News
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Researchers remap the epic evolution of a ‘ring species’ through central Asia
May 25, 2014
The Greenish Warbler, long considered an idealized example of a single species that diverged into two as it expanded its range, has a much more checkered family history than biologists previously realized. Ring species are a continuous loop of related populations, each adapted to its local… read more
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Promising discovery in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria
May 22, 2014
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified a small molecule that prevents bacteria from forming into biofilms, a frequent cause of infections. The anti-biofilm peptide works on a range of bacteria including many that cannot be treated by antibiotics. “Currently there… read more
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Nanomaterials research training at UBC gets boost
May 16, 2014
Researchers studying nanomaterials at UBC received a $1.65 million boost in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada today. UBC chemist Mark MacLachlan received the support from NSERC's Collaborative Research and Training Experience program, with the funding… read more
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New TRIUMF-UBC training program aims to turn Vancouver into 'Isotope Valley'
May 16, 2014
A new interdisciplinary program at UBC and the TRUIMF national physics lab will provide young scientists with enriched training experiences in the production, preparation and innovative application of isotopes for science and health. The Isotopes for Science and Medicine (ISOSIM) CREATE… read more
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Lethal parasite evolved from pond scum
May 8, 2014
A lethal parasite infecting a wide range of insects actually originated from pond scum, according to a genomic investigation by UBC researchers. A team led by UBC Botany's Patrick Keeling sequenced the genome of Helicosporidium – an intracellular parasite that can kill juvenile blackflies,… read more
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Planck reveals magnetic fingerprint of our galaxy
May 6, 2014
An international team of astrophysicists has released an unprecedented map of the entire sky that charts the magnetic field shaping the Milky Way galaxy and helps in our understanding of the birth of the universe. The team—which includes researchers from the University of British Columbia… read more
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UBC antimicrobial pioneer elected to American National Academy of Sciences
April 29, 2014
UBC microbiologist Julian Davies has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. He is among 21 foreign associates from 15 countries elected to the prestigious Academy today in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in research. The Davies lab searches for… read more
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‘Charismatic’ organisms still dominating genomics research
April 29, 2014
Decades after the genomics revolution, half of known eukaryote lineages still remain unstudied at the genomic level--with the field displaying a research bias against ‘less popular’, but potentially genetically rich, single-cell organisms. This lack of microbial representation leaves… read more
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UBC's research prowess in statistical inference bolstered with CRC renewal
March 28, 2014
Statistical research at UBC that could help pinpoint the genetic origins of disease and illuminate the mysteries of genetic diversity has received a boost in federal funding from the Canada Research Chairs program. Jiahua Chen, CRC in Statistical Inference, was among eight Chairs appointed or… read more
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Still deadly after all these years: World TB Day is March 24
March 21, 2014
World TB Day -- March 24 -- marks Robert Koch's discovery of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacillus in 1882. Today, TB remains one of the world's most serious health threats, killing millions annually in the developing world, and striking at communities in Canada. UBC researcher Charles Thompson… read more