New research by psychologists at three North American universities, including the University of British Columbia, finds that parents experience greater levels of happiness and meaning from life than non-parents.
Media Release Archives - 2012
UBC researcher wins 2012 Trudeau Foundation scholarship
Daniel Werb, senior research assistant at the Addiction and Urban Health Research Initiative (UHRI) at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE), has been awarded the 2012 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship for his PhD research project investigating initiation and cessation of injection drug use among street youth in Vancouver.
Vancouver, Montreal, Portland and Minneapolis among most “bikeable” cities in North America: UBC research
University of British Columbia researchers are making bikeability research easily accessible to consumers and city planners by introducing bikeability “heat maps” in partnership with Seattle-based Walk Score® at www.walkscore.com/bike.
H1N1 discovery paves way for universal flu vaccine: UBC research
University of British Columbia researchers have found a potential way to develop universal flu vaccines and eliminate the need for seasonal flu vaccinations.
Hedge funds more like guardian angels than vultures: UBC research
New University of British Columbia research shows that – contrary to popular opinion – hedge funds have a positive influence when investing in U.S. companies filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
UBC to double enrolment in midwifery education program
The University of British Columbia’s Midwifery Program – bolstered by increased funding from the Province of British Columbia – will double in size over the next five years, a move intended to augment the number of pregnancy and childbirth specialists in B.C.
Canadians don’t mean what we say about government spending: UBC researcher
Nearly half – 45 per cent – say that government laws, services and programs are irrelevant to their well-being and quality of life, according to a national poll by McAllister Opinion Research on issues studied by University of British Columbia public policy professor Paul Kershaw.
Analytic thinking can decrease religious belief: UBC study
A new University of British Columbia study finds that analytic thinking can decrease religious belief, even in devout believers.
UBC Dentistry gains $1M to enhance patient-based research and knowledge transfer
The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of British Columbia has opened a clinical research centre focusing on best practices and evidence-based patient care thanks to a $1 million donation from Frontier Dental Laboratories.
Preventing dementia: new research by VCH and UBC shows the trajectory of cognitive decline can be altered in seniors at risk for dementia
Cognitive decline is a pressing global health care issue. Worldwide, one case of dementia is detected every seven seconds. Mild cognitive impairment is a well recognized risk factor for dementia, and represents a critical window of opportunity for intervening and altering the trajectory of cognitive decline in seniors.
UBC revamps MBA for increasingly complex, global marketplace
The Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia today announced a revamped MBA for fall 2012. Offered by Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School, the new program emphasizes hands-on learning, global immersion and integration of business disciplines for a “360-degree” management perspective. Students will travel to one of Sauder’s partner institutions – [...]
UBC journalism partners with First Nations to report on major health issues
An innovative UBC Graduate School of Journalism project provides a hard-hitting look into efforts by Aboriginal communities to address such major health and social issues as suicide, sexual abuse, diabetes and the survival of traditional languages.
Scientists re-write rulebook on breast cancer in landmark global study
Scientists at the BC Cancer Agency and University of British Columbia have identified new breast cancer genes that could change the way the disease is diagnosed and form the basis of next-generation treatments.
Jellyfish on the rise: UBC study
Jellyfish are increasing in the majority of the world’s coastal ecosystems, according to the first global study of jellyfish abundance by University of British Columbia researchers.
UBC remembers alumnus, forester and philanthropist Dr. Irving K. Barber, OC, OBC 1923 – 2012
Prominent Canadian and British Columbian Irving K. Barber passed away peacefully at home on April 13 at the age of 89. “Ike,” as he preferred to be called, graduated from UBC’s Faculty of Forestry in 1950, having previously served during World War II for five years with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Early screening for anxiety disorders in children helps prevent mental health concerns: UBC study
A University of British Columbia researcher has developed a simple two-question test to screen kindergarten-aged children for future anxiety disorders – the most commonly reported mental health concern among children.
New tool helps teachers use technology more effectively
A University of British Columbia researcher has piloted a tool to help elementary and secondary school science teachers get the most out of new classroom technologies.
Children teaching parents about Aboriginal culture: UBC study
In a unique role reversal, children in literacy programs for indigenous families are learning about Aboriginal culture and language and teaching it to their parents – many of whom are missing this knowledge because of Canada’s history of residential schools and child welfare removal policies. This reversal is identified in a new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia.
Pride and prejudice: Pride impacts racism and homophobia
A new University of British Columbia study finds that the way individuals experience the universal emotion of pride directly impacts how racist and homophobic their attitudes toward other people are.
