UBC News
@news.ubc.ca
Official channel of UBC News, run by UBC Media Relations staff. Follow us for research news, announcements, expert advisories and story ideas.
Big breakthrough for living drugs.
UBC researchers have discovered how to grow “helper” immune cells from stem cells—paving the way for more effective and accessible off-the-shelf immune therapies. Learn more: news.ubc.ca/2026/01/stem...
UBC researchers have discovered how to grow “helper” immune cells from stem cells—paving the way for more effective and accessible off-the-shelf immune therapies. Learn more: news.ubc.ca/2026/01/stem...
January 8, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Big breakthrough for living drugs.
UBC researchers have discovered how to grow “helper” immune cells from stem cells—paving the way for more effective and accessible off-the-shelf immune therapies. Learn more: news.ubc.ca/2026/01/stem...
UBC researchers have discovered how to grow “helper” immune cells from stem cells—paving the way for more effective and accessible off-the-shelf immune therapies. Learn more: news.ubc.ca/2026/01/stem...
UBC experts are available to comment on the political, economic and security implications of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
news.ubc.ca/advisory/ubc...
news.ubc.ca/advisory/ubc...
UBC experts on U.S. military action in Venezuela – UBC News
Following a U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from the country, attention now turns to what happens next—for Venezuela, the region and international relations.
news.ubc.ca
January 6, 2026 at 6:21 PM
UBC experts are available to comment on the political, economic and security implications of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
news.ubc.ca/advisory/ubc...
news.ubc.ca/advisory/ubc...
Could events in Venezuela hit Canada’s oil sector?
Revived Venezuelan heavy crude could flood markets, lower prices and squeeze Alberta oilsands—reshaping investment and energy strategy, writes Dr. Philippe Le Billon of @sppga.ubc.ca.
theconversation.com/a-regime-cha...
Revived Venezuelan heavy crude could flood markets, lower prices and squeeze Alberta oilsands—reshaping investment and energy strategy, writes Dr. Philippe Le Billon of @sppga.ubc.ca.
theconversation.com/a-regime-cha...
A regime change in Venezuela could have grim consequences for Canada’s oil sector
Canada and Venezuela compete in the same heavy-oil regional and global markets, so shifts in supply from Canada to Venezuela would widely reverberate across the Canadian economy.
theconversation.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Could events in Venezuela hit Canada’s oil sector?
Revived Venezuelan heavy crude could flood markets, lower prices and squeeze Alberta oilsands—reshaping investment and energy strategy, writes Dr. Philippe Le Billon of @sppga.ubc.ca.
theconversation.com/a-regime-cha...
Revived Venezuelan heavy crude could flood markets, lower prices and squeeze Alberta oilsands—reshaping investment and energy strategy, writes Dr. Philippe Le Billon of @sppga.ubc.ca.
theconversation.com/a-regime-cha...
A ‘baby’ galaxy cluster just 1.4B years after the Big Bang is blazing with gas at least 5x hotter than models predict—likely superheated by early supermassive black holes. Read more on UBC News: news.ubc.ca/2026/01/earl...
Earliest, hottest galaxy cluster gas on record could change our cosmological models
The scorching cloud of gas threaded between clusters of galaxies is five times hotter than current models predict, highlighting gaps in our models of galaxy cluster formation.
news.ubc.ca
January 5, 2026 at 4:10 PM
A ‘baby’ galaxy cluster just 1.4B years after the Big Bang is blazing with gas at least 5x hotter than models predict—likely superheated by early supermassive black holes. Read more on UBC News: news.ubc.ca/2026/01/earl...
And that's a wrap for our office until January 2nd! If you're looking for some holiday reading, check out our stories on www.news.ubc.ca
Have a wonderful holiday break and see you in 2026!
Have a wonderful holiday break and see you in 2026!
December 24, 2025 at 9:00 PM
And that's a wrap for our office until January 2nd! If you're looking for some holiday reading, check out our stories on www.news.ubc.ca
Have a wonderful holiday break and see you in 2026!
Have a wonderful holiday break and see you in 2026!
Reposted by UBC News
As Trump Media plans to merge with a company developing nuclear fusion technology, SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane comments in the @nytimes.com about the risks of the eroding independence of the N.R.C. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/b... @allison-macfarlane.bsky.social @news.ubc.ca
Another Trump Financial Conflict, This Time With Nuclear Power
www.nytimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 6:33 PM
As Trump Media plans to merge with a company developing nuclear fusion technology, SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane comments in the @nytimes.com about the risks of the eroding independence of the N.R.C. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/b... @allison-macfarlane.bsky.social @news.ubc.ca
“You need to have that light in the morning to reset your circadian rhythms.”
