Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of British Columbia


Who is most likely to fall for fake news?

A global study of over 66,000 participants reveals that younger digital natives, conservatives, and those with lower education levels are more likely to fall for misinformation. The research underscores the importance of understanding who is most at risk to develop effective strategies for counteracting fake news.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2025

Only seven out of 100 people worldwide receive effective treatment for their mental health or substance-use disorders

Researchers found that a person's lack of recognition is the biggest barrier to effective treatment, while patients who contact healthcare often do not receive it. The study highlights gaps in service needs and outcomes for nine common disorders, identifying areas for targeted investments.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025

New study highlights rise in severe Shigella infections among homeless patients in Vancouver

A recent study found a significant increase in severe multidrug-resistant Shigella sonnei infections among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in Vancouver. The strain, genotype 3.6.1.2, is resistant to nearly all antibiotics, leading to higher hospitalization rates and more severe outcomes.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2024

Protecting nature can safeguard cities from floods

A new UBC-led study reveals that preserving key natural ecosystems across Canada can significantly reduce rainwater runoff and protect homes and livelihoods. The research identifies 201,000 square kilometres of watersheds as critical for flood prevention, supporting wildlife while reducing reliance on costly infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEcosystem Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 25, 2024

How to reduce social media stress by leaning in instead of logging off

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that young people's mental health benefits from thoughtful social media management and intentional online interactions. The study showed that users who managed their online interactions more intentionally experienced reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

UBC engineers develop all-in-one solution to catch and destroy ‘forever chemicals’

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed an all-in-one solution to remove and destroy PFAS substances, also known as 'forever chemicals,' from water supply. The system combines an activated carbon filter with a patented catalyst that traps and breaks down harmful chemicals into harmless components.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateAug 28, 2024

UBC research pinpoints how early-life antibiotics turn immunity into allergy

Researchers at UBC have identified a specific cascade of events that lead to allergies and asthma after early-life antibiotic use. The study found that butyrate-producing bacteria play a key role in halting the allergic response, and that targeting ILC2 cells may provide new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

People's moral values change with the seasons

A new UBC study reveals regular seasonal shifts in people's moral values, with stronger endorsement of group cohesion and conformity in spring and fall. This finding has potential implications for politics, law, and health, including the timing of elections and court cases, as well as public response to a health crisis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2024

Smell reports reveal the need to expand urban air quality monitoring, say UBC researchers

Researchers analyzed 549 reports from the Smell Vancouver app to discover that unpleasant smells like rotting and chemical odors dominate in Vancouver, linked to self-reported health issues. The study highlights the need for expanded urban air quality monitoring to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Research Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2024

New concept explains how tiny particles navigate water layers – with implications for marine conservation

Researchers have unveiled insights into how microscopic organisms such as marine plankton move through water with different density layers. The study reveals two types of microscopic swimmers that navigate density gradients differently, with pullers moving parallel to the gradient and pushers swimming perpendicular.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2024

Proteins and fats can drive insulin production for some, paving way for tailored nutrition

Researchers found that individual responses to proteins and fats can drive insulin production, challenging the long-held belief that fats have negligible effects on insulin release. This study has implications for tailored dietary guidance to manage blood sugar and insulin levels in individuals with diabetes or those at risk.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateJul 2, 2024