Q&As

Big data project to investigate online abuse of candidates during federal election

With a federal election approaching, Canadians are bracing for an uptick in political chatter on social media. So are university researchers from around the world.

Sep 18, 2019

What can we do to stop climate change? Experts share their views

Youth climate activists around the world are planning a Global Climate Strike during the week of Sept. 20-27 to demand action on the climate crisis. Ahead of the strike date, we asked several UBC experts who work in climate-related fields for their views on climate change action.

Sep 18, 2019

Beyond Meat's Beyond Burger as seen in a grocery store.

Beyond Meat elevates veggie burgers’ taste, but what about nutrition?

California-based Beyond Meat calls its Beyond Burger and other vegan ‘meat’ products the future of protein. We asked registered dietitian Gail Hammond of UBC’s faculty of land and food systems about the nutrition consumers are getting from the Beyond Burger and its competitors.

Sep 13, 2019

Anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum more prevalent than previously thought

Many mothers have likely heard about postpartum depression, but what about postpartum anxiety? According to UBC researcher Nichole Fairbrother, this type of anxiety is not well understood and deserves more attention.

Jul 23, 2019

The findings show that at an early age, infants are attending to and learning from their environment. Credit: Sav Nijeboer/Infant Studies Centre

Babies can learn link between language and ethnicity, study suggests

Eleven-month-old infants can learn to associate the language they hear with ethnicity, recent research from the University of British Columbia suggests.

Jun 25, 2019

When a book disappears, it turns up here

When Argentinian artist Marta Minujin wanted to build a replica of the Parthenon out of banned books, UBC professor Florian Gassner was one of the first people she turned to for help.

Jun 11, 2019

Smart meters are critical components of the smart grid, sometimes called the Internet of Things, with more than 588 million units projected to be installed worldwide by 2022.

UBC researchers find ways to hackproof smart meters

Smart electricity meters are useful because they allow utility companies to efficiently track energy use and allocate energy production. But because they’re connected to a grid, they can also serve as back doors for malicious hackers.

Jun 6, 2019

A young caribou near Peace River, B.C. Credit: Jean-Guy Dallaire/Flickr

B.C. needs a dedicated species at risk law—one that focuses on recovery

Not only is B.C. home to the most species at risk in Canada, it also lacks dedicated species at risk legislation. On May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity, UBC researchers Sarah Otto and Cole Burton discuss British Columbia’s efforts to develop comprehensive species at risk legislation.

May 22, 2019

Surfers ride the waves at Cox Bay in Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Credit: Tucker Sherman/Flickr

Canada’s west coast surf culture downplays concussion risk

Interviews with surfers on B.C.’s west coast indicate they don’t take concussion as seriously as the data suggests they should.

May 7, 2019

Let’s talk about love, baby – and why we should define it

Carrie Jenkins, Canada Research Chair in philosophy and a member of UBC’s Language Sciences Initiative, says discussing the definitions of key words often used in love—including “love” itself—could help people empower their love lives and avoid heartbreak.

Feb 13, 2019

UBC research examines hormones that make us choose love over sex

Looking for love and looking for sex are two different things, even at the level of human evolutionary biology

Feb 11, 2019

High society wants its fine foods to also be ethical

Truffles and caviar have traditionally been delicacies of the upper class, but a new study by UBC sociology professor Emily Huddart Kennedy and colleagues from the University of Toronto finds that free-range and fair-trade foods are becoming increasingly important among the elite. We asked Kennedy about the changing ways in which people signal status through food.

Jan 8, 2019

Screenshot of The Adventures of Patoo, a classroom-based program to improve digital health literacy among students.

UBC program teaches kids how to navigate health information online

Smartphones, tablets and laptops are likely on many kids’ wish lists to Santa this year. But for the lucky ones whose wishes come true, parents and guardians may be wondering how to ensure youngsters know how to safely navigate the online world.

Dec 13, 2018

UBC economist proposes solution to Vancouver’s affordability crisis

New research from UBC Sauder School of Business Associate Professor Thomas Davidoff could help combat Vancouver’s housing affordability problem. In new research published in the Canadian Tax Journal, Davidoff outlines how a new model for calculating property tax could help renters.

Dec 5, 2018

A 2012 U.S. political ad targeting then-president Barack Obama.

Negative advertising works in U.S. politics

New research from the UBC Sauder School of Business has found that negative political advertising is effective, especially if it’s coming directly from a candidate or their campaign.

Nov 1, 2018

Halloween doesn’t have to be a horror for children’s teeth

Sweet treats are as much a part of Halloween as haunted houses, creative costumes and the Monster Mash. They’re fun to collect, but having that big bag of candy around the house for weeks after Halloween can’t be good for children’s oral health.

Oct 30, 2018

In B.C., a sexual orientation and gender identity program for educators, called SOGI 123, has drawn some opposition. Credit: Jon Gilbert Leavitt/Flickr

Sex education and gender identity in schools rife with controversy

Sexual health education and gender identity policies in schools have prompted heated debates across Canada.

Sep 6, 2018

Teach Mental Health aims to expand mental health literacy among those studying to be teachers, and among those they teach. Credit: Flickr

New, free online resource for teachers, teacher candidates, or anyone who wants to support youth mental health

Four Canadian universities, including the University of British Columbia, launched a new online curriculum resource earlier this month called Teach Mental Health.

Aug 30, 2018

Individuals who are struggling with perfectionism and are interested in potentially participating in treatment can contact the Hewitt Lab to take part.

UBC researchers seek participants for perfectionism study

The need to be perfect, or appear to be perfect may be seen as a positive trait by some, but it can take a toll on mental health and require psychological treatment.

Aug 29, 2018

Some seniors entering long-term care homes too soon: UBC expert

With seniors now outnumbering children in Canada, an increasing number of families are caring for aging loved ones.

Jun 26, 2018