Topic: University of British Columbia

Good Reads: No cyber-utopia for activists

Activists in Syria and elsewhere may find it ever easier to connect online. But the governments that want to thwart them are watching.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Spicing up crops may keep pests at bay

Clove, thyme, and mint may serve as natural pesticides.

Canadian judge sentences convicted terrorist to 10-1/2 years

Mohammed Momin Khawaja, the first man convicted under Canada's anti-terror laws, was involved with foiled bomb plot in Britain.

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.

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.

Vancouver study claims benefits to prescribing heroin to addicts

But critics say the efforts amount to a dangerous step toward legalizing drugs.

Guantánamo video, deserter case draw Canadian criticism of U.S. ties

On Tuesday, a US Army deserter was deported. An unrelated but simultaneous video release showed a Canadian Gitmo detainee taken at age 15 crying, 'Oh Mommy!'

Where did all the fish go?

The sea was not so vast, once we deployed an industrial armada against it.

Corn's gulf impact

On the horizon: news from the frontiers of science

How gators move so quietly, a creative invasive snail, corn's impact on algae, and a global climate regulator.