A UBC study found that children living in areas with high greenspace exposure showed better overall development than peers with less access. Greenspaces reduce the negative impacts of air pollution and noise on children's health and development.
Researchers used stable isotopes and fatty acids to unlock the secrets of jellyfish feeding. They found that jellyfish diets could look quite different than expected, with some species not incorporating certain prey into their bodies.
A new paper from University of British Columbia expert Dr. Mary O'Connor emphasizes the need to consider feedbacks in biodiversity research and policy making to mitigate negative consequences for humans. The authors propose building national and global biodiversity observatories to monitor ecosystems and human activities, enabling data...
A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that southern resident killer whales have access to four to six times more Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea than northern residents. This challenges the common notion of a prey shortage for southern residents during summer feeding grounds.
A recent study analyzing over 10,000 community births in Washington state between 2015 and 2020 found that planned home births with licensed midwives are as safe as births at a licensed birth center. The research team discovered no increased risk for parents or babies associated with the birth setting.
Researchers found that a cancer chemotherapy drug can restore memory and cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting blood vessel growth. The study suggests repurposing approved anti-cancer drugs as treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, potentially shortening clinical development time.
A new study projects that marine heatwaves will wipe out hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fish available for catch in a country's waters by the century's end. Researchers warn that extreme temperatures will exacerbate impacts on fisheries and human communities, leading to significant job losses.
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that many catch share fisheries globally are not paying royalties on their harvests, despite generating an estimated US$17.7 billion in value. The study highlights that countries like Canada do not charge for the use of these natural resources.
A new study found that coral reefs have lost half their ability to provide food, jobs, and climate protection since the 1950s, with significant declines in reef coverage and biodiversity. This loss threatens the well-being and sustainable development of human communities on coastal areas.
A new study by UBC researchers found that chemotherapy drug cisplatin is more likely to cause hearing loss in young children, particularly those under five years old. The study, published in Cancer, shows that the hearing of these children is impacted early during treatment and is affected to a greater extent than older children.
A new study found that Arctic cod biomass and distribution will decline dramatically by the end of the century, while smaller fish like capelin and sand lance will become more prevalent. This shift may leave predators with less energy gained during foraging, forcing them to spend more energy to catch smaller fish.
Research finds approximately one-third of the population experience sensitivities when seeing others fidget, leading to emotional and social impacts. Individuals with misokinesia report difficulty in social situations, work environments, and learning spaces, with impacts increasing with age.
A simple stock assessment model applied to 500 years of catch data shows that northern Atlantic cod biomass is currently around 2% of its earlier level. Annual catches could have been sustained at around 200,000 tonnes if authorities had allowed rebuilding in the 1980s.
Researchers have uncovered a weakness in the key enzyme that solid tumour cancer cells rely on to adapt and survive when oxygen levels are low. Inhibiting this enzyme, called Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX), can effectively stop cancer cell growth.
Research from UBC and HKU Earth scientists reveals that massive volcanism played a key role in triggering oceanic anoxia, with CO2-induced environmental warming creating 'dead zones' over short timescales. The findings provide important insights into the sensitivity of the Earth system to global biogeochemical cycles and marine biology.
A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.
Researchers discovered a new carnivorous plant species on the West Coast of North America, Triantha occidentalis, which traps insects with sticky hairs on its flowering stem. The plant balances carnivory and pollination by only trapping small midges and not harming its pollinators.
Researchers have developed a special polymer to coat blood vessels on transplanted organs, reducing rejection rates in mice by substantially diminishing immune system response. The breakthrough has the potential to eliminate the need for drugs that prevent organ rejection and improve transplant outcomes.
Researchers have mapped out the extent of habitat loss for salmon in the Lower Fraser River, revealing that up to 85% of historical floodplain habitat has been lost due to infrastructure. The study found that over 1,200 barriers block access to approximately 2,224 kilometers of streams, a major contributor to current salmon declines.
Researchers found that Arctic terns take similar routes on both southbound and northbound migrations, with coastal routes driven by food availability and oceanic routes influenced by wind. The study's findings suggest the establishment of mobile marine protected areas to conserve Arctic tern populations.
A new study by UBC researchers found that people perceived as being less real and having 'less mind' when appearing within a photo. This discovery has implications for digital communication, particularly in online trials, healthcare, and education, where the perception of a person's mind can influence moral judgement.
Researchers create detailed map of Andromeda's disk, identifying region where new stars are born. The study sheds light on thermal and non-thermal emission components in the galaxy.
Researchers developed a mechanical theory to determine the critical force required for needle insertion in soft materials like skin, discovering that tissue toughness and needle radius play crucial roles. The model provides quantitative predictions and may impact future technology like self-administered disposable pads with microneedles.
A study found that middle managers engage in 'robin hoodism,' secretly helping subordinates mistreated by senior leaders. Managers with strong moral codes are more likely to do so.
A new UBC Sauder School of Business study shows that employees' perceptions of their supervisor's motivations significantly influence their emotional responses, leading to different behaviors. When subordinates believe their leaders are pushing them to improve performance, they experience guilt, which triggers more positive organizatio...
Researchers discovered a large resting colony of Guadalupe fur seals on El Farallón de San Ignacio Island in the Gulf of California, bringing the total number of sites to four. The population is believed to reach 41,000 individuals and is growing at an annual rate of 10-11%.
