A new biosensor at the University of British Columbia helps optimize bio-refining processes by sniffing out bacterial networks that break down wood polymer. The discovery could lead to more tunable industrial processes and unlock the potential of lignin, a promising feedstock.
A recent study from the University of British Columbia found that high seas fish and aquatic life remove 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, valued at $148 billion US. This compares to the $16 billion paid for 10 million tonnes of caught fish, highlighting their importance as a natural carbon sink.
A new study from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business found that feeling excluded at work is significantly more likely to lead job dissatisfaction and health problems. People who experienced ostracism were also more likely to quit their jobs and reported a degraded sense of workplace belonging.
A new study suggests that fathers' involvement in household chores plays a significant role in shaping their daughters' career goals. Girls growing up in households where domestic duties are shared more equitably are more likely to have broader career ambitions.
Researchers mapped the epic evolution of a 'ring species' using genomic analysis, revealing complex divergence and hybridization. The Greenish Warbler's range expansion involved periods of geographic separation and interbreeding.
A small molecule peptide destroys biofilms and prevents their formation in various bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. The discovery offers a promising strategy to target bacterial biofilms and combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new study found that NHL forwards reach their peak performance between the ages of 27 and 28, while defencemen peak between 28 and 29. The study also revealed that players perform close to their peak levels for several years before and after their optimal age range.
Researchers at UBC have discovered a key enzyme, MMP12, that plays a crucial role in deploying the antiviral protein Interferon alpha. The team has developed a new drug that blocks this enzyme, keeping Interferon alpha levels high and boosting the immune system's response to viral infections.
A genomic investigation by University of British Columbia researchers has revealed that a lethal parasite infecting a wide range of insects originated from pond scum. The parasite, Helicosporidium, has shed its green past on its evolutionary journey, losing almost all its genes except those required for photosynthesis.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that consumers who experience rudeness from sales staff are more likely to purchase and wear luxury brands. The study suggests that a 'snobbish' attitude is beneficial for high-end retailers, but only if the salesperson appears authentic.
Researchers programmed a robot to use eye gaze as a nonverbal cue, making handovers more fluid. People reached out to take an object sooner in scenarios where the robot used head movements or made eye contact.
Researchers used yeast to identify 50 main ways cells react to drugs, known as gene signatures, which could predict drug response and inform more effective therapies.
Researchers engineered trees to break down lignin, a polymer found in wood that hinders paper production, using genetic modification. This breakthrough aims to reduce chemical use and create fewer environmental pollutants, making paper production more sustainable.
A survey of over 500 researchers found that scientists support outreach efforts, but are hesitant due to concerns about peer disapproval. Confidence plays a key role in willingness to participate.
A recent study found that sugary drinks significantly contribute to obesity among teenagers in British Columbia schools. Students consuming these drinks regularly were more likely to be obese, highlighting the importance of school food environments promoting healthy eating habits.
A recent study found that Canadians have paid $6.8 billion more in premiums than they received in benefits from private health insurance since 2011. The gap between what insurers take in and what they pay out has increased threefold over the past two decades.
Researchers discovered the mechanisms behind long-term depression, a cognitive impairment contributor to Alzheimer's disease. Chronic inflammation and hypoxia activate microglia, weakening neural connections.
A new study by UBC researchers found that cold-blooded animals worldwide have similar heat tolerance limits, with tropical species relying on behavioral thermoregulation. The authors recommend protecting migration corridors and habitats that provide shade, especially in the tropics.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that dairy calves learn better when housed together, adapting faster to complex farm technologies. The 'pairing calves' approach reduces learning difficulties and improves task completion rates compared to individual housing.
A new UBC study identifies a molecular change in the brain that occurs when we learn and remember. This biochemical modification is essential for producing changes in brain cell connectivity associated with learning and memory formation.
Researchers have created artificial muscles that generate far more force and power than human muscles of the same size, using fibres from fishing lines and sewing threads. These inexpensive muscles can quickly lift weights up to 100 times heavier than humans can, with applications in medical devices, humanoid robots, and prosthetic limbs.
The study found that voices similar to one's own convey a sense of community and social belongingness. Key gender differences were identified, with females preferring breathier voices and males preferring shorter average word length. Regional dialects also played a significant role in voice preferences.
A study led by University of British Columbia researchers reveals how the fatal neurodegenerative disease ALS is transmitted from cell to cell. The research shows that misfolded non-mutant SOD1 can be transmitted regionally in the nervous system, offering a molecular explanation for ALS progression.
A large-scale survey of South African healthcare workers reveals major gaps in workplace protection against tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis. Healthcare workers are at higher risk of contracting these diseases due to lack of screening, vaccination, and proper hygiene practices.
Researchers have discovered an infectious form of the cat parasite Toxoplasma gondii in western Arctic Belugas, raising public health concerns. The discovery also highlights the impact of climate change on pathogen circulation, allowing previously isolated parasites to spread to new hosts.
Consumers experience heightened emotional attachment to a brand while watching a scary movie on their own, a new UBC study reveals. The study, led by Lea Dunn, finds that fear stimulates people to report greater brand attachment.
