Researchers developed a more resilient type of concrete using recycled tire fibres, reducing crack formation by over 90% compared to regular concrete. The new concrete has potential to shrink the tire industry's carbon footprint and reduce construction emissions.
Researchers propose that a storm or internal navigation 'compass' malfunction led to the bird's off-course journey. The near-perfect condition of its feathers suggests it wasn't trapped in a plane's wheel well, making ship or plane transport unlikely.
A study by the University of British Columbia found that only 16% of global fisheries subsidies went to small-scale fishing, despite employing over 22 million people and supporting food security. Large-scale fisheries receive 60% of subsidies promoting overfishing due to fuel-efficient technology and port development subsidies.
A growing global demand for sea cucumbers is causing complex social and ecological impacts on coastal communities, leading to financial rewards that incentivize risky fishing practices and deplete local resources. The study highlights the need for rapid management of these impacts to sustainably manage fisheries with coastal communities.
A new study found that mothers who refuse to vaccinate their children are viewed more negatively than those who delay vaccines due to safety concerns. Researchers used an online survey to examine attitudes toward under-vaccinated children and their parents, revealing stigmatization regardless of reason for non-compliance.
A comprehensive study by UBC researchers found an increased risk of stroke, migraine, depression, and abnormalities in the blood with beta interferon treatment. The study complements previous observations and highlights the need for further research on developing biomarkers to identify patients at greatest risk.
UBC physicists Qingdi Wang and Bill Unruh propose a new theory that suggests the universe's expanding space-time is constantly fluctuating, leading to an accelerating expansion. This idea resolves a major incompatibility issue between quantum mechanics and general relativity.
A study found that labeling cocktails with energy drinks increases perceived intoxication, risk-taking, and sexual self-confidence. Adding energy drinks to alcohol reduces the intention to drive under the influence.
New research confirms even mild brain injury can cause impulsivity problems in rats, with levels of inflammatory molecule interleukin-12 linked to impulsivity. The study found that impulsivity persisted eight weeks after injury, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment and potential new treatment targets.
A UBC computer scientist invented a unique desk light that automatically switches from green to red when an employee is 'in the zone' and shouldn't be disturbed by colleagues. The FlowLight reduces interruptions, changes office culture, and motivates employees to finish work faster.
A new global coral bleaching database has been developed to predict future bleaching events and assess changes in mass bleaching frequency. The database contains 79% more reports than the existing voluntary database, with two-thirds showing moderate or severe bleaching.
A study by UBC researchers found that placing bins 1.5 metres away from suite doors increases recycling and composting rates by 141%, with a 70% increase in composting rates in apartment buildings. The study suggests that small changes in convenience can significantly impact environmental behavior.
Researchers have developed a malaria protein-based drug that demonstrates promising results against chemotherapy-resistant bladder cancer. The new treatment showed a dramatic response to the malaria drug combo, resulting in an 80% survival rate among treated animals.
A new study reveals that people with multiple sclerosis can show signs of the disease five years before its official diagnosis. Researchers analyzed health records from 14,000 patients with MS and found that they were more likely to visit their physicians and fill prescriptions earlier than others.
Scientists have identified two genetic mutations that significantly increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The double gene mutation was found in a large Canadian family with five members diagnosed with MS, revealing new insights into the disease's origins and potential targets for treatment.
The UBC-developed system uses a combination of fibre membranes and beneficial bacteria to remove contaminants from non-potable water. This innovative approach aims to provide an efficient and low-maintenance solution for communities with limited access to clean drinking water.
Researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the biological 'Gatling gun' of dinoflagellates, a type of planktonic microbe. These microscopic organisms have developed sophisticated defensive mechanisms, including harpoon-like structures and projectile-firing organs that resemble a Gatling gun.
Researchers found bacteria and fungi in killer whales that cause disease in humans and land-based animals, including Salmonella and antibiotic-resistant strains. The study provides insights into whale health and reveals potential pathogens in their environment.
Researchers have identified approximately 30 terpene synthase genes that contribute to diverse flavors in cannabis. These genes play a role in producing natural products like limonene, myrcene, and pinene, which are responsible for the plant's characteristic aromas.
New UBC research reveals how Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria interact and evolve in cystic fibrosis patients. The study identifies common genes among strains, paving the way for targeted treatments.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia found dairy cows are highly motivated to be outside, working equally hard to access pasture as they do to fresh feed. The study's findings support previous research that public opinion of a good life for cattle involves outdoor grazing access.
A new study by UBC researchers found that inactive teenagers have weaker bones than their active peers. The four-year study measured bone strength and found that kids who didn't meet daily physical activity recommendations had significantly weaker bones.
A UBC study found that in Shanghai, local hukou shapes individual marital choices and is a valuable attribute. Education also plays a role, with migrants more likely to marry into a household with Shanghai hukou if they have a higher education level.
New research shows fish can evolve to avoid fishing nets by staying within protected areas, increasing population size. Marine reserves effective in preventing extinction and protecting biodiversity for some species.
A new flexible sensor developed at the University of British Columbia holds potential for foldable touch screens and wearable devices. The sensor detects different types of touch, including swiping and tapping, even when stretched or bent.
