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.
Gills can't keep up with fish bodies as they grow, leading to oxygen limitation. This constraint affects fish reproduction and fisheries, particularly in warm waters with low oxygen levels.
A study published in Nature reveals that the thymus gland plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and metabolic control during pregnancy. The researchers found that female sex hormones instruct changes in the thymus to produce specialized cells called Tregs, which help prevent miscarriage and gestational diabetes.
Research suggests cannabis use by people in opioid addiction care can lower fentanyl-positive urine tests and reduce overdose risk. A study of 819 participants found that those with THC positive urine were 10% less likely to have fentanyl, highlighting potential benefits for treatment outcomes.
A UBC study found that a combination of good planning, strong leadership, and a focus on safety contributed to a long-term care facility's success in preventing COVID-19 outbreaks. However, the study also highlighted growing levels of staff stress and dissatisfaction with staffing levels.
A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business finds that crowdfunding activates an interdependent mindset in consumers, making them more responsive to social good options. Researchers conducted experiments where participants were offered products with different benefits, including social good and performance benefits.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that exposing children to small, regular doses of peanuts can reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions. Nearly 80% of preschoolers were able to eat a full serving of peanuts without reaction, protecting them from 99% of accidental exposures.
Researchers found that individuals with gambling disorder focus on irrelevant information from previous gambles, rather than considering optimal probabilities and prize sizes. This impaired decision-making can lead to continued gambling despite mounting losses.
A decade-long study of killer whale necropsies reveals widespread mortality linked to human activities, affecting all age classes. Human-caused deaths were found in healthy populations as well as endangered species, emphasizing the need for improved conservation strategies.
Scientists warn that seismic guidelines in Canada's national building code may be inadequate for Metro Vancouver's unique geological conditions, particularly the Georgia sedimentary basin. This could put taller, older buildings at greater risk during a magnitude-9 Cascadia earthquake.
A new co-governance model aims to save species such as salmon and southern resident killer whales from extinction through a $381 million conservation plan. The study highlights the importance of urban biodiversity conservation and investment in strategies like habitat restoration and public land management.
Increasing diversity in crop production improves biodiversity and ecosystem services, while maintaining crop yields. Diversification practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and reduced tillage can enhance pollination, pest regulation, and soil fertility.
A new study found that conservatives tend to focus on self-reliance and feel responsible for their own outcomes, while liberals take a community-minded view and prioritize the well-being of others. The research suggests that public health officials should tailor their messages to specific audiences, with more liberal messaging resonati...
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that teens who spend more time on extracurricular activities and less time on screens have better mental health. The study also found that girls are particularly affected by excessive screen time, which can lead to anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that middle-aged and older women with few social ties were more likely to develop high blood pressure than men, even when controlling for other factors. The study suggests that regular social participation can have a protective effect among non-partnered women.
A UBC study identified over 633 exploited transboundary fish species worldwide, with catches and revenues severely underestimated. The catch from these fisheries had been heavily skewed towards a few countries, including China, the USA, Russia, Peru, and Japan.
Researchers have mapped 90% of the human proteome, revealing key interactions between proteins that influence human health. This breakthrough has implications for understanding COVID-19 and developing precision medicine.
Researchers found that targeting the heart to increase blood flow can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the injured spinal cord, potentially reducing damage and improving function. This new approach could lead to a change in how newly injured patients are managed, with improved chances of retaining motor function.
Researchers used camera traps to monitor wildlife and human trail use in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park, finding that wildlife tends to avoid places recently visited by recreational users. The study highlights the need to balance outdoor recreation with potential disruption of ecosystems and loss of species.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that people who get less sleep than usual react more emotionally to stressful events, while those who get longer sleep have better responses to positive experiences. This has important health implications, as chronic stress can lead to inflammation and premature death.
A University of British Columbia-led study found that removing restrictions on mifepristone in Canada greatly improved access to abortion care, particularly in rural communities. The research also highlighted the importance of flexible regulations to reduce confusion among healthcare providers.
