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Non-invasive wireless near-infrared device provides reliable diagnosis of bladder dysfunction: UBC-VCH-CFRI study

A cell phone-sized, wireless near-infrared device is as reliable as the current “gold standard” invasive tests in determining bladder disease, according to a study by researchers at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Child & Family Research Institute (CFRI).

May 30, 2011

UBC researchers to lead $4.7-million study on early-stage oral cancer

Researchers from UBC’s Faculties of Medicine, Science and Dentistry are leading a $4.7 million pan-Canadian clinical trial aimed at improving outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for oral squamous cell cancers.

May 27, 2011

UBC recognizes two Canadian medical researchers with $50,000 prizes

Two of Canada’s most eminent health researchers – Dr. Jacques Genest at McGill University and Dr. Michael Hayden at the University of British Columbia – have been awarded the inaugural Margolese National Brain and Heart Disorders Prizes, the most lucrative prizes bestowed by UBC.

Apr 21, 2011

Newer oral contraceptive as safe for gall bladder as older birth-control pills: UBC-VCH research

Drospirenone, the top-selling oral contraceptive marketed as Yaz or Yasmin in the U.S. and Canada, doesn’t carry any more risk of gall bladder disease than the older generation of birth control pills, despite claims by some consumers and lawyers in both countries, according to a new study by University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Mahyar Etminan.

Apr 18, 2011

UBC announces largest ever gift to Faculty of Medicine: $15M towards Centre for Brain Health

A $15 million gift from Vancouver philanthropist Djavad Mowafaghian will help create a new facility that integrates brain research and patient care.

Apr 4, 2011

Michael Hayden bestowed premier award for leadership in medicine

Dr. Michael Hayden has received the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award, the premier honour for leadership in medical science in Canada.

Mar 23, 2011

Fears of Ontario pharmacy shortage after slashed generic drug prices unfounded: UBC research

A University of British Columbia study shows that there are enough pharmacies situated throughout Ontario communities to absorb many closures without negatively affecting geographical accessibility for residents. The research suggests concerns that reducing generic pricing could result in pharmacy shortages are unfounded.

Jan 19, 2011

Strength training for seniors provides sustained cognitive function and economic benefits: Vancouver Coastal Health / UBC research

A one-year follow-up study on seniors who participated in a strength training exercise program shows sustained cognitive benefits as well as savings for the healthcare system. The research, conducted at the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility at Vancouver Coastal Health and the University of British Columbia, is published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Dec 13, 2010

UBC/CFRI project receives $7M to reduce maternal, fetal, and newborn deaths

The University of British Columbia has received a $7 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. UBC researchers working at the Child & Family Research Institute will test new strategies for the monitoring, prevention, and treatment of pre-eclampsia.

Dec 3, 2010

Text messaging improves health of Kenyans with HIV: UBC researcher

A simple “how are you” delivered weekly through cell phone text messaging (SMS) increases the likelihood that Kenyans with HIV will stay healthy and follow their medication regimen, while reducing the spread of the disease, according to a new study led by a University of British Columbia researcher.

Nov 9, 2010

UBC researchers shine light on congenital heart disease “hot spots” using Canadian Light Source

Using the Canadian Light Source synchrotron and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, a team of researchers from the University of British Columbia has shed light on the ryanodine receptor, a structure within muscle cells that has been linked to life-threatening congenital heart conditions.

Nov 3, 2010

Anti-cholesterol drugs could help stave off seizures: UBC-Vancouver Coastal Health research

Statins, the family of drugs used to lower cholesterol, might also reduce the risk of epileptic seizures in people with cardiovascular disease, according to a new statistical study by a drug safety expert at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. The findings could provide the basis for randomized, controlled clinical trials to test the efficacy of the drugs as anti-epileptic medication.

Oct 25, 2010

UBC gains $5.4 million for microbiome research from CIHR, Genome BC

The University of British Columbia today welcomed the announcement of $5.4 million in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Genome British Columbia for research into how micro-organisms affect human health.

Oct 14, 2010

T cell discovery shows promise for Type 1 diabetes treatment: UBC-CFRI study

A research team from the University of British Columbia and the Child & Family Research Institute (CFRI) at BC Children’s Hospital has identified the role of a type of T cell in type 1 diabetes that may lead to new treatment options for young patients.

Oct 5, 2010

B.C. researchers gain $3.1M for rare cancer research Terry Fox Foundation

A team of researchers from the University of British Columbia, BC Cancer Agency and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute has received a $3.1-million grant from Terry Fox Foundation to study genetic aspects of rare cancers.

Sep 16, 2010

Tattooing linked to higher risk of hepatitis C: UBC study

Youth, prison inmates and individuals with multiple tattoos that cover large parts of their bodies are at higher risk of contracting hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases, according to a University of British Columbia study.

Aug 6, 2010

UBC study offers ethical and cost-effective strategy for managing MRI incidental findings

The increasing number of incidental findings in brain imaging can be managed ethically and cost-effectively by screening study participants based on gender, age and family history, according to University of British Columbia researchers.

Jun 17, 2010

Long-term use of anti-anxiety drugs continues in B.C. despite known health risks: UBC study

Drugs to treat anxiety and sleep disorders are still being prescribed for extended periods to British Columbian patients – and increasingly so for baby boomers – despite warnings against long-term use, according to a University of British Columbia study.

May 20, 2010

Anti-depressants bring higher risk of developing cataracts: UBC-Vancouver Coastal Health research

Some anti-depressant drugs are associated with an increased chance of developing cataracts, according to a new statistical study by researchers at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and McGill University.

Mar 8, 2010

Marijuana ineffective as an Alzheimer’s treatment: UBC-Vancouver Coastal Health research

The benefits of marijuana in tempering or reversing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease have been challenged in a new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.

Feb 8, 2010

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