A new UBC study examines the environmental and socioeconomic performance of organic farming, finding that its benefits are context-dependent. Organic farming's yield is often lower than conventional methods, but it has an important role to play in promoting sustainable agriculture.
A controlled study by UBC-Vancouver Coastal Health research shows no added benefit from opening narrowed veins in treating multiple sclerosis. The findings debunk the claim that patients could achieve dramatic improvements from liberation therapy, an invasive procedure with significant financial cost and risk of complications.
In a study published in Behavioral Ecology, researchers found that spiders form large colonies in response to environmental conditions, such as heavy rainfall and predation. This discovery contradicts the idea that family bonds drive social behavior, instead suggesting that difficult environments lead to cooperative living.
A new UBC study suggests that renting out vacant residential parking stalls in Vancouver's West End could provide enough space for all residents and visitors. The researchers found that 46 properties have over 3,700 unused stalls, which could be converted into short-term parking with minimal modifications.
Adding universal public coverage of essential medicines to the existing system in Canada would significantly reduce financial barriers for Canadians and save $3 billion per year. The list of 117 essential medicines accounted for 44% of all prescriptions written in 2015, suggesting a feasible step towards improving access.
A study at UBC's faculty of medicine found that young people value positive interactions with peers, group therapy, and emotional support from service providers. Meanwhile, youth reported feeling pigeonholed by their mental illness and experiencing impersonal encounters with support workers.
A new UBC study reveals that gamblers who feel immersed in slot machines are more likely to have gambling problems. The research suggests that designing slots with eye-catching messages and disrupting the 'slot machine zone' state can promote more responsible play.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a strong link between yeast in babies' guts and an increased risk of developing asthma. The presence of Pichia, a microscopic fungus or yeast, was more strongly linked to asthma than previously identified gut bacteria.
A study from University of British Columbia found that international students' concepts of 'home' significantly impact their post-graduation plans. Four ways of thinking about home were identified: host, ancestral, cosmopolitan, and nebulous. Students who thought of their host home as 'home' planned to stay, while those who saw it as a...
Fin whales employ a two-tiered nesting structure to safeguard their nerves during feeding dives. The folded nerves develop 'bending stretches' that could damage them, prompting the development of this intricate mechanism.
A new study reveals that 27% of commercial marine landings were diverted to uses other than direct human consumption from 1950 to 2010. Most of the diverted fish are classified as food-grade or prime, used in aquaculture and livestock production, threatening global food security.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a magnetic drug implant that can deliver precise doses of medication on demand. The device uses a magnet to trigger the release of drugs into surrounding tissue, offering a potential alternative to traditional pill or injection-based treatments.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia genetically engineered mice with higher levels of cadherin to resist cocaine addiction. The study found that extra cadherin prevents synapses from strengthening and forms pleasurable memories, thereby preventing addiction.
A study by the University of British Columbia found that one in 12 older Canadians skipped prescriptions in 2014 due to cost, highlighting a public health issue. Canadians aged 55-64 face significant barriers to filling their prescriptions, with low-income individuals being three times more likely to report financial barriers.
African Lake Kivu's unique chemistry suggests more nitrogen in ancient oceans, enabling marine organisms to thrive during multi-cellularity emergence. This finding implies phosphorous limitations shaped early ocean life, paving the way for Eukaryote evolution.
A UBC study found that students with higher levels of self-compassion felt more energetic and optimistic during their first semester. Self-compassion interventions can help mitigate psychological stress by enhancing autonomy, competence, and relatedness, leading to improved well-being.
Research from the University of British Columbia found that a vitamin A deficiency in the womb or early infancy can increase production of amyloid beta and lead to cognitive impairments. Providing supplements after birth may help slow the degenerative brain disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that lung cancer patients experiencing anxiety and depression have a significantly shorter length of survival. The research, conducted by the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer Agency, controlled for various factors to confirm this link.
A study of 1,308 U.S. adult Facebook users found that 24% had accessed their friends' accounts without permission, often out of curiosity or jealousy. This widespread practice highlights the ineffectiveness of passwords and device PINs in stopping insider threats.
Researchers found that male fruit flies consistently choose the female mate that would produce the most offspring, even when impaired senses were removed. The cognitive process of making rational choices is a unique human trait, but this study provides evidence that fruit flies can also make such decisions.
A new UBC study found that medications used in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV may be reducing the body's immune response to certain diseases, including syphilis. Researchers suggest this could be contributing to the recent surge in syphilis cases worldwide.
Researchers found increased brain activity in the insula and frontal cortex of problem gamblers when exposed to gambling cues. The study suggests that targeting the insula could be a promising approach for treating problem gambling.
A new study published in Science suggests that meeting the Paris Agreement's global warming target of 1.5 degrees Celsius could lead to a significant increase in global fish catches, with potential gains ranging from three to six million metric tons per year. The researchers found that some oceans are more sensitive to changes in tempe...
Researchers analyzed 36 hours of calls and found that over 80% contained aggressive language, while positive words reduced problematic effects by 35%. Customers can get better service by using less aggressive language and following conversation rules.
Researchers found hummingbirds' ability to accelerate and turn is hindered by low air density at high altitudes, affecting their performance. The study suggests climate change may impact species seeking cooler regions, including higher elevations.