UBC Today Archive

Powerful, double-decker bus-sized microscopes help scientists uncover possible COVID-19 treatment

Researchers at UBC’s faculty of medicine are working with microscopes—some up to 13 feet tall—to help prevent and treat COVID-19. The research team, led by Sriram Subramaniam, a professor in UBC’s department of biochemistry and molecular biology, is using a powerful imaging technique known as cryo-electron microscopy to take pictures at near-atomic resolution to see how various antibody treatments bind to the virus.

Professors Marie Tarrant and Joan Bottorff named Fellows of Canadian Academy of Nursing

Two highly accomplished professors from the School of Nursing in UBC Okanagan’s Faculty of Health and Social Development are among the inaugural class of Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Nursing, announced Sept. 9 by the Canadian Nurses Association. Nursing Professor, Marie Tarrant, director of the School of Nursing, and Nursing Professor, Joan Bottorff, director of the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, will be officially inducted as inaugural Fellows at a virtual ceremony and celebration on Nov. 20.

Watch the video recording of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Principal’s Fall Town Hall

UBC researchers play pivotal role in confronting COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted challenges, exacerbated inequalities and sparked uncertainty for many. But one area of particular strength and inspiration is Canada’s research community and its response to the pandemic. According to UBC Vice-President Research and Innovation Gail Murphy, the support of successive federal and provincial governments has allowed Canada to cultivate a world-class university research community – one that is playing a critical role in confronting COVID-19.

Molecular architect

Isaac Li, a Michael Smith Foundation scholar, is focused on developing shapeshifting molecules to study the physical interactions in diseases and developmental processes. “Being able to watch and control the actions of biological molecules one at a time is a fascinating and fundamentally important problem,” he explains.  

2020 UBC Okanagan Staff Awards of Excellence announced

Congratulations to this year's winners of the 2020 UBC Okanagan Staff Awards of Excellence. They are: Jenny Janok (for customer service) Philipp Reichert (for global citizenship) Alanna Vernon (for leadership) Nancy Adams (for leadership) The School of Nursing lab team (for campus spirit) The winners were awarded their prizes virtually during the DVC Town Hall on September 3, 2020.

New UBCO study examines pain tolerance among cannabis users

Unlike opioids, long-term cannabis use does not increase sensitivity to pain A recent study examining pain among cannabis users suggests that—unlike long-term opioid use—regular cannabis use does not appear to increase pain sensitivity. Doctoral student Michelle St. Pierre, who conducts research in the psychology department at UBC Okanagan, recently published a study looking for differences in pain tolerance of people who frequently use cannabis compared to those who don’t.

30-second bio: Mike Marin

Name: Mike Marin Title: Associate Professor of Teaching Department/Unit: School of Population and Public Health I am: Faculty Location: Vancouver Year I started working at UBC: 2003

External emails to include a new security warning banner

UBC Cybersecurity and UBC IT Communication & Collaboration Services will be launching a new email security enhancement on September 28, 2020, targeting emails that originate from outside the university.    The External Email Security Warning Tag serves as a reminder to users to verify the authenticity of the email before clicking on any hyperlinks, opening any attachments, forwarding or responding. The tag is not an indicator that an email is phishing, fraudulent or spam.  

2021/22 Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund renewal applications

Multi-year TLEF projects are invited to apply for second- and third-year funding, with applications due by Thursday November 12, 2020.

Have your say on the proposed Administrative AVP Appointment and Review Policy by Oct. 13

You are invited to comment on a proposed policy governing the appointment and review of administrative Associate Vice-Presidents (AVPs). Please submit feedback to the Office of the University Counsel at university.counsel@ubc.ca by October 13, 2020

State of the Mountains highlights highs and lows of climate change

Biodiversity, glacier health and sea mountains featured in annual report While many know of the canary in the coal mine analogy, a team of researchers are using Canada’s mountain ranges as their canary. And, like the coal miners, they say Canadians should be worried.