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.
A UBC study published in Science found that interactive teaching methods significantly improved attendance, doubled both engagement and learning in a large physics class. The study compared traditional lecture and interactive activities based on research in cognitive psychology and physics education.
A study by researchers from University of British Columbia found a strong relationship between depressive symptoms and functional limitations in older married couples. The study, which tracked over 1,700 couples for 15 years, suggests that spouses have a significant impact on each other's health.
A UBC study found that a strong relationship with a primary healthcare provider is key to managing chronic conditions. Patients who felt connected to their provider reported better health outcomes and self-management skills.
Astronomers discover densest solid planet 55 Cancri e, with a diameter 60% larger than Earth, orbiting its star every 17 hours. The planet's immense density makes it unlikely to have an atmosphere at surface temperatures of up to 2,700 degrees Celsius.
A new study by University of British Columbia researcher Mahyar Etminan found that newer oral contraceptive drospirenone carries a similar risk of gall bladder disease compared to older birth-control pills. The study analyzed data from 2.7 million U.S. women using oral contraceptives over 18 months.
A new study published in The Lancet found that Illicit drug overdose deaths in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside dropped by 35 per cent after the establishment of Insite, North America's first supervised injection facility. The facility has been shown to save lives and reduce harms associated with illicit drug use.
A recent UBC study reveals that experts with specific product knowledge can make mistakes when relying on their memories to compare products. The researchers found that a feeling of accountability and pressure to give the best recommendations can lead to false recalls, especially in complex goods such as cameras, cars, and computers.
Researchers at UBC discovered that real-time fMRI feedback significantly enhances people's ability to control their thoughts. By monitoring the brain region responsible for higher-order thoughts, participants could effectively train their brains and improve mental focus.
A UBC study found that certain populations of Fraser River sockeye salmon are more likely to adapt to changing environmental conditions due to their unique migration routes and specialized physiological adaptations. These findings have implications for conservation efforts in other watersheds worldwide.
UBC researchers found that death anxiety leads people to support intelligent design and reject evolutionary theory. Studies suggest that existential concerns can be addressed by naturalistic approaches like evolution, promoting a sense of meaning and purpose.
UBC chemists create a new model to predict the optical properties of non-conducting ultra-fine particles, which could inform the design of nano-structures and help study cosmic dust formation. The findings have potential applications in remote sensing and drug delivery systems.
Researchers have identified a small virus that targets and rescues infected zooplankton from death. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origin of jumping genes found in other organisms.