Researchers at the University of Washington have made the most precise measurements yet of atom-surface interactions crucial for improving lithium batteries and air filters. By studying gas atoms' behavior on a carbon nanotube surface, they found a measurable change in electrical resistance occurs when an atom sticks to the surface.
Researchers have found that diatoms grow faster in the presence of Sulfitobacter bacteria, which release a growth hormone beneficial to land plants. This discovery sheds light on the complex interactions between marine microbes and their environment, with potential implications for understanding ocean productivity and climate change.
The discovery of a partial left femur from a theropod dinosaur in Washington state provides valuable insights into the region's Late Cretaceous period. The fossil is approximately 80 million years old and is believed to have belonged to a smaller than T. rex species, with characteristics unique to theropods during that time.
A University of Washington study found that caregivers felt guilty about not limiting cell phone use while watching children at playgrounds, despite recognizing its distracting effect. The study also revealed that parents commonly overestimated their responsiveness to children's requests while using their phones.
Researchers used chemical signatures on otoliths to track Alaska's Bristol Bay salmon, revealing birthplaces and life histories. The technique can help scientists understand freshwater habitats and conservation efforts for Chinook salmon populations.
Researchers at UW's BioRobotics Lab hacked a next-generation teleoperated robotic system to test its vulnerability to cyberattacks. The team found that the robot could be easily disrupted or derailed by common forms of cyberattacks, highlighting the need for additional security measures before deployment.
A new assessment tool evaluates fisheries' ecological health alongside economic and community benefits, revealing surprising results. Alaska salmon ranks high in ecology but low in economics and community performance, while Colombian artisanal shrimp performs well in community impact despite low ecological stock levels.
Researchers developed a mobile app that transforms digital sketches into walking routes, allowing users to share unique experiences with friends. The app aims to encourage reflection and communication, rather than competition or efficiency, and explores how GIS mapping technology shapes our experience of walking.
Scientists studying the Northern clingfish are exploring its unique ability to generate massive suction power in wet environments. This could lead to the development of bio-inspired medical devices, such as laparoscopic surgery tools, and non-invasive whale tagging systems.
Research identifies structural and functional brain differences between children with dyslexia and dysgraphia and typical language learners. The study suggests that providing instruction tailored to each specific learning disability is essential.
A University of Washington seismologist studied tidal forces on the Cascadia fault and found friction is much lower than previously thought, similar to Teflon. This discovery could improve understanding of when and how faults break, potentially leading to better modeling and prediction of slow-slip quakes and earthquakes.
A new app developed at the University of Washington uses inaudible sound waves to track breathing patterns, capturing sleep apnea events with 98% accuracy. The app has the potential to be a simple and noninvasive way for people to identify and potentially treat sleep apnea.
Research identifies a sensitive period when children's stress response systems are influenced by their caregiving environment. Children who spent early years in institutional care had blunted responses, but those removed and placed in foster care showed similar responses to community-raised children.
Researchers tested Mike May, who regained sight at 49, and found he could see colors and motion but struggled with complex visual processing. The study provides valuable information on how vision develops and which tasks are most vulnerable to sight deprivation.
Researchers at the University of Washington are using an investigational Medtronic device to develop a new deep brain stimulation system for treating essential tremor. The system aims to increase battery life, reduce side effects, and allow patients to adjust their stimulation voluntarily.
A new study by University of Washington astronomer Benjamin Charnay and co-authors proposes that violent methane storms high in Titan's dense atmosphere could be the answer to the moon's eastward-sloping sand dunes. The storms produce strong gusts much faster than Titan's usual winds, dominating sand transport and realigning the dunes.
A long-lived patch of warm water off the West Coast has been wreaking havoc on US weather patterns, causing droughts, unusual fish sightings, and altering marine ecosystems. The study also explores its connection to the 'polar vortex' and finds a link between the Pacific Ocean's surface temperatures and extreme winter conditions.
A new study found that Google image search results for CEO and other professions underrepresented women, affecting perceptions of professionalism and competence. The study suggests that image search algorithms should be changed to counter occupational stereotypes and raise awareness among designers.
A new study shows that playing a synchronized game on a computer increased children's sense of similarity and closeness immediately after the activity. The findings suggest that time-based synchronized activities, including in music, dance and sports, could be useful tools in bringing children closer together.
Residents in both cities value bird enjoyment more than most, spending over average on bird food and supporting activities. This has a positive impact on local economies as residents invest in bird-friendly structures.
A new study reveals that fishing likely contributes to population collapses in forage fish, including herring, anchovies, and sardines. The research suggests that suspension of fishing when populations fall below half their average can prevent 64% of collapses with minimal impact on fisheries.
The UW nanolaser is built using a single atomic sheet of a tungsten-based semiconductor, which emits light efficiently and can be easily fabricated. This technology has the potential to revolutionize next-generation computing and optical communication by consuming less energy and enabling faster device performance.
A new study found that suspending students for marijuana use can lead to more pot use among their classmates, but counseling is a more effective means of combating marijuana use. Schools with suspension policies had a 1.6 times higher rate of marijuana use among students compared to those without such policies.
Insects' wings may provide a gyroscopic function, helping them perform aerial acrobatics and maintain stability. Researchers developed a computational model of a flapping wing and discovered that the wing's twisting motion could stimulate sensors, similar to those in halteres.
