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.
Researchers discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces a protein that disables the immune response, allowing the bacteria to live comfortably in human cells. This breakthrough provides new targets for developing better treatments against this devastating disease.
A University of British Columbia study reveals a 50% decline in elephant populations in eastern Congo over the last decade, primarily caused by human conflict and poaching. Conservation efforts with international support have shown to be effective in protecting these animals.
A new study published in the journal Biofuels Bioproducts & Biorefinin suggests that wood-based biofuel can compete with corn ethanol for a share of the renewable fuels market. The research identifies opportunities to reduce costs and increase economic viability through technological advancements and economies-of-scale.
UBC researchers have created a monitoring technique for brain aneurysms using platinum implants as antennas to detect blood levels and indicate implant failure. This approach may enable patients to check their condition at home, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Dr. Eric Hassall cautions against over-diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants under one year old, as most symptoms can be attributed to physiological reflux or normal developmental phenomena. Non-pharmacological measures such as dietary changes and reassurance are often sufficient to resolve the issue.
Researchers identified three patterns in couples dealing with male depression: 'trading places,' where partners assume atypical roles; 'business as usual,' where couples downplay problems; and 'edgy tensions,' where resentment builds. The study underscores women's crucial role in helping men manage their depression.
Researchers from UBC and international partners develop artificial muscles strong enough to rotate objects a thousand times their own weight, with the same flexibility as an elephant's trunk or octopus limbs. The new material is composed of carbon nanotube yarns that can twist and untwist, enabling rapid rotation and control.
A UBC study found that Black Canadians with darker skin are more likely to report poor overall health compared to those with lighter skin. The study suggests that colourism can negatively affect health and highlight the importance of considering racial identity mismatches.
A UBC study found that women who leave violent partners incur an estimated $13,162 in annual costs across health and non-health sectors. The research also highlights the need for better coordination of responses to integrate health, social services, justice, education, and corporate sectors.
A UBC study reveals that envious employees are more likely to undermine peers if they feel disconnected from others. The researchers found that moral disengagement is a key factor in sabotaging behavior, occurring when employees experience weak relationships with colleagues.
The MESSENGER mission has provided unprecedented data on Mercury's magnetic field, revealing a host of firsts, including evidence of widespread flood volcanism and direct measurements of its surface composition. The study sheds light on the planet's global magnetic field geometry and its interaction with solar wind.
A UBC journalism project documents severely constrained access to morphine globally, revealing bureaucratic hurdles and the impact of the war on drugs. The Pain Project showcases stories of patients struggling with pain and caregivers who have fought against intractable systems.
Researchers at University of British Columbia have discovered radial glial cells in the spinal cord that can function as stem cells and regenerate portions of the central nervous system. These cells share unique genes with other neural stem cells and could be targeted for potential gene therapy treatments.
A newly discovered gene mutation in EIF4G1 has been linked to Parkinson's disease, affecting protein translation and cellular recycling. This finding provides a new potential target for treatments and highlights the importance of gene-environmental interactions in neurodegenerative diseases.
A comprehensive analysis of 600 studies found that simulation-based training consistently outperforms traditional instruction. The study's findings suggest that simulation can be an effective tool for teaching physicians and other healthcare professionals, offering benefits such as repeated practice without patient harm.
A team of UBC researchers found nearly double the density of capillaries in brain tissue from Alzheimer's mouse models and human samples compared to healthy individuals. This 'neo-angiogenesis' may lead to a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, allowing harmful substances to enter the brain.
A UBC study found that parents' stress during their child's early years can leave lasting marks on their genes, affecting behavior and health in adolescence. Higher stress levels reported by mothers and fathers correlated with specific DNA methylation sites, including those involved in insulin production and brain development.
A new UBC study reveals that single parents and male gay couples are nearly 25% and 15% more likely to be rejected by landlords, respectively. The study found geographic variation in discrimination rates, with certain neighborhoods exhibiting increased levels of bias towards single parents.
UBC researchers identified the mechanism that leads T-cells to spring into action, providing a new target for future or existing drugs to bolster the immune systems of people with HIV or cancer. Such drugs could also be used to stop the rejection of transplanted organs or inhibit the immune system from attacking normal tissues.
