UBC’s researchers contribute to a global effort to save lives, fight disease and address critical health and environmental issues concerning humans and animals.
Our researchers have helped to improve understanding and treatment of global health challenges like cancer, HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer’s disease. They’ve developed treatments for age-related blindness, technologies to treat heart disease, and tests to diagnose heart, lung and kidney failure. Some have made breakthroughs in animal-borne diseases that can also affect humans, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, avian influenza, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Many of our researchers are engaged in studying the impact of climate and environmental change on the survival of animal species, and how they adapt to these changes.
Recent Discoveries
Since 2017, UBC research breakthroughs have occured in areas such as human health, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Examples are inlcuded below.
Human Health
Lowering levels of mutant protein that causes Huntington disease can restore cognitive function in mice
New glaucoma treatment could ease symptoms while you sleep
Researchers develop new weapon for hard-to-treat bacterial infections
Animal Health
Dairy calves’ personalities predict their ability to cope with stress
Fish evolve by playing it safe
‘Whale breath’ reveals bacteria threatening endangered killer whales
Environmental Sustainability
New pheromone insight may help predict mountain pine beetle outbreaks
Herbivores help protect ecosystems from climate change
UBC researchers use drones to track jellyfish blooms