Research by UBC evolutionary ecologist Rob Colautti found that invasive plants can rapidly evolve to local climates, increasing reproduction and fitness. This adaptation allows them to thrive in northern Ontario and potentially respond to climate change.
A University of British Columbia graduate student developed a solution to prevent cellular overload and dropped calls by using TV channels. She used smart antennas to transmit signals in a single direction, avoiding interference with radio and television signals.
A new study by University of British Columbia researcher finds that some people are genetically predisposed to see the world darkly due to a previously known gene variant. The ADRA2b deletion variant influences norepinephrine levels, affecting real-time perception and emotional memory formation.
A definitive imaging study has found no connection between vein narrowing and multiple sclerosis, challenging the controversial CCSVI theory. Venous narrowing was present in over two-thirds of people with MS, their siblings, and healthy volunteers, but differences were not statistically significant.
New research shows that direct eye contact can make skeptical listeners less receptive to persuasion, while focusing on the speaker's mouth is more effective in convincing those who already agree. Eye contact plays a different role in competitive encounters, highlighting its nuanced impact on human interaction.
Researchers found evidence of low atmospheric oxygen concentrations in 3.8 billion-year-old soils from South Africa, challenging previous estimates that oxygen began accumulating in the atmosphere around 2.3 billion years ago. The discovery supports a longer antiquity for oxygen-producing photosynthesis and aerobic life.
Researchers found that Audubon's warblers share mitochondrial DNA with myrtle warblers, a different species that migrates annually. The study suggests that the songbird may have co-opted the myrtle's mitochondria to better power its travels.
Astronomers have discovered a Trojan asteroid sharing the orbit of Uranus, challenging previous estimates. The study predicts that three percent of scattered objects between Jupiter and Neptune should be co-orbitals with Uranus or Neptune.
Research suggests that poverty can impair cognitive functioning, leading to poor decision-making and perpetuating financial struggles. The study found that individuals with pressing financial concerns exhibit a significant drop in cognitive function, similar to a 13-point dip in IQ.
A new study reveals that two-thirds of SRO tenants were previously homeless and suffered from an average of three illnesses at the same time. Ninety-five per cent had substance dependence, nearly half suffered from psychosis, and nearly 70% had been exposed to Hepatitis C.
A new study reveals that SIGIRR protein suppresses the gut's immune response to bacteria, allowing beneficial microorganisms to thrive. This balance is crucial in preventing infection and inflammatory diseases.
A new study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reveals that ethnicity-based birth weight charts are more accurate than traditional population-based standards. These charts can help identify small but healthy babies, reducing parental anxiety and unnecessary healthcare costs.
Tiny parasites, known as Mikrocytos mackini, have been found to infect Pacific oysters, causing unsightly green lesions and death. The discovery sheds light on the parasites' reduced metabolism and unique relationship with their host.
Astronomers have tracked the orbital motion of 33,000 stars in one of the Galaxy's oldest globular clusters, offering new insights into the formation of the Milky Way. The study reveals two distinct generations of stars within globular cluster 47 Tucanae, differing in age by 100 million years.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that East Asian adolescents in BC who are sexually active may engage in high-risk behaviors, including alcohol and drug use before sex. The top reasons for abstinence were not feeling ready and wanting to meet the right person.
A global single-cell genomic study highlights British Columbia's role as an 'oasis' of microbial biodiversity. The research, published in Nature, provides new insights into the vital biological diversity encoded in microorganisms, shedding light on essential ecosystem functions and services.
Researchers at UBC have discovered that methylation of a protein called Yap is critical for the function of the Hippo pathway. Loss of the Set7 enzyme resulted in cell growth and larger organs, suggesting potential for drugs to activate this pathway to stop cancer cell growth.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a vaccine to protect birds against West Nile Virus (WNV), which has killed over 300 people in North America. The vaccine, made from WNV components, generated an effective immune response in birds and may also offer protection against other species.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that planktonic bacteria have reduced their genomes to optimize growth and adaptability. This adaptation allows these microorganisms to efficiently utilize diverse energy sources and survive in the ocean's complex ecosystem.
A University of British Columbia study sheds light on why people attempt suicide, providing a new tool to advance suicide prevention and improve treatments. The Inventory of Motivations for Suicide Attempts (IMSA) is the most accurate and first scientifically tested measure for evaluating a person's motivations for suicide.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that analyzes electro-magnetic waves for detecting multiple sclerosis changes in fine detail. This method provides a more powerful tool for evaluating new treatments and could lead to smaller studies.
A new study suggests retailers can mitigate conflict by calling out bad shopping etiquette. In an experiment, shoppers who left clothing in disarray received less help from fellow customers after being reprimanded.
A new study shows that shark ecotourism generates over $314 million annually and is expected to more than double to $780 million in the next 20 years. The landed value of global shark fisheries has been declining for the past decade, with an estimated 38 million sharks killed per year to feed the fin trade.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers found that consumers experience social awkwardness when given free upgrades in front of others, leading to a decline in satisfaction and shorter browsing times. The study suggests that retailers should offer perks privately to avoid embarrassment.
Researchers have developed a flat spray-on material that can act as a flat lens, allowing for arbitrary aperture sizes and potentially revolutionizing imaging devices. The technology has significant advancements in ultraviolet light imaging of biological specimens.