Names Not Numbers: UBC introduces personalized service for incoming students
The University of British Columbia is offering a small campus experience to students admitted this fall to one of Canada’s largest universities, making UBC the first large university in Canada to implement a personalized service model.
UBC president helps identify key steps to respond to growing Asia Pacific research strengths
The most dramatic new developments in science are taking place among nations in the Asia-Pacific and the phenomenon is changing the dynamic of science around the globe, according to three science and academic leaders from the U.S., Canada and Singapore.
How to make high-end perfumes without whale barf
University of British Columbia researchers have identified a gene in balsam fir trees that could facilitate cheaper and more sustainable production of plant-based fixatives and scents used in the fragrance industry and reduce the need for ambergris, a substance harvested from whale barf.
Sexually abused boys at risk for more unsafe sex: UBC research
Young males who have been sexually abused are five times more likely to cause teen pregnancy compared to those with no abuse history, according to University of British Columbia research.
Canadian arts philanthropist’s $5-million gift creates major new arts centre at UBC
A $5-million gift from arts philanthropist Michael Audain’s family foundation will establish a major new centre for the visual arts at the University of British Columbia, providing a leading-edge facility for future generations of Canadian artists.
Ultra-Fast Laser Pulses Shed Light on Elusive Superconducting Mechanism: UBC Research
An international team that includes UBC physicists has used ultra-fast laser pulses to identify the microscopic interactions that drive high-temperature superconductivity.
Picky females promote diversity: UBC-IIASA study
Picky females play a critical role in the survival and diversity of species, according to a Nature study by researchers from the University of British Columbia and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria.
UBC Board of Governors welcomes two new appointed members
The University of British Columbia Board of Governors welcomes two new appointees to the University board. Dr. Gerry Karr, founder and medical director of the first Okanagan Valley Renal Dialysis Program at Penticton Regional Hospital, and Jason McLean, president and CEO of the McLean Group, have been appointed by the provincial government for two-year terms that began on February 16, 2012.
Some corals like it hot: Heat stress may help coral reefs survive climate change
A team of international scientists working in the central Pacific have discovered that coral which has survived heat stress in the past is more likely to survive it in the future.
Federal budget recognizes integral role of universities and university research to Canadian prosperity
Faced with a challenging fiscal environment, today’s federal budget sends a clear signal to Canada’s research universities. While other jurisdictions have dramatically reduced investments in government-supported R&D, the federal government’s continued support positions Canada to become a global leader in research and innovation.
UBC researchers identify genetic regulators hijacked by avian and swine flu viruses during human infection
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified a number of tiny but powerful “genetic regulators” that are hijacked by avian and swine flu viruses during human infection.
Coffee and other stimulant drugs may cause high achievers to slack off: UBC study
While stimulants may improve unengaged workers’ performance, a new University of British Columbia study suggests that for others, caffeine and amphetamines can have the opposite effect, causing workers with higher motivation levels to slack off.
UBC launches community-developed program as part of tribute to Japanese Canadian students of 1942
As part of UBC’s efforts to recognize Japanese Canadians affected by internment in 1942, the university is asking the Asian Canadian community to help guide the creation of a interdisciplinary program that will highlight the contributions of Asian Canadians and examine anti-Asian racism that produced events like the forced removal of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War.
UBC offers new $20,000 scholarships for Aboriginal students
The University of British Columbia has launched two new major entrance scholarships to help attract and support outstanding Canadian Aboriginal high school students to UBC.
Last privately held object from Captain Cook’s collection donated to UBC Museum of Anthropology
An object of global historical and cultural significance, received by explorer Captain James Cook from a Canadian First Nation during his final voyage (1776-1779), is being donated to the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology (MOA) by a leading arts philanthropist.
Recently purchased through a private dealer in New York, and valued at $1.2 million, the rare ceremonial club was the last remaining object from Captain Cook’s personal collection not housed in a public museum. Thanks to the Audain Foundation for the Visual Arts, the club returns to British Columbia, where the famous explorer received it from the Nuu-chah-nulth people of Vancouver Island’s west coast in 1778.
UBC animal research vindicated by Canadian Council on Animal Care
In a letter sent Friday, March 16, to the activist group Stop UBC Animal Research, the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) finds no evidence to support allegations of animal cruelty made against a University of British Columbia research team.
Exposure to antibiotics linked to severity of allergic asthma: UBC research
Widely used antibiotics may increase incidence and severity of allergic asthma in early life, according to a University of British Columbia study.
Pascal Spothelfer appointed Vice President, Communications and Community Partnership
The University of British Columbia Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Pascal Spothelfer as the new Vice President, Communications and Community Partnership. Spothelfer will begin his five-year term starting May 28, 2012.
