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.
Patients presenting to emergency departments with adverse drug events have a 50% greater risk of spending additional days in hospital and a 20% higher rate of outpatient health care needs. The research team estimates that the added cost is $49 million annually.
Researchers at University of British Columbia develop a model explaining long-lived volcanic earthquakes before and during eruptions. The 'oscillating plug' of magma causes tremors, which can be used to predict explosive eruptions.
A study by UBC researchers found that US patients search for prescription drugs on government-run websites, while Canadians are directed to Wikipedia or industry-sponsored sites. The discrepancy highlights the importance of verifying online drug information.
Predatory fish such as cod, tuna, and groupers declined by two-thirds while small forage fish like sardine, anchovy, and capelin more than doubled between 1880 and 2007. This trend suggests that humans are impacting ecosystems globally.
Infants raised in bilingual environments can discriminate between English and French just by watching people speak, according to UBC researcher Janet Werker. Exposure to two native languages contributes to the development of perceptual sensitivity that extends beyond their mother tongues.
Researchers have uncovered the efficient survival mechanisms of Oxyrrhis marina, a microscopic dinoflagellate that can harness energy from light and digest prey with acquired genes. The study shows that this unique organism has picked up a gene for photosynthesis from its bacterial prey.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia estimate that Arctic fisheries catches totaled 950,000 tonnes from 1950 to 2006, significantly higher than previously reported. The study reveals a lack of accurate data on small-scale fisheries and their impact on biodiversity in the region.
UBC food scientists have identified the Maillard reaction as the main source of antioxidants in dark roasted coffee beans. The study found that coffee beans lose 90% of their chlorogenic acid during roasting, leading to increased antioxidant activity.
Researchers at Vancouver Coastal Health and UBC found that mini-strokes can create lasting damage to the brain, even when symptoms resolve quickly. The study used transcranial magnetic stimulation to detect changes in brain cells, showing a significant increase in excitability on the affected side.
Researchers at UBC have created a global map of surface permeability, which could lead to new insights into water supply and climate modelling. The map, published in Geophysical Research Letters, provides critical data for managing groundwater resources and evaluating the impact of groundwater on climate.
A UBC study has identified genes that allow the blue stain fungus Grosmannia clavigera to bypass lodgepole pine's natural fungicide, enabling it to infect and kill trees. This knowledge could inform strategies to prevent future outbreaks of mountain pine beetles.
A UBC team designs an experiment featuring a flowing water trough to test Stephen Hawking's 35-year-old theory on black holes. The study creates a 'white hole' simulation, generating thermal radiation analogous to photon pairs in Hawking's theory.
Researchers at UBC-VCH have discovered that excess production of RCAN1 protein sets off a chain reaction killing brain cells in people with Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. This finding provides a potential new target for drugs to prevent dementia in both populations.
A new study projects that mountain glacier melt will contribute up to 12 centimeters to global sea-level increases by 2100. Glaciers in Arctic Canada and Alaska are expected to be the largest contributors.
A University of British Columbia study reveals that physically attractive people are perceived as having more distinct personality traits, with accuracy improving for those considered beautiful.
A one-year study on seniors' strength training reveals sustained cognitive benefits and cost savings. The once-weekly strength training group showed better maintenance of physical activity and fewer falls than the twice-weekly balance and tone group.
The Cystic Fibrosis Technology Initiative aims to create new medicines for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder affecting thousands of Canadians. The initiative will assess promising discoveries and develop them using CDRD's advanced drug development platform.
A new study from UBC finds that sudden changes in meltwater volume contribute more to the acceleration of the Greenland ice sheet than gradual warming. The ice sheet's flow is influenced by complex fluid dynamics and can be accelerated by short-term weather extremes, not just gradual temperature increases.
Researchers at University of British Columbia develop a lipid-based formulation of Amphotericin B, stabilizing the drug in tropical temperatures and making it more accessible for treating Visceral Leishmaniasis. The new oral formulation is effective in mouse models and has the potential to bring relief to millions affected by the disease.