Scientists have successfully sequenced the genome of white spruce, a crucial step towards developing innovative tools for tree breeding. The massive genome assembly will contribute to reducing breeding cycles from 25 years to just five years, enhancing the competitiveness of Canada's and Scandinavian forest industries.
Researchers used fish temperature preferences as a 'thermometer' to assess climate change's impact on the world's oceans between 1970 and 2006. They found that warm-water species dominated global fisheries catches, while tropical regions experienced reduced marine species and catches.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that women aged 70-80 who participated in cardio or weight training classes incurred fewer healthcare resources compared to those in balance and toning classes. This cost-effective approach may help improve cognitive health and reduce healthcare costs for seniors.
Detailed mapping of the Kima'Kho tuya in northern British Columbia shows that the ancient regional ice sheet through which it erupted was twice as thick as previously estimated. This discovery could provide new constraints on paleoclimate models, advancing our understanding of glaciovolcanic eruptions and their impact.
Researchers found Tylenol reduces psychological effects of fear and anxiety, suggesting the drug inhibits distress signals to the brain. The study built on previous research that acetaminophen can reduce social pain, advancing understanding of how the human brain processes different types of pain.
A study found that sales representatives failed to provide information on common or serious side effects and the type of patients who should not use a medicine in 59% of promotions. Doctors in Toulouse were more likely to be informed about potential harms, suggesting stricter regulatory standards may improve transparency.
A new study reveals that Canada is the country least capable of effectively managing its drug pricing regime due to its unique universal healthcare system. The researchers suggest three principles - pragmatism, discipline, and transparency - for developing an effective pricing strategy.
Researchers at UBC and Israel discovered that compliant physicians lead to more patient adherence to screening and vaccination practices. The study found significant differences in patients of doctors who received flu shots and those who did not, highlighting the importance of healthcare professionals' health habits on their patients.
Researchers at UBC estimate China's foreign catch is 4.6 million tonnes per year, taken from the waters of at least 90 countries, including 3.1 million tonnes from African waters.
Researchers discovered two new symbionts, Cthulhu macrofasciculumque and Cthylla microfasciculumque, living in termite guts that aid wood digestion. These tiny protists were named after Lovecraft's monsters due to their octopus-like movements and appearance.
The mountain pine beetle genome has been sequenced to understand its behavior and adaptability, revealing large genetic variation among individuals. The study also identified genes involved in detoxifying defense compounds and degrading plant cell walls, which could inform future management strategies.
A new UBC study reveals that North American service workers are more likely to retaliate against rude customers, while Chinese workers disengage from customer service altogether due to cultural differences. The study suggests that companies must be mindful of these cultural variations when expanding globally.
A study published in Psychological Science found that infants prefer those who harm dissimilar individuals, indicating an early form of schaudenfreude or social alliances. By 9 months, babies assess their surroundings to determine friend or foe based on perceived differences and similarities.
Researchers at University of British Columbia have found that blood vessels in the brain can be normalized with amyloid beta immunization, reducing plaque build-up and brain capillary growth. This discovery suggests that drugs targeting blood vessels could be effective in treating Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business reveals that female-female workplace conflicts are often perceived as more negative than male-male or male-female conflicts. Participants rated all-female conflicts as more likely to negatively influence job satisfaction and team repair, despite finding ...
Adolescents who volunteered regularly for 10 weeks showed improved cardiovascular health by having lower levels of inflammation and cholesterol. The volunteers also experienced increased empathy, altruistic behavior, and mental health benefits, which contributed to their improved heart health.
A new class of influenza drug has been shown to prevent the flu virus from spreading and successfully treat mice with lethal strains. The drug works by attaching itself to the virus's molecular machinery, rendering it useless.
Researchers found that identical genetic changes occurred between independently evolving E. coli populations, driven by negative frequency dependence and natural selection. This discovery challenges traditional views of evolution and species diversity.
Researchers used X-rays to recreate a microscopic crime scene and caught the arrhythmia culprit in action. Gene mutations destabilize the calcium pathway, causing premature release and potentially deadly conditions.
Removing top predators from freshwater ecosystems leads to a significant increase in carbon dioxide emissions, highlighting the crucial role of apex animals in regulating climate change. This study suggests that predator decline is having global implications for greenhouse gases and climate.
Infants in bilingual environments use pitch and duration cues to discriminate between languages, such as English and Japanese, with opposite word orders. Babies as young as seven months can begin to learn these differences and develop new strategies for language separation.
Researchers have developed a sophisticated tool to reconstruct protolanguages, the precursors of modern languages, with high accuracy. The system analyzes sound changes at the phonetic level and has been applied to 142,000 word forms from 637 Austronesian languages, producing results that are 85% accurate compared to manual reconstruct...
A US study found that local weather trends, particularly temperature fluctuations, significantly influence public opinion on global warming. The researchers suggest that headline-making weather can strongly impact climate beliefs, especially among those without strong convictions.
A study found that physical manifestations of shame in recovering alcoholics can predict relapse, with those displaying greater shame behaviors more likely to relapse and experience worsening health.
New research reveals insulin's role in reducing desire for food after eating, impacting environmental triggers of overeating. The study found that insulin affects the ventral tegmental area, a region linked to reward-seeking behavior and addictive behaviors.