A multinational study reviews the current state of knowledge and recommends conservation measures for Arctic marine mammals due to climate change. The study finds profound reductions in sea ice cover and its impact on species such as polar bears and seals.
Researchers found that Puget Sound's water has an average pH of about 7.8, making it acidic for seawater, and is already higher in dissolved carbon dioxide than the Earth's atmosphere. The lab's unique location allows for studying adaptation to these changes.
Researchers developed PolySTAT, an injectable polymer that strengthens blood clots, reducing bleeding in battlefield injuries and traumatic accidents. The synthetic polymer outperforms natural clotting factors and has the potential to treat hemophilia and improve hemorrhaging treatments.
A new study found that only 57% of Washington parents knew the legal age for recreational marijuana use, while 49% knew how much marijuana can be legally possessed. The study also revealed that parents' conversations about marijuana laws with their children were infrequent.
A new study published in The Cryosphere reveals a significant thinning of Arctic sea ice over the past four decades. The research, led by University of Washington climatologist Ron Lindsay, shows that September ice thickness has decreased by 85% between 1975 and 2012.
Researchers at the University of Washington argue that environmental conservation requires adapting to an uncertain future. They suggest creating flexible policies with legs, supporting ecosystem diversity, investing in monitoring, expecting unexpected changes, and designing adaptive management strategies.
Research reveals that Bangladeshi garment factory jobs lower the risk of early marriage and childbirth for young women, promoting their education. The industry's growth also boosts girls' educational attainment by 50% in areas close to factories.
Scientists have discovered evidence of life pulling nitrogen out of the air and converting it into a form that could support larger communities, 3.2 billion years ago. This finding suggests that life on early Earth was more diverse than previously thought, with no nitrogen crisis to limit its growth.
A study by Cecilia Aragon at the University of Washington found that bilingual speakers increase their use of emoticons when chatting in a non-native language, mirroring face-to-face communication patterns. This suggests that bilinguals are adapting online communication to their cultural norms.
The University of Washington's eScience Institute is centralizing data-scientist roles and giving them prestige and autonomy. The institute has established a postdoctoral fellow program to reward young researchers at the intersection of their domain and data science.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that female teachers can inspire high school girls to be interested in computer science. The study also recommends broadening the image of who computer scientists are to counteract negative stereotypes. By shifting these stereotypes, more girls can feel included and encouraged to pursue...
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a bone-shaped plastic tab that changes color under stretching, serving as an inexpensive and mechanical sensor. The sensor was created using custom molecules and 3D printing technology, offering potential applications in recording force or strain on structures.
A landmark study led by Kristina Olson aims to provide insight for parents and families of transgender children. The initial results found that participants' responses were indistinguishable from those of control groups, suggesting a deeply held gender identity among young trans kids.
Astronomers found that tidal forces and atmospheric escape can transform mini-Neptune-like worlds into gas-free, potentially habitable planets. This process could provide a pathway to the formation of habitable worlds around M dwarf stars.
A recent study finds that childhood maltreatment is linked to adult crime, but this effect disappears when accounting for socioeconomic status and later life factors. Protective experiences like high school graduation and marriage can significantly reduce an individual's risk of crime.
A new project at the University of Washington is working to ensure that children with autism are identified and helped early enough to prevent problems later on. The initiative uses a Web-based screening system and simple play-based interventions to identify and treat toddlers at risk for autism.
Researchers aim to retrieve a 40,000-year record of climate change from the ice core, with potential insights into Antarctic interactions and global climate patterns. The team will also analyze ultra-trace gases for clues about tropical wetlands and land-based plant productivity.
Researchers develop method to analyze cell patterns in fossilized plants, revealing changes in tree cover and density over time. This discovery sheds light on how the Earth's ecosystems changed and can help forecast future climate scenarios.
A large-scale survey of impurities in North American snow found regional patterns of soot and dirt, with agricultural practices playing a significant role. The study suggests that land use and farming practices may matter as much as diesel emissions in many parts of the Great Plains.
University of Washington experts are using the physics behind rain-on-snow flooding to better predict risks. They found that warm, humid air surrounding raindrops is most to blame for melting snow, and that tree cover can reduce flood risk by slowing storm winds.
Research from the University of Washington suggests that warmer ocean water is melting frozen methane deposits on the seafloor, releasing massive amounts of methane into the environment. The study estimates that up to 4 million metric tons of methane are released annually off the coast of Washington.
Planets close to low-mass stars may have formed with water and atmospheres burned away, reducing habitability. These 'Mirage Earths' could resemble Earth from afar but lack essential components for life.
A new tool provides real-time ocean chemistry data along the West Coast, helping scientists understand changes in water chemistry and aid the shellfish industry. The IOOS Pacific Region Oean Acidification Data Portal offers valuable insights for adapting to ocean acidification.
A new report from the University of Washington shows that Washington families must spend 46% more on average to make ends meet today than 13 years ago. The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Washington State 2014 found that median wages increased just 21 percent during that time, while costs jumped as much as 72 percent.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a microbe that enhances plant tolerance to industrial pollutants like phenanthrene. The approach uses probiotic microbes to supplement plant defenses, allowing plants to take up to 25-40% more of the pollutant than untreated plants.
Researchers have rediscovered a large fiber pathway in the brain that was previously unknown, despite being visible in dozens of MRI scans. The vertical occipital fasciculus plays a role in visual processing and perception, and an algorithm has been developed to identify and measure its properties.