Faculty of Medicine

Common treatment for multiple sclerosis may prolong life

Researchers from the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute have found that a widely prescribed drug for multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with longer survival for patients.

Mar 18, 2019

Optical probe for skin cancer screening developed at UBC. Credit: UBC

Low-cost ‘cancer probe’ could spot deadly melanoma early

Work is being done at UBC on a tool to help in the early detection of melanoma: a simple, compact laser probe that can distinguish between harmless moles and cancerous ones – in a matter of seconds.

Mar 6, 2019

New China and US studies back use of pulse oximeters for assessing blood pressure

Fast and easy blood pressure monitoring could soon be at your fingertips thanks to new UBC research that showed BP can be assessed by a fingertip oximeter, a tool not generally used for that purpose

Nov 21, 2018

Putting new tools in the hands of leading Canadian scientists

More than $67.5 million at the University of British Columbia for new labs and equipment to help Canadian researchers discover, innovate, and train the next generation of scientists.

Oct 13, 2017

Researchers uncover potential risks of common MS treatment

In one of the most comprehensive studies to date, UBC researchers have identified potential adverse reactions of a commonly used multiple sclerosis drug.

May 15, 2017

Drug created from malaria parasite shows promise as bladder cancer treatment

A drug created from a malaria protein stopped tumour growth of chemotherapy-resistant bladder cancer, offering hope for cancer patients not responding to standard treatments.

Apr 20, 2017

Study sheds light on B.C. youths’ experiences with mental health services

It is 2012 and Smiley, a young woman in her early 20s, lives in a single room occupancy (SRO) building in Vancouver.

Feb 27, 2017

One in three B.C. children start kindergarten vulnerable

In B.C., approximately 14,000 kindergarten students start school vulnerable in at least one area that is critical to their healthy development, according to a new UBC report.

Oct 26, 2016

Abortion pill regulations limit access, put Canadian women at risk: UBC profs

UBC professors say Health Canada’s regulations for the abortion pill mifepristone will limit access to abortions and compromise patient safety.

Oct 17, 2016

Friedman Foundation donates $3.3 million for health scholarships

Constance and Sydney Friedman dedicated their professional lives to UBC and now their legacy of generosity will live on with a $3.3-million donation to fund scholarships for students studying in the broad area of health.

Oct 11, 2016

Online advice for preventing Alzheimer’s disease often problematic: UBC research

New UBC research finds that many online resources for preventing Alzheimer’s disease are problematic and could be steering people in the wrong direction.

Sep 13, 2016

Discovery offers hope for new Crohn’s disease treatment

Scientists at the University of British Columbia have made a discovery that could potentially lead to treatments for a debilitating complication of Crohn’s disease.

Sep 2, 2016

Streetcar tracks increase risk of bike crashes: UBC and Ryerson study

One-third of bike crashes in Toronto’s downtown involved the city’s streetcar tracks, according to a new study out of UBC and Ryerson University that suggests that separated bike routes could reduce risk to cyclists.

Jul 26, 2016

Half of patients with depression are inadequately treated

New UBC research shows that about 50 per cent of British Columbians with depression are not receiving even the most basic level of care.

Jul 14, 2016

Stress contagion possible amongst students and teachers: UBC study

Teacher burnout and student stress may be linked, according to a UBC study.

Jun 27, 2016

Canada spends over $400 million on medicine that harms seniors

Canada spends more than $400 million annually on drugs prescribed to seniors even though the medicines should be avoided for older patients, according to new UBC research.

Jun 22, 2016

Study shows genetic counselling helps psychiatric patients

A new University of British Columbia study shows that genetic counselling helps patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and similar conditions understand and cope with their illness.

Feb 24, 2016

Poor air quality kills 5.5 million worldwide annually

New research shows that more than 5.5 million people die prematurely every year due to household and outdoor air pollution. More than half of deaths occur in two of the world’s fastest growing economies, China and India.

Feb 12, 2016

Holiday season 2015: UBC experts available for comment

The festive season is upon us and researchers at the University of British Columbia are available to comment on various topics related to the holidays.

Dec 14, 2015

Four gut bacteria decrease asthma risk in infants

New research finds that infants can be protected from getting asthma if they acquire four types of gut bacteria by three months of age.

Sep 30, 2015