A UBC researcher has developed a two-question screening test to identify anxious kindergarten children, showing 85% effectiveness in predicting future anxiety disorders. The test asks parents about shyness and worrying in their children, and can help intervene early to prevent mental health issues.
A UBC study finds that children are sharing their knowledge of Aboriginal culture and language with their parents, reversing traditional roles. This reversal is significant as many Aboriginal parents have lost this knowledge due to Canada's residential school system.
Researchers at UBC developed a tool to aid teachers in creating effective clicker questions, increasing student academic achievement in science and mathematics. The Elementary Science Questions Evaluation Rubric helps teachers develop and evaluate multiple-choice questions for clickers.
A UBC study involving 17,000 Vancouver students found that 25-30% experience or participate in cyberbullying, compared to 12% for schoolyard bullying. Online behavior is often underestimated, with youth downplaying harm and failing to recognize its consequences.
A new University of British Columbia study reveals that pride directly influences racist and homophobic attitudes. Authentic pride boosts empathy, while hubristic pride exacerbates prejudice. The findings offer insights into the attitudes of leaders and shed light on human psychology.
The article cites a Royal Society report predicting Chinese scientists' publications output will surpass US-based scientists by 2013. Major investments in discovery and innovation are building capacity in Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.
University of British Columbia researchers identified a gene in balsam fir trees that can facilitate the production of plant-based fixatives and scents, potentially replacing whale barf-derived ambergris. This discovery could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective production methods for high-end perfumes.
According to UBC research, young males who have been sexually abused are five times more likely to cause teen pregnancy compared to those with no abuse history. Sexually abused boys are also three times more likely to have multiple sexual partners.
A study by UBC and IIASA researchers reveals that picky females can promote diversity in species through selective mating. They must occupy different resource hotspots and pay a cost for their preferences to prevent invasion of undesirable areas.
Researchers discovered that corals surviving past heat stress are more likely to adapt in the future. The study suggests coral reefs may be able to withstand rising temperatures in locations with naturally variable water temperatures, benefiting millions of people reliant on coral reefs for sustenance and livelihoods.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified a number of tiny but powerful genetic regulators that are hijacked by avian and swine flu viruses during human infection. The discovery could reveal new targets for broad-spectrum antivirals to combat current and future strains of influenza A viruses.
Researchers used 100-femtosecond laser pulses to capture fine-grained data on electron relaxation and its influence on superconducting properties. This technique reveals that high-critical temperatures are driven by purely electronic processes.
Research reveals that Asian Canadian LGBTQ+ teens are 30 times more likely to face harassment than their heterosexual peers, with higher rates of substance use and stress. Social supports from family, school, or peers may help buffer the stress of harassment for these adolescents.
UBC researchers found that certain antibiotics alter gut bacteria, increasing severity of asthma in mouse models. Early life is a critical period for establishing a healthy immune system, as the impact of antibiotics on asthma susceptibility disappears in adult mice.
A study by researchers at Providence Health Care and the University of British Columbia found that medically prescribed heroin is more cost-effective than methadone for treating long-term street heroin users. The study attributed most of the economic benefits to recipients staying in treatment longer and spending less time in relapse.
Researchers at UBC-TRIUMF have successfully manipulated anti-hydrogen atoms using microwaves, providing the world's first glimpse of an 'anti-atomic fingerprint.' This achievement marks a significant milestone in the study of antimatter and brings scientists closer to understanding its intrinsic properties.
A new UBC study analyzing 50 shark species reveals the average fin-to-body mass ratio is 3%, significantly lower than the 5% limit set by EU and other countries. This suggests that current laws may not prevent waste or overfishing, despite efforts to protect sharks.
A UBC researcher has developed a 'lab on a chip' device to measure red blood cell deformability caused by Plasmodium falciparum, a key step in treating malaria. The device enables precise measurement of stiffening red cells at various stages of infection.
A University of British Columbia study found traces of listeria in 20% of ready-to-eat fish products sold in Metro Vancouver. The bacteria can multiply during handling and storage, posing health risks to vulnerable individuals.
The UBC research reveals areas with the highest risk of overfishing, including the northeastern coast of Canada, Pacific coast of Mexico, and Peruvian coast. This index will help conservation managers make targeted decisions to protect seafood and marine ecosystems.
The Eco2 Index ranks countries based on their financial deficits, national debt, and resource consumption. Many high-income countries, including Japan and the US, perform poorly due to high ecological deficits, while South America and parts of Africa score well in terms of financial security.
Researchers at UBC created computer visualizations of rising sea levels to illustrate ways to adapt to climate change impacts. The four alternate scenarios show different strategies, including raising dikes, building offshore barrier islands, and reducing vulnerability through design.
Forest fire smoke exposure poses significant respiratory health risks, particularly for those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. Effective strategies to mitigate these impacts include establishing clean air shelters and using HEPA-filter air cleaners or air conditioners in homes.
Research by UBC scientists finds that adding ocean acidification and deoxygenation to climate change projections can significantly reduce fish catch potential in certain regions. For example, the Norwegian Sea may see a 15% decrease in fisheries catch potential due to combined effects of warming and acidification.
A UBC researcher has created a hand-controlled voice synthesizer that uses gestures to produce sounds, mirroring human vocal control. The technology has potential applications in music and assistive communication, allowing users to express themselves in new ways.