Drs. Wendy Hall and Raymond Lam discuss the idea of permanent daylight time.
Drs. Wendy Hall and Raymond Lam discuss the idea of permanent daylight time.
‘Morning light is critical’: Shortest day of the year renews debate over daylight time
As Canadians emerge from the winter solstice, the so-called shortest day of the year, scientists are once again arguing against permanent daylight time.
www.ctvnews.ca
December 24, 2025 at 5:01 PM
“You need to have that light in the morning to reset your circadian rhythms.”
Drs. Wendy Hall and Raymond Lam discuss the idea of permanent daylight time.
Drs. Wendy Hall and Raymond Lam discuss the idea of permanent daylight time.
Mathematics lies at the heart of AI and investment in these mathematical foundations is the critical key to becoming a true global AI leader.
Drs. Deanna Needell and Ozgur Yilmaz (@ubcmath.bsky.social) write in the @ca.theconversation.com
Drs. Deanna Needell and Ozgur Yilmaz (@ubcmath.bsky.social) write in the @ca.theconversation.com
How can Canada become a global AI powerhouse? By investing in mathematics
AI shapes daily life but remains unreliable and costly. Canada can lead by investing in the mathematics that make these systems fair, efficient and trusted.
theconversation.com
December 23, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Mathematics lies at the heart of AI and investment in these mathematical foundations is the critical key to becoming a true global AI leader.
Drs. Deanna Needell and Ozgur Yilmaz (@ubcmath.bsky.social) write in the @ca.theconversation.com
Drs. Deanna Needell and Ozgur Yilmaz (@ubcmath.bsky.social) write in the @ca.theconversation.com
From light therapy to connecting with nature, Dr. Raymond Lam (@ubcmedicine.bsky.social) discusses some methods that might help with symptoms of seasonal affective disorder
Experts share tips to help manage the winter blues - The Weather Network
Light therapy, changing your mindset among methods researchers recommend
www.theweathernetwork.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:01 PM
From light therapy to connecting with nature, Dr. Raymond Lam (@ubcmedicine.bsky.social) discusses some methods that might help with symptoms of seasonal affective disorder
@ires.ubc.ca research shows nearly half the global population—and almost all Canadians—must change their diets to curb climate change.
Discover simple steps to reduce food emissions and help keep warming below 2°C.
Discover simple steps to reduce food emissions and help keep warming below 2°C.
How changing your diet could help save the world - UBC News
UBC research shows nearly half the global population—and almost all Canadians—must change their diets to curb climate change. Discover simple steps to reduce food emissions and help keep warming…
news.ubc.ca
December 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM
@ires.ubc.ca research shows nearly half the global population—and almost all Canadians—must change their diets to curb climate change.
Discover simple steps to reduce food emissions and help keep warming below 2°C.
Discover simple steps to reduce food emissions and help keep warming below 2°C.
“If we’re going to avoid warming way beyond the acceptable limits that we think we want to stay below—and we’re already past where we want to be—we can’t rely on one company or one technology. We need all-hands-on-deck, and we need to try everything.”
UBC spin-off companies tackle climate change and drive economic growth - UBC News
Pushing the economy forward: Research-based climate solutions are helping Canada compete in the global low-carbon economy.
news.ubc.ca
December 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM
“If we’re going to avoid warming way beyond the acceptable limits that we think we want to stay below—and we’re already past where we want to be—we can’t rely on one company or one technology. We need all-hands-on-deck, and we need to try everything.”
Congratulations to recent PhD graduate Dr. Francesca Ferraresso (@science.ubc.ca), named one of @forbes.com 30 under 30 in healthcare:
Francesca Ferraresso - Syrina Therapeutics
Francesca Ferraresso is on Forbes' 2026 30 Under 30 - Healthcare list. Read more about Francesca Ferraresso, their experience, their asset summary, and more here.
www.forbes.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Congratulations to recent PhD graduate Dr. Francesca Ferraresso (@science.ubc.ca), named one of @forbes.com 30 under 30 in healthcare:
"But … introducing [stricter] licenses is a good move and an improvement."
Dr. Rashid Sumaila (@ubcoceans.bsky.social) discusses Somalia tightening the licensing process for fishing to curb illegal fishing practices
buff.ly/UTzKmCf
Dr. Rashid Sumaila (@ubcoceans.bsky.social) discusses Somalia tightening the licensing process for fishing to curb illegal fishing practices
buff.ly/UTzKmCf
December 22, 2025 at 9:00 PM
"But … introducing [stricter] licenses is a good move and an improvement."
