The Great Wall of China is not the only thing you can see from space. Fish farming cages are clearly visible through Google Earth’s satellite images and University of British Columbia researchers have used them to estimate the amount of fish being cultivated in the Mediterranean.
Media Release Archives - Last 6 Months
New poll shows Canadians want to make family a priority
Canadians want to make family a priority – 85 per cent want to spend more time with their families and 60 per cent want governments to support policy changes that make it easier to raise a family, according to a national poll by McAllister Opinion Research about research led by University of British Columbia professor Paul Kershaw.
UBC researchers discover key to immune cell’s ‘internal guidance’ system; could lead to more efficient vaccines
University of British Columbia researchers have discovered the molecular pathway that enables receptors inside immune cells to find, and flag, fragments of pathogens trying to invade a host.
Deborah Buszard appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal for UBC’s Okanagan campus
The University of British Columbia Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Professor Deborah Buszard to lead UBC’s Okanagan campus as Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal. She will begin her five-year term on July 1, 2012.
Student invention first to secure seed money from new UBC entrepreneurship fund
An invention developed by students in a joint Sauder School of Business–UBC Engineering undergraduate class is the first to secure seed money from a new University of British Columbia entrepreneurship fund.
UBC releases additional information on animal research
New information released today on the University of British Columbia Animal Research website outlines the main purposes for which animals were involved in research and educational activities in 2010.
UBC gains $9.8M federal investment to advance Canadian composites industry
Businesses in western Canada’s manufacturing sector will be able to increase their competitive edge thanks to a federal investment of $9.8 million announced today at the University of British Columbia.
Monogamy reduces major social problems of polygamist cultures
In cultures that permit men to take multiple wives, the intra-sexual competition that occurs causes greater levels of crime, violence, poverty and gender inequality than in societies that institutionalize and practice monogamous marriage.
UBC experts available to comment on global economic issues raised at Davos
With the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, approaching (Jan. 25-29) and another year of uncertainty expected in global financial markets, UBC experts are available to comment on international and national economic issues.
UBC applicants need more than just grades
The University of British Columbia is expanding its use of broad-based admissions – an application process based both on grades and personal experiences – to all applicants of direct-entry undergraduate programs at the Vancouver campus this year, making UBC the largest Canadian university to include non-academic criteria in its application process on this scale.
One in ten Canadians cannot afford prescription drugs: UBC study
One in ten Canadians cannot afford to take their prescription drugs as directed, according to an analysis by researchers from the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto.
UBC and SFU welcome $1.7M Videomatica film collection
An exceptional film collection valued at $1.7 million will be housed and preserved by the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.
UBC experts available to comment on Enbridge and Keystone debates
UBC experts are available to provide media commentary on two controversial pipeline projects to carry Alberta bitumen to U.S. and foreign markets.
UBC researchers identify potential new therapy approach for Hepatitis C that could benefit 170 million people affected worldwide
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have found a new way to block infection from the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the liver that could lead to new therapies for those affected by this and other infectious diseases.
UBC researchers release estimate of “invisible workforce” in global fisheries
University of British Columbia researchers have released a comprehensive estimate of the number of fisheries jobs around the world – including small-scale, artisanal operations that were previously not counted in official fisheries estimates.
People more likely to lie when texting: UBC research
Text messaging leads people to be more deceitful when compared to other modes of communication, according to Sauder School of Business researchers at the University of British Columbia.
Majority of B.C. women take prescription drugs during pregnancy: UBC study
Almost two-thirds of women in British Columbia filled at least one prescription at some point in their pregnancy, including drugs with potential risks, according to a new study by University of British Columbia researchers.
Generations disagree on public funding priorities: new poll data
Younger adults want Canada’s wealth invested more evenly across the generations, while Canadians older than 55 say they should ‘wait their turn,’ according to new polling data.
UBC scientists key contributors to ‘super-cool’ camera, built to reveal early life of stars
University of British Columbia scientists have helped build the world’s largest astronomy camera with an internal temperature colder than anything else in the Universe.