Researchers discovered a critical component in plant cell growth, revealing how microtubules are organized into scaffolds. The CLASP protein plays a key role, modulating geometric constraints and influencing cell division.
Researchers at UBC are presenting significant advancements in computer animation and simulation technology. They have developed a tool that generates readable text-art using vector images and text, as well as a physics-based simulation of canine motions for games and film.
BC researchers found that the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) can accurately identify development delays in children. The tests, which take 5-15 minutes to complete, have been validated for accuracy in primary care settings.
The UBC device allows scientists to analyze individual cells rapidly and cost-effectively, accelerating genetic research and cancer diagnosis. By analyzing isolated cells, researchers can distinguish between normal and cancer cells, leading to more accurate treatments.
A UBC graduate student found that the mangrove fish's eyes have separate opsin genes for aerial and aquatic light, enabling adaptation to its environment. The study shows how gene duplication can lead to innovation in organisms.
Theoretical work at UBC and experiments at UC Santa Barbara led to a breakthrough in predicting and controlling environmental decoherence, a major hurdle for quantum computing. The findings suggest that high magnetic fields can suppress decoherence rates, making magnetic molecules a promising candidate for quantum computing hardware.
A large-scale study reveals that patients in Africa receiving cART for HIV can expect a near-normal lifespan, with females living longer than males. Early initiation of treatment is associated with longer life expectancy, highlighting the need for continued investment in HIV programming.
Researchers developed a digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device that sets dramatic new performance standards in sensitivity and accuracy of sample screening. The device enables the direct counting of single molecules isolated in individual chambers.
Researchers at UBC have developed a novel drug delivery device that can be implanted behind the eye to treat retinal damage caused by diabetes. The device uses an external magnetic field to trigger controlled release of drugs, offering improvements over existing implantable devices.
A recent study reveals that international seafood markets are overfishing Madagascar's waters, leading to a decline in key species groups such as shrimp, shark, and sea cucumber. The impact on local food security is significant, with two-thirds of the population facing hunger.
A UBC study found that over 75% of tree holes used by birds and mammals worldwide are created by damage and decay, emphasizing the importance of preserving older, larger trees. This contrasts with North American forests where woodpeckers dominate hole creation.
UBC researchers used an innovative method to uncover the molecular mechanism behind some anti-arrhythmia drugs, which control irregular heartbeats. The study found that variations in electrostatic interactions between the drugs and amino acids in the cardiac sodium channel affect their binding and effects.
Research reveals that women's attitudes toward birth technology coincide with their choice of healthcare providers, with midwives reporting less favourable views. A generation gap is also seen among obstetricians, with younger doctors favouring routine epidural analgesia and Cesarean section over vaginal births.
A new study by UBC researchers found that both shame and honour can increase cooperation by up to 50%, challenging traditional assumptions about the role of reputation in social interactions. The experiment, which involved over 180 participants, used a public goods game to test the impact of shame and honour on individual behaviour.
A new non-invasive wireless near-infrared device has been shown to be as reliable as current invasive tests in determining bladder disease. The device uses light shone through the skin to monitor changes in bladder physiology, revealing consistent patterns of normal oxygen availability and blood supply in healthy subjects during urinat...
A pan-Canadian clinical trial led by UBC researchers aims to revolutionize oral cancer surgery with a new fluorescence visualization technique, potentially reducing recurrence rates and improving patient outcomes.
Increasing ocean acidity poses significant threats to northern abalone populations, with exposure to higher CO2 levels killing 40% of larvae and reducing their size. This could limit population growth and have cascading effects on coastal ecosystems.
A new University of British Columbia study found that women are least attracted to smiling, happy men, while men are most attracted to happy women. The study explored first impressions of sexual attraction and discovered dramatic gender differences in how emotions, including happiness, pride, and shame, are perceived.
A UBC-led team has developed an automated microfluidic cell culture platform to study hundreds of hematopoietic stem cells at the single cell level. The new tool provides insights into HSC survival and growth factor requirements, with applications in drug development, clone selection, and culture optimization.