A study found that five-day-old newborns prefer watching videos of helpful actions over hindering ones, indicating an innate sense of social goodness. The research suggests that humans may be born with basic social preferences that shape moral understanding.
A new University of British Columbia study reveals that male guppies with more orange coloration are up to two times more sexually active and perform for females longer periods. The research identifies a genetic link between guppy color and behavior, suggesting healthier and fitter individuals may be more attractive to females.
Researchers at UBC propose a silicon-based device that can convert microwave to optical signals with high efficiency, paving the way for long-distance quantum communication. The technology preserves entangled links between particles, essential for quantum networking.
A new study found that people recycle 47% more bottles when offered a lottery-style refund, rather than the traditional 10-cent deposit return. This approach increases the thrill of possibly winning a big prize, making recycling more enjoyable and motivating.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers suggests the summer solstice is an optimal day for plant growth and reproduction. However, in a changing climate, relying on this fixed signal may no longer help plants to survive or thrive.
A new study challenges long-held beliefs about how to win public backing for social change. Researchers found that Americans generally support the idea of civil rights in abstract terms but are less likely to support government action when contemporary issues are framed as civil rights problems.
A University of British Columbia-led study found that colorectal cancer survivors experience a range of long-term sexual health issues, including dyspareunia and pelvic inflammatory disease. The study highlights the need for better education and support for women after cancer.
A study analyzing online seizure records found over 300 seizures of dried seahorses in 62 countries, with most occurring in transit or destination countries. The illicit trade is estimated to be worth CAD$29 million over 10 years, and emerging routes involve Europe and Latin America.
A one-year study of 53 healthy women with regular ovulatory cycles found that mild breast tenderness and swelling before menstruation are common and expected. The study suggests that these symptoms may occur more frequently during normal ovulation than previously thought, contradicting previous assumptions about premenstrual syndrome.
Researchers have discovered a selfish X chromosome in fruit flies that manipulates inheritance in both males' sperm and females' eggs. The supergene's unique structure allows it to expand and accumulate repetitive DNA sequences contributing to its ability to cheat during female reproduction.
A study analyzing data from nearly 5,000 people in 20 countries revealed significant cultural differences in optimal sleep hours, contradicting the universal 8-hour recommendation. People who slept closer to their own culture's norms tended to have better overall health.
A new approach, GlycoCaging, delivers medicine directly to the lower gut at significantly lower doses than current treatments, potentially helping people with inflammatory bowel disease. The technique has been shown to be effective in mice and has potential for treatment in humans, as most people have the ability to activate the drugs.
A new study reveals the global distribution of FMFO factories, highlighting Peru's high production and potential environmental impacts. The study provides a starting point for addressing these issues through more transparent data, regulation, and sustainable practices.
A recent study found that only eight percent of papers in the prestigious Nature Physics journal had a woman senior author. This disparity is particularly concerning given Canada's overall underrepresentation of women physicists, with 29% of professionals identified as female in a 2020 physics community survey.
Researchers have found a rare form of one-dimensional quantum magnetism in the metallic compound Ti₄MnBi₂, offering evidence into a previously theoretical phase space. The discovery bridges the gap between traditional magnetic insulators and complex electronic systems.
A new study by the University of British Columbia warns that deep-sea mining could lead to a 13% increase in environmental degradation, posing significant hazards for marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and businesses. The study advocates for a shift towards circular economy strategies to mitigate these risks.
A new UBC study examines how long-term social patterns impact eating habits in older adults. Women who engage in a variety of social activities tend to maintain healthier diets, while those with fewer or no interactions show declines.
New study suggests marine shipping emissions will decrease by 30-40% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels, but may not meet net-zero goal for 2050. The International Maritime Organization has approved new emission reduction policies.
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.
The new season of The Last of Us explores the real-life characteristics of cordyceps, including its airborne spore method of infection. Researchers like Dr. Jim Kronstad highlight the warming climate as a potential contributor to the spread of harmful fungi.
Researchers have developed a new approach to personalize treatments for young cancer patients by growing tumors in chicken eggs and analyzing proteins. The technique, which combines genomics and proteomics, was successful in identifying a treatment option for a patient with a rare pediatric cancer.
A new study finds that Canada is the slowest country to report genetic information about bird flu, with an average time of 618 days. However, the same researchers note that Canada was able to improve its response to COVID-19, highlighting the need for similar urgency in addressing this public health threat.
A new study by University of B.C. researchers found that ADHD-related content on TikTok often misrepresents the disorder and can lead to misunderstandings. The study highlights the need for mental health professionals to engage with social media platforms like TikTok to provide accurate information.