Marine predators in trouble: UBC researchers
Iconic marine predators such as sharks, tunas, swordfish, and marlins are becoming increasingly rare under current fishing trends, say University of British Columbia researchers.
UBC, CFRI and BC Children’s researchers to lead $2.8-million project to reduce deadly infection in Bangladeshi mothers, children
Researchers from the University of British Columbia, Child & Family Research Institute (CFRI) and BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) have won a $2.8-million grant from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to improve the survival rate of Bangladeshi mothers, newborns and young children through the prevention of sepsis, a life-threatening form of infection in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria.
UBC receives $2.2M from BMO for family business and dairy research education
The University of British Columbia welcomes a $2.2 million donation from BMO Financial Group to support education and outreach for successful family business as well as innovative research and education to benefit dairy farms – most of them family-run.
UBC partnering with Province of B.C. to promote social innovation
The ISIS research centre at UBC’s Sauder School of Business is partnering with the Province of British Columbia and other business and non-profit organizations on a dynamic initiative to fund social innovation in B.C.
UBC experts available to comment on UN climate change conference
UBC experts are available to speak about the 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17/CMP7) in Durban, South Africa, beginning Nov. 28.
UBC experts available to comment on Greater Vancouver municipal elections
UBC experts are available to provide media commentary on a variety of topics – from Occupy Vancouver and bike lanes to voter turnout and diversity issues – in this weekend’s municipal elections.
UBC researchers provide recommendations for $100 billion in annual climate change aid
In advance of a major United Nations climate conference, University of British Columbia researchers are recommending how to manage a $100 billion annual commitment made by the international community last year to help the developing world respond to climate change – a funding promise almost equal to all existing official development aid from major donor [...]
UBC to recognize Japanese Canadian students affected by internment during World War II
The University of British Columbia Senate voted tonight to honour students and Canadians affected by a dark period in Canada’s history, and will be awarding them special degrees next spring as part of a three-pronged program to mark the 70th anniversary of the internment policy.
UBC receives $1M from Bell for online youth mental health outreach and research
Vancouver, November 16, 2011 – Today UBC and Bell announced a $1M gift to establish the Bell Youth Mental Health IMPACT project. This initiative will enable researchers from the University of British Columbia to conduct mental health outreach to youth in need.
More than 50-per-cent decline in elephants in eastern Congo due to human conflict: UBC research
Humans play a far greater role in the fate of African elephants than habitat loss, and human conflict in particular has a devastating impact on these largest terrestrial animals, according to a new University of British Columbia study published online in PLoS ONE this week.
UBC establishes significant new on-the-ground presence in India
The University of British Columbia is deepening its commitment to India by opening offices in Bangalore and New Delhi and establishing partnerships with leading universities and research institutions across India.
Wood biofuel could be a competitive industry by 2020: UBC study
Fuel made from wood could become a competitive commercial alternative to fuel made from corn by 2020 if the wood biofuel industry is supported, according to a new University of British Columbia study.
Historical B.C. newspapers digitized by UBC Library
For the first time, more than 45,000 pages chronicling B.C.’s storied past are available online following the completion of a British Columbia Historical Newspapers Project.
UBC researchers devise new technology to monitor brain aneurysms
University of British Columbia researchers have developed new technology for monitoring brain aneurysms – an approach that is potentially less invasive and more accurate than current methods, and one that is simple enough for patients to use at home for frequent monitoring.
UBC opens North America’s ‘greenest’ building to advance sustainability research and innovation
UBC has opened the most sustainable building in North America, a $37-million “living laboratory” that will help to regenerate the environment and advance research and innovation on global sustainability challenges.
$2.5M gift from UBC alumni to create student engineering design centre
The University of British Columbia opens today on its Vancouver campus the Wayne and William White Engineering Design Centre, which will boost collaboration and hands-on innovation among students from 11 engineering disciplines.
UBC releases new information on animal research
The University of British Columbia is publishing on its Animal Research website information on the total number of animals involved in research during 2010, the major species groupings, and the degree of invasiveness of the research activities.
