UBC researchers have identified eight per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in B.C. sea otters.

Known as ‘forever’ chemicals for how long it takes them to break down in the environment, these human-made chemicals are found in many common household products and have been linked to adverse health effects in humans. They are widespread in the environment, found in animals around the world including otters in the U.K., and orcas in B.C.

Now, UBC researchers have found PFAS chemicals in B.C. otters for the first time. Analyzing liver and skeletal muscle samples from 11 dead sea otters, they found eight of 40 tested PFAS chemicals present in every otter, with seven found only in the liver.

Concentrations were three times higher on average in otters found near major cities and shipping routes around coastal B.C., such as Victoria and Tofino.

Researchers developed a new, open-hardware, affordable, and accessible macroscope with application in plant science, fluorescent proteins, and optoelectronic devices. Detailed build instructions and open-source software are available for easy replication, requiring minimal experience with optics or electronics.

In nature, ordered structures are essential to maintain both stability and functionality in living systems, as observed in repeating structures or the formation of complex molecules. Yet, the creation of this order is based on universal physical principles which eventually allow the creation of living matter and organic structures. One of these principles is non-reciprocal interactions: one type of molecule is attracted by another which on the contrary is repelled. This phenomenon can give rise to interesting structures and patterns.

The study showcases an innovative and effective approach for large-scale genomic research of individual cells and viral particles, highlighting the abundance of marine viruses with unusual DNA chemistry.

Images of black holes are more than just fascinating visuals: they could serve as a “testing ground” for alternative theories of gravity in the future. An international team led by Prof. Luciano Rezzolla has developed a new method to examine whether black holes operate according to Einstein’s theory of relativity or other, more exotic theories. To that end, the researchers conducted highly complex simulations and derived measurable criteria that can be tested with future, even sharper telescopes. Over the next few years, this method could reveal whether Einstein’s theories hold true even in the most extreme regions of the universe.

A study published in the journal Nature Climate Change by an international team of scientists, from the IBS Center for Climate Physics (ICCP) at Pusan National University in South Korea, presents new evidence that ocean turbulence and a process known as “horizontal stirring” will increase dramatically in the Arctic and Southern Oceans due to human-induced Global Warming and decreasing sea ice coverage.

New University of Washington-led research attributes accelerated warming to reduced cloud reflectivity. As efforts to improve air quality have reduced pollution, clouds became less mirror-like, letting more solar radiation reach Earth and revealing the true impact of greenhouse gases.