Dr. Rashid Sumaila (@ubcoceans.bsky.social) discusses Somalia tightening the licensing process for fishing to curb illegal fishing practices
buff.ly/UTzKmCf
Dr. Rashid Sumaila (@ubcoceans.bsky.social) discusses Somalia tightening the licensing process for fishing to curb illegal fishing practices
buff.ly/UTzKmCf
Think it's cold outside now? How about in the Burrard Inlet's waters to plant kelp? 🤿 🌱
@drseaweed.bsky.social and Rebecca Hansen discuss the Martone lab's work to plant thousands of baby bull kelp onto a new underwater rock reef at the Lynn Creek Estuary.
buff.ly/Ld321Uq
@drseaweed.bsky.social and Rebecca Hansen discuss the Martone lab's work to plant thousands of baby bull kelp onto a new underwater rock reef at the Lynn Creek Estuary.
buff.ly/Ld321Uq
December 22, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Think it's cold outside now? How about in the Burrard Inlet's waters to plant kelp? 🤿 🌱
@drseaweed.bsky.social and Rebecca Hansen discuss the Martone lab's work to plant thousands of baby bull kelp onto a new underwater rock reef at the Lynn Creek Estuary.
buff.ly/Ld321Uq
@drseaweed.bsky.social and Rebecca Hansen discuss the Martone lab's work to plant thousands of baby bull kelp onto a new underwater rock reef at the Lynn Creek Estuary.
buff.ly/Ld321Uq
Help an Anna's hummingbird out this winter - turns out feeders are facilitating their ability to stay here through the cold.
Dr. Jill Jankowski (@zoology.ubc.ca) discusses via @viawesome.bsky.social
Dr. Jill Jankowski (@zoology.ubc.ca) discusses via @viawesome.bsky.social
Hummingbirds need help this winter in Metro Vancouver. Here's what to do
Did you know we have a hummingbird species that stays here year round?
www.vancouverisawesome.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Help an Anna's hummingbird out this winter - turns out feeders are facilitating their ability to stay here through the cold.
Dr. Jill Jankowski (@zoology.ubc.ca) discusses via @viawesome.bsky.social
Dr. Jill Jankowski (@zoology.ubc.ca) discusses via @viawesome.bsky.social
UBC researchers have found a way to reduce muscle fatigue for patients taking statins, a drug that can save lives by preventing.
via @vancouversun.bsky.social
via @vancouversun.bsky.social
UBC researchers discover why cholesterol-lowering statins harm muscles — here's why that matters
UBC researchers have found a way to reduce muscle fatigue for patients taking statins, a drug that can reduce the risk of stroke
vancouversun.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:00 PM
UBC researchers have found a way to reduce muscle fatigue for patients taking statins, a drug that can save lives by preventing.
via @vancouversun.bsky.social
via @vancouversun.bsky.social
"It don't matter where you're from, … who you are. A good story is just a good story, and if it delivers some knowledge... I mean, that's a powerful tool. It is way cool."
Heck yeah it is! Dr. Shandin Pete (@eoas.ubc.ca) discusses Salish asterisms
buff.ly/Bhhd2d2
Heck yeah it is! Dr. Shandin Pete (@eoas.ubc.ca) discusses Salish asterisms
buff.ly/Bhhd2d2
December 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM
"It don't matter where you're from, … who you are. A good story is just a good story, and if it delivers some knowledge... I mean, that's a powerful tool. It is way cool."
Heck yeah it is! Dr. Shandin Pete (@eoas.ubc.ca) discusses Salish asterisms
buff.ly/Bhhd2d2
Heck yeah it is! Dr. Shandin Pete (@eoas.ubc.ca) discusses Salish asterisms
buff.ly/Bhhd2d2
Parasites plagued Roman soldiers - just ask the UBC researchers who analyzed residue on an ancient Roman pot, identifying the eggs of intestinal worms—strong evidence that it was most likely used as a chamber pot. 🪱 🚽
Parasites plagued Roman soldiers at Hadrian’s Wall
They were infected by roundworm, whipworm, and microscopic protozoans called Giardia duodenalis.
arstechnica.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Parasites plagued Roman soldiers - just ask the UBC researchers who analyzed residue on an ancient Roman pot, identifying the eggs of intestinal worms—strong evidence that it was most likely used as a chamber pot. 🪱 🚽
The atmospheric rivers that brought floodwaters to Abbotsford, B.C., in both 2021 and 2025 brought a tremendous amount of moisture to the mountains, and were warm.
CBC spoke with @eoas.ubc.ca PhD candidate Elise Legarth, who is studying the impact of these storms.
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
CBC spoke with @eoas.ubc.ca PhD candidate Elise Legarth, who is studying the impact of these storms.