Researchers developed a new technique to identify aggressive medulloblastoma in children, allowing doctors to tailor treatments and reduce unnecessary side effects. The MYC test can be performed in any pathology lab worldwide, providing faster and more accurate care for young patients with brain tumours.
Researchers have confirmed hydrogen's superfluidity at the nanoscale, a quantum state of frictionless flow, using helium nanodroplets. This discovery deepens understanding of quantum fluids and could inspire more efficient hydrogen storage and transport for clean energy applications.
Recent studies suggest that rising temperatures could disrupt the balance of Earth's climate by increasing plant water loss. In extreme heat, plants may lose too much water to conserve it, limiting photosynthesis and reducing their role as a carbon sink.
Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered a new brain cell type called 'ovoid cells' that play a central role in remembering and recognizing objects. These highly-specialized neurons activate when encountering something new, triggering the process to store objects in memory.
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.
A recent UBC study found that there's a 26% annual chance of space rocket junk re-entering the atmosphere and passing through a busy flight area, highlighting the potential for uncontrolled debris to disrupt flights. The researchers emphasize the need for policymakers to take action to address this issue.
Researchers have discovered a unique configuration of twisted bilayer-trilayer graphene that forms a perfectly ordered array of electrons, resulting in a topological electronic crystal. This phenomenon enables effortless electric current flow along the edges while maintaining insulating properties within the interior.
A recent study from UBC researchers found that AI chatbots contain biases that can shape environmental discourse in unhelpful ways. The bots amplified existing societal biases and leaned heavily on past experience to propose solutions, largely steering clear of bold responses.
The Africa-UBC Oceans and Fisheries Visiting Fellows Program has selected two exceptional scholars, Dr. Cynthia A. Adinortey (Ghana) and Dr. Antony Otinga Oteng’o (Kenya), to collaborate with UBC researchers on ocean sustainability projects.
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.
A new study found that mealworms can ingest and absorb microplastics when fed a realistic diet, gaining weight in the process. The insects' digestive mechanisms hold potential for breaking down microplastics, offering a novel approach to addressing plastic pollution.
A new study found that climate warming can increase the severity of bacterial infections in cold-blooded animals like corals, insects, and fish. The researchers analyzed data from 60 experimental studies and found that infected animals were more likely to die when exposed to higher temperatures.
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.
Researchers found nearly all women with breast cancer-like mutations carried the anomalies in luminal cells, which line the lobules and ducts. The study suggests that these rare genetic alterations could prime or predispose these cells to cancer development.
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.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a groundbreaking coating that mimics natural blood vessels to reduce clotting and bleeding risks. The coating's unique properties prevent clot formation without disrupting normal blood functions, offering a promising alternative to high-risk blood thinners.
A proof-of-concept study has demonstrated that off-the-shelf thermoelectric generators can convert CO2 into useful fuels and chemicals. The temperature differences encountered in various environments, from geothermal installations to the Martian surface, could power this conversion.
A UBC study found significant disparities in sleep-related regulations across Canadian provinces and territories, leaving centres without clear guidelines. Childcare centres must emphasize safe sleep practices and monitor children during sleep to ensure their safety.
A UBC study analyzing pedestrian interactions with vehicles on busy streets found that distracted pedestrians face higher safety risks compared to undistracted road users. Distracted pedestrians remained unaware of their surroundings, making fewer adjustments to their path or speed.
Research reveals menstrual cycle luteal phase lengths can vary significantly, even in healthy women, and may impact fertility. The study found that only 11% of participants had normally ovulatory cycles throughout the year, while 55% experienced short luteal phases.
A new study from the University of British Columbia reveals that soccer headers can briefly slow brain activity, producing waves associated with sleep and drowsiness. The research found increased delta brain waves within moments of impact, potentially disrupting information processing and leading to reduced focus.
Recent study reveals that Earth's mantle is chemically more homogeneous than previously thought, with lavas acquiring unique properties during ascent. This discovery has significant implications for understanding Earth's formation, plate tectonics, and global element cycles.
Researchers found that different synthesis methods significantly affect high entropy oxides' local structures and microstructures. Combustion synthesis produced the most homogeneous samples, while solid-state method resulted in varied local structures.
A new model reveals that cooperative behaviour between species may break down when conditions are ripe for mutual benefit. Researchers found that as cooperation becomes easier, it can unexpectedly disappear, with asymmetric clusters forming and interacting across lattices.
The peach blossom jellyfish, an invasive species from China, has been spotted in 34 locations in B.C., with predictions suggesting sightings and locations will increase by the end of the decade. The jellyfish clones are effectively identical, having originated from the same polyp or cluster of polyps.
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.
Researchers developed a low-cost, portable tool to accurately measure microplastic particles, which are showing up in food, water, and air. The device uses fluorescent labeling and delivers results in minutes, with costs as low as 1.5 cents per test.