A team of Canadian biologists developed a framework to protect fish and ecosystems, highlighting the importance of connecting waterways, protecting habitats, and adopting adaptive management strategies. The 9 guiding principles aim to promote sustainable fisheries and conserve biodiversity.
Researchers at University of British Columbia have discovered a potential new treatment for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinemia (PNH), a rare blood cancer that causes red blood cells to become vulnerable to the body's complement immune system. The treatment, aurin tricarboxylic acid (ATA), restores blood cell resistance and may also of...
Researchers discovered a genetic machinery that enables Bacteroides ovatus to break down xyloglucan, a major type of dietary fiber. This discovery could inform tailored microbiota transplants to improve intestinal health after antibiotic use or illness.
A new study by the University of British Columbia finds that progesterone poses little or no cardiovascular risk for post-menopausal women experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. The treatment has been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms without increasing the risk of heart disease.
A University of British Columbia study challenges the Lake Louise Score Questionnaire's reliability in diagnosing acute mountain sickness. Removing sleep quality from the questionnaire increased its accuracy, suggesting that unnecessary treatments may be administered to some individuals and others may not receive necessary treatment.
Astronomers have discovered a 3-star system that challenges the strong equivalence principle in Albert Einstein's theory of General Relativity. The system, consisting of two white dwarf stars and a superdense pulsar, allows for precise timing observations to test the theory's validity.
Researchers at UBC-VCH have developed a potential cure for aniridia, a rare eye disease affecting 5,000 people in North America. They formulated the drug Ataluren into eye drops and found it restored normal vision in mice with the condition.
A new study found that 80% of scientific data are lost within two decades, highlighting the need for public archives to preserve research findings. The authors recommend making data upload a condition for publication in scientific journals.
UBC researchers have discovered a universal electronic state that controls the behavior of high-temperature superconducting copper-oxide ceramics. The work reveals the existence of 'charge-density-waves', which carry the seeds of superconductivity emerging in these materials.
A new study from the University of British Columbia reveals that reconnecting low-income individuals with feelings of self-worth reduces stigma and improves cognitive function. Participants who engaged in oral self-affirmation techniques demonstrated a ten-point IQ increase and were more likely to seek aid services.
Researchers found EU governments pay 75% of annual access fees, which account for just 1.5% of revenue generated from selling catch. The industry benefits more than developing countries, perpetuating overfishing and contradicting the EU's development goals.
Researchers used Google Earth satellite imagery to estimate 1,900 fishing weirs along the Persian Gulf coast in 2005, catching approximately 31,000 tonnes of fish. The official reported catch was significantly lower at 5,260 tonnes.
Researchers at University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health study show that a combination asthma therapy does not harm British Columbians, contradicting FDA safety concerns. The study, covering 46,000 people over 15 years, found no statistically significant increase in hospitalization rates for users.
Researchers discovered two garlic compounds that significantly reduce Cronobacter sakazakii contamination in dry infant formula powder. These compounds have the potential to eliminate the pathogen before it reaches consumers, easing concerns for new mothers who opt not to breastfeed.
A new study published in the Journal of Corporate Finance reveals that female board members significantly impact merger and acquisition transactions, reducing company costs and increasing shareholder value. With each additional female director, companies pay less for acquisitions and attempt fewer takeover bids.
Researchers identify lateral habenula as crucial in cost-benefit decisions, clarifying its role in daily choices and shedding light on depression treatment.
A study by researchers from the University of British Columbia found that butterflies' flight seasons are responsive to temperature increases, with average timing advancing 2.4 days per degree Celsius. This shift could have significant implications for butterfly populations and ecosystems.
A study by Canadian and Peruvian researchers found that the bulk of Peruvian landings' value comes from producing seafood for human consumption. The Peruvian anchovy generates up to one-third of the world's fishmeal supply but only accounts for 31% of sector revenue.
Research from the University of British Columbia found that Canadian print news articles frequently use words that legitimize sexual exploitation and portray victims as 'business' or 'trade'. The study suggests improvements are needed for accurate reporting to avoid perpetuating stereotypes.
A new study from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business found that people are more likely to donate when their token support is private, not public. Publicly showing support on social media can actually decrease the likelihood of donating later.
Research finds that war exposure during key periods of life strengthens affinity for one's own group, promoting nation-building or conflict cycles. The study involved participants from war-torn Georgia and Sierra Leone, who showed greater willingness to reduce inequality with partners from their village or school.
Researchers at University of British Columbia studied the energy cost of satellite tags on aquatic animals, finding significant drag increases on smaller or juvenile animals. The study provides a universal formula to calculate drag for various marine species, promoting accurate data collection and conservation strategies.
Researchers at University of British Columbia successfully reduced behaviors associated with problem gambling in rats by blocking dopamine D4 receptors. The study found that rats treated with the drug exhibited reduced levels of behaviours like near-misses, offering new hope for treating gambling addiction.
New research reveals that groups cooperate less for climate change mitigation when rewards are in the future, especially for future generations. Despite initial investment, none of the groups achieved the target due to instant gratification.