UBC Faculty of Applied Science

UBC study highlights need for more effective staffing in care homes

Even the best-managed long-term care homes will need to step up to get through the second wave of the pandemic, suggests a new study by researchers at the UBC school of nursing.

Dec 17, 2020

Is there something in the air? These UBC researchers want to know

We all know air quality can sometimes be imperfect. The smells and aromas produced by traffic, businesses and industry, and thousands—if not millions—of people living in close proximity can combine to produce an olfactory experience that’s less than pleasant.

Dec 8, 2020

New national survey finds Canadians’ mental health eroding as pandemic continues

The second wave of the pandemic has intensified feelings of stress and anxiety, causing alarming levels of despair, suicidal thoughts and hopelessness in the Canadian population.

Dec 3, 2020

Online supports for COVID-19 stress are there—but Canadians aren’t accessing them

Many Canadians are not making use of virtual resources that could help them cope with the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new analysis by researchers at UBC, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Nov 10, 2020

High walk and bike scores associated with greater crash risk

Neighbourhoods with high bikeability and walkability scores actually present higher crash risks to cyclists and pedestrians in Vancouver, according to new research from the University of British Columbia.

Aug 27, 2020

UBC lab spins nanofibre ‘gold’ from waste fabrics

Fast fashion generates huge amounts of textile waste, but researchers have developed a way to recycle some of that fabric into useful products In the materials engineering labs at UBC, […]

Oct 15, 2019

Big problems, tiny solutions

Vikram Yadav, a chemical engineering assistant professor who joined UBC’s faculty of applied science four years ago, is using some of the world’s tiniest creatures—yeasts and bacteria—to find solutions for some weighty problems.

Apr 29, 2019

Inclusive primary care improves people’s health, finds UBC-Western study

Respectful, inclusive practices in primary care clinics can significantly improve the health of low-income, marginalized people who may have previously experienced trauma or discrimination, a new study from the University of British Columbia and Western University has found.

Dec 18, 2018

Urban greenways can reduce neighbourhood carbon emissions

A new UBC study has found that greenways significantly reduce carbon emissions, with 300 metres being the optimal distance for maximum environmental benefits.

Jul 5, 2018

Researchers found that feelings of powerlessness, a mismatch between reality and expectations of motherhood, and unmet expectations of support contributed to anger in the context of postpartum depression.

Anger overlooked as feature of postnatal mood disorders: UBC study

Women in the postpartum period should be screened for anger in addition to depression and anxiety, new research from the University of British Columbia suggests.

Jun 26, 2018

A UBC researcher has found that disasters that injured a significant number of people strengthened religiosity among those who already believe in God.

Injuries and loss of life boost religious faith after disasters

Weather-related disasters can make people more religious but it depends on the toll they inflict, suggests new UBC research.

Jun 5, 2018

A home in Vancouver's Strathcona neighbourhood. Credit: Heritage Vancouver/Flickr

Study highlights environmental cost of tearing down Vancouver’s single-family homes

Rising property values in Vancouver have resulted in the demolition of an unprecedented number of single-family homes in recent years, many of which were replaced with the same type of structure. Despite the better energy performance of the new homes, this cycle is likely to increase overall greenhouse gas emissions.

May 23, 2018

UBC students compete for best SpaceX landing-pad design

UBC students will demonstrate SpaceX-style, remote-controlled landing pads they designed for their second-year mechanical engineering course.

Apr 18, 2018

Recycling experts hit milestone in quest for zero-waste phone

UBC researchers have perfected a process to efficiently separate fibreglass and resin – two of the most commonly discarded parts of a cellphone – bringing them closer to their goal of a zero-waste cellphone.

Apr 12, 2018

New glaucoma treatment could ease symptoms while you sleep

Eye drops developed by UBC researchers could one day treat glaucoma while you sleep – helping to heal a condition that is one of the leading causes of blindness around the world.

Apr 11, 2018

Workers used strategies to hide, improvise or use self-defence tools to deal with potential assaults.

Sex workers need workplace regulations to improve safety: study

Canada’s sex workers, many of whom work indoors, are enterprising and vigilant when it comes to protecting themselves against exploitation, assault or robbery. They set a relaxing atmosphere, insist on a no-drugs rule, keep self-defence tools at the ready and maintain good relationships with landlords in order to avoid eviction.

Mar 21, 2018

UBC associate professor of materials engineering Goran Fernlund and Navid Zobeiry, research associate at UBC’s composites research network.

UBC-designed cooler combats vaccine spoilage in developing world

Many vaccines must be kept at temperatures between two to eight degrees Celsius or they may spoil, but storing them in that narrow range of temperatures can be a challenge in remote areas with limited refrigeration.

Mar 14, 2018

The top three reasons cited for screen time included needing time to complete household chores, coping with a busy workday, and the belief that it helped with their child's speech and language development. Credit: Richard Leeming/Flickr

Toddlers getting screen time, despite guidelines to the contrary

More than half of Vancouver parents surveyed in a new study reported allowing their children to use electronic devices like smartphones and tablets, despite guidelines from the Canadian Pediatric Society recommending against screen time for children aged two and under.

Feb 14, 2018

A simple water treatment system has helped lift water advisories in two B.C. First Nations communities. Credit: UBC/Res'eau WaterNet

First Nations communities lift water advisories with simple treatment system

For the first time in decades, two remote First Nations communities in Lytton, B.C. have access to safe drinking water – thanks to a point-of-entry treatment system designed by UBC engineers in collaboration with the communities, industry and government.