The study found that exposure to traffic-related air pollution during infancy increased the risk of developing allergies to food, mould, pets, and pests. Children who attended daycare or had older siblings in the household were less likely to develop allergic sensitization.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia discovered stretchy nerves in rorqual whales that can double in length like a bungee cord. This unique structure allows the whales to create a large pocket between their body wall and blubber to capture prey during feeding dives.
A closer look at the DNA surrounding the Huntington's disease (HD) gene reveals critical regions controlling its expression. Changes in these regions can delay or accelerate the disease, with some individuals receiving protection from the mutant gene.
Scientists at the University of British Columbia have created an enzyme that can alter the sugar structures in Type A and B blood, making it more compatible with Type O blood. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for blood transfusion shortages, as the universal donor Type O blood can be given to patients of all blood types.
Breast cancer survivors experience chemo-brain, a condition characterized by chronically wandering minds and inability to focus. UBC research reveals that their brains are stuck in a disengaged state, making it difficult for them to concentrate on tasks.
Researchers at UBC have discovered a single gene that causes brain swelling after trauma, providing a target for drug development. By turning off this gene, they successfully stopped swelling in rodent brains.
A UBC study reveals that individuals with an hourly wage mindset are less likely to undertake eco-friendly behaviors that require only a few seconds or minutes of extra effort. Researchers recommend equating environmental behavior with self-interest and adjusting billing practices to promote sustainability.
Seventy percent of glacier ice in British Columbia and Alberta could disappear by the end of the century, impacting energy production, water supply, and freshwater ecosystems. The Rocky Mountains are expected to lose up to 90% of its glaciers, while coastal mountains will retain only half their volume.
Researchers at University of British Columbia found a new approach to treating Type 2 diabetes using stem cell transplants and conventional drugs. The study showed mice became glucose tolerant after receiving the transplants, while those without received only drugs, resulting in unexpected weight loss.
A new study from the University of British Columbia suggests that Canada can implement universal public drug coverage without increasing taxes. The study estimates that this system would save the Canadian economy $7.3 billion annually by increasing the use of generic drugs and negotiating lower prices with pharmaceutical companies.
The study used infinitely short light pulses to observe ultrafast changes in superconductors, supporting the hypothesis that electron interactions are delayed and mediated by other electrons. The snap-shot observations took only 10 femtoseconds, a record-breaking achievement for material scientists.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have created a new technique to make coatings that can conduct electricity or convert it into hydrogen fuels, using a consumer-grade heat lamp.
Forest scientists at UBC have discovered the root cause of a deadly tree fungus: extra genes that produce a toxic toxin. The fungus, Mycosphaerella populorum, threatens poplar trees in plantations and eastern North America.
Researchers at University of British Columbia discover that parasites in the apicomplexan family evolved to become parasites earlier than thought, with some relatives being photosynthetic algae. Advanced genomic analysis and observations of cell structure and behavior reveal a more complex evolutionary history.
A UBC study shows that Twitter is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, with 25% of tweets about spinal cord injury coming from medical experts. The study also found that users discussing Parkinson's disease were more likely to share new research tools and methods.
A high-seas moratorium would improve fisheries income distribution among maritime nations, with European and developed nations benefiting the most. Coastal catches could increase by up to 18% in a catch-neutral scenario, while others may face significant losses.
Research from the University of British Columbia found that caring parent-adolescent relationships reduce the likelihood of suicidal thoughts leading to attempts. Adolescents with a history of suicide attempts reported lower parental care than non-suicidal adolescents.
Researchers found fourth graders who participated in the MindUP program showed improved stress regulation, optimism, and peer relationships. They also performed better in math compared to those in a program without a mindfulness component.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have detected 'charge ordering' in electron-doped cuprate superconductors for the first time, revealing a new avenue to study charge ordering and superconductivity. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the relationship between charge ordering and pseudogap states.
Researchers tracked the motion of a binary pulsar to measure the space-time warp caused by its two highly compact stars. The study provided new information on the effects of extreme gravity on neutron stars and binary systems.
Researchers found that exposure to diesel exhaust for just two hours can alter DNA methylation, changing the expression of approximately 400 genes. This epigenetic shift can have long-term effects on health, even without noticeable symptoms.
A UBC research team has found a genetic link that can prevent sun-induced skin aging by blocking the activity of Granzyme B, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for various conditions, including heart attacks and lung diseases.
Research from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business shows that CEO optimism leads to positive stock price reactions. The study analyzed transcripts of earnings calls and found that managers' natural communication style, particularly their use of positive language, influences market activity.
University of British Columbia researchers found that hummingbirds lose positional stability when exposed to moving visual patterns, even with prolonged exposure or combination of moving and stationary stimuli. This discovery highlights the complex relationship between a hummingbird's visual field and its ability to hover in place.
Researchers at UBC found that hummingbirds struggle to control their hovering when faced with visual stimuli like moving images. This phenomenon was observed in virtual reality experiments where birds were unable to adapt to dynamic visual input.