Researchers will use real-time and projected data, 3D simulation and visualization technology to model different conservation scenarios. The program aims to inform fisheries management plans and raise public awareness about ocean health.
A $7 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will support a four-year research project to develop clinical guidelines for pre-eclampsia diagnosis and treatment in lower- and middle-income countries. The project aims to reduce maternal, fetal, and newborn deaths related to pre-eclampsia.
A new study measures the spatial expansion of global fisheries, revealing a nearly five-fold increase in catch from 1950 to 2005. The study's findings indicate that fisheries have expanded at an unsustainable rate, leaving no room for further expansion.
A new UBC study analyzing British Columbia population-based data suggests that children under 13 are the most likely to report first sex with adults over 20 years older. The research challenges Canada's increased age of consent from 14 to 16 years, recommending additional strategies to safeguard vulnerable children and teens.
A new study finds that weekly SMS check-ins increase the likelihood of patients with HIV having undetectable viral loads, leading to better health outcomes and reduced transmission. The text-message support system showed a 12% increase in undetectable levels among participants.
Researchers used Canada's national centre for synchrotron research to build a high-resolution model of the ryanodine receptor. This sheds new light on life-threatening congenital heart conditions and could lead to developing new treatments to prevent calcium leakage.
Researchers have discovered the world's largest marine virus, Cafeteria roenbergensis virus, which has a genome larger than some cellular organisms. This complex 'mimi-like' virus infects an ecologically important planktonic predator and challenges the traditional boundary between living and non-living entities.
A new study found that statin use reduces the risk of developing epilepsy in people over 65 with cardiovascular disease. The study showed a 35% lower risk of hospitalization for epilepsy among those taking statins compared to non-users.
Researchers at UBC have made a groundbreaking discovery linking high-temperature superconductivity to 'incoherent excitations' in copper oxides. The study reveals that electrons behave as independent particles before becoming ill-defined many-body entities, shedding light on the electronic response of these materials.
A mobile outreach program staffed by current and former sex workers is associated with increased entry to detoxification and residential drug treatment among women in street-based sex work. The program provides a safe space for sex workers to rest and have access to health, support, and addiction treatment services.
A UBC-CFRI study found elevated levels of Th17 cells in young patients with type 1 diabetes, suggesting a potential target for new therapies. The discovery may lead to innovative treatments for childhood diabetes.
Researchers led by UBC Prof. Patrick Keeling discovered a closely related parasite, E. intestinalis, with a 20% smaller genome than E. cuniculi, shedding hundreds of genes from its ends. The 'haircut' reveals insights into extreme genome evolution under specific conditions.
Four new studies reveal global fisheries' significant economic contribution of $225-$240 billion per year, while also highlighting the devastating impact of overfishing. The research shows that healthier fisheries could have prevented malnourishment in nearly 20 million people in poorer countries.
A study by BC-CfE found that supervised injection facilities like Insite connect clients with addiction treatment, increasing the likelihood of stopping injection drug use for at least six months. The study also highlights the importance of engaging Aboriginal people who use drugs in addiction services.
A recent study published in the INFORMS journal Management Science found that young, male CEOs with higher levels of testosterone are more likely to initiate, scrap, or resist mergers and acquisitions. This is due to testosterone's association with male dominance-seeking in competitive situations.
A group of experts from UBC and Scripps Institution criticizes the MSC for failing to promote sustainable fishing practices, citing concerns over declining fish populations and high-impact methods like bottom trawling.
A team of 64 international researchers has identified 27 new MiniPromoters, greatly expanding the current limited pool of these vital tools. The Pleiades Promoter Project enables research worldwide with bioinformatics, genomics, and neuroimaging expertise.
A team of University of British Columbia researchers found that phosphatidic acid, a type of fat present in all cells, serves as a cellular pH sensor. This discovery has important implications for understanding human metabolism and disease.
A study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that subtypes of domestically violent men and women share similar personality traits and characteristics. The analysis of 567 civil psychiatric patients revealed three common subtypes among both genders, shedding light on the complexities of domestic violence.