Science, Health and Technology

SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, also called the UK variant. The green depicts viral DsRNA and red shows viral nucleocapsid protein – these are both viral biomarkers, and indicate that the cell shown is infected by SARS-CoV-2. Credit: Dr. Guang Gao, UBC LSI IMAGING

Canadian researchers lead development and testing of promising treatment for COVID-19 variants

A new anti-viral drug could improve COVID-19 outcomes and survival rates — and is highly effective against multiple variants — according to a new study led by researchers at the University of British Columbia and Université de Sherbrooke.

May 11, 2021

Photo by Myriam Jessier on Unsplash

Where should our digital data go after we die? UBC study explores possibilities

People want control over what personal digital data is passed along after they die, along with tools to make it easier to do so, according to a new case study by computer science researchers at the University of British Columbia.

May 6, 2021

The renewable energy hub will transform an entire city block at UBC into a smart energy district, including the province’s first-ever hydrogen refuelling station for light- and heavy-duty vehicles. Credit: Dialog

UBC breaks ground on $23 million renewable energy hub

A new $21 million renewable energy hub will transform an entire city block at the University of British Columbia into a smart energy district, including the province’s first-ever hydrogen refuelling station for light and heavy-duty vehicles.

May 5, 2021

Credit: BioNTech

UBC experts on Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approval for adolescents

UBC experts are available to comment on Health Canada’s approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adolescents aged 12 and up. 

May 5, 2021

Using cryo-electron microscopy, UBC researchers have revealed the structure of the N501Y spike protein mutant, shown above (in blue) bound to two copies of the ACE2 receptor (in red).

UBC researchers unveil first molecular images of B.1.1.7 COVID-19 mutation

UBC researchers are the first in the world to publish structural images of the N501Y mutation on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein—a change believed to be partly responsible for the highly infectious nature and rapid spread of variant B.1.1.7.

May 3, 2021

Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash

COVID-19 survey shows almost eight out of 10 adults are worried, bored, stressed, lonely or sad

The pandemic continues to take an emotional toll on people in Canada, with 77 per cent of adults reporting negative emotions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest mental health survey by UBC researchers, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

May 3, 2021

Screenshot of video showing spike protein and lectins. Credit: Daniel Canena and Peter Hinterdorfer, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University

Potential ‘Achilles’ heel’ of SARS-CoV-2 virus captured on video

Proteins known as lectins can bind to the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and prevent it from accessing human cells, an international team of researchers led by the University of British Columbia’s Dr. Josef Penninger has demonstrated.

Apr 30, 2021

Credit: Tim Bish/Unsplash

A baby’s first poop can help predict risk of developing allergies

It may seem like an unusual place to go looking for answers, but the contents of a baby’s first diaper can reveal a lot about a newborn’s future health.

Apr 29, 2021

Credit: BioNTech

UBC-grown biotech companies lead global pandemic efforts

Millions of Canadians have received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, but what many may not realize is that a key component of the injection was developed right here at UBC.

Apr 26, 2021

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Credit: CDC/Unsplash

UBC experts on ‘double mutant’ variant and COVID-19 in India

UBC experts are available to comment on the ‘double mutant’ variant known as B.1.617 and COVID-19 in India.

Apr 22, 2021

UBC researchers identify the most dangerous prescriptions for B.C. drivers

UBC researchers identify the most dangerous prescriptions for B.C. drivers

It’s well-known that drinking and driving is linked to a high risk of causing a car crash. But taking common prescription medications like sleeping pills, opioids and medication used to treat anxiety and depression also poses a risk.

Apr 22, 2021

Credit: NASA/Unsplash

UBC experts on Earth Day and Leaders Summit on Climate

On April 22, the world will celebrate Earth Day under the theme “Restore Our Earth,” with a focus on natural processes, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems.

Apr 21, 2021

Completed exterior of the Cold Tube. Credit: Lea Ruefenacht

Cool and COVID-safe: How radiant cooling could keep our cities comfortable and healthy

A novel system of chilled panels that can replace air conditioning can also help reduce the risk of indoor disease transmission, suggests new analysis from the University of British Columbia, University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University.

Apr 20, 2021

Credit: John Cameron/Unsplash

UBC Earth Day story ideas

UBC researchers are tackling related topics, from reconstructing ancient B.C. ecosystems to preparing urban Surrey residents for hot summers ahead.

Apr 20, 2021

Credit: Sam Moqadam /Unsplash

UBC experts on COVID-19

Provinces are figuring out how to approach the current record-breaking surge in COVID-19 cases and how to rollout the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine more widely. UBC experts are available to comment on related topics.

Apr 19, 2021

A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business finds combining messages about low donor rates and high support could help save lives.

Incongruent messaging key to getting people to register as organ donors

A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business finds a subtle shift in organ donor messaging can lead to a big boost in registration.

Apr 19, 2021

Credit: Paul VanDerWerf/Flickr

UBC experts on the federal budget

UBC experts will be available to comment on various topics related to today’s federal budget.

Apr 19, 2021

Canada’s first unmanned aerial vehicle flights over a 5G network highlights future potential applications of 5G-enabled autonomous flight

Canada’s first 5G drones fly over UBC

Canada’s first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights over a 5G network took place at UBC last week, showcasing some of the future potential applications of 5G-enabled autonomous flight.

Apr 15, 2021

Prof. Leonard Foster

Cloud computing support accelerates COVID-19 vaccine improvements

For the last 11 months, UBC biochemistry and molecular biology professor Prof.. Leonard Foster (he/him/his) and his team have been studying how SARS-CoV-2 – the virus responsible for COVID-19 – attacks the human body, in hopes of developing a more targeted vaccine with fewer side effects.

Apr 14, 2021

UBC experts on SARS-CoV-2 variants

UBC experts on SARS-CoV-2 variants

Some Canadian cities are strengthening restrictions, or renewing states of emergencies and stay-at-home orders as COVID-19 cases surge again. The growing number of cases appears to be linked to the quickly spreading P.1 and B.1.1.7 variants. UBC experts are available to comment on related topics.

Apr 8, 2021