News
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Botanists conduct first large-scale genetic study of marijuana, hemp
August 26, 2015
A study by Canadian researchers is providing a clearer picture of the evolutionary history and genetic organization of cannabis, a step that could have agricultural, medical and legal implications for the valuable crop. “Even though hemp and marijuana are important crops, knowledge about… read more
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Prof collected bottle refunds for 25 years, donates $1M to support UBC geology students
August 21, 2015
A $1.1-million estate donation by geologist Wilbert R 'Ted' Danner will increase support for geology students at UBC, including topping up a scholarship originally funded by the proceeds of returned recyclable bottles and cans. “We're truly honoured by this gift,” said UBC Dean of… read more
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UBC physics class drops ‘by-rote’ experiments to boost critical thinking
August 17, 2015
When an experiment doesn’t go as expected in a new introductory physics lab at the University of British Columbia (UBC) this September, students will take a real-world approach to the ‘failure’. They’ll compare their experimental data to other students’ data and to… read more
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New weapon in the fight against malnutrition
August 4, 2015
UBC scientists have opened the doors to new research into malnutrition by creating an animal model that replicates the imbalance of gut bacteria associated with the difficult-to-treat disease. Malnutrition affects millions of people worldwide and is responsible for one-fifth of deaths in children… read more
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UBC positioned as global leader in quantum materials research with $66.5-million federal investment
July 30, 2015
A $66.5-million investment from the Government of Canada—the largest government investment in a single UBC research program—will enhance UBC’s standing as a global leader in quantum matter research and help connect university research with industry. UBC’s Quantum Matter… read more
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Asteroid impact erosion helped make Earth habitable
July 22, 2015
Compared to its celestial neighbours Venus and Mars, Earth is a pretty habitable place. So how did we get so lucky? A new study sheds light on the improbable evolutionary path that enabled Earth to sustain life. The research, published this week in Nature Geoscience suggests that Earth’s… read more
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Raising a generation of astronomers in Nigeria
July 21, 2015
As Jupiter and Venus completed a dazzling planetary conjunction this month, UBC's Linda Strubbe was wrapping up an astronomical convergence of a different sort under the clear, dark night skies of Nsukka, Nigeria. Strubbe, a Science Teaching and Learning Fellow with UBC Physics and Astronomy, is… read more
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As the oceans warm, wide-ranging species will have an edge
July 20, 2015
Marine species that already have large ranges are extending their territories fastest in response to climate change, according to new research from University of British Columbia biodiversity experts. The study is one of the first comprehensive looks at how traits—other than thermal niche… read more
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Q&A: What New Horizons could tell us about Pluto and the Kuiper Belt
July 13, 2015
On July 14, 2015 the space probe New Horizons will fly roughly 12,500 kilometres above the surface of Pluto, the closest we have ever been to the dwarf planet. The probe will snap photos and gather data that astronomers hope will yield valuable clues about the formation of the Solar System four… read more
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Human activities, shifts in local species reshaping coastal biodiversity
July 9, 2015
While human activities have caused extinctions across the globe, your favourite beach or diving site may actually be home to as many, or more, species then it was a few decades ago. That’s the conclusion of a synthesis of 50 years of marine biodiversity data conducted by University of… read more