COVID-19

Beyond COVID-19: How mRNA technology could transform how we treat disease

Dr. Anna Blakney, assistant professor at UBC’s Michael Smith Laboratories and school of biomedical engineering, describes how mRNA technology could transform how we treat disease.

Aug 4, 2021

New book helps readers spot online health scams

Internet health scams have increased in recent years, often spread through social media and causing untold harm, according to a new book by UBC nursing professor, Dr. Bernie Garrett.

Jul 28, 2021

Virtual contact in pandemic prompts over 60s’ loneliness

Older adults who had more virtual contact than their peers during the pandemic actually experienced increased loneliness, according to new research published today.

Jul 26, 2021

Wildfires are here to stay: How to protect against smoky skies

As wildfires rage across many parts of Canada, the health effects of smoke remain a pressing concern for many people—particularly for those recovering from COVID-19 or anyone with pre-existing medical conditions.

Jul 22, 2021

Health and wellbeing a top priority as students return to campus

As UBC prepares to welcome students back to campus this September, the university is taking extra care to keep them safe and in good health.

Jul 22, 2021

How the pandemic shaped the sex lives of Canadians

A new UBC study, recently published in the International Journal of Sexual Health, uncovers a more nuanced picture of how COVID-19 has shaped the sex lives of Canadians.

Jul 20, 2021

Researchers launch study into COVID-19 vaccine uptake and efficacy in vulnerable urban populations

In this Q&A, Dr. Brittany Barker, postdoctoral fellow with UBC’s department of medicine and research scientist at BCCSU, and Dr. Hudson Reddon, postdoctoral research fellow with UBC’s department of medicine, discuss how COVID-19 and vaccinations are being experienced by vulnerable populations.

Jul 14, 2021

Study author Xuan Lin, a PhD student in civil engineering is holding a frozen wastewater RNA sample that is used for sequencing. Photo credit: Paul Joseph

UBC research shows wastewater genomic testing can effectively track COVID-19 variants of concern within a region

Wastewater testing can accurately and rapidly identify levels of COVID-19 infections in the community, including the rise of variants of concern, suggests new research led by UBC professor Dr. Ryan Ziels.

Jul 12, 2021

Study highlights pandemic impact on adolescent mental health

Adolescents who were in a good headspace before COVID-19 suffered a decline during the pandemic, whereas those with poor mental health fared better, according to new research.

Jun 28, 2021

Pandemic underlines need to address physician burnout, study finds

Two out of three Vancouver physicians surveyed in a new UBC study faced burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jun 11, 2021

Transition plan for return to campus

UBC is outlining its phased approach to support faculty and staff returning to campus in preparation for the 2021/22 Winter Session starting in September

Jun 9, 2021

UBC experts on COVID-19

UBC experts are available to comment on the provincial government’s plans for the gradual easing of COVID-19-related restrictions in B.C. at a 1 p.m. news conference today.

May 25, 2021

Researchers launch COVID-19 vaccine registry for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals in Canada

As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout ramps up across the country, the risks and benefits of immunization for pregnant and breastfeeding people remain largely unknown because the initial vaccine clinical trials did not include these populations.

May 19, 2021

Debunking COVID-19 myths: As the weather warms, UBC vaccine expert separates fact from fiction

Dr. Anna Blakney, assistant professor in UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering, Michael Smith Laboratories and vaccine expert, addresses some popular myths about COVID-19.

May 18, 2021

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

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

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

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