Research by René D. Flores found that Twitter data shows a shift in behavior towards anti-immigrant users, with tweets becoming more negative after Arizona Senate Bill 1070 was passed. The study used sentiment analysis to determine the impact of the law on public discourse.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that Facebook data can be used to estimate migration statistics more accurately than the US Census Bureau. However, biases and limitations in the data must be considered when combining Facebook and American Community Survey information.
A University of Washington-led study found that group project dynamics affect academic performance, with students who report being uncomfortable in their groups faring worse. Jigsaw activities were shown to promote more collaboration, reducing the likelihood of a 'dominator' in the group.
The University of Washington is home to a new national center for research, education, and training in materials science. The center will focus on nanocrystals and thin films with potential applications in clean energy, photonics, and quantum computing.
Researchers used a Wave Glider to collect data on the Southern Ocean's mixing patterns, which are key to understanding climate change. The autonomous platform successfully traversed the turbulent Drake Passage, gathering insights into ocean physics and heat energy mixing.
A team of scientists analyzed nearly 30 years of revenue and permitting records for Alaskan fishers, showing that those who purchased multiple permits had significantly less income variability. The researchers found that diversifying one's catch can lead to more stable income for fishers.
A recent study by University of Washington scientists reveals that old fish are greatly depleted in dozens of global populations, mainly caused by fishing pressure. This loss can lead to reduced diversity and stability in the marine food web.
A new nationwide study found that people of color were consistently exposed to more air pollution than whites, with a relative gap that persisted across the decade. The study estimated that if non-white populations had breathed lower NO2 levels, it would have prevented an estimated 5,000 premature deaths from heart disease.
A University of Washington-led study explores the connection between microaggressions and racism, finding that whites who commit them are more likely to harbor negative feelings towards blacks. The research suggests that such subtle biases can be just as damaging as overt forms of racism.
Researchers at UW demonstrated long-range backscatter system that can transmit data across distances of up to 2.8 kilometers with extremely low power consumption. The system enables practical use in medical monitoring, smart cities, and precision agriculture.
A new study found that climate change will impact fish survival globally, with sensitivity varying between ocean-dwelling and freshwater fish. The analysis predicts breaking-point temperatures for over 3,000 species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation strategies to support fish adaptation and migration.
A new classification scheme for planetary stages based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics categorizes worlds by energy flow and life's effect. This framework, proposed by researchers, places Earth in Class IV due to its thick biosphere and strong impact from human activities.
Researchers developed PupilScreen, a smartphone app that detects changes in pupil's response to light using AI-powered deep learning tools, promising improved diagnosis accuracy for concussion and TBI. The app can be used by coaches, parents, medics, and others on the sidelines of sports games or in emergency situations.
A dramatic drop in Antarctic sea ice in 2016 was caused by a unique combination of factors, including a strong El Niño event and unusually weak winds around the South Pole. The area of sea ice decreased to its lowest level in 40 years, with ocean temperatures also being unusually warm.
A new app, BiliScreen, uses computer vision algorithms and machine learning to detect increased bilirubin levels in the eye, a potential early sign of pancreatic cancer. The app has been shown to correctly identify cases with an accuracy rate of 89.7%, offering a non-invasive and easy-to-use screening tool.
Lesbian and bisexual older women are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, weakened immune systems, and lower back or neck pain. Meanwhile, more LGB adults engage in preventive health measures like HIV testing and blood pressure screening.
Researchers use modern genetic sequencing tools to analyze more than 1,000 single-letter changes in the genetic code, finding new evidence that three similar-looking corals may be three separate species. This discovery could aid in conservation efforts and provide insight into coral epigenetics.
Computer scientists at the University of Washington have developed CovertBand, a software that can transform smart devices into active sonar systems, tracking personal activity and movements through walls. The technology uses repeating pulses in the audible range to gather detailed data on body position and movements.
Astronomer Rory Barnes finds that tidal locking is a major factor in the evolution of potentially habitable exoplanets, suggesting they may be more common than previously thought. The research suggests that even Earth's 'twin' could be tidally locked.
Researchers have successfully used probiotic bacteria to boost the speed and effectiveness of natural processes that capture and remove pollutants from soil. The technology has shown promising results in cleaning up contaminated groundwater with trichloroethylene, a common pollutant found in industrial areas.
Researchers found security gaps in open-source DNA processing programs, allowing unauthorized access to computer systems and potentially manipulated DNA results. They recommend strengthening computer security and privacy protections through best practices, adversarial thinking, and monitoring.
A study found that heavier Asian Americans are viewed as more American and subject to less prejudice compared to their thinner peers. Researchers believe this phenomenon is linked to common stereotypes about Asians being thin and Americans being heavy.
A new University of Washington study using statistical tools shows only a 5 percent chance that Earth will warm 2 degrees or less by the end of this century. The study suggests major, sustained effort on all fronts over the next 80 years is needed to achieve the goal of limiting warming to 2 degrees.
Researchers suggest revising Transparency and Openness (TOP) Guidelines to facilitate meta-research on peer review effectiveness. Journals can choose tier levels of transparency, with higher risk involved. This would legitimize and advertise relative quality of peer review processes, improving scientific literature.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that toddlers as young as 17 months old can recognize dominant individuals and anticipate them receiving more rewards. The study used puppets to test toddlers' reactions to different social scenarios, revealing their expectation that dominant individuals receive more resources.
