A new study published in Paleobiology suggests that trilobites' growth rates were similar to those of modern marine crustaceans. Researchers analyzed length-frequency data from exceptionally-preserved trilobite fossils and compared them with published data on the growth of extant crustaceans, finding a well-matched growth curve.
Researchers developed a new blood test that analyzes circulating tumour DNA, providing unprecedented insight into cancer make-up. The test reveals unique characteristics of each patient's cancer, enabling personalized treatment plans. It also sheds light on treatment resistance and helps predict effective treatments.
A new study found that active interventions can lift conservation units of wild Pacific salmon to green status, which means they are healthy and able to sustain fisheries under Canada's Wild Salmon Policy. Implementing an integrated habitat strategy and improving policies for watershed management can shift up to 17 CUs to green status.
Research reveals men don't want to be alone during a breakup, using creative strategies like online resources, friends, family, and community-based groups. Many men also engage professional counseling services.
Researchers estimate a 6-10% chance of casualties from uncontrolled re-entry of abandoned rocket stages within the next decade. The study suggests that governments should mandate safe re-entry guidelines to minimize risks and save lives.
Research has found that some metal-rich suspended sediment from the disaster remains in circulation, causing ongoing impacts on water quality and aquatic life. The study estimates it will take about a decade for the lake to substantially flush out the finest fraction of these tailings solids.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia identified a new high-salt receptor, IR7c, in fruit flies that governs their ability to detect dangerously high concentrations of salt. This discovery provides insights into how animals sense and avoid excessive salt, which is essential for survival but can be toxic in high amounts.
Researchers have discovered that a cancer drug could slow the progress of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mice by increasing muscle fibre resilience. The findings suggest that the drug may help delay disease progression and improve mobility for patients, potentially serving as an adjunct to emerging gene therapy approaches.
A new UBC study finds that southern resident killer whales have been in an energy deficit for six of the last 40 years, with three recent years (2018-2020) being particularly dire. The researchers attribute this decline to lower Chinook salmon abundance and size, which are the primary food source for these whales.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that infants under 12 months who undergo oral immunotherapy have a better safety profile compared to older preschoolers. The treatment, which involves gradually increasing exposure to peanut flour, is highly effective and safe for this age group.
New research from the University of British Columbia creates the world's first global map of mammal movement between protected areas. The study reveals that Canada has critical areas for connectivity, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity and animal populations.
A recent study found that even tiny marine invertebrates have distinct and diverse microbial communities, called microbiomes. These findings challenge the assumption that closely related animals share similar microbiomes.
Researchers identified Tenacibaculum maritimum, a bacterium causing ulcerative disease, and piscine orthoreovirus (PRV), a virus causing disease in Pacific salmon worldwide. The study links PRV to negative impact on wild Pacific salmon survival in B.C.
Researchers have mapped the brain's changes during depression treatment using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The study found that certain brain regions activated by rTMS were associated with better treatment outcomes. This new understanding could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of depression.
Researchers at UBC's Sea Around Us initiative identified four high-traffic areas in the Pacific Ocean as crucial for conserving large pelagic fishes like tuna and swordfish. By analyzing migration routes, genetic sequencing studies, and catch distribution maps, they pinpointed 'blue corridors' where strict fisheries management measures...
Researchers at UBC create ionic skins made of flexible hydrogels that use ions to carry an electrical charge. These hydrogels can generate voltages when touched, producing a piezoionic effect that allows them to detect pressure and other stimuli. The technology has potential applications in prosthetics, wearable sensors, and body impla...
A new paper by UBC researchers suggests reviving cultural burning and promoting Indigenous-led fire stewardship to achieve multiple objectives, including reducing wildfire risk and enhancing biodiversity. However, barriers such as lack of understanding and funding limitations hinder the implementation of these practices.
A new study by UBC researchers found that climate change is altering the species served on Vancouver restaurant menus, with warmer waters favoring Humboldt squid and sardines. This shift may lead to reduced availability of sockeye salmon, making way for other fish species.
Researchers found that green spaces were used as a tool for control and social cohesion, reducing instability in regions. The study highlights the potential of landscape design as a nonviolent means of subduing resistance from local populations.
A large US study confirms a strong link between ED medications and vision problems, including an 85% increased risk of developing serious eye conditions. Regular use of Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or Stendra may lead to side effects such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
Researchers found that negative online comments have little effect on brands with strong consumer relationships, while actually boosting purchase intentions in cases where reviewers are socially distant. Strong brand relationships and display of reviewer profiles are key to managing online reviews effectively.
Researchers have developed a new compound that prevents and treats COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant in mice. The compound, N-0385, blocks entry at the cell surface without causing detectable cell damage.
Researchers at UBC have successfully 3D printed human testicular cells and observed early signs of sperm-producing capabilities. This breakthrough may lead to new fertility treatments for couples with untreatable forms of male infertility.
Postpartum mothers experience unwanted and intrusive thoughts about harming their babies, which are not associated with an increased risk of actual harm. Research suggests these thoughts may lead to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in vulnerable women.
A new study found that severe mental health symptoms among nurses are linked to lower ratings of patient care quality and safety. The research highlights the importance of addressing work environment factors, such as heavy workloads and inadequate staffing, to protect nurse mental health.