2010 Winter Olympics provided economic and cultural boost
British Columbia’s economy grew in 2010 with new businesses, jobs and an increase in visitor spending, all likely related to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, says a University of British Columbia study that measured the impact of the Games.
UBC announces “Name a Spider” contest winner to mark first anniversary of Beaty Biodiversity Museum
After a national contest with 810 entries, a jumping spider, discovered in Eucador by the Beaty Biodiversity Museum’s scientific director Wayne Maddison, has been named Lapsias lorax - after a Dr. Seuss character.
“Trading Places” most common pattern for couples dealing with male depression: UBC study
University of British Columbia researchers have identified three major patterns that emerge among couples dealing with male depression. These can be described as “trading places,” “business as usual” and “edgy tensions.”
New UBC professorship focuses on women’s cardiovascular health
The first research program in British Columbia to focus on gender-based differences in cardiovascular disease has been established by the University of British Columbia and Providence Health Care.
UBC welcomes $1M boost in entrepreneurship and research translation
The Genomics Research Entrepreneurship to Accelerate Translation (GREAT) project at the University of British Columbia has been chosen for funding through Genome Canada’s Entrepreneurship Education in Genomics (EEG) pilot program.
Allegations against UBC researchers’ study on Insite “without merit:” independent reviewer
An independent reviewer has dismissed concerns over a study that shows a 35-per-cent decrease in overdose deaths after the opening of Insite, North America’s only supervised injection facility.
Raising a family is harder but retiring is easier for Canadians today than in the ‘70s: UBC study
Canadian parents today are raising families with less money and time than the Baby Boomer generation even though the country’s economy has doubled in size since 1976, says a new study by the University of British Columbia.
UBC gains global politics expertise through new visiting Trudeau Fellow
An international expert on the politics of global aid, conflict and security will join UBC as a visiting fellow, thanks to a $225,000 prize from the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.
UBC researchers invent tiny artificial muscles with the strength, flexibility of elephant trunk
An international team of researchers has invented new artificial muscles strong enough to rotate objects a thousand times their own weight, but with the same flexibility of an elephant’s trunk or octopus limbs.
Six new Canada Research Chairs appointed at UBC
Six new Canada Research Chairs have been appointed at the University of British Columbia and 11 more have been renewed, infusing $12.1 million into research at the university.
Skin colour matters when it comes to Canadians’ health: UBC study
A new UBC study finds that Black Canadians with darker skin are more likely to report poorer health than Black Canadians with lighter skin. The study also suggests that a mismatched racial identity can negatively affect health.
UBC-Providence Health research to examine new treatments for heroin addiction
A clinical trial to test better treatment options for chronic heroin addiction is expected to begin in Vancouver at the end of this year. Led by researchers from Providence Health Care and the University of British Columbia, it’s the only clinical trial of its kind in North America.
Federal and provincial ministers break ground for UBC-VCH brain health centre
Representatives of the federal and provincial governments today marked the start of construction of a new centre at the University of British Columbia that will unite brain research and patient care. The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, expected to open in 2013 at UBC Hospital, will bring together experts in the fields of psychiatry, [...]
Annual cost of violence pegged at $6.9B after women leave abusive partners: UBC research
Even after women have separated from an abusive partner, the violence still costs Canadians an estimated $6.9 billion a year, according to research at the University of British Columbia. The study – published in a recent issue of Canadian Public Policy – is the first in Canada to comprehensively identify the spectrum of economic costs [...]
UBC ranks 22nd among world universities, jumping eight spots
The University of British Columbia now ranks 22nd among the universities, according to the 2011-2012 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, released yesterday in London, U.K.
UBC innovator receives major Manning Foundation award for green engine technology
University of British Columbia Professor Emeritus Phil Hill has been named the 2011 recipient of the $100,000 Encana Principal Award by the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation. Hill was chosen for his discovery of a technology that enables diesel engines to run on clean-burning natural gas.
