Science, Health and Technology

UBC-led research team finds nine new coronavirus species

A former UBC post-doctoral research fellow led an international research team in re-analyzing all public RNA sequencing data to uncover almost ten times more RNA viruses than were previously known, including several new species of coronaviruses in some unexpected places.

Jan 26, 2022

When relationships break down, men are at risk of mental illness

A new UBC study confirms that when men transition out of relationships, they are at increased risk of mental illness, including anxiety, depression and suicide.

Jan 26, 2022

Salmon camps show youth Indigenous science at work

Imagine a summer camp where you can watch grizzly bears catch salmon in streams, while learning about the migration and preparation of the fish hovering in the water at your feet.

Jan 25, 2022

A humpback whale from Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary in Massachusetts. Credit: Ari Friedlaender

Here’s why whales don’t drown when they gulp down food underwater

Ever wondered whether whales can burp, and why they don’t drown when they gulp down gallons of water and krill? New UBC research may just hold the answer.

Jan 20, 2022

Nearly half of countries’ shared fish stocks are on the move due to climate change, prompting dispute concerns

Climate change will force 45 per cent of the fish stocks that cross through two or more exclusive economic zones to shift significantly from their historical habitats and migration paths by 2100, a challenge that may lead to international conflict, according to a new UBC study.

Jan 18, 2022

Sunflowers in half UV. Credit: Marco Todesco

Sunflowers’ invisible colours help them attract bees and adapt to drought

It turns out sunflowers are more than just a pretty face: the ultraviolet colours of their flowers not only attract pollinators, but also help the plant regulate water loss, according to new UBC research.

Jan 18, 2022

UBC experts on Pfizer antiviral treatment for COVID-19

Health Canada has authorized Pfizer’s PAXLOVID™ antiviral treatment for adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of progressing to serious disease, including hospitalization or death. UBC experts are available to comment.

Jan 17, 2022

Before cannabis was legalized, 3.8 per cent of drivers had blood THC concentrations above the Canadian legal driving limit of 2 nanograms/ml. That percentage rose to 8.6 per cent after legalization.

More Canadians may be driving high since cannabis legalization: UBC study

THC is being detected in twice as many injured drivers since cannabis was legalized in Canada, according to new UBC research published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Jan 13, 2022

The Mend the Gap project will develop soft gels that can help regrow nerve fibres in an injured spinal cord. Photo credit: Martin Dee

UBC researchers lead $24 million project to treat spinal cord injury

A UBC-led team is working on a new treatment that can bring hope to people with spinal cord injuries.

Jan 12, 2022

UBC experts on Quebec ‘anti-vaxx’ tax

The Quebec government has announced that it will apply a significant financial penalty for residents who refuse to get vaccinated. UBC experts are available to comment.

Jan 11, 2022

UBC experts on flooding

Another atmospheric river with torrential rains is forecast this week for parts of B.C.’s south coast. UBC experts are available to comment.

Jan 11, 2022

For every hour’s delay in providing treatment, the risk of death increases by as much as 7.6 per cent, highlighting the need for rapid detection. Credit: Camilo Jimenez on Unsplash

Machine learning and AI used to rapidly detect sepsis, cutting risk of death dramatically

A groundbreaking advance in quickly detecting sepsis using machine learning has been pioneered by researchers in the Hancock Lab and the department of microbiology and immunology at UBC.

Jan 10, 2022

Photo: Prasesh Shiwakoti (Lomash) / Unsplash

UBC experts on COVID-19 pandemic

UBC experts are available to comment on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jan 4, 2022

UBC clinical trial supports new self-administered rapid antigen test

Thanks to new research compiled with data from UBC’s first on-campus clinical study, a new self-administered rapid antigen test will soon be available in Canada. It’s a tool that could help combat growing uncertainty, prevent transmission and potentially save lives.

Dec 23, 2021

Atomic structure of the Omicron variant spike protein (purple) bound with the human ACE2 receptor (blue). Credit: Dr. Sriram Subramaniam

UBC scientists unveil world’s first molecular-level analysis of Omicron variant spike protein

UBC researchers are the first in the world to conduct a molecular-level structural analysis of the Omicron variant spike protein.

Dec 22, 2021

Over half a million Canadians are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia. Credit: Unsplash

UBC researchers launch first-in-Canada testing program for Alzheimer’s disease

For the first time, Canadians can access a new test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, thanks to a study being led by researchers at UBC’s faculty of medicine.

Dec 16, 2021

The Fraser Valley in November 2021. Credit: UBC Engineering

Event: B.C. disaster recovery technical briefing

UBC engineering researchers will share preliminary observations on the natural disaster, informed by a combination of recent aerial reconnaissance of the disaster sites, together with applied research and specialist expertise.

Dec 14, 2021

Farmed seafood supply at risk if we don’t act on climate change

The supply of farmed seafood such as salmon and mussels are projected to drop 16 per cent globally by 2090 if no action is taken to mitigate climate change, according to a new UBC study.

Dec 13, 2021

UBC experts on sustainable gift giving

UBC experts are available to comment on topics related to sustainable gift giving and consumerism.

Dec 10, 2021

Dr. Ngoc Tan Nguyen and his colleagues have created a battery that is both flexible and washable. It works even when twisted or stretched to twice its normal length, or after being washed multiple times. Photo credit: Kai Jacobson

Stretchy, washable battery brings wearable devices closer to reality

UBC researchers have created what could be the first battery that is both flexible and washable. This zinc-manganese dioxide cell can be integrated into wearable devices like watches and patches for measuring vital signs.

Dec 9, 2021