UBC’s Vancouver senate vote paves way for early admissions offers
UBC’s Vancouver campus senate has adopted a motion that admissions officials say will help the University continue to deliver reliable admissions decisions as soon as possible and in an equitable way to all applicants this year.
UBC’s reputation moves up six spots to 25th in global ranking
The University of British Columbia now ranks 25th among the world’s top 100 universities, according to the 2012 Times Higher Education Reputation Rankings.
UBC gains nine more Canada Research Chairs valued at $10 million
The University of British Columbia has gained research strength in neuroscience, biotechnology, astronomy, anthropology and climate science with the appointment or renewal of nine UBC scholars as Canada Research Chairs.
Medically prescribed heroin more effective, less costly than current methadone treatment: UBC research
Medically prescribed heroin is more cost-effective than methadone for treating long-term street heroin users, according to a new study by researchers at Providence Health Care and the University of British Columbia.
One year later: UBC remembers Japan’s earthquake, explores lessons learned
UBC experts and community members are available to comment on the March 11 anniversary of Japan’s “triple disaster” – the earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant meltdown.
UBC, Fraunhofer formalize partnership among world’s top clean energy researchers
The University of British Columbia today forged a formal partnership with Germany’s Fraunhofer, Europe’s largest research institution for applied research, to focus on renewable-energy technologies.
Younger children in the classroom likely over-diagnosed with ADHD: UBC research
The youngest children in the classroom are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – and given medication – than their peers in the same grade, according to new research by the University of British Columbia.
UBC Museum of Anthropology receives private ‘treasure’ of early Bill Reid works
An important collection of early works by one of Canada’s best loved artists, Bill Reid, can be seen by the public for the first time thanks to a major donation to UBC’s Museum of Anthropology (MOA) from Vancouver’s Friedman family.
Law that regulates shark fishery is too liberal: UBC study
Shark fins are worth more than other parts of the shark and are often removed from the body, which gets thrown back into the sea. To curtail this wasteful practice, many countries allow the fins to be landed detached from shark bodies, as long as their weight does not exceed five per cent of the total shark catch. New University of British Columbia research shows that this kind of legislation is too liberal.
UBC expert panel to explore US election
A former White House staff member, the U.S. Consul general and University of British Columbia political science experts will discuss current and upcoming issues surrounding the upcoming U.S. election at a free public forum at Robson Square on Sunday, March 4.
Sauder School of Business unveils $70M facility revamp into global education hub
Today, the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia announced the opening of its new home on the Vancouver campus. The $70-million revitalization and expansion will allow the school to become a global hub for business education, adding 55,000 square feet to the original 216,000 square foot structure.
UBC researcher invents “lab on a chip” device to study malaria
University of British Columbia researcher Hongshen Ma has developed a simple and accurate device to study malaria, a disease that currently affects 500 million people per year worldwide and claims a million lives.
Taking the Earth’s pulse: UBC scientists unveil a new economic and environmental index
A growing world population, mixed with the threat of climate change and mounting financial problems, has prompted University of British Columbia researchers to measure the overall ‘health’ of 150 countries around the world.
Conservation risk highest off coasts of Canada, Mexico, Peru and New Zealand: UBC research
University of British Columbia researchers have identified conservation “hot spots” around the world where the temptation to profit from overfishing outweighs the appetite for conservation.
Dismay over ovarian cancer outcomes leads to new professorship
A new professorship created by the family and friends of the late Dr. Chew Wei, a Hong Kong physician who retired to Vancouver, will be devoted to finding new ways of detecting and treating women with ovarian and other gynaecological cancers.
$2M national study on “making it better” for lesbian, gay, bisexual – and straight – youth
Just how effective school and community programs are in reducing homophobic bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) – and straight – youth is the focus of a $2-million, five-year study led by Prof. Elizabeth Saewyc at the University of British Columbia.
Preparing for the flood: Visualizations help communities plan for sea-level rise
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have produced computer visualizations of rising sea levels in a low-lying coastal municipality, illustrating ways to adapt to climate change impacts such as flooding and storms surges.
Iconic marine mammals are “swimming in sick seas” of terrestrial pathogens: UBC researchers
Parasites and pathogens infecting humans, pets and farm animals are increasingly being detected in marine mammals such as sea otters, porpoises, harbour seals and killer whales along the Pacific coast of the U.S. and Canada, and better surveillance is required to monitor public health implications, according to a panel of scientific experts from Canada and the United States.
As climate change increases forest fires, smoke forecasting could help protect public health: UBC research
Satellite images, air quality measurements and smoke forecasting models are useful tools to help individuals and public health professionals prepare for smoke episodes in areas at risk from forest fire smoke, according to University of British Columbia researcher Michael Brauer.
