Science, Health and Technology

Dr. Pieter Cullis has been named a 2022 Canada Gairdner International Award laureate

Dr. Pieter Cullis named 2022 Canada Gairdner Award laureate

UBC professor Dr. Pieter Cullis has been named a 2022 Canada Gairdner International Award laureate for his pioneering work developing the lipid nanoparticle delivery technology that enables mRNA therapeutics such as the highly effective COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

Apr 5, 2022

Interprovincial migration to small towns has surged since 2015

Migration from metro areas pose challenges for small communities: report

In B.C., most people don’t leave small towns for big cities—they go the other way. It’s a trend that’s been happening for decades, but it has accelerated since 2015.

Mar 31, 2022

Cherry tree on Main Mall at UBC. Photo: Kai Jacobson/UBC

Citizen scientists predict cherry blossom peak

Cherry blossoms attract huge crowds in spring, but predicting when they’re at their peak is no easy feat. In order to do that accurately, scientists look at many factors including recent local weather patterns, temperatures and amount of daylight.

Mar 28, 2022

Senior author Dr. François Jean and co-author Dr. Guang Gao at UBC LSI imaging facility where they routinely capture high-resolution microscopy images of human cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. Credit: Paul Joseph

New nasal spray treats Delta variant infection in mice, indicating broad spectrum results

Researchers have shown a new compound delivered in a nasal spray is highly effective in preventing and treating COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant in mice.

Mar 28, 2022

Self-sanitizing copper has been applied to high-contact surfaces in nine UBC buildings. Photo: Teck

Microbe-slaying copper applied to UBC buildings

More than 400 sanitizing copper patches have been added to high-contact areas at UBC as part of a collaboration between Teck Resources and UBC to study the antimicrobial properties of copper.

Mar 28, 2022

Dr. Michael Kobor has been appointed to lead the Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program.

Dr. Michael Kobor to lead new UBC research program in healthy aging

Renowned biomedical researcher Dr. Michael Kobor has been appointed to lead the Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program – a new UBC research program aimed at helping people live longer, healthier lives.

Mar 24, 2022

The Heart of the Monster is a landform that comprises the present day Jocko Valley in Arlee, Montana.

Indigenous stories reveal the science of the world around us

Indigenous stories hold clues to hydrological and geographical features, providing insights into the science of the world around us.

Mar 22, 2022

UBC Thunderbird hockey players are wearing special mouthguards to capture data for UBC researchers who study concussions. Credit: Kai Jacobson

High-tech mouthguard tracks head impacts during varsity hockey playoffs

A high-tech mouthguard worn by UBC Thunderbird hockey players will capture data for UBC researchers who study concussions.

Mar 17, 2022

Cross section of human testicular cells 3D printed into a tubular structure.

UBC scientists discover how to 3D print testicular cells

In a pair of world firsts, UBC scientists have 3D printed human testicular cells and identified promising early signs of sperm-producing capabilities.

Mar 16, 2022

These levers and leverage points are a checklist of the interconnected components necessary for building a more sustainable and just future. Adapted from the 2019 IPBES Global Assessment. Credit: CoSphere

We need to change our systems to ensure a sustainable world

March 13th is Overshoot Day in the U.S. and Canada, marking the date each year when North Americans have already consumed our share of Earth’s renewable resources for the year.

Mar 10, 2022

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Managing mental health as pandemic restrictions ease

UBC psychiatry professor Dr. Steven Taylor (he/him), author of The Psychology of Pandemics: Preparing for the Next Global Outbreak of Infectious Disease, offers advice on how people can manage the complex feelings that come with this next phase of the pandemic.

Mar 10, 2022

Credit: Mohamed Hassan/Pixabay

All-knowing robots are not inevitable, and other lessons on AI use in policing

The Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB) recently approved a policy for use of AI technology in policing, which researchers believe is the first in Canada.

Mar 3, 2022

OCD is an anxiety-related condition characterized by the recurrence of unwanted, intrusive and distressing thoughts.

Thoughts of harming baby a normal but unpleasant part of postpartum experience

Many new mothers experience unwanted and intrusive thoughts about intentionally harming their babies, but those thoughts don’t appear to increase the likelihood that they will actually harm their newborn, according to a new UBC study.

Mar 1, 2022

Credit: christopher catbagan on Unsplash

British Columbians worried pandemic will never end, and climate change is only adding to the fear

If you’re feeling like the pandemic is never-ending, you’re not alone. Sixty-four per cent of British Columbians are worried the COVID-19 pandemic will be around for years to come, with concerns about climate change adding fuel to the fire.

Mar 1, 2022

Credit: Kai Jacobson

Health care leader Tania Dick joins UBC as its first Indigenous nursing lead

Tania Dick, a member of Dzawada’enuxw First Nations of Kingcome Inlet and a renowned Indigenous health care leader, has joined UBC as its first ever Indigenous Nursing Lead.

Feb 24, 2022

Reduce ADHD with more parks, less pollution

Reduce ADHD with more parks, less pollution

A study conducted in Metro Vancouver finds that the more green space and less air pollution children have in their neighbourhoods, the less likely they are to develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Feb 24, 2022

Dr. Alison McAfee holds a hive frame. Credit: Dominique Weiss

Bees are explosively ejaculating to death. A polystyrene cover could help stop it.

A simple polystyrene cover could help cool beehives during heat waves, preventing a grim outcome for male bees.

Feb 22, 2022

New COVID-19 study links nurses’ mental health to quality of care

New COVID-19 study links nurses’ mental health to quality of care

Stories of stress and burnout among healthcare workers, particularly nurses, continue to make news during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, new research shows these mental health problems could be contributing to decreased quality of patient care.

Feb 16, 2022

Credit: Unsplash

Investigating the ‘skunk’ smell and other emissions caused by cannabis production

What exactly causes that ‘skunky’ odour emitted by cannabis production facilities, and what do these emissions mean for air quality, workers, and the general public?

Feb 15, 2022

Graduate student Samikshya Sahu (left) with Alannah Hallas (right) examine and discuss experimental materials in Prof. Hallas’ lab at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute at UBC.

How UBC women in STEM are supporting each other to succeed

Role models for women in Science, Tech, Engineering and Medicine (STEM) are important: 2010 statistics in Canada show women made up just 44 per cent of first-year STEM students aged 19 and under in undergraduate degree programs.

Feb 11, 2022