out showed significant improvement in mental health and reduced their smoking habits.
The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) telescope is a revolutionary radio telescope that will create a three-dimensional map of the universe, extending deep into space and time. By measuring dark energy, scientists will better understand the shape, structure, and fate of the universe.
A new study found significant US institutional investor bias against Quebec firms compared to those in the rest of Canada. Researchers discovered that US holdings in Quebec firms were a quarter lower than those in other Canadian provinces, with biases varying by firm characteristics.
A UBC study found that consumers with low self-esteem are more likely to dislike clothing on mannequins, while those with higher self-esteem see no issue. The effect was not seen in less aesthetically pleasing mannequin displays.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a new osteoporosis treatment using a compound derived from red sage, selectively blocking Cathepsin K enzyme activity in bone tissue. This approach may prevent negative side effects associated with current treatments.
A new UBC study found that Canadian children consume approximately one-third of their daily calories during school hours, but intake of dairy products and key nutrients is lower, while less nutritious foods like sugar-sweetened beverages are relatively higher.
Fish are expected to shrink by 20-30% in size as ocean temperatures rise due to climate change. This decline is caused by gill-oxygen limitation theory, where the surface area of gills cannot supply enough oxygen for a larger body.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a novel method to assess malaria progression using RBC deformability, which can indicate hemin-induced oxidative stress. This simple microfluidic device can determine RBC rigidity in minutes, providing a valuable tool for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Scientists used isotope signatures to determine where Myrtle warblers breed during the summer, finding they migrate from Vancouver's Pacific Coast to these high latitude areas. This discovery highlights adaptations for longer migrations and potentially genetic influences on migration routes.
Researchers developed FlowRep to create design sketches of everyday objects, leveraging insights from Gestalt psychology. The algorithm can produce comparable sketches to professional designers, with potential implications for 3D printing and fabrication.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a breakthrough algorithm called DeepLoco that enables computer characters to learn complex motor skills like walking and running through trial and error. The system uses deep reinforcement learning to allow characters to respond to their environment without hand-coding st...
Researchers at UBC have discovered a unique sequence of pressure and temperature events required to form high-quality Canadian sapphires. This discovery will facilitate gemstone exploration in southern Baffin Island and potentially unlock new sources worldwide.
A new study reveals that certain microorganisms in symbiotic relationships are constantly being replaced and discarded by their hosts. The researchers found that the genome of these microorganisms undergoes significant changes, losing genes over time and ceasing to be useful to the host.
A new study found that trees can increase wind speed by a factor of two when removed, making it more challenging for pedestrians to walk. Trees also reduced the impact of wind pressure on buildings, particularly through small gaps, and contributed to a more comfortable environment.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a smart surface that can repel and absorb liquids, controlled by applying electric potential. The copper-based surface exhibits rapid and reversible changes in wetting behavior, making it suitable for various industrial and consumer applications.
Researchers identified a cellular signaling pathway blocking immune cell infiltration into bladder tumors, explaining the limited success of checkpoint immunotherapy. The finding suggests targeting this pathway could enhance treatment effectiveness when combined with checkpoint immunotherapy.
Research at the University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School found that spending money on time-saving purchases leads to greater life satisfaction. The study surveyed over 6,000 adults across four countries and controlled for income, revealing that buying time has similar benefits as having more money.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have found that changing where an enzyme cuts a protein precursor can reduce amyloid beta plaque buildup, a key factor in Alzheimer's disease. By guiding the enzyme to a different point, the researchers may be able to achieve the same goal with less collateral damage.
Researchers found that by one year old, infants prefer speakers of their native tongue but not unfamiliar languages. Infants also form positive biases toward prosocial behavior from familiar language speakers, suggesting an innate preference for similar groups.
New research shows that social-emotional learning programs have immediate positive effects on children's mental health, social skills, and learning outcomes, which continue to benefit them years later. The study found higher graduation rates, lower drug use and behavior problems, and improved public health outcomes for program particip...
A significant proportion of nursing home residents suffer from chronic pain during their final six months, according to a recent study. Researchers analyzed data from over 960 seniors and found that 60% reported consistent low or mild pain, while around 34% experienced moderate or severe pain, with little improvement as death approached.
A new study found that nearly 10% of the world's total catch in the last decade was discarded due to poor fishing practices and inadequate management. The discarded fish could have been put to better use, highlighting the need for improved fisheries management and new technology to reduce waste.
A new study by UBC sleep expert Wendy Hall found a correlation between thoughts about infant sleep and parental depression. After a sleep intervention, parental depression lifted significantly, with a notable reduction in mothers' (30%) and fathers' (20%) high depression scores.
The US FCC's first direct-to-mobile radio spectrum auction successfully raised $19 billion, utilizing a complex AI-powered reverse auction system. This innovative approach allowed broadcasters to sell their unused airwaves, generating significant revenue while also addressing the growing demand for mobile data.