Research

COVID-19 lockdowns only reduced air pollution in some parts of the world

When COVID-19 lockdown measures were first introduced last year, schools and shops closed, tourist spots were deserted due to international travel restrictions, and economies slowed down as most people adjusted to life in the confines of their home.

Apr 6, 2021

Knowing someone with COVID-19 increased men’s anxiety more than women’s

It started as a research project to track student mental health over an entire term at university. Then, COVID-19 hit. Suddenly, a group of UBC researchers and their partners had an unprecedented opportunity to learn how students were faring emotionally as a global pandemic inched closer and closer to them.

Mar 25, 2021

Researchers analyzed blood samples collected in late 2020 and early 2021 from residents and staff of long-term care homes in the Metro Vancouver area. Credit: Unsplash

Weaker antibody response to first COVID-19 vaccine dose found in long-term care residents

A single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine produces a much weaker antibody response in long-term care residents than it does in younger healthy adults, new research has found.

Mar 25, 2021

Women lead on COVID-19 research

From vaccine development to building wearable infection detectors, women at UBC are making significant contributions to the COVID-19 research front. In celebration of International Women’s Day, they tell us about their work and offer advice for young women and girls considering careers in research.

Mar 8, 2021

A bit of stress might not be so good for us after all: UBC study

New research suggests even mild stress may harm most people’s executive functions—mental skills such as self-control, focused attention, working memory and problem solving.

Dec 18, 2020

UBC study highlights need for more effective staffing in care homes

Even the best-managed long-term care homes will need to step up to get through the second wave of the pandemic, suggests a new study by researchers at the UBC school of nursing.

Dec 17, 2020

Pregnant women with COVID-19 at increased risk of hospitalization, ICU admission and early labour

While much remains unknown about the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy, emerging data from a national surveillance project reveals pregnant women with COVID-19 seem to be at greater risk of being hospitalized, being admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), and going into early labour.

Dec 14, 2020

New national survey finds Canadians’ mental health eroding as pandemic continues

The second wave of the pandemic has intensified feelings of stress and anxiety, causing alarming levels of despair, suicidal thoughts and hopelessness in the Canadian population.

Dec 3, 2020

Better housing policies needed in a post-COVID world

UBC report highlights gains but calls for longer-term solutions to improve housing supply

Nov 24, 2020

COVID-19 isolation measures can elevate mental health risks

New analysis of data from a survey of the mental health impacts of the pandemic suggests we need to pay more attention to the unintended mental health consequences of quarantine and isolation measures.

Nov 18, 2020

Online supports for COVID-19 stress are there—but Canadians aren’t accessing them

Many Canadians are not making use of virtual resources that could help them cope with the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new analysis by researchers at UBC, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Nov 10, 2020

UBC scientists receive $3M for COVID-19 research projects

Scientists at the University of British Columbia are receiving $3 million to support COVID-19 research projects through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

Nov 6, 2020

Hospital ER visits by children down 70% during pandemic peak in B.C.

A new study from University of British Columbia researchers found a significant decline in the number of families with children accessing emergency departments across B.C. during the peak of the pandemic.

Nov 5, 2020

More Republicans follow COVID guidelines when they’re told it will protect themselves: study

For decades, scientists have predicted that a deadly pandemic would sweep the globe — but what they didn’t expect was that basic public health measures such as mask wearing and social distancing would become political flashpoints, especially in the United States.

Nov 2, 2020

Teens who participate in extracurriculars, get less screen time, have better mental health

A new study from UBC researchers finds that teens, especially girls, have better mental health when they spend more time taking part in extracurricular activities, like sports and art, and less time in front of screens.

Nov 2, 2020

Social isolation puts women at higher risk of hypertension

It’s no secret that loneliness and social isolation have a negative impact on the mental and physical health of older adults.

Oct 28, 2020

Global COVID-19 treatment trial shows current antivirals are of little benefit to hospitalized patients

Interim results from the Solidarity Therapeutics Trial indicate that remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir and interferon regimens appeared to have little or no effect on 28-day mortality or the in-hospital course of COVID-19 among hospitalized patients.

Oct 16, 2020

Nearly half of parents willing to accept less rigorous testing of COVID-19 vaccine

A new study from researchers at the University of British Columbia reveals many parents are willing to accept less rigorous testing and expedited approval of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Oct 6, 2020

New survey shows links between COVID-19 pandemic and B.C. nurses’ mental health

B.C. nurses working in the front lines at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced high levels of emotional exhaustion, depression and anxiety, finds a new survey by UBC nursing researchers and the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU).

Sep 29, 2020

UBC researchers play pivotal role in confronting COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted challenges, exacerbated inequalities and sparked uncertainty for many. But one area of particular strength and inspiration is Canada’s research community and its response to the pandemic.

Sep 9, 2020