A recent study by UBC researchers has identified the increasing presence of terrestrial pathogens in marine mammals along the Pacific coast. The team calls for improved surveillance and collaboration to monitor public health implications and reduce land-sea transfer of pollutants.
The Nereus model provides a global view of life in the world's oceans, predicting a decline in large fish biomass and an increase in small fish populations. The model also shows the impact of human activities, climate change, and fisheries management on ocean life.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that maternal depression can affect infants' ability to attune to their native languages, while bilingual households may prolong the period of tuning. The preliminary findings provide important insights into early childhood development and mother's mental health.
The oceans' untapped genetic resources hold huge potential for medicines, foods, and biofuels. International agreements are required to ensure equal benefits from these resources. Developing countries need support in participating in research and invention.
Dr. Chris Overall's research has led to a better understanding of the human proteome, revealing key proteins controlling innate immunity and inflammation. His team discovered a molecular beacon that directs white blood cells to injury sites, stopping chronic inflammation.
The biofuels industry is expected to become a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solution for the world's growing energy demands. Researchers at the University of British Columbia are working to speed up the process of converting biomass into biofuels, making it cheaper and more efficient.
Climate change researcher Stephen Sheppard emphasizes the importance of using new visualization media to engage people in addressing climate change. He suggests that such media can be more effective than traditional models in making the future with climate change more real and compelling.
A Canadian study reveals that international rankings of infant mortality are misleading due to inconsistent birth registration practices. If corrected for biases, Canada and the US would rank among the top 12 countries in terms of infant mortality rates.
Nearly half the world's population suffers from severe respiratory diseases due to limited access to clean energy sources. Researchers at University of British Columbia are working to develop viable markets for cleaner cookstoves and modern fuels.
Researchers developed new drugs targeting calcium channel in neurons to completely suppress absence seizures in rats and test them in humans. The results show a significant reduction in seizure duration as well.
Forty-two UBC researchers participated in official press briefings and public events, including Family Science Days and a series of lectures on sustainability and brain imaging. The University is also offering a pre-conference tour of its Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability.
Researchers used satellite imagery from Google Earth to count fish farming cages in the Mediterranean, estimating a total of 225,736 tonnes of finfish production. The study suggests that both Greece and Turkey underreport their farmed fish production, but overall, Mediterranean countries are giving accurate counts.
Researchers at UBC have discovered the molecular pathway enabling receptors in immune cells to find and flag pathogen fragments. This discovery could lead to more efficient vaccines against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, as well as personalized medical options.
A new study by the University of British Columbia finds that monogamous marriage has lower levels of crime, violence, poverty, and gender inequality compared to polygynous societies. The study suggests that institutionalized monogamy reduces male competition, leading to improved child welfare and increased gender equality.
Researchers at UBC have found a way to block infection from the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the liver, leading to new therapies for those affected by this and other infectious diseases. The approach could benefit millions of people globally.
A recent UBC study reveals that 9.6% of Canadians report not filling their prescriptions due to cost concerns, with those without drug insurance facing significant challenges. Individuals without insurance are 4.5 times more likely to avoid prescribed medications, while those with low incomes are 3.3 times more likely to skip doses.
Researchers mapped dark matter using images of 10 million galaxies in four regions, studying distortion of light as it passes massive clumps of dark matter. The study reveals a vast network of dense and empty regions, providing the first direct glimpse at dark matter on large scales.
A research team led by Dr. David Huntsman and Dr. Gregg Morin found that mutations in the DICER gene were responsible for rare, unrelated cancers, revealing a fundamental process underlying these tumors. The discovery has the potential to lead to new approaches to treating both rare and common cancers.
A new UBC study found that 63.5% of pregnant women in B.C. took at least one prescription medication, including those with known risks. The study highlights the need for more research on safe and effective treatment options during pregnancy.
Fishing practices have led to a 90-per-cent decrease in top predators in North Atlantic and Pacific waters since the 1950s. The impacts are now being felt globally, with southern hemisphere predators facing a similar decline. This study highlights the need for strict management and enforcement to prevent further biodiversity loss.
A UBC study explores the social psychological processes underlying anti-atheist sentiments, finding that religious believer's distrust is central to prejudice against atheists. The research suggests that outward displays of belief may be viewed as a proxy for trustworthiness, leading to disapproval and mistrust of atheists.
A UBC study reveals that climate-driven warming and predation are causing significant losses in marine biodiversity, with mussels losing 51% of their habitat due to rising temperatures. Removing predators through exclusion cages allowed prey species to occupy hotter sites, resulting in a doubling of species richness.
A new study suggests that eight month-old infants support negative behavior towards those who act antisocially and dislike those who are nice to bad guys. This finding provides insights into the protective mechanisms humans use to choose social alliances, rooted in self-preservation.
A new UBC study reveals how climate change can impact the economic viability of current fisheries practices, with many regions expecting losses in revenues. The study highlights the need for governments and policymakers to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change on fisheries.
The international community's pledge to provide $100 billion annually in climate change aid is unprecedented and requires careful stewardship. UBC researchers recommend instituting an adaptive regulatory system, employing decentralized third-party auditors, and adopting scientific approaches to evaluate program effectiveness.