Researchers found that a dying brain can respond to sound even in an unconscious state, up to the last hours of life. The study used EEG to analyze brain activity from hospice patients and healthy controls, revealing similar responses to common and rare sounds.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that people are 30% more likely to donate assets when faced with their own mortality, driven by a desire for symbolic immortality and transcendence. The study suggests that charitable organizations can use this insight to connect donors with lasting legacies.
Exposure to wildfire smoke affects the body's respiratory and cardiovascular systems almost immediately, according to a UBC study. The researchers found that even within one hour of exposure, ambulance dispatches related to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions increased.
A UBC study analyzed survey data from 13,611 adults in the US to identify social and behavioral factors closely linked to mortality. The top 10 factors included smoking, divorce, alcohol abuse, recent financial difficulties, and history of unemployment.
Researchers developed a new test, PrOTYPE, to classify high-grade serous ovarian cancer into four molecular subtypes. This test allows clinicians to tailor treatments to individual patients' tumours with over 95% accuracy.
Researchers estimate that there may be as many as one Earth-like planet for every five Sun-like stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. This number could lead to new insights into planet formation and evolution theories, optimizing future exoplanet missions.
A new study finds that sea otter recovery brings significant ecological and economic benefits, including healthier kelp forests, higher fish catches, and carbon storage. The long-term benefits are estimated to be worth over $53 million per year, potentially offsetting commercial losses of $7 million.
A free web resource improved men's health behaviours, including eating habits and exercise, with 75% reporting changes in their diets and 70% engaging in sports. The study found significant positive changes among regular users of the site, even without access to fitness facilities.
A new study found that most cannabis poisoning incidents among children involved intentional use of cannabis combined with alcohol, illicit drugs, or medication. The majority of cases were reported on weekdays, with youth smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol in private residences.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a key enzyme that contributes to eczema's debilitating effects, offering new hope for treatment. By inhibiting Granzyme B, the study suggests a safer and more effective long-term treatment could prevent skin damage and reduce symptoms.
A recent UBC study measured the biochemical properties of zooplankton in the Strait of Georgia, finding that seasonal changes in plankton food web pathways drive variability in plankton fatty acid composition. This shift confers a higher nutritional value to zooplankton in the summer, benefiting juvenile salmon and herring.
Research reveals that positive anticipation leads to impatience, while negative anticipation elicits dread, influencing task prioritization. The study's findings have practical applications for personal finance and long-term planning.
A long-term lab study reveals that climate change is drastically reducing the skeletal strength and filter-feeding capacity of glass sponges. The findings indicate that ongoing climate change could have serious, irreversible impacts on these sprawling reefs in the Pacific Northwest.
Research found that most people at high risk of overdose in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside who use cannabis do so for pain relief and other therapeutic reasons. Cannabis users in this group had lower odds of experiencing a recent non-fatal opioid overdose, indicating a possible reduction in opioid reliance.
A UBC scientist has identified a gene called ALK that plays a role in resisting weight gain in humans. The study found that a mutation in the ALK gene is associated with thinner individuals, and that deleting the gene in mice made them resistant to diet-induced obesity.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that women's treatment decisions during pregnancy should be tailored to their individual values and preferences. The research found that half of the women preferred tight control of blood pressure, while half preferred less-tight control, with Caucasian ethnicity, uni...
A five-year study has identified the mechanism behind the BCG vaccine's unexpected protection against diseases other than TB in newborns. The researchers found that BCG triggers a rapid increase in neutrophils, white blood cells that fight invading pathogens.
Researchers from UBC have discovered a new timeline for the ancient magnetic field on Mars, with evidence of dynamo activity at 4.5 billion and 3.7 billion years ago. The findings suggest that the Martian dynamo was active earlier than previously thought, providing insights into the planet's thermal history and evolution.
Researchers used mass spectrometry to analyze sperm stored in honey bee queens and found five proteins activated by extreme temperatures. The proteins can indicate heat stress in queen bees and serve as a bellwether for wider insect fertility losses.
Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered that soil silicates can help control bleeding after injury by triggering clotting. The presence of soil in wounds activates a blood protein called coagulation Factor XII, leading to the formation of a plug and limiting blood loss.
A new study predicts that future 'blobs' will exacerbate climate change impacts on fish stocks, causing biomass to decrease and distribution shifts. This could lead to significant declines in fisheries sectors along the west coast of Canada and USA.
A new trial drug, APN01, has been found to effectively block the SARS-CoV-2 virus from infecting its hosts, holding promise as a treatment for COVID-19. The study provides valuable insights into the key aspects of the novel coronavirus and its interactions with cells.
Researchers have identified a gene, endothelin-converting enzyme 2 (ECE2), that significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found two mutations in ECE2 impairing its ability to break down amyloid beta protein, leading to increased levels and plaque formation.
Researchers propose using preserved museum fish specimens to calculate length-weight relationships, aiding in estimating biomass and studying hard-to-reach species. This method improves data accuracy by leveraging existing specimen information.
A study estimates that women worldwide catch 3 million tonnes of marine fish and seafood per year, generating $5.6 billion in value or 12% of global small-scale fisheries catches. The economic impact is even higher at $26 billion when adjusted for purchasing power parity.