A new study examines the 'skunk' smell and other emissions from cannabis production, finding they can be equivalent to livestock operations. The review highlights gaps in knowledge about cannabis emissions and their impact on air quality.
Researchers examined Kappa and Delta variant structures using cryo-EM, finding Delta's spike protein binds stronger with human ACE2 receptor. This explains the rapid global dominance of the Delta variant. The study provides insight into COVID-19 variants' evolution.
Over one quarter of Europe's 20 most highly-fished marine species will face extreme pressure by 2100 if no action is taken to address climate change, overfishing, and mercury pollution. The study projects a significant decline in population size for key species like great Atlantic scallop, red mullet, and common octopus.
A global study using thousands of camera trap stations found that protected areas have a positive impact on mammal diversity, even when experiencing human disturbances such as recreational use and logging. The study's findings suggest that expanding protected areas could help conserve larger mammals and their critical roles in ecosystems.
A new UBC study confirms that men are at increased risk of mental illness, including anxiety and depression, when they transition out of relationships. The study found that men often downplay issues in their relationships, leading to further conflict, and may turn to substances to cope with feelings such as anger and regret.
Researchers discovered that Chaoborus larvae adjust their air-sacs' volume by changing the pH level, utilizing resilin's elastic properties. This unusual adaptation enables them to float neutrally buoyant in water.
Researchers discovered that lunge-feeding whales have an 'oral plug' in their mouths, which seals off the upper airways during feeding. This mechanism prevents water from entering their lungs and allows them to gulp down large amounts of krill without drowning.
The study reveals that Omicron's spike protein mutations increase its binding affinity to human cells and evade antibodies, contributing to its increased transmissibility. The researchers aim to develop more effective treatments against Omicron and related variants using this knowledge.
According to a new study, climate change will force 45% of transboundary fish stocks to shift significantly by 2100, raising tensions and potential conflicts over resource management. This shift will disproportionately affect tropical countries and potentially collapse international agreements.
Researchers found that sunflowers with larger UV bullseyes retain water more efficiently in drier environments, suggesting a dual role for floral pigmentation in adaptation. The discovery may help increase crop yields and improve pollinator attraction.
A new statistical model has improved understanding of northern resident killer whale behaviors, revealing patterns in energy expenditure and prey capture. The enhanced hidden Markov model captures high-frequency information, providing insights into the whales' diving habits and conserving energy.
A new study by UBC researchers found that larger farms lead to a 15% decrease in bird diversity in the farmland bordering the former Iron Curtain. Maintaining diverse habitats within agricultural landscapes is crucial for conserving bird diversity.
Research on hybrid threespine stickleback fish found that genetic signatures of hybrid incompatibilities are environment-dependent. Fish raised in ponds had a lower incidence of mismatched genes due to ecological pressures, whereas lab-reared fish showed no difference in heterozygosity.
Research confirms that fish become sexually active and spawn due to growth-induced respiratory stress. The study found a consistent metabolic ratio across 133 species of fish, which supports the idea that reproduction is initiated by changes in oxygen supply and demand.
New research reveals that gene exchange between viruses and their hosts plays a major role in shaping the tree of life. The study found that viruses acquire genes from their hosts to hone their infection process, while also co-opting useful viral genes from hosts.
A new study projects that farmed seafood supply will drop by 16% globally by 2090 if no action is taken to mitigate climate change. The industry is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and some regions could see a decline in mariculture production by up to 90%.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a flexible and washable battery that can withstand repeated use and laundry cycles. The battery's construction creates an airtight seal and uses safer chemistry, making it suitable for wearable devices worn next to the skin.
A UBC-led study found no increase in abortion-related health complications after Canada removed mifepristone restrictions. The study examined 315,000 abortions in Ontario between 2012 and 2020 and showed that abortion continued to be safe and effective with mifepristone prescribed without restrictions.
A Canadian study found that delaying the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine produces a stronger immune response, which could inform international vaccination strategies. This longer dose interval strategy enables early access to first doses and ensures better protection with the two-dose series.
Researchers trained an artificial intelligence algorithm to predict the next designer drugs before they are even on the market, allowing law enforcement agencies to identify and regulate new versions of dangerous psychoactive drugs. The model was tested against 196 new designer drugs and found nearly all were present in its generated set.
A new study found that free-roaming domestic cats are the likely cause of toxoplasmosis in wildlife, with healthy ecosystems providing protection against these pathogens. The researchers suggest limiting cat roaming can reduce the impact of Toxoplasma on wildlife.
Researchers at UBC and BC Cancer developed a new test to distinguish between high-risk medulloblastoma cases requiring radiation therapy and lower-risk cases. This test has the potential to improve diagnosis and future treatment of childhood brain tumours worldwide, reducing unnecessary side effects and increasing cure rates.
Two hundred ninety scientific researchers from 46 countries urge the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ban harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The signatories cite research showing that such subsidies lead to unsustainable fishing practices, contravening UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Researchers found that the 2013-2015 heatwave known as 'the Blob' reduced the Pacific Ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in its role as a carbon sink. Microbial communities responded by shifting towards more nutrient-limited conditions, hindering the ocean's biological pump.
A UBC-led research team discovered that SARS-CoV-2 attaches to and deactivates galectin-8, a sensor protein that protects cells against infection. By disabling this defense system, the virus can hijack host cells to produce more viruses.