UBC becomes first Canadian institution to join open science platform
With increasing interest in promoting transparency, collaboration, and reproducibility in academic research, the University of British Columbia announced today that it has become the first Canadian post-secondary institution to join the Center for Open Science’s online platform, Open Science Framework Institutions (OSFI).
Scientist Lera Boroditsky explains why language is vital to us all
The spoken word, in any language, can be a powerful thing. But how does each word, each sentence, our tone, the context—indeed our language—impact how we think.
Make-believe zombie apocalypse puts UBC professors to the test
For many, the question of who to bring along in order to rebuild human civilization during a zombie apocalypse has gone unanswered for too long. Now, six UBC Okanagan professors, all from different fields of expertise, aim to settle the issue once and for all—or at least until next year—as they prepare for the second annual Life Raft Debate.
From heart evolution to greenhouse gas
UBCO researchers are challenging established assumptions, innovating solutions and creating new knowledge that will have broad impacts on our society. Here are some of the accomplishments reached in 2019.
UBCO professors explain the brilliance behind this year’s Nobel Prize winners
Planets, poverty, peace and powerful batteries. The science and activism behind all of these are tied together this year by the lasting legacy of Alfred Nobel’s annual recognition for game-changes.
Use the humanities to bridge cultural divisions, say UBC profs
In an era when divisions in society seem more prevalent than ever, two UBC humanities professors are using the power of arts, history and philosophy to build bridges and address the world’s most pressing issues.
UBC Okanagan hosts Community Water Forum
UBC Okanagan’s third annual Community Water Forum will host a panel of experts who will explore how forests and water interact and the role restoration can play in creating more resilient ecosystems.
UBC event explores the impact of widowhood on women
Regardless of medical and lifestyle improvements, Statistics Canada reports that the average life expectancy for males (80) is still a few years shorter than women (84)—meaning that generally, wives still outlive their husbands by a number of years.
Detangling spooky spider myths
Fake spider webs and eight-legged creatures decorate many homes this time of year. While living, breathing spiders may cause spine-tingling shivers for some, UBC Okanagan spider expert Matt Nelson says that this fear is misplaced. Despite commonly held beliefs, he says, spiders rarely bite and are essential players in our world’s ecosystem.
UBC event explores life of climate change pioneer Alexander von Humboldt
Prussian naturalist Alexander von Humboldt began his celebrated expedition through the New World in 1799. During his travels, he explored the Americas widely, journeying to several countries including Venezuela, Cuba and the United States.