A new study found that nurses experienced high rates of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those working in long-term care. The survey of over 10,000 Canadian nurses revealed a significant decline in their well-being, with six out of 10 reporting anxiety in April.
A UBC Sauder study reveals that cigarette tax hikes can help bigger brands like Marlboro but harm consumers, whereas smoking restrictions tend to affect smaller players and reduce brand appeal. The researchers also found that anti-tobacco ads have a neutral impact on large brands.
A new report identifies four major barriers to financing a sustainable ocean economy, including weak enabling environment and insufficient public-private investment. Governments, financial institutions, and other players can make financial gains with sustainable ocean investments.
Researchers have discovered a potential way to prevent Ewing sarcoma tumours from spreading by understanding how they develop a protective shield against the harsh environment of the bloodstream. This breakthrough may lead to the development of a clinical-grade immunotherapeutic treatment for Ewing sarcoma.
Researchers from University of British Columbia and Strategic Salmon Health Initiative found Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV) originating from Atlantic salmon farms spreading to wild Pacific salmon through open-net farming. The study suggests a link between PRV transmission and increased disease severity in Chinook salmon.
A new study has found that the composition of a baby's first poop is associated with whether or not they will develop allergies within their first year of life. Newborns with richer meconium have a lower risk of developing allergies, suggesting that early exposure to certain molecules in the womb may play a role in future health.
A novel radiant cooling system combines special panels with natural ventilation to minimize disease transmission and save energy in cities worldwide. By increasing outdoor air flow rates, this alternative solution ensures building occupants remain comfortable and rooms are adequately refreshed.
A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business found that a subtle shift in organ donor messaging can lead to a significant boost in registration. By combining descriptive and injunctive norms, registrations increased by 70%, suggesting that emphasizing low numbers while highlighting high support motivates people to register.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health investigates the effects of altering income assistance payment schedules on drug use and related harms. Varying the timing and frequency of payments reduced escalations in drug use around government payment days, but also had unintended consequences that increased exposure to violence.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered that certain aerosol particles can exhibit three distinct liquid phases, changing our understanding of air pollutants in the atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for improving atmospheric models and climate predictions.
Research highlights biodiversity's crucial link to micronutrient-rich seafood diets, essential in combating 'hidden hunger' and meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals. Preserving aquatic ecosystem biodiversity locally and globally is vital to fulfill nutritional requirements.
A new study by UBC Sauder School of Business found that people with obesity tend to be more responsive to food marketing, but when their weight drops significantly, so does their responsiveness. After significant weight loss, people become less responsive to marketing, making it more sustainable to remain at a lower body mass index.
A new study reveals tilapias adapt to stress by growing smaller, not reproducing earlier. The Gill Oxygen Limitation Theory explains how fish like tilapia survive in rough environments by stopping growth and stunting reproduction.
Researchers at UBC found that a therapeutic bed called Calmer can help maintain steady brain oxygen levels in preterm babies during medical procedures. This is particularly relevant for infants whose brains are vulnerable to pain and stress.
New UBC research finds female sockeye salmon are dying at significantly higher rates than their male counterparts during migration, leading to skewed sex ratios in spawning grounds. The study identifies four reasons for this trend: depletion of energy reserves, reduced cardiac capacity, stress and disease.
Research suggests that postpartum women are at a higher risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than previously thought, with symptoms often going undetected. The study found that up to 17% of new mothers experience OCD symptoms related to infant-related harm, emphasizing the need for targeted screening and assessment me...
A recent UBC-led study scores criteria across five global regions to identify areas of investment necessary for a socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable Blue Economy. The study found considerable differences between regions in their approach to development.
Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered a simple polymer additive can cut agricultural pollution in half by improving fertilizer stickiness. The study found that combining fertilizers with a miniscule amount of polyethylene oxide nearly eliminated environmental loss, reducing percentage from 30 to just five.
A UBC study found that higher life satisfaction is associated with 21 positive health outcomes, including a 26% reduced risk of mortality. The research suggests that policymakers should consider improving life satisfaction as a target for enhancing physical and mental well-being.
A UBC study reveals the most effective fabric combinations for COVID-19 face masks, with a focus on filtration efficiency and breathability. The researchers recommend specific materials and construction techniques to optimize mask performance.
A new study reveals nearly 78% of children with autism have at least one mental health condition, with anxiety and depression prevalent among pre-school age children. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention to increase effectiveness of mental health treatment.
Researchers found a strong correlation between following the MIND and Mediterranean diets and later onset of Parkinson's disease in women up to 17.4 years and men up to 8.4 years. The study suggests nutrition could potentially delay the disease.
Researchers developed a simple barcoding system to reduce sequencing errors in Oxford Nanopore Technologies' MinION device, enabling accurate analysis of microorganisms like SARS-CoV-2. The new method achieves error rates below 0.005% and can process long stretches of DNA up to 10 times longer than conventional technologies.
Researchers discover that a gel containing GzmB inhibitor VTI-1002 reduces skin blistering by 50% and protects skin integrity, offering hope for targeted treatments for pemphigoid diseases. Current corticosteroids often cause severe side effects, making alternative therapies needed.