Faculty of Medicine

Children are entering a fourth school year in a pandemic — expert advice for parents

As children head back for a fourth school year with COVID-19, many parents are hoping their kids will be able to enjoy a mostly normal school experience. But with new variants circulating and respiratory virus season on the horizon, many also have concerns and questions about what the new school year will look like.

Aug 22, 2022

Cryo-electron microscopy reveals how the VH Ab6 antibody fragment (red) attaches to the vulnerable site on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (grey) to block the virus from binding with the human ACE2 cell receptor (blue). Credit: Dr. Sriram Subramaniam, UBC

UBC researchers discover ‘weak spot’ across major COVID-19 variants

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a key vulnerability across all major variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including the recently emerged BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron subvariants.

Aug 18, 2022

The research team tracked the driving records of more than 9,200 people who visited an emergency department for fainting.

You fainted. Are you OK to drive?

People who have visited the emergency department for fainting are no more prone to car crashes than other emergency department patients, new research out of UBC’s faculty of medicine has found.

Aug 3, 2022

As of Oct. 31, 2021, there had been a total of 8,786 recorded cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy in Canada.

Catching COVID-19 during pregnancy increases risk of hospitalization, premature birth: national study

As Canada faces a sixth wave of COVID-19 infections, researchers at the UBC faculty of medicine are urging people who are pregnant to remain vigilant based on data from Canada’s first national, peer-reviewed study on COVID-19 in pregnancy.

May 2, 2022

U.S. insurance claims show strong link between ED medications and vision problems

The risk of developing one of three serious eye conditions increases by 85 per cent for regular users of common erectile dysfunction (ED) medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra, new UBC research has found.

Apr 7, 2022

UBC Thunderbird hockey players are wearing special mouthguards to capture data for UBC researchers who study concussions. Credit: Kai Jacobson

High-tech mouthguard tracks head impacts during varsity hockey playoffs

A high-tech mouthguard worn by UBC Thunderbird hockey players will capture data for UBC researchers who study concussions.

Mar 17, 2022

Chemotherapy drug puts young children with cancer at high risk of hearing loss

A chemotherapy drug known to cause hearing loss in children is more likely to do so the earlier in life children receive it, new UBC research has found.

Sep 7, 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

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

A baby’s first poop can help predict risk of developing allergies

It may seem like an unusual place to go looking for answers, but the contents of a baby’s first diaper can reveal a lot about a newborn’s future health.

Apr 29, 2021

UBC researchers identify the most dangerous prescriptions for B.C. drivers

It’s well-known that drinking and driving is linked to a high risk of causing a car crash. But taking common prescription medications like sleeping pills, opioids and medication used to treat anxiety and depression also poses a risk.

Apr 22, 2021

Survey uncovers pandemic’s complex impact on people living with dementia and their families

COVID-19 has been especially challenging for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers, confirms a new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mar 23, 2021

Andrew Robertson, TRIUMF Research Officer (Therapeutic Isotope Product Development), working in a TRIUMF radiochemistry laboratory. Credit: TRIUMF

Made-in-Canada method of producing life-saving radioisotopes receives Health Canada approval

A made-in-Canada approach to producing the world’s most commonly used medical isotope has received Health Canada approval, ushering in a new era for patients in Canada and around the world who rely on these isotopes for critical diagnostic procedures.

Dec 18, 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

Earlier testing and tracing could have prevented spread of COVID-19 in U.S. and Europe

Earlier testing and contact tracing might have prevented SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from becoming established in the United States and Europe, suggests a new study recently published in Science.

Sep 25, 2020

Sexual health and domestic violence during COVID-19

Dr. Lori Brotto, a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at UBC’s faculty of medicine, is leading a national survey to measure changes in sexual health and the prevalence of gender-based violence during COVID-19.

Jul 16, 2020

UBC experts on seniors health

Monday, June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. UBC experts are available to comment.

Jun 12, 2020

Credit: Fusion Medical Animation/Unsplash

Predicting the evolution of COVID-19 to help manage future outbreaks

As the world prepares for future waves of COVID-19, the ability to predict mutations in the novel coronavirus even before they emerge will be essential to stopping future outbreaks.

Jun 5, 2020

Caring for seniors living with dementia during COVID-19

Physical distancing is now part of every day life, but it can be particularly challenging for seniors living with dementia and their caregivers.

May 13, 2020

Protecting the health of seniors during COVID-19

While public health experts recommend seniors stay home and protect themselves, concerns have also been raised about the potential negative effects of isolation. Join UBC experts who will address these issues and answer your questions.

Apr 29, 2020