Window into world’s future oceans unveiled by NF-UBC Nereus team
An international team from the Nippon Foundation-University of British Columbia Nereus program has unveiled the first global model of life in the world’s oceans, allowing scientists and policymakers to predict – and show through 3D visualizations – the state of life in the oceans of the future.
Ocean acidification turns climate change winners into losers: UBC Research
Adding ocean acidification and deoxygenation into the mix of climate change predictions may turn “winner” regions of fisheries and biodiversity into “losers,” according to research released today by University of British Columbia researchers.
“Duet of one” possible with hand-controlled voice synthesizer
New technology at the University of British Columbia makes it possible for a person to speak or sing just by using their hands to control a speech synthesizer. UBC researcher Sidney Fels says the gesture-to-voice-synthesizer technology mirrors processes that human use when they control their own vocal apparatus. “It’s like playing a musical instrument that [...]
Beyond climate models: Rethinking how to envision the future with climate change
Professor Stephen Sheppard will present at the symposium Beyond Climate Models: Rethinking How to Envision the Future with Climate Change Friday, February 17, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Vancouver.
Taking biofuel from forest to highway
The world is moving from a hydrocarbon economy to a carbohydrate economy, according to University of British Columbia biofuel expert Jack Saddler. He is presenting his work at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Vancouver on Feb. 17.
International ranking for infant mortality flawed: Canadian study
Canada’s ranking in international child health indexes would dramatically improve if measurements were standardized, according to a new study by researchers from the University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, McGill University, the University of Calgary, and the Public Health Agency of Canada, working with the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System and funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Maternal depression and bilingual households can impact infant language development
While babies are born ready to learn any of the world’s languages, the crucial developmental period when they attune to their native languages can change due to environmental influences such as maternal depression or a bilingual upbringing, according to new University of British Columbia research.
Mapping proteins key to human health and immune system: UBC research
Proteins, the building block for all living organisms, are the ultimate transformers – able to splice and switch roles and functions within the human body. But when these changes go wrong, diseases such as cancers and arthritis may result, says University of British Columbia researcher Chris Overall.
Energy poverty creating a respiratory disease ‘epidemic’ for almost half the world’s population
Limited access to clean sources of energy, known as energy poverty, makes nearly half the world’s population reliant on burning wood, animal waste, coal or charcoal to cook. This leads to severe respiratory diseases that kill roughly two million people worldwide each year, a problem University of British Columbia researchers are trying to solve.
UBC-AAAS news briefing schedule
UBC researchers will be taking part in a number of news briefing and media availability opportunities throughout the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
UBC immigration law expert available to comment on refugee act amendments
A UBC expert will be available to comment on expected amendments to Canada’s Balanced Refugee Reform Act – likely announced tomorrow – which may have significant implications for refugee claimants seeking protection in this country. “Bill C-11 passed Parliament in 2010, but has not yet been implemented,” says UBC immigration law expert Catherine Dauvergne. “Changes [...]
New drugs show promise for preventing “absence seizures” in children: UBC research
A team led by a University of British Columbia professor has developed a new class of drugs that completely suppress absence seizures – a brief, sudden loss of consciousness – in rats, and which are now being tested in humans. Absence seizures, also known as “petit mal seizures,” are a symptom of epilepsy, most commonly [...]
UBC announces 2012 individual honorary degrees: Two former PMs, singer-songwriter among Vancouver campus recipients
Former Canadian prime ministers Joe Clark and Paul Martin and iconic singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie are among those receiving honorary degrees from UBC this year. Others who will receive the degrees at the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia include a philanthropist for Buddhism studies, a globe-trotting husband-and-wife ethnobotanist team and a beloved symphony conductor.
UBC and four other Canadian universities chosen by U.S. to lead health education reform
The University of British Columbia is part of a Canadian collaborative selected by the U.S. Institute of Medicine to develop new models for training health professionals that are better tailored to today’s realities.
More than 40 UBC researchers present leading Canadian research at global science conference
The University of British Columbia community has come out in full force to take part in the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the largest general scientific gathering in the world.
UBC researchers use Google Earth to verify Mediterranean fish farming data
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.
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 experts available to comment on Canada’s 2012 budget
Mar. 27, 2012 | Filed under: Hot Topics, Media Advisory, Media Release, News Feed | Tags: business, economy, Federal Budget 2012, hot topics, media commentary, politics, UBC experts list
UBC experts will be available on March 29 to provide media commentary and analysis on the funding decisions, politics and potential impacts of Canada’s upcoming federal budget.
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