News
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Founding Google investor Cheriton donates $7.5 million to UBC computer science
November 14, 2014
UBC alumnus David Cheriton has donated $7.5 million to UBC to create a chair in computer science and a new first-year course in computational thinking. Cheriton is a professor of computer science at Stanford University, a technology investor and business mentor. In 1998, he was a founding… read more
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UBC projects tap microbial genomics to boost sustainable bioenergy
November 14, 2014
Two new Genome BC-funded projects led by UBC researchers will harness microbial community research to help tackle sustainable development challenges in biofuel and BC shale gas development. The initiatives, led by UBC microbiologist Steven Hallam in collaboration with researchers Sean Crowe and… read more
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Life in Earth’s primordial sea was starved for sulfate
November 6, 2014
The Earth’s ancient oceans held much lower concentrations of sulfate—a key biological nutrient—than previously recognized, according to research published this week in Science. The findings paint a new portrait of our planet’s early biosphere and primitive marine life… read more
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UBC receives $26.9 million for 70 research projects
October 27, 2014
From genetic mapping to wind turbines, the University of British Columbia (UBC) has received $26.9 million toward 70 research infrastructure projects from the BC Knowledge Development Fund in 2014. “Our government invests in innovation to grow and diversify our economy,” said Minister… read more
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Rapid test to diagnose severe sepsis
October 24, 2014
A new test, developed by University of British Columbia researchers, could help physicians predict within an hour if a patient will develop severe sepsis so they can begin treatment immediately. Sepsis, a syndrome caused by infection, leads to organ failure and is responsible for up to five… read more
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Sea stars under attack
October 20, 2014
If a mysterious disease keeps spreading, we may no longer see sea stars along the seashore A year ago sea stars, commonly known as starfish, started disintegrating on the shores of Howe Sound, hit by a mysterious condition referred to as sea star wasting syndrome. The syndrome has decimated sea… read more
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UBC Science welcomes eight new Canada Research Chairs
October 20, 2014
Eight new Canada Research Chairs have been appointed and one renewed at the UBC Faculty of Science. The newly appointed researchers are helping improve stress-tolerant crops, solar electricity and tuberculosis treatments, and making big discoveries about the origins of planets and of life on Earth… read more
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Loss of big predators could leave herbivores in a thorny situation
October 16, 2014
Global declines in carnivore populations could embolden plant eaters to increasingly dine on succulent vegetation, driving losses in plant and tree biodiversity, according to UBC research published today in Science. UBC zoologist Adam Ford and colleagues used GPS tracking and feeding experiments… read more
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Fish moving poleward at rate of 26 kilometres per decade
October 9, 2014
Large numbers of fish will disappear from the tropics by 2050, finds a new University of Britsh Columbia study that examined the impact of climate change on fish stocks. The study identified ocean hotspots for local fish extinction but also found that changing temperatures will drive more fish… read more
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A bee in their bonnet
October 6, 2014
Beekeepers have launched a lawsuit against the makers of neonicotinoid pesticides. Are their concerns justified? Canadian beekeepers recently filed a class-action lawsuit against the makers of neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides that are coming under scrutiny. But do they have a case? UBC… read more