A UBC study reveals people on welfare are seen as less moral if they choose expensive ethical products, while wealthy shoppers are viewed as more virtuous. The researchers found a double standard in judging morality based on spending habits.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia identified a common ancestral gene that enabled the evolution of advanced life over a billion years ago. This gene, found in all complex organisms, encodes for protein kinases that allowed cells to become larger and transfer information more rapidly.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that individuals with elitist world views tend to perceive white male researchers as more credible, while those with egalitarian beliefs view women or people of color as more credible. The research highlights the impact of ideology on evaluating academic credibility.
A recent US study of over 3,000 adolescent girls found that nearly a fifth of lesbian and four-fifths of bisexual teens had a male sex partner recently. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive sexual health education for all youth, including those who identify as lesbian or bisexual.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that genetic counseling is valuable for patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and similar conditions. Genetic counseling helps clarify misconceptions about the cause of psychiatric illnesses and reduces feelings of guilt and distress.
Researchers at University of British Columbia found that human-induced introduction of new species can cause 'reverse speciation', where two similar species merge into one hybrid species. This shift has significant consequences for the ecosystem, altering ecological roles and impacting biodiversity.
New research shows that more than half of the world's 5.5 million premature deaths due to air pollution occur in China and India. The study highlights the urgent need for even more aggressive strategies to reduce emissions from coal and other sectors.
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus discovered a way to enhance the amount of light coming through glass by coating small pieces with thin layers of metal. This breakthrough may enable integration of electronic capabilities into windows, making them 'smart' and energy-efficient.
A UBC-led international collaboration found that beliefs about all-knowing gods that punish for wrongdoing can foster co-operation among people, contributing to the development of complex social organizations like states. The study showed that believers in such gods are more likely to behave fairly towards distant 'co-religionists',
Research by the University of British Columbia found that babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic had a higher risk of developing asthma before age six. The study, which included over 65,000 children in Metro Vancouver, linked increased exposure to traffic-related pollutants with an increased risk of asthma.
Researchers found that ancient medicinal clay exhibits potent antibacterial activity against ESKAPE strains of bacteria, including Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus aureus. The rare mineral clay may provide a new treatment option for serious infections caused by these resistant pathogens.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that adding flashing lights and music to a 'rat casino' model led to problem gambling behavior in rats. Blocking a specific dopamine receptor corrected this behavior, suggesting a common biological cause for risky decision-making across vices.
A new study published in Nature Communications estimates that 32 million metric tons of fish are caught unreported every year, obscuring a decline in the total catch. The study, led by researchers at the University of British Columbia, attributes the discrepancy to inadequate data collection on artisanal and subsistence fishing.
A UBC study found that rats can absorb disease agents from their environment and spread them, posing a significant health threat to both poultry and humans. The researchers discovered avian pathogenic E. coli in the feces of farm rats, with over one quarter carrying multidrug-resistant strains.
A new study finds that climate change could lead to declines in herring and salmon catches, affecting the livelihoods of indigenous communities along British Columbia's coast. By 2050, First Nations may experience catch losses between $6.7 million to $12 million annually.
A new study published in Nature found that droughts and extreme heat reduced global cereal harvests by an average of 9-10% between 1964 and 2007. The impact was greatest in North America, Europe, and Australasia, where production levels dropped by 19.9%.
Researchers have developed a new technique to accurately measure the surface gravity of distant stars, allowing for more precise analysis of exoplanet sizes and habitability. This breakthrough will play a crucial role in the study of planets beyond our Solar System.
A new UBC study found that predators can help prey species evolve quickly in response to climate change. In experiments with tiny water fleas and predatory fly larvae, populations evolved rapidly when predators were present, highlighting the importance of conserving entire ecosystems.
Researchers identified a highly magnetized, gas-filled region of space as the source of a Fast Radio Burst (FRB), significantly narrowing down its environment and type of event. The discovery provides crucial constraints on understanding these mysterious events.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that envy plays a significant role in driving Facebook posts and negatively impacting users' mental well-being. Envy-induced behavior, fueled by unrealistic social media portrayals, can create a cycle of jealousy and self-importance.
A UBC study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that light therapy can effectively treat non-seasonal depression and improve the overall wellbeing of people suffering from the disease. The research, which followed 122 patients, showed that light therapy was most beneficial when used with antidepressants.
Researchers at UBC created a supercharged blood cell called a 'Franken-platelet' by injecting platelets with DNA and other ingredients. The resulting cells produced RNA, which performed as predicted and showed promise for treating bleeding disorders and inflammatory diseases.
Researchers found significant variation in opioid prescription rates across BC health areas, with highest volumes correlating to overdose deaths. The study suggests that changing prescribing practices and monitoring sales can help address the issue.
A University of British Columbia study found that major swaths of the ocean must be protected to reach global biodiversity targets. Currently, only 16% of protected areas are designated as 'no-take' zones, which are crucial for conserving marine life.
Scientists discovered a malaria protein that targets sugar molecules found in placentas and most cancers, leading to the development of an anti-cancer drug. The new approach halted tumour growth in mice and showed promising results in treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, and metastatic breast cancer.
