Topic: University of British Columbia
All Content
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Four planets in 'habitable zones' spotted within spitting distance of Earth
Astronomers say they used a new statistical technique to find four possible super-Earths orbiting in the habitable zone of two stars within 22 light-years of Earth, Gliese 667C and tau Ceti.
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How alleged 'arsenic munching' bacteria survives in toxic Calif. lake
The bacteria, a member of the genus Halomonadaceae, live in California's Mono Lake, amidst concentrations of arsenic that would kill most other life forms.
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Oxygen-starved fish to shrink significantly due to global warming
Human fish supplies from oceans could be at risk by 2050, according to a new study, as weights for fish may fall by 14-24 percent.
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Will a warming planet and melting sea ice spur development in the Arctic? (+video)
Researchers predict that nearly ice-free summers are on the way, although it’s not yet clear when this will happen.
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New studies cast doubt on NASA's arsenic bacteria claims (+video)
Research led by a NASA astrobiologist in 2010 that suggested the existence of bacteria could grow using arsenic instead of phosphorus has been challenged by two new studies.
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NASA 'arsenic life' claim refuted by two new studies (+video)
The new studies refute a December 2010 finding that, if confirmed, would have revolutionized how we think about life.
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Backchannels
Good Reads: No cyber-utopia for activistsActivists in Syria and elsewhere may find it ever easier to connect online. But the governments that want to thwart them are watching.
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Scientists unveil biggest ever map of universe's dark matter
Even though it cannot be seen directly, dark matter, which represents 98 percent of the mass of the universe, exerts a gravitational pull on normal matter, including light. By measuring its tug on starlight, astronomers have mapped the distribution of this mysterious substance.
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Scientists 'see' dark matter web for first time
By observing how light is bent, a team of astronomers have created a visual map of how dark matter is distributed throughout the universe.
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Canadians use social media to out Vancouver rioters
Some see the use of social media skills to learn the identities of post-Stanley Cup Vancouver rioters as a dangerous new trend. Many officials are worried about vigilante justice.
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After earthquake, Japan asks how a nation prepares for the unimaginable
Japan has been widely praised for its disaster readiness, but the magnitude 9.0 earthquake has the country asking how it can be better equipped to handle the next big one.
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Alien fossils found in meteorite? Scientists urge skepticism.
Alien fossils have been discovered in meteorites from outer space, claims a NASA astrobiologist. Other scientists are urging caution.
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Antarctic glacier melt explained
Antarctic glacier melt is a major cause of rising sea levels. With the help of a robotic underwater vehicle, scientists have now determined why one big glacier is disappearing.
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Japan beat Denmark, but why didn't Asians cheer for the Asian team?
Japan beat Denmark today, though it was unlikely that many Asians rooted for the Asian team in the match. Regional loyalties in Asia are threadbare, say academics, which means there is little 'Asian identity.'
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Scientists allege that dark matter and dark energy might not exist
A new look at the data from one of the telescopes used to establish the existence of dark matter and dark energy raises questions about whether they really exist at all.
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Life on Saturn moon? Earth's asphalt lakes hint at possibility of life on Titan
If alien life were found on Titan it may be of a different origin than our own.
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Green Economics
Will the 2010 Winter Olympics payoff for Vancouver's long-run growth?Experts remain unconvinced that the 2010 Winter Olympics will pay off for Vancouver.
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Vancouver 2010: Olympic athletes give poor children the 'Right to Play'
Led by Norwegian Olympic speed skating great Johann Olav Koss, Right to Play is at Vancouver 2010 recruiting athletes and educating the public about its international effort to give children in developing countries greater access to sports.
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Weathering the Olympics: how science and sport meet on the bottom of a ski
Rain and slush are testing Olympic skiers as well as their technical gurus, whose choices of skis and wax can help make the difference between gold and anonymity.
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Tuna’s plight is a problem the world must solve
Too many boats and technology that is too good mean that nations must cooperate to preserve tuna and other fish stocks.
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Spicing up crops may keep pests at bay
Clove, thyme, and mint may serve as natural pesticides.
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Terrorism & Security
Canadian judge sentences convicted terrorist to 10-1/2 yearsMohammed Momin Khawaja, the first man convicted under Canada's anti-terror laws, was involved with foiled bomb plot in Britain.
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Parks that can move when the animals do
Climate change is pushing marine animals out of their protected areas. Ways must be found to ensure that their protection migrates with them, naturalists say.
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Obama off to Canada to tighten ties
In Canada, the president's first foreign destination, the focus will be on rebuilding a deep alliance. Differences loom however, on climate change, protectionism, and troops in Afghanistan.
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Vancouver study claims benefits to prescribing heroin to addicts
But critics say the efforts amount to a dangerous step toward legalizing drugs.
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