News
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Sharks worth more in the ocean than on the menu
May 31, 2013
Sharks are worth more in the ocean than in a bowl of soup, according to researchers from the University of British Columbia. A new study, published today in Oryx – The International Journal of Conservation, shows that shark ecotourism currently generates more than US$314 million annually… read more
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Mega genomes of spruce species decoded
May 22, 2013
Canadian and Swedish scientists today released genome sequences of two of the most economically important forest trees in the world. Conifers supply raw materials for the Canadian forestry industry, which accounted for $23.7 billion in Canada’s economy in 2011. Gross output of the forest… read more
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The Universe comes to Vancouver
May 22, 2013
Astronomers from across Canada and around the world converge on UBC to share the latest cosmic discoveries. What are the best candidate worlds to find a real-life ET? How are cosmologists revising the latest biography of the entire Universe – past, present and future? How do some… read more
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'Fish thermometer' reveals long-standing, global impact of climate change
May 15, 2013
Climate change has been impacting global fisheries for the past four decades by driving species towards cooler, deeper waters, according to University of British Columbia scientists. In a Nature study published this week, UBC researchers used temperature preferences of fish and other marine… read more
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UBC biodiversity expert elected to US National Academy of Sciences
April 30, 2013
University of British Columbia zoologist Sarah Otto has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, an 150-year-old society charged with providing independent, objective advice to American policy makers on matters related to science and technology. The Academy announced the… read more
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UBC earns national award for collaborative design of science class
April 30, 2013
UBC's recently launched First Year Seminar in Science -- a small class experience focused on critical thinking and communication skills -- has been awarded the 2013 Alan Blizzard Award by Canada’s Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. The award recognizes advances made in… read more
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BC’s distinctive tuya volcanoes reveal glacial, palaeo-climate secrets
April 30, 2013
Deposits left by the eruption of a subglacial volcano, or tuya, 1.8 million years ago could hold the secret to more accurate palaeo-glacial and climate models, according to new research by UBC geoscientists. The detailed field mapping and sampling of the partially eroded Kima' Kho tuya in… read more
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Robert Shadwick to head UBC Zoology
April 22, 2013
Robert Shadwick, internationally recognized for his research in animal physiology and biomechanics, has been appointed head of the Department of Zoology at UBC. His appointment will take effect July 1, 2013. "I’m delighted to be working with Bob to continue to strengthen zoology research… read more
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UBC researchers weed out ineffective biocontrol agents
April 17, 2013
‘Keep it simple’ is a good rule of thumb when designing biocontrol programs to combat weeds and invasive plants, according to a meta-analysis of studies by UBC biodiversity experts. Biocontrol programs use an invasive plant’s natural enemies (insects and pathogens) to reduce its… read more
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Tiny octopus-like microorganisms named after science fiction monsters
April 3, 2013
UBC researchers have discovered two new symbionts living in the gut of termites, and taken the unusual step of naming them after fictional monsters created by American horror author HP Lovecraft. The single-cell protists, Cthulhu macrofasciculumque and Cthylla microfasciculumque, help termites… read more