Newsworthy research stories, accomplishments, and spotlights from the department
News
Certain bacteria in breast tumour environments may fuel cancer spread
Researchers from BC Cancer and UBC have discovered that certain bacteria found in breast tumours could be linked to cancerous spread.
The Last of Us: Professor Jim Kronstad Discusses Fungal Infections and Climate Change
Dr. Kronstad discusses the science behind fungi, accuracies and inaccuracies of the science of the TV show, and what we can expect from fungi with a warming climate.
Professor François Jean Reflects on Five Years of COVID-19
Dr. Jean reflects on his team’s progress, the state of COVID-19 research, and lessons learned that can improve pandemic preparedness and response.
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Promotes Autoimmunity in Multiple Sclerosis
In a study led by Professor Marc Horwitz, researchers provide new evidence that latent infection with Epstein-Barr virus can prime the immune system for susceptibility to multiple sclerosis.
Exploring the Microbiome-Neuroendocrine Connection in Early Life Gut Inflammation
In a recent study, the Tropini and Ciernia labs report how gut microbiome disruption influences behaviour, sex hormones, and brain structures in a mouse model of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.
Celebrating Dr. Julian Davies (1932-2025)
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the greater UBC community honour the life of Dr. Julian Davies, who passed away on February 2, 2025.