A UBC study found that youth and prison inmates with multiple tattoos are at higher risk of contracting hepatitis C. The study recommends improving hygiene and infection-control guidelines for tattoo artists and clients to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases.
A UBC-BC CfE study found that increased HAART coverage significantly prevents HIV transmission and reduces new diagnoses in British Columbia. The expansion of HAART treatment plays a crucial role in maximizing public health resources.
Increasing HAART treatment for people with HIV/AIDS lowers viral load, stops HIV progression, and prevents transmission. A comprehensive economic analysis shows expanding HAART coverage in British Columbia can deliver a net benefit of $900 million over 30 years.
A new study finds significant differences in psychological and behavioral traits between WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) societies and non-WEIRD societies. The study calls for more diverse research samples to make generalizations about human psychology.
A team of scientists has developed a method to correct the irregularities in pulsar spin rates, enabling them to serve as more accurate clocks. This breakthrough could help detect gravitational waves, which are believed to exist but have yet to be directly observed.
A University of British Columbia study suggests that screening participants based on these factors can reduce costs while safeguarding their welfare. The researchers found that a full radiological exam before enrolling women with a family history of aneurysm is cost-effective, but not necessary for men without such a history.
A UBC study found that men's strong sense of masculinity and commitment to their families can help them overcome depression and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that connecting with others, including intimate partners and family, is crucial in regaining stability and securing emotional support.
A new study by UBC researchers has definitively linked the evolutionary histories of malaria and dinoflagellate algae through the genome of Chromera, a symbiotic coral organism. The discovery resolves a long-standing scientific debate and could provide crucial information for tackling diseases.
A UBC study found significant regional variations in C-section and assisted vaginal delivery rates across British Columbia, which cannot be explained by medical indications. The researchers suggest potential reasons include differences in practitioners' responses to dystocia and resources available.
A UBC researcher has discovered what makes Rembrandt's portraits so captivating by recreating four of the artist's most famous works using computer-rendering programs. The study found that viewers fixated on specific areas of the face, such as the eyes, and preferred portraits with 'eye guiding narrative' techniques.
A UBC study found that seniors and low-income earners are more likely to be long-term users of benzodiazepines, which can lead to dependence, tolerance, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of falls. The study suggests that prescribing practices should target younger populations to reduce long-term use
Experts call for a 'social offset' mechanism to address social determinants of disease in NTDs. The proposal aims to complement increased access to drugs with funding for weak health systems and socio-environmental conditions.
Researchers have developed a Mouse Grimace Scale to measure spontaneous responses in mice resembling human pain expressions. The scale accelerates the development of new analgesics for humans while eliminating unnecessary suffering in lab animals.
UBC researchers have developed a new biomaterial that closely mimics the elasticity of muscle, showcasing high resilience at low strain and toughness at high strain. The material's mechanical properties can be fine-tuned to develop biomaterials with diverse useful properties.
Researchers from UBC have developed a mathematical model that unravels the generation of biological diversity within and between species. The model suggests that multiple traits acting in concert can generate diversity even with weak interactions, mirroring the complexity of reality.
A University of British Columbia graduate student has discovered a mechanism to silence retroviruses, which could lead to new cancer treatments. The protein ESET is crucial in preventing endogenous retrovirus activity in mouse embryonic stem cells and may hold promise for cancer therapies.
A UBC-led research team explores the evolutionary underpinnings of human societies, contradicting previous theories on cooperation. The study found that small-scale societies with limited market integration and world religion adherence show less concern for fairness and punishment.
Researchers have identified a key enzyme, myeloperoxidase, as a significant predictor of mortality in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) patients. High levels of the enzyme increase the risk of death by more than double over a 13-year period.
A UBC researcher warns that allowing one-off sales of ivory could stimulate the illegal market, leading to increased poaching in Africa. The researcher emphasizes the need for robust monitoring and enforcement of the ivory trade before permitting such sales.
Researchers found a higher likelihood of cataract diagnosis or surgery among patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with varying degrees of risk depending on the specific drug. The study suggests a statistical association between SSRIs and cataracts, but does not prove causation.
A comprehensive population-based study by BC-CfE found that increased HAART coverage was associated with a significant decrease in new yearly HIV infections among injection drug users, resulting in improved health outcomes. The initiative aims to expand HIV treatment and care services for hard-to-reach populations.
A study led by Dr. David Granville identified Granzyme B as a protein-degrading enzyme abundant in AAAs, which can be targeted to slow progression and improve survival. This discovery may lead to the development of pharmaceuticals to treat aneurysms without surgery.
A new study has uncovered a key cellular mechanism that alters brain cell function in Huntington's disease and identified a possible treatment for the disease. Researchers found that excessive NMDA receptors outside synapses lead to reduced brain cell survival signals and disruption in brain function.
A new study found that 12 months of resistance training improved executive cognitive function in senior women aged 65-75 years old, enabling them to make accurate decisions quickly. The exercise also led to increased walking speed, a predictor of significant reduction in mortality.
A team of UBC researchers has identified a new type of cell that can produce both fatty tissues and scar tissue, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating muscle diseases. The discovery could also lead to the development of treatments for other diseases characterized by fibrosis.