Researchers with the University of British Columbia found that inhibiting infants' tongue movements impedes their ability to distinguish between speech sounds. The study suggests that babies' oral-motor movements play a crucial role in speech perception development.
By creating inside-out plants, scientists can observe the interior cells synthesizing cellulose in high resolution. The study reveals that plant cells need a high density of enzymes and rapid movement across the cell surface to produce cellulose quickly, with significant implications for plant breeding and industries relying on cellulose.
Researchers found polarization-induced energy level shifts on the edges of organic molecular systems differ significantly from the rest of the material. This affects interface properties and may require consideration when designing components.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have created a self-propelled powder that can deliver coagulants against severe blood flow to treat trauma-related bleeding. The innovative particles use gas-generating calcium carbonate micro-particles to propel clotting agents deep into damaged tissue.
Scientists discovered that warmer glaciers in Patagonia erode 100-1,000 times faster than those in Antarctica, shedding sediment into oceans and impacting freshwater access. The study highlights the complex effects of climate change on polar regions.
Researchers at UBC and BC Children's Hospital found that acquiring four specific gut bacteria can protect infants from developing asthma. The study analyzed fecal samples from over 300 children and confirmed the finding in mice, opening the door to probiotic treatments for premature babies.
UBC researchers propose a new way to calculate cosmological distances using fast radio bursts, allowing the positioning of distant galaxies in three dimensions and mapping out the cosmos. The method uses the delay between arrival times of different frequencies to create a catalogue of galaxies.
Researchers found marginalized Vancouver residents are dying at 8.29 times the national average, with psychosis and hepatitis C-related liver dysfunction being significant risk factors for mortality. The study highlights the need for improved detection and treatment of these conditions in marginalized populations.
Scientists discovered microbes in Kabuno Bay that oxidize iron through a unique photosynthesis process, depositing large iron formations. This finding supports the theory that microorganisms played a key role in shaping Earth's chemistry and evolution of life.
UBC physicists successfully induce superconductivity in single-layer graphene by coating it with lithium atoms, opening up new possibilities for graphene electronics and nanoscale quantum devices. The breakthrough has significant cross-disciplinary impacts, with potential applications in computing, medicine, and sustainable energy.
A large-scale genetic study of marijuana and hemp revealed a lack of knowledge about cannabis due to its controlled status. Researchers found that cannabis plants are often incorrectly labeled and breeders' claims about strain ancestry are not accurate.
A recent UBC study found that planned home births attended by registered midwives in BC between 2001-2004 saved an average of $2,338 compared to hospital births. The study also showed lower health costs for babies born at home, with first-year health costs being $810 less than those for hospital births.
A self-directed, iterative learning framework dramatically improved first-year physics students' critical thinking skills, according to new University of British Columbia research. Students were four times more likely to identify and explain limitations in scientific models using their data.
A UBC study suggests targeting healthy cells around tumors to stop brain cancer from spreading. The research team found that glioma cells can hijack astrocytes, regulating their environment to stimulate tumor growth and invasion.
Researchers identified a gene called 14-3-3zeta, which controls the production of fat cells and growth. Silencing this gene in mice resulted in a 50% reduction in specific unhealthy white fat, regardless of food intake.
A new test developed by UBC researchers allows physicians to measure the effects of gene silencing therapy in Huntington's disease. The test detects small amounts of toxic protein and can be used to follow changes in brain levels over time.
Researchers developed an animal model that replicates the imbalance of gut bacteria associated with malnutrition, a disease responsible for one-fifth of child deaths worldwide. The model will enable testing of treatments and understanding how malnutrition impacts cognitive development and growth.
A study published in Evolution and Human Behavior found that people prefer to follow the pack, with higher IQs being more strategic in their choices. The research suggests that conformity is essential for cultural evolution, as it allows us to copy successful behaviors and avoid mistakes.
Canada has eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission by ensuring all pregnant women are screened for HIV and receive treatment. Regular combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is nearly 100% effective in preventing transmission when given during pregnancy.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that Earth's first crust was torn from the planet and lost to space due to asteroid bombardment, leading to the evolution of its plate tectonics, magnetic field and climate. This phenomenon, known as impact erosion, helps explain why Earth is habitable while Venus is not.
New research finds that HIV treatment for illicit drug users promotes improved health, socio-economic stability, and quality of life. Consistent ART treatment reduces homelessness and involvement in activities like sex work or street-based income generation.
Marine species with wide-latitude ranges and high adult mobility are extending their territories fastest in response to climate change. This study provides new insights into how different traits impact marine animals' ability to adapt to warmer oceans.
A study of 50 years of marine biodiversity data found that human activities like pollution and sedimentation led to diminishing biodiversity in developed areas. However, protected or restored sites showed increases in species diversity, particularly among lower-level food-web organisms.
A global study found that seabird populations have dropped by 69.6% since the 1950s, equivalent to a loss of about 230 million birds in 60 years. This decline is largely attributed to human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
A UBC study found that women responded positively to emotional support, while men did not, highlighting the importance of tailored social support strategies for senior citizens. The research aims to improve fruit and vegetable intake among seniors, with a goal of meeting the recommended five-a-day guideline.