News
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UBC, BCCA researchers publish first epigenetic profiles of normal breast tissue cells
November 17, 2016
As part of a global effort to map the human epigenome, UBC and BC Cancer Agency researchers have published the first epigenetic profiles of normal cell types in breast tissue. The research is part of a major, co-ordinated analysis of the epigenomes of healthy and abormal cells by the… read more
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Climate change may prevent volcanoes from cooling the planet
November 16, 2016
New UBC research shows that climate change may impede the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions. When an eruption is powerful enough, volcanoes spew sulfur gasses high into the atmosphere, reaching a layer called the stratosphere, about 10 to 15 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. Here,… read more
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Making sure Siri ages gracefully
November 7, 2016
Computer scientist Joanna McGrenere—co-founder of HCI@UBC—discusses how human-computer interaction research has evolved as new devices are adopted by a wider-range of users. The challenge: Making sure tech works for everyone. How has the field of human-computer interaction changed… read more
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Elephant poaching costs African economies US $25 million per year in lost tourism revenue
November 1, 2016
The first continent-wide assessment of the economic losses caused by elephant poaching in Africa shows the practice costs countries around US $25 million annually in lost tourism revenue. “While there have always been strong moral and ethical reasons for conserving elephants, not everyone… read more
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How sharks recycle toxic ammonia to keep their skin moist
October 27, 2016
The Pacific spiny dogfish shark is a master at recycling the ocean’s toxic ammonia and converting it into useful urea, according to new research from University of British Columbia (UBC) zoologists. Animals typically eat protein in order to grow, but sharks also require protein to… read more
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Aerial drone offers insights into bowhead whale behaviour
October 20, 2016
The bowhead whale is the longest-living marine mammal in the world, yet many answers remain about the biology and feeding behaviour of this elusive animal. Recently, a research team undertook what is believed to be the first intensive effort to study bowhead whales with the use of an aerial drone… read more
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Study to determine if early cancer can be detected with blood test
October 18, 2016
UBC-developed technology will be utilized during a pilot study organized by the BC Cancer Agency to determine whether it is possible to detect early signs of cancer with a simple blood test. By using a new method to detect DNA from cancer cells in the blood of volunteers with no known disease,… read more
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Loren Rieseberg appointed director of UBC Biodiversity Research Centre
October 3, 2016
Botanist Loren Rieseberg, internationally known for his research into the genomics and evolution of the sunflower, has been appointed director of UBC’s Biodiversity Research Centre. Rieseberg is a fellow of the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Canada, has held a MacArthur Fellowship… read more
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UBC chemist receives Rutherford Memorial Medal
September 29, 2016
UBC chemist and chemical engineer Curtis Berlinguette has been awarded the Royal Society of Canada's Rutherford Memorial Medal in Chemistry for his research in solar energy conversion technologies. Berlinguette’s lab has developed a new class of stable and high performance chromophores for… read more
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Antibiotics developed in 1960s show promise for TB therapy
September 28, 2016
First generation cephalosporins—antibiotics introduced as a treatment against bacterial infections in 1963—now show promise for tuberculosis (TB) therapy, according to new research published in Scientific Reports. Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is the most deadly… read more