A new zebrafish behavior monitoring system has been developed to capture on video and barcode the behavioral responses of fish to chemicals, allowing for rapid identification of new compounds. The system has already identified new chemicals affecting fish behavior and holds promise for treating nervous system disorders.
A UBC study found that children who live in poor neighborhoods at kindergarten have reduced scores on standardized tests seven years later. The study suggests that early life neighborhood poverty can predict literacy skills in adolescence.
Researchers at UBC Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics report detailed structure and function of YEATS domain protein Yaf9, a key player in chromatin regulation. The study reveals conserved function from yeast to humans, shedding light on mechanisms of chromatin modification.
A University of British Columbia study found that tropical birds waited until the formation of the Isthmus of Panama land bridge to migrate northward, revealing a key role in biodiversity exchange. The research suggests that many tropical bird species were reluctant to fly across open water and instead waited for the land bridge comple...
A University of British Columbia study found that air puffs directed at the skin can bias perception of spoken syllables, causing mishearing. The researchers suggest that tactile information plays a significant role in speech perception, similar to how our brain processes visual cues.
A UBC study found significant associations between sedatives, antidepressants, and anti-psychotics with falling among seniors. Safer alternatives like counseling and less-sedating therapies may be more appropriate for certain conditions.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) for clopidogrel had no significant effect on sales, contributing to a $207 million price increase for Medicaid. The study suggests that pharmaceutical companies may be passing on ad costs to consumers through higher prices.
Scientists at the Brain Research Centre have discovered a new mechanism for brain cell death after a stroke, involving the over-activation of NMDA receptors and a protein called SREBP-1. A potential therapy has been found, using a drug that stabilizes Insig-1 to inhibit SREBP-1 activity.
A UBC study suggests that finding alternative feed sources for farm animals can significantly reduce pressure on the world's dwindling fisheries, while contributing positively to climate change. The researchers propose new strategies to effect swifter and larger-scale changes in the fishing industry.
A team of UBC researchers has mapped the genome of a microbe that thrives in dead zones, offering new insight into its metabolic capabilities and potential impact on climate change. The discovery provides an experimental framework for studying dead zone ecology and may help monitor and mitigate their expansion.
A UBC-led study finds that climate change will lead to major shifts in ocean fisheries productivity, affecting global food supply. Tropical regions are expected to see significant declines in catch potential, with Indonesia, US, Chile, and China among the hardest hit.
A UBC research team has identified dendritic cells as a crucial part of the immune system's defense against bacterial infections. The study reveals that dendritic cells use cross-presentation to activate the immune system, and deactivating this process can lead to severe compromise in fighting Listeria infections.
Researchers at UBC have developed a new genome sequencing technique that could boost the fight against mountain pine beetles and improve cancer research. The method uses cutting-edge hardware with novel software to compile genome sequences at a fraction of the cost of previous methods.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience finds that human activities such as large-scale farming can cause erosion at rates comparable to the world's largest rivers and glaciers. This is contrary to previous scholarship, which suggested that glaciers were more erosive than rivers.
A new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that a nurse intervention program significantly improves the lives of sexually exploited runaway girls. The program reduces trauma, emotional distress, substance use, suicide attempts, and risky sexual behaviors while improving family and school relationships, self-esteem,...
A UBC research team has found that too much cholesterol can disrupt the flow of electrical currents in the heart, leading to abnormal heartbeats. By reducing cholesterol levels, they discovered a way to normalize the structures underlying these electrical activities, promoting a regular and healthy heartbeat.
UBC researchers have found that single-band Hubbard physics fails to explain certain conditions in high-temperature superconductors. The study suggests new theoretical approaches may be needed, revealing potentially new or less-bizarre behavior.
Researchers at UBC have created a method to extract high-quality DNA from diluted or contaminated samples using electric fields. This breakthrough has significant implications for forensic investigations and basic life-science research.
Researchers at UBC found a mutant gene in freshwater sticklebacks that drives their tendency to relocate instead of adapting to new environments. This 'wanderlust gene' is associated with the loss of bony lateral plates and affects salinity tolerance.
Two UBC researchers are part of an international team recommending standards for DNA barcoding of land plants. They selected two genomic regions as the best candidates for generating barcode data, with a near-unique signature for barcoding and high accuracy in identifying plant species.
A UBC study proposes reducing fishing catch by just five percent to safeguard large areas of British Columbia's coastline. This approach, if implemented, could result in significant conservation gains and help achieve established conservation goals.
A new UBC study found that 17% of men and 16% of women reported emotional or physical violence in the past six months. Violence is often linked to drinking, with nearly half of emotional violence coming from intimate partners.
A UBC study found that people's early-life experiences can lead to chronic diseases later in life by affecting gene expression and inflammation responses. The researchers identified a link between low socioeconomic circumstances in early life and increased risk of infectious, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at UBC developed a new method to study gambling addictions by creating an animal laboratory experiment. The study found that rodents' ability to play the odds was impaired with drugs that reduce serotonin levels and improved with those that reduce dopamine levels, providing insights into human gambling behaviors.
Researchers found a singular mutation in the FOXL2 gene that causes granulosa cell tumours, a rare and often untreatable form of ovarian cancer. The discovery provides a specific diagnostic tool and potential treatment pathway for women with this cancer type.