UBC In The News

Fasting may help protect against infection by altering the gut microbiome

A study led by UBC gastroenterology professor Dr. Bruce Vallance suggests that fasting may help to protect us from infection.
BBC – Science Focus

Indigenous cultural burning can boost biodiversity, help fight forest fires: Canadian study

Dr. Kira Hoffman, an NSERC postdoctoral fellow at UBC’s faculty of forestry, discussed her study on Indigenous fire stewardship that found cultural fires can mitigate the risks of uncontrolled wildfires and enhance biodiversity.
CBC770 CHQR – Aug. 4 at 1 p.m, (6:38 mark)

Extent of B.C. salmon habitat loss mapped for first time ever; findings grave

A study by researchers from UBC and the Rainforest Conservation Foundation looked at the lost and inaccessible habitat for Pacific salmon in Canada’s Lower Fraser River. Study authors Riley Finn and Dr. Tara Martin at UBC’s faculty of forestry were quoted.
CTVCKNW Jill Bennett Show – Aug. 5 at 12 p.m. (34:47 mark), Glacier Media via Vancouver is AwesomeBurnaby NowRichmond NewsDelta OptimistTri-City NewsSquamish ChiefCastanetPrince George Citizen, Black Press Media via Surrey Now-LeaderNorth Delta ReporterMaple Ridge-Pitt Meadows NewsAbbotsford NewsChilliwack Progress

The case against the concept of biodiversity

Dr. Andrea Reid, a professor at UBC’s Centre for Indigenous Fisheries, gave comments about Indigenous concepts of conservation.
Vox

Mystery of the deep: Behaviour of J pod orcas confounds researchers

Dr. Andrew Trites, director of the marine mammal research unit at UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, commented on J pod, the Southern resident orca group.
CBC via Weather Network

Brampton gets federal funding to ramp up tree planting

UBC forestry professor Dr. Lorien Nesbitt spoke about the increased focus on and investment in urban forests and how to best take care of the trees.
National Observer via The Star

mRNA technology behind COVID-19 vaccines could change how we treat cancer

Dr. Anna Blakney, a professor in UBC’s Michael Smith Laboratories and school of biomedical engineering, discussed how the mRNA vaccine technology could change the way we treat other diseases such as cancer.
News 1130

'It makes sense': immunologist wants B.C. to follow Quebec on vaccine passports

Dr. Kelly McNagny, a professor in UBC’s department of medical genetics, commented on requiring proof of vaccination in busy public indoor spaces.
CTV

COVID-19: B.C.'s strategy is all about vaccination – even as case counts rise

Dr. Heidi Tworek, a professor at UBC’s school of public policy and global affairs and department of history, says to push vaccination numbers even higher, the provincial campaign must move from the “one-size-fits-all approach” of mass clinics to the granular phase.
Postmedia via Vancouver SunThe Province

All new COVID-19 cases on Island are from Delta variant: report

UBC mathematics professor Dr. Daniel Coombs and evolutionary biologist Dr. Sarah Otto gave comments about the recent uptick of COVID-19 cases in B.C.
Times Colonist

B.C. to stay the course on reopening plan despite rise in cases

UBC evolutionary biologist Dr. Sarah Otto spoke about preventing the Delta variant from spreading and said the province should bring back mandatory masks in public indoor spaces, alongside other measures to minimize spread.
The Tyee

Truth before reconciliation: 8 ways to identify and confront Residential School denialism

Dr. Daniel Heath Justice, a professor of critical Indigenous studies and English at UBC, discussed residential school denialism.
The Conversation via National Post

Vancouver philanthropists, activists and inventors recipients of Order of B.C.

UBC faculty members Bonnie Henry, Poul Sorensen, Debra Braithwaite, James McEwen and Dolph Schluter have been appointed to receive the province’s highest honour, the Order of British Columbia.
Times ColonistVancouver is Awesome