Since the 1950’s, UBC has been the site of groundbreaking discoveries in understanding, diagnosing and treating a number of brain disorders and diseases. It is also home to Canada’s largest integrated research and treatment facility – the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.
Today, more than 500 researchers continue to be at the forefront of brain research, pioneering their work around mental health and addictions, dementia, and movement disorders.
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Discoveries
- 2017: Controversial treatment for MS found to be ineffective
- 2017: Link between vitamin A and Alzheimer’s disease
- 2017: Scientists create mouse that resists addiction
- 2016: Antibiotic restores brain cell communication damaged by Alzheimer’s
- 2015: Regular exercise can reduce risk of dementia
- 2012: Gene linked to Parkinson’s disease found
Key Research Groups
- BC Centre on Substance Use
- Brain, Behaviour & Development
- Centre for Research on Personhood in Dementia
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
- Dynamic Brain Circuits and Connections in Health and Disease cluster
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program
- Institute of Mental Health
- Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre
Spotlight
Lowering levels of Huntington disease-causing protein restores cognitive function in mice
After receiving pieces of DNA called antisense oligonucleotides, the mice also became less anxious and depressed.
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Child abuse could leave “molecular scars” on its victims
The researchers found a distinctive and significant difference in chemical tags on 12 regions of the genome.
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Concussions loosen insulation around brain cells
The loosening was detected two weeks post-concussion, when the players said they felt fine and were deemed ready to play.
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Sugar-like molecule points to new therapeutic path for autism and schizophrenia
Heparin sulfate, when bound to neurexin, a key synaptic protein, creates a sort of scaffold, strengthening neuronal connections.
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UBC bestows national prizes on Canadian health science pioneers
Andrew Krahn, Bruce McManus, Kullervo Hynynen and Martin Gleave are being honoured for their accomplishments in heart health, brain health and cancer.
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Genetic marker could spare MS patients from liver damage
The marker illustrates the potential power of precision medicine.
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A constellation of symptoms presages first definitive signs of multiple sclerosis
Five years before classic MS symptoms appear, people are up to four times more likely to be treated for nervous system disorders.
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Two discoveries offer new targets for future Alzheimer’s treatments
The studies, published this spring in Molecular Psychiatry, hint at more precise strategies for preventing the build-up of the toxic protein, amyloid beta.
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Pre-birth exposure to anti-depressants linked to better cognitive skills 12 years later
More research is needed to see if the benefit is also accompanied by risks, such as higher anxiety.
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A quicker treatment for persistent depression?
A 3-minute session of theta bursts was just as effective as a 37-minute session of standard high-frequency brain stimulation.
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