Workplace sabotage fueled by envy, unleashed by disengagement: UBC research
University of British Columbia research shows that managers should keep team members connected and engaged to avoid workplace sabotage. Co-authored by UBC Sauder School of Business Prof. Karl Aquino, the study reveals that envious employees are more likely to undermine peers if they feel disconnected from others. “We often hear that people who feel envious [...]
Global warming will reduce populations of plant-eaters: UBC research
Rising world temperatures will cause most populations of herbivores – including plant-eating fish – to decline, according to a University of British Columbia biologist. That prediction resulted from updated mathematical models that integrate fundamental biological effects of temperature with the way herbivores and plants interact. These models were combined with data from experiments using “mini-ecosystems” [...]
Bilingualism doesn’t hamper language abilities of children with autism: UBC research
Bilingual children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) acquire vocabularies just as rich as monolingual children with ASD, according to research by a bilingualism expert at the University of British Columbia.
Little progress on reducing pharmacare coverage disparities over past decade: UBC research
Changes to provincial drug plans over the past decade did little to address the wide disparities among provinces in prescription drug coverage, according to an analysis by University of British Columbia researchers.
start an evolution: UBC launches Canada’s largest fundraising and alumni engagement campaign
The University of British Columbia has launched an ambitious $1.5 billion fundraising campaign with a twin goal of doubling the number of alumni engaged in the life of the university by 2015.
New UBC law building opens following Canada’s largest law school donor campaign
Today, UBC opened the country’s first new purpose-built university law school building in 30 years, a $56-million facility made possible by the largest private fundraising effort for a Canadian law school building.
What’s so unique about the tropics? UBC researcher says: “Less than we thought”
The temperate forests of Canada or Northern Europe may have much more in common with the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia or South America than commonly believed, according to a research group led by a University of British Columbia ecologist.
UBC-Vancouver Coastal Health researchers help discover common genetic cause of ALS and frontotemporal dementia
A neuropathologist at University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health helped find a genetic abnormality that is the most common cause of two different but related forms of neurodegenerative disease: frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
UBC gains $32.6 million in funding for genomic-based forestry research
The University of British Columbia welcomed the announcement of $32.6 million in funding from Genome Canada and Genome BC for four research projects aimed at making Canada’s forests healthier and more economically productive.
UBC biologist wins MacArthur “genius” grant
Sarah Otto, a zoology professor and director of the Biodiversity Research Centre at the University of British Columbia, is one of 22 people to be picked for this year’s round of ”genius grants” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
UBC receives $1.2 million to monitor child development across Canada
The University of British Columbia today announced a $1.2 million gift from The Lawson Foundation to develop a system to monitor differences in child development across Canada.
UBC journalism project documents global pain crisis
In advance of a United Nations conference today on the global challenges of treating cancer and other diseases, the UBC Graduate School of Journalism has launched an ambitious multimedia site, The Pain Project, which documents one of the greatest challenges to treating chronic illnesses: severely constrained access to morphine.
UBC-Vancouver Coastal Health researcher discovers new type of spinal cord stem cell
A group led by a University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health scientist has discovered a type of spinal cord cell that could function as a stem cell, with the ability to regenerate portions of the central nervous system in people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
UBC and Vancouver Coastal Health open new medical research centre
A new research facility opened today for scientists at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health, providing the space and equipment to study treatments and possible cures for people with prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and bone and joint problems.
UBC researcher part of $4-million NSERC effort to measure and plan for Arctic climate change
A UBC Arctic expert will help to identify the impacts of the rapid environmental changes in Canada’s North and develop an adaptation strategy, as part of a team of researchers that has received a $4-million grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Newly identified gene mutation linked to Parkinson’s: UBC-Vancouver Coastal Health research
Less than two months after publishing findings about a new gene linked to late-onset Parkinson’s disease, the same team of scientists at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute have discovered another gene responsible for the neurodegenerative disease – providing yet another target for potential treatments.