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
December 19, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The atmospheric rivers that brought floodwaters to Abbotsford, B.C., in both 2021 and 2025 brought a tremendous amount of moisture to the mountains, and were warm.
CBC spoke with @eoas.ubc.ca PhD candidate Elise Legarth, who is studying the impact of these storms.
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
CBC spoke with @eoas.ubc.ca PhD candidate Elise Legarth, who is studying the impact of these storms.
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
"Nudges are kind of low-effort, low-impact attempts to steer people in particular directions. Probably the most prominent sort of nudges are candy bars in checkout aisles."
Prof Dr. Steven Taylor discusses consumer behaviour and supermarket retail techniques via @thetyee.ca
Prof Dr. Steven Taylor discusses consumer behaviour and supermarket retail techniques via @thetyee.ca
Hunting for Deals Like a Raptor in Search of Prey | The Tyee
In our second special sneak peek of his new book on living frugally, Steve Burgess takes us into the aisles of his local grocery store.
thetyee.ca
December 18, 2025 at 11:30 PM
"Nudges are kind of low-effort, low-impact attempts to steer people in particular directions. Probably the most prominent sort of nudges are candy bars in checkout aisles."
Prof Dr. Steven Taylor discusses consumer behaviour and supermarket retail techniques via @thetyee.ca
Prof Dr. Steven Taylor discusses consumer behaviour and supermarket retail techniques via @thetyee.ca
A new “Collision Realization and Significant Harm (CRASH) Clock” by UBC's Dr. Aaron Boley uses statistics to estimate how long spacecraft now have to avoid a dangerous close pass or a collision with orbiting satellites.
buff.ly/ymWVuuJ
buff.ly/ymWVuuJ
December 18, 2025 at 9:30 PM
A new “Collision Realization and Significant Harm (CRASH) Clock” by UBC's Dr. Aaron Boley uses statistics to estimate how long spacecraft now have to avoid a dangerous close pass or a collision with orbiting satellites.
buff.ly/ymWVuuJ
buff.ly/ymWVuuJ
Don't bother wrapping that soccer ball as a gift - turns out it's (mathematically) impossible ⚽ 🎀
UBC mathematician Adam Martens unwraps the geometry of gift wrapping—from boxes to donuts to the golden ratio.
Read more ⤵️
news.ubc.ca/2025/12/the-...
UBC mathematician Adam Martens unwraps the geometry of gift wrapping—from boxes to donuts to the golden ratio.
Read more ⤵️
news.ubc.ca/2025/12/the-...
The mathematics of gift wrapping
Discover the math behind holiday gift wrapping. UBC’s Adam Martens explains why spheres defy perfect wrapping, why boxes win, and how geometry shapes our seasonal traditions.
news.ubc.ca
December 18, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Don't bother wrapping that soccer ball as a gift - turns out it's (mathematically) impossible ⚽ 🎀
UBC mathematician Adam Martens unwraps the geometry of gift wrapping—from boxes to donuts to the golden ratio.
Read more ⤵️
news.ubc.ca/2025/12/the-...
UBC mathematician Adam Martens unwraps the geometry of gift wrapping—from boxes to donuts to the golden ratio.
Read more ⤵️
news.ubc.ca/2025/12/the-...
The @ubchart.bsky.social team is developing a new digital map to quantify how much public land exists in cities and towns across B.C. and assess their suitability for affordable housing.
UBC team creating first provincewide inventory of public land
Interactive map for policymakers, developers and public to launch next summer
www.biv.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:01 PM
The @ubchart.bsky.social team is developing a new digital map to quantify how much public land exists in cities and towns across B.C. and assess their suitability for affordable housing.
"This is not normal, and this is not OK, and this is not going to lead to success.This is how to have an accident."
Dr. Allison Macfarlane (@sppga.ubc.ca) discusses a U.S. program to fast-track construction of new and untested reactor designs via @npr.org
buff.ly/icy6HS4
Dr. Allison Macfarlane (@sppga.ubc.ca) discusses a U.S. program to fast-track construction of new and untested reactor designs via @npr.org
buff.ly/icy6HS4
Trump's rush to build nuclear reactors across the U.S. raises safety worries
A new program at the Department of Energy is pushing the development of nearly a dozen new reactor designs at breakneck speed.
www.npr.org
December 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
"This is not normal, and this is not OK, and this is not going to lead to success.This is how to have an accident."
Dr. Allison Macfarlane (@sppga.ubc.ca) discusses a U.S. program to fast-track construction of new and untested reactor designs via @npr.org
buff.ly/icy6HS4
Dr. Allison Macfarlane (@sppga.ubc.ca) discusses a U.S. program to fast-track construction of new and untested reactor designs via @npr.org
buff.ly/icy6HS4