A University of British Columbia study found that limiting email checks to three times a day can significantly reduce psychological stress. Participants who checked their email less often reported feeling less stressed compared to those who checked it more frequently.
The study finds that the Earth's ancient oceans held much lower concentrations of sulfate, a key biological nutrient, than previously recognized. This scarcity would have shaped the nature and evolution of early life on Earth, with implications for understanding the planet's early biosphere.
Research finds over half of ships in largest oil spills registered in non-compliant flag states, with one-third of global tanker fleet flying such flags. The study calls for pressure on flag states to ensure compliance with regulations.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that black Republicans have the most faith in the US government, even when party lines are factored in. This suggests a unique level of confidence in the political system among this group, despite being a minority within the Republican Party.
A team of UBC researchers has developed a synthetic antidote that can reverse the effects of all types of heparin used in clinics. The breakthrough has significant implications for cardiothoracic surgery and anticoagulant-related bleeding problems.
Researchers at UBC have developed a novel method to test for vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be done with just one drop of blood. The new method is sensitive enough to detect B12 levels in newborn babies and large populations, offering a convenient alternative to traditional blood tests.
Researchers call for networks of marine protected areas, co-ordinated governance, and local community involvement to tackle overfishing and habitat destruction. Small-scale fisheries, which involve 90% of the world's fishers, are a major threat, with destructive practices like bottom trawling causing widespread damage.
A new rapid test developed by University of British Columbia researchers can predict severe sepsis within an hour, allowing timely treatment to begin. The genetic signature associated with the disease has been identified and can be tested as soon as a patient arrives in the emergency ward.
A recent study published in Science suggests that global declines in carnivore populations could embolden herbivores to increasingly dine on preferred vegetation, leading to losses in plant and tree biodiversity. The research used GPS tracking and feeding experiments to measure how fear of predators influences herbivore behavior.
Climate change is projected to drive large-scale shifts in fish populations, with some species moving away from their current habitats at a rate of up to 26 kilometers per decade. This could lead to significant losses in tropical regions, including the loss of important fisheries and communities that rely on fish for food and nutrition.
A new study found that countries with greater parity in measures of educational equality had more women and men reach the podium at the London 2012 and Sochi 2014 Olympic Games. The researchers suggest that gender stereotypes may limit the number of women and men viewed as potential high-performance athletes.
Children of college-educated parents are more likely to eat vegetables and drink less sugary drinks, but all kids fall short when it comes to healthy eating at school. The study also found that low-income families face tough choices about packing lunches due to higher-priced healthier options.
A new protocol converts stem cells into reliable, insulin-producing cells in about six weeks, a significant improvement over previous methods. The breakthrough could lead to an unlimited supply of insulin-producing cells to treat patients with Type 1 diabetes.
Research from University of British Columbia suggests dopamine plays a key role in guiding risky decisions. The study found that altering dopamine signals can impact decision-making, leading to more or less conservative choices.
African green revolution could boost land use and carbon emissions, contrary to previous successful initiatives in Asia and Latin America. Researchers warn of potential environmental consequences despite potential long-term benefits like cheaper food and reduced poverty.
New research by University of British Columbia scientists found that sockeye salmon forced to 'sprint' through fast-moving waters are more likely to die during their upstream migration. The study, published in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, suggests that excessive burst swimming creates stress and impairs survival.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that male stickleback fish with bigger brains are more likely to care for their young. The research compared regular male sticklebacks to white sticklebacks, which do not care for offspring, and found a link between brain size and parental behavior.
Researchers found that antibiotics can alter the gut's bacterial ecosystem, increasing susceptibility to diseases like hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The study suggests that probiotics could be used to boost helpful bacteria and prevent disease.
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that changes to B.C.'s impaired driving laws reduced fatal crashes by 21%, hospital admissions by 8% and ambulance calls by 7.2%. The study attributes these reductions to stricter penalties for impaired driving.
Researchers calculated the precise mass of the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, finding that Andromeda is about twice as heavy. The study also measured the expansion of the universe by observing satellite galaxies' motion, confirming cosmic expansion near our local group.
Research in Saanich Inlet reveals sulfur-oxidizing bacterial group SUP05 dominates oxygen-starved regions, driving carbon dioxide fixation and nutrient cycling. The study sheds light on the ecological impact of microbial respiration in the oxygen-poor ocean.
Research finds hybrid birds take longer, more difficult routes than their parent species, with strong genetic control of migratory behavior. The study suggests that mixed genetic background helps maintain the diversity of songbirds.
Scientists studied wild Atlantic salmon from Norway and France, finding both populations had similar capabilities when warmed. They developed temperature tolerance by increasing acclimation temperatures, raising fish's survival in extreme heat.
A study published in JAMA reveals that physicians have difficulty recognizing the presence or absence of early HIV infection through clinical exam alone. Routine HIV testing is crucial for early detection and treatment, which can greatly reduce mortality and transmission.
A team of 20 scientists monitored the 'heartbeats' of young stars using data from two space telescopes. They found that emerging stars pulsate slowly at first, then faster as they near ignition, revealing insights into their internal structures and ages.