Simulation proven to enhance training of health professionals: UBC-Mayo Clinic researchers
An analysis by the University of British Columbia and the Mayo Clinic found that simulation-based training is an effective way to teach physicians, nurses, dentists, emergency medical technicians and other health professionals. The team reviewed more than 600 studies evaluating the use of technologies such as virtual reality computers, mannequins and training models to teach [...]
UBC launches Canada’s only journalism course to focus on First Nations and the media
The UBC Graduate School of Journalism has launched the only university journalism course in Canada dedicated to improving the quality of Aboriginal representation by the news media.
More B.C. students than ever on track for UBC degree
The University of British Columbia is serving more B.C. students on its campuses and seeing strong growth for the seventh straight year in the Okanagan.
UBC gains $2.9 million for research infrastructure
University of British Columbia research in climate change, chemistry, medical imaging and physical therapy received a $2.9 million boost today from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
Three research programs win $6M in CIHR grants to promote global health equity
Three research projects at the University of British Columbia have won five-year grants totaling nearly $6 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to promote greater equity in global health.
B.C. Leadership Chair in Genetic Medicine appointed at UBC
The University of British Columbia today welcomed the appointment of Matthew Farrer as the new Dr. Donald Rix B.C. Leadership Chair in Genetic Medicine, the ninth B.C. Leadership Chair to be appointed at UBC.
Parents’ stress leaves lasting marks on children’s genes: UBC-CFRI research
Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the Child & Family Research Institute have shown that parental stress during their children’s early years can leave an imprint on their sons’ or daughters’ genes – an imprint that lasts into adolescence and may affect how these genes are expressed later in life.
UBC and Toyota receive federal funds to re-invent wheel manufacturing
The University of British Columbia and Toyota have received a federal grant to develop a new process for producing stronger, lighter and lower-cost aluminum wheels. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has awarded UBC and Toyota $727,000 from its Automotive Partnership Canada program to refine the manufacturing process for water-cooled die [...]
Fear of “grey tsunami” overblown: UBC studies
Fears that Canada’s aging population could lead to skyrocketing health care costs and doctor shortages may be greatly exaggerated, according to two studies by researchers at the University of British Columbia.
UBC unveils $61.8M sustainable makeover to Biological Sciences Complex
A hub for biology research and education at the University of British Columbia has received a $61.8 million makeover that provides more than 2,200 undergraduates and 370 researchers, staff and graduate students with brand new research labs and classrooms featuring the latest sustainability features, including one invented at UBC.
Single parents and gay couples face rental housing discrimination: UBC study
A new UBC study finds single parents and male gay couples face significant discrimination in the Metro Vancouver rental housing market, compared to straight couples.
Lucie McNeill to be director of UBC Public Affairs
Former journalist and CBC radio host Lucie McNeill will become the new director of the Public Affairs office at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus on October 17, 2011. An alumna of UBC and a long-time resident of Vancouver, McNeill has a diverse background in Canada, Europe and Asia in journalism and international development. [...]
UBC’s University Librarian first Canadian to head global group
UBC’s University Librarian is the first Canadian to head an organization that has been the global voice of the library and information profession for more than eight decades. Earlier this month, Ingrid Parent became the President of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) for a two-year term. A UBC graduate, Parent first [...]
T-cell discovery holds promise for organ transplant and immunodeficiency treatment: UBC research
University of British Columbia researchers have solved a long-standing mystery surrounding the activation of T-cells, white blood cells that find and kill viruses and bacteria but also participate in the rejection of transplanted organs. By identifying the mechanism that leads T-cells to spring into action and proliferate, the research, published online this month by the [...]
UBC receives Canada’s first ‘gold’ in new university sustainability ratings
Pioneering clean energy projects, an aggressive carbon-reduction strategy and North America’s greenest building have helped UBC to garner Canada’s first gold rating in a new international program that assesses sustainability achievements in higher education.
entrepreneurship@UBC Seed Accelerator fund to help launch UBC startups
Startups from the University of British Columbia community can now apply for investments of up to $100,000 to support their new venture thanks to the entrepreneurship@UBC Seed Accelerator fund.