Researchers discovered elevated markers associated with heat stress and pesticide exposure in failed queens from B.C., suggesting temperature fluctuations during transportation and potential pesticide effects may contribute to queen bee failure. A diagnostic test is proposed to help beekeepers understand and prevent this issue.
A recent study by the Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences found that one quarter of prescription drugs in Canada were reported in shortage during a study period. The average length of a shortage was five months, with markets with single generic manufacturers being the most vulnerable to shortage.
Neighbourhoods with high walkability and bikeability scores are associated with higher collision risks, despite being deemed safe for walking and biking. Researchers identified hotspots in the downtown core and areas like Strathcona and Mount Pleasant as high-risk zones for cyclists.
Researchers have identified a metabolic vulnerability in cells that may represent a therapeutic target for treating small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT). A new treatment agent has been shown to starve cancer cells by eliminating arginine, an amino acid necessary for protein production.
Researchers developed the Cold Tube, a system of rectangular panels that absorb heat radiation from a person's body, creating a cooling sensation. This technology can be used in outdoor spaces like summer fairs and public markets, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics analyzed genomic differences between HPV strains causing cervical cancers, revealing distinct characteristics and implications for prognosis. The researchers identified specific patterns associated with aggressive cancers, highlighting the need for further studies on African populations.
The pandemic is accelerating the implementation of urban changes, such as bicycle infrastructure and street calming projects. Cities are also exploring new uses for public spaces, like rooftop gardens, to promote wellbeing and community interaction.
Tropical fisheries face significant threats from climate change, with global seafood trade and distant-water fishing linked to extratropical natural systems. This telecoupling effect generates cascades of impacts that affect not only local economies but also distant regions.
New research published in Nature Geoscience reveals that early Mars was covered in ice sheets, not flowing rivers. The study analyzed over 10,000 Martian valleys and found striking similarities with subglacial channels in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
Research found that women with fewer social connections are more likely to be obese, while men with larger networks are less likely. The study suggests that healthcare providers should consider social activities as part of obesity treatment for non-partnered older women.
Research from UBC's PCIGR analyzed honey samples from Parisian hives collected after the April 2019 Notre Dame Cathedral fire. Lead concentrations were up to four times higher than pre-fire levels, suggesting exposure to lead contamination. The study provides a unique method for tracing environmental pollution using honey.
Researchers found that Dome A's unique combination of high altitude, low temperature, and stable atmosphere makes it an attractive location for optical and infrared astronomy. This location could lead to sharper images and the detection of fainter objects, overcoming a major challenge in Earth-based astronomy: atmospheric turbulence.
New research from UBC shows that supportive communities and a progressive political climate can help mitigate the effects of stigma on mental health among LGBTQ youth. The study found that lesbian and bisexual girls in communities with more supportive events and services were less likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
A new UBC study reveals that older adults experienced greater emotional well-being and felt less stressed during the pandemic compared to younger and middle-aged adults. Positive events, such as remote social interactions, also helped increase positive emotions across all age groups.
A new portable DNA detection method can identify tree pests and pathogens like the Asian gypsy moth and sudden oak death pathogen in under two hours. The device uses PCR testing to analyze tiny amounts of DNA and has been tested on multiple destructive invasive species.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of Manitoba found that certain bacteria in breast milk co-occur with their infants' stool. Breastfeeding directly at the breast was strongly associated with a baby's overall gut microbiota composition.
Researchers replicated extreme rainfall events in Central and South America's neotropics, finding top-heavy food webs with predators when rainfall varied daily. This altered the trophic structure of bromeliad tanks, affecting energy flow through ecosystems.
Researchers identified 37 supergenes in wild sunflower populations that govern the modular transfer of traits important for adaptation. These supergenes can be truly massive, with the largest comprising over 100 million base pairs and 1,819 genes.