Science, Health and Technology

437 million tonnes of fish, $560 billion wasted due to destructive fishing operations

Industrial fisheries that rely on bottom trawling wasted 437 million tonnes of fish and missed out on $560 billion in revenue over the past 65 years, new UBC research has found.

May 15, 2018

The #BCTECH Summit runs from May 14-16, 2018.

UBC researchers showcase work at #BCTECH Summit

UBC researchers will be available today to discuss their projects on the Research Runway at the #BCTECH Summit.

May 15, 2018

Victoria Lemieux will be presenting her research at the #BCTech Summit on Tuesday.

What is blockchain? UBC expert breaks it down

Blockchain is often touted as being the future of finance, trade, digital media, and more— but many people still don’t really understand what it is.

May 14, 2018

This year’s theme is “Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead!” and will emphasize science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) research and innovation.

UBC brings science to life for families at Vancouver campus this Saturday

Science demonstrations and hands-on activities for families at UBC as part of Science Rendezvous, a national science celebration.

May 11, 2018

Rally against Kinder Morgan oil pipeline on Burnaby Mountain. Credit: Mark Klotz

New environmental assessment law is an opportunity to put public trust back into the process: UBC researchers

A new study by UBC researchers offers insights on how to improve environmental assessment reviews. The research examined the conclusions of 10 recent assessments for major projects in B.C., including the Northern Gateway pipeline, and found that while environmental thresholds were often surpassed, the projects were ultimately given the green light.

May 11, 2018

Invasive Jerusalem artichoke in Slovakia. Credit: Dan Bock

Genetics help make a weed a weed

New University of British Columbia research finds that the success of weedy and invasive plants like the Jerusalem artichoke lies in their genes.

May 7, 2018

An artist’s rendition of the InSight lander operating on the surface of Mars. Credit: NASA

Mission to Mars: UBC professor part of NASA team launching lander

NASA plans to launch its Mars InSight lander from California on May 5 and UBC professor Catherine Johnson will be there in person to watch an idea– decades in the making– become a reality.

May 4, 2018

UBC experts on flood and landslide risk

UBC experts are available to comment on spring flooding in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec.

May 1, 2018

The study recruited 627 adults, averaging 72 years in age, for 12-week exercise classes at YMCA locations in Metro Vancouver.

Seniors stick with fitness routines when they work out together

Older adults are more likely to stick with a group exercise program if they can do it with people their own age, a new University of British Columbia study has found.

Apr 27, 2018

Quality and satisfying sexual encounters really rely on mindfulness, says Lori Brotto, a UBC psychologist and sex researcher.

Concentrate and be nice to yourself for better sex

For women, the answer to the loss of sexual desire does not lie in prescription pills but in the practice of mindfulness, says Lori Brotto, a UBC psychologist and sex researcher.

Apr 23, 2018

UBC experts on 4/20 cannabis events

Annual 4/20 cannabis events take place Friday, with Canada expected to legalize the drug later this year.

Apr 19, 2018

UBC students compete for best SpaceX landing-pad design

UBC students will demonstrate SpaceX-style, remote-controlled landing pads they designed for their second-year mechanical engineering course.

Apr 18, 2018

Recycling experts hit milestone in quest for zero-waste phone

UBC researchers have perfected a process to efficiently separate fibreglass and resin – two of the most commonly discarded parts of a cellphone – bringing them closer to their goal of a zero-waste cellphone.

Apr 12, 2018

New glaucoma treatment could ease symptoms while you sleep

Eye drops developed by UBC researchers could one day treat glaucoma while you sleep – helping to heal a condition that is one of the leading causes of blindness around the world.

Apr 11, 2018

Forensic files: UBC and BCIT launch joint degree in forensic sciences

UBC and BCIT are teaming up to train B.C.’s next generation of forensic scientists. Future graduates of the new combined honours program will receive a bachelor of science in biochemistry and forensic science from UBC and BCIT. It will be the only program of its kind in Western Canada.

Mar 29, 2018

Workers used strategies to hide, improvise or use self-defence tools to deal with potential assaults.

Sex workers need workplace regulations to improve safety: study

Canada’s sex workers, many of whom work indoors, are enterprising and vigilant when it comes to protecting themselves against exploitation, assault or robbery. They set a relaxing atmosphere, insist on a no-drugs rule, keep self-defence tools at the ready and maintain good relationships with landlords in order to avoid eviction.

Mar 21, 2018

A southern pied babbler perched high in a dead tree in the Kalahari Desert, South Africa. Credit: Ryan Olinger

Flight delays: UBC study finds out why some African birds stay home longer

Parents of millennials still living at home aren’t the only ones with children that refuse to leave. Many animal species have adult offspring that are slow to take flight, but when and how they leave has been poorly understood by scientists. Now, new UBC research on a desert-dwelling African bird is yielding some answers.

Mar 21, 2018

A mountain pine beetle attacking a pine tree. Credit: Christine Chiu

New pheromone insight may help predict mountain pine beetle outbreaks

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have shed new light on how mountain pine beetles produce an important pheromone called trans-verbenol, which could aid in efforts to better predict outbreaks.

Mar 19, 2018

Researchers found that total fishing efforts in the area expanded by more than 240 per cent between 1960 and 2010 because of an increase in damaging fishing practices and number of fishers. Credit: Jennifer Selgrath/Project Seahorse

Coral reefs suffering in Philippines despite outlawing damaging fishing practices

Some of the fishing methods used in today’s small-scale fisheries are causing more damage to coral reefs than ever, a new UBC study has found.

Mar 16, 2018

Researchers predicted that changes in fish community could be reduced by 30 to 80 per cent with a doubling of reef area. Credit: Katina Rogers/Flickr

Reefs help protect vulnerable Caribbean fish from climate change

New research from UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries suggests that larger reef areas may help protect the Caribbean’s coral reef fish communities from the impacts of ocean warming.

Mar 15, 2018