Researchers found that consumers mentally visualize using products associated with sunny and snowy conditions, leading to higher product valuation. This effect only works for products related to being outside, such as beach towels or winter gear.
Research reveals over 8 million to 14 million tonnes of unreported fish catches are traded illicitly annually, costing the legitimate market $9-17 billion. The economic impact is felt heavily in Asia, Africa, and South America, affecting millions' nutritional food security and livelihoods.
Scientists have discovered that Mars' magnetic field is ten times stronger than previously estimated, with fluctuations revealing clues about the planet's upper atmosphere. The findings provide valuable insights into Mars' interior structure and how it formed.
New research from the University of British Columbia finds a strong correlation between patients' complaints and violence towards nurses. Addressing these complaints can help curb aggressive behavior and protect nurses' safety.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that sleeping with a partner's scent can significantly improve sleep efficiency. Participants experienced better rest and reduced tossing and turning when exposed to their partner's scent, even if they weren't consciously aware of it.
Patients with lupus who take their medications consistently have a 39% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study found that antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine significantly protect patients against the complication if taken as prescribed for at least 90% of the time.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have demonstrated a new way to control electrical currents in materials by leveraging electron spin and orbital rotation. This breakthrough enables metal-insulator transitions, which could lead to new electronic, magnetic, and sensing applications.
A study by the University of British Columbia and other institutions found that merit-based grants are the most effective way to provide student aid. The current system of grants and loans has significant long-term value, with a $1000 increase in grants per year leading to a long-run gain in GDP of close to one percent.
A new microfluidics device has identified two super donors with long-lasting red blood cells, offering potential for improved transfusion safety. The study, published in Lab on a Chip, could benefit over 4.5 million patients requiring regular blood transfusions.
A UBC study reveals people's worries about smart speakers extend to their housemates accessing devices, ordering online, or overhearing conversations. Researchers found that users' mental models of how smart speakers work influence their attitudes towards shared devices.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that young children between 4-5 years old prefer learning from people who consistently match their accuracy and confidence. This ability helps them distinguish reliable information sources, making them less susceptible to misinformation.
A new UBC study finds that swapping out grapes for more drought and heat-tolerant varieties can ease the transition to a warmer world, with up to 51% of current winegrowing regions potentially lost to climate change. Diversification may limit losses to 24%, with specific regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux adapting to new varieties.
A new study reveals that recreational catches of sharks and rays have grown to account for 54,000 tonnes of the total 900,000 tonnes caught every year. Many species are already threatened due to commercial fishing and illegal activities.
A study by BC Centre for Disease Control and University of British Columbia found that two-thirds of people who use drugs are aware they've taken fentanyl. The study emphasizes the importance of harm reduction services, substance treatment, and pharmaceutical alternatives to reduce devastating impacts of fentanyl on communities.
A study published in Environmental Health found a link between air pollution from traffic and an increased risk of developing dementia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Living near green spaces appears to have protective effects against these neurological disorders.
The resale ticket market appeals to season ticket holders who want to recoup costs, reducing the need for fans to buy full-season passes. This boosts team revenues by creating an alternative supply of tickets.
Researchers have recorded how electrons interact with atomic vibrations in solids, capturing the processes that cause electrical resistance and superconductivity. The study enables visualization of dynamic properties of quantum materials, shedding light on high-temperature superconductivity and other phenomena.
A new study suggests that Tr1 cells, a type of T cell, can produce a chemical signal to repair the gut barrier and promote mucus production. The researchers found that these cells are capable of reducing inflammation and healing tissue in children with IBD.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that vivid images are more effective than statistical data in conveying earthquake risk. The researchers created an image showing a Vancouver elementary school after a major earthquake and found that people who saw it were more likely to sign a petition for seismic upgrades, wit...
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health estimates that one in two homeless people experience a head injury, with moderate or severe injuries affecting nearly a quarter. The research suggests providing stable housing may lower the risk of traumatic brain injury for this vulnerable group.
New research suggests that ancient microbes played a crucial role in forming massive iron ore deposits and keeping the early atmosphere warm. The findings provide strong evidence for the 'faint-young-sun' paradox theory, which proposes that life emerged on Earth despite a less intense sun.
A new UBC study found that restoring seismic lines to protect caribou from predators and competitors has limited effectiveness in keeping them safe. Caribou populations have declined rapidly across western Canada, and the researchers' camera trap study showed that restored lines were used about as much as unrestored lines.
New UBC research reveals that robotic vehicles like Amazon delivery drones or Mars rovers can be hacked using stealth attacks, causing them to crash or complete their missions late. The study identifies weaknesses in robotic vehicle software that could allow attackers to disrupt behavior and evade detection.
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that even low levels of air pollution increase the risk of deaths in Canada. The research suggests that millions of Canadians live in high-pollution areas, leading to a significant health burden.
Daily cannabis use reduces illicit opioid use among people with chronic pain, researchers found in a study published in PLOS Medicine. The study of over 1,100 participants suggests that cannabis may be a beneficial alternative to opioids for pain management.