News
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Two UBC Computer Scientists Elected to RSC
September 22, 2009
Two UBC computer scientists--one an expert on algorithms and data structures, the other a leading figure in artificial intelligence--have been elected as Fellows to the Royal Society of Canada. The award is the highest honour that can be attained by scholars and scientists in Canada. Professor… read more
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New sequencing technique could boost pine beetle fight, improve cancer research
September 15, 2009
UBC researchers have helped developed a cheaper, more efficient way to compile draft genome sequences that could advance the fight against mountain pine beetle (MPB) infestation and improve cancer research. Current sequencing methods have a variety of advantages and disadvantages--including the… read more
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Andromeda Galaxy Cannibalized Neighbouring Galaxies
September 2, 2009
UBC astronomers are part of the first international team to chart the unexplored outskirts of the Andromeda galaxy, a survey that has detected stars and giant structures that are almost certainly remnants of smaller galaxies gobbled up by Andromeda as part of its ongoing growth. The survey-… read more
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UBC Research Pokes Holes in Hubbard Model, Could Help Solve Enigma of High-Temperature Superconductors
August 19, 2009
New UBC research has literally and figuratively poked holes in single-band Hubbard physics--a model that has been used to predict and calculate the behavior of high-temperature superconductors for 20 years. The findings are the first compelling evidence challenging the model under certain… read more
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New DNA technique could improve environmental DNA detection, food safety
August 10, 2009
A new DNA extraction technique developed by UBC researchers could make it much easier for forensic investigators and molecular biologists to isolate DNA or RNA in small or heavily contaminated samples. The new technique, which uses electric fields instead of chemical properties to isolate DNA,… read more
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UBC Science Awarded $4.6M for Health Research
August 7, 2009
UBC Science has been awarded $4.6 million in research funding from the latest competition held by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Researchers within the departments of Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and Zoology received grants. In total, UBC received more than $26… read more
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'Wanderlust' Gene Dictates Physical and Behavioural Traits In Sticklebacks: UBC Zoologists
August 5, 2009
A gene previously associated with physical traits also dictates related behaviour in the tiny stickleback fish, according to a new University of British Columbia study. Measuring three to 10 centimetres, stickleback fish originated in the ocean but began populating freshwater lakes and streams… read more
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Invigorated Muscle Structure Allows Geese to Brave the Himalayas
July 28, 2009
A higher density of blood vessels and other unique physiological features in the flight muscles of bar-headed geese allow them to do what even the most elite of human athletes struggle to accomplish – exert energy at high altitudes, according to a new UBC study. Named for the dark stripes… read more
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UBC Researchers Help Push for Standard DNA Barcodes for Plants
July 27, 2009
Two University of British Columbia researchers are part of an international team recommending standards for the DNA barcoding of land plants, a step they hope will lead to a universal system for identifying species, and ultimately boost conservation efforts. Barcodes based on portions of DNA … read more
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UBC Life Sciences Institute Names New Director
July 7, 2009
Dr Christian Naus--a leading expert on the role that intercellular channels play in the developing brain and in disease processes--has been named director of UBC's Life Sciences Institute (LSI). Naus, previous head of the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and… read more