Researchers used data from the intergalactic medium to narrow down what dark matter could be, casting doubt on 'fuzzy dark matter' and lending credence to 'cold dark matter.' The findings could inform ongoing efforts to detect dark matter directly.
Researchers have found and dated artifacts in northern Australia indicating human arrival around 65,000 years ago. This new date calls into question the argument that humans caused the extinction of unique megafauna, suggesting a coexistence view of early humans and wildlife.
By adding polydopamine, a material isolated from shellfish, scientists can increase the sensitivity of common bioassays by 100-1,000 times, enabling more accurate diagnoses and reducing uncertainty in laboratory research.
Researchers found that babies as young as 7 months can learn a second language with just one hour of play-based exposure per day. The study used an English-language method and curriculum in Madrid's public infant-education centers, showing significant improvements in English comprehension and production.
A team of engineers at the University of Washington has developed a process for manufacturing supercapacitor electrode materials that meet industrial and usage demands. They used carbon-rich materials with high surface area, creating an aerogel that can act as a crude electrode and doubling its capacitance.
Researchers developed a new algorithm that can turn audio clips into highly-realistic videos of people speaking, using available public domain video footage. This technology has potential applications in improving video conferencing and creating realistic virtual reality experiences.
Researchers at the University of Washington have invented a battery-free cellphone that harnesses ambient power from radio signals and light to make calls. The device uses vibrations in the microphone or speaker to encode speech patterns in reflected radio signals, allowing for real-time communication without batteries.
A multi-year study of southern resident killer whales found up to two-thirds of pregnancies failed due to nutritional stress, primarily caused by low or variable Chinook salmon abundance. The research suggests that boosting salmon runs could help the population recover.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new deep brain stimulation system that uses electrodes on top of the brain to sense movement and deliver targeted stimulation only when needed. This approach has shown promising results in reducing tremor symptoms, extending battery life, and improving patient performance.
A new microscope can rapidly image tumor margins during surgery, reducing the need for second surgeries. It also enables pathologists to view tissue in 3D, potentially leading to improved diagnosis and treatment decisions.
The UW-led Malaria Evolution in South Asia research center is one of 10 NIH-supported International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research. Researchers are studying the genetic diversity of malaria parasites in India, which shows more variation than elsewhere globally, making standard laboratory tests less accurate.
UW researchers design polymers that can effectively communicate across biological and electronic realms by creating rigid and non-rigid regions with varying conductance properties. These findings may lead to new biosensors, flexible bioelectronic implants, and improved batteries.
Researchers have discovered intrinsic magnetism in isolated 2-D materials, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of more efficient and compact magnetic devices. The discovery was made using Scotch tape to exfoliate monolayers from larger crystals, revealing unique properties not seen in their 3-D forms.
A new study reveals a third species of flying squirrel in North America, known as Humboldt's flying squirrel. The species was previously unknown and inhabits the Pacific Coast region from southern British Columbia to southern California.
A new paper aims to establish a global standard for social responsibility in the seafood sector by focusing on human rights violations and improving food and livelihood security. The initiative calls for governments, businesses, and nonprofits to work together to address these social challenges.
Researchers at University of Washington develop SeaGlass to detect anomalies in cellular landscape indicating IMSI-catchers usage. The system identified dozens of anomalies consistent with patterns from cell-site simulators during a two-month deployment in Seattle and Milwaukee.
A study by the University of Washington's Social Development Research Group found that adult marijuana use declines with parenthood, but doesn't end. The research, published in Prevention Science, surveyed 808 adults over a 12-year period and found that parents' marijuana use is strongly related to their children's use.
Researchers discover lionfish preying on a newly named deep-sea fish species in the Caribbean, raising concerns about biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption. The finding suggests that invasive lionfish are extending their range to the unexplored 'twilight zone,' where little is known about reefs or resident species.
A University of Washington study found that people who believe in climate change and see economic or environmental benefits to tidal energy are more likely to support projects. Residents support tidal energy more when it's connected to the grid and benefiting their community.
Researchers develop synthetic genes that function like NOR gates in electronics, allowing for large-scale digital information processing in living cells. This enables targeted therapies and efficient biofuel production.
Research shows that top predators like wolves need continuous territories to effectively control ecosystems. Fragmented wolf populations, such as in North America, are unable to control smaller predators like coyotes.
A University of Washington study questions the natural thermostat related to rock weathering, suggesting a weaker link between temperature and chemical weathering rates. Researchers suggest alternative mechanisms controlling weathering, such as land exposure and surface steepness, may be more significant.
Researchers confirmed the orbit and temperature of TRAPPIST-1h, which orbits its star every 18.77 days and is frigidly cold. The discovery suggests that TRAPPIST-1h may have been habitable in the past, with a possible rotation period and activity level for its host star.
A University of Washington study reveals that during large climate swings, oxidants shift in a different direction than expected, leading to changes in ozone and greenhouse gas levels. Researchers propose two possible explanations: a change in atmospheric circulation patterns and chemical reactions with halogens.
A diverse group of experts is advocating for a marine code of conduct to address human rights violations and promote socially responsible decision-making in ocean conservation. The recommended principles include indigenous rights, food security, inclusivity, and transparency.