UBC Faculty of Applied Science

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

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.

Feb 14, 2018

UBC students compete in locomotive design challenge

UBC students will demonstrate locomotives they have designed as part of their mechanical engineering second-year course.

Jan 24, 2018

Transgender youth avoid health care due to discomfort with doctors

Close to half of transgender young Canadians aren’t accessing health care when they need it, according to a new study from the University of British Columbia.

Dec 5, 2017

Rescued at sea: UBC students get an early Christmas present

After a year and a half spent drifting at sea, a self-navigating robotic sailboat built by University of British Columbia students has been rescued off the coast of Florida by a U.S. research vessel.

Dec 4, 2017

What your tweets say about your commute

Urban planners need mobility data on how people move around the city, in order to improve transit service.

Nov 22, 2017

UBC researchers develop earthquake-resistant concrete

A new seismic-resistant, fibre-reinforced concrete developed at the University of British Columbia will see its first real-life application this fall as part of the seismic retrofit of a Vancouver elementary school.

Oct 10, 2017

Lower education and income linked to higher suicide risks for gay and bisexual men

Gay and bisexual men making less than $30,000 a year and without a university degree have more than five times the odds of attempting suicide compared with their more advantaged peers, according to new research from the University of British Columbia.

Oct 2, 2017

UBC invention uses bacteria to purify water

A University of British Columbia-developed system that uses bacteria to turn non-potable water into drinking water will be tested next week in West Vancouver prior to being installed in remote communities in Canada and beyond.

Apr 4, 2017

New flexible sensor holds potential for foldable touch screens

Picture a tablet that you can fold into the size of a phone and put away in your pocket, or an artificial skin that can sense your body’s movements and vital signs.

Mar 15, 2017