Researchers are using an array of seismic sensors to study unfelt seismic tremor events, revealing a more complex relationship with potentially devastating earthquakes. By analyzing the movement of these tremors, scientists are gaining insights into the Cascadia subduction zone and its potential for massive quakes.
A recent survey found that in half of Hague Convention cases involving international child abduction, U.S. courts sent the children back to their fathers, often due to a lack of consideration for domestic violence. The study highlights the need for law to catch up with science and protect women and children from abuse.
New research reveals that the Alps' U-shaped valleys can endure glacial attack and retain their V-shaped notches. Scientists found that glaciers fill the gorges with ice and rock, protecting them from being scoured away. The rivers then return to clear out debris deposited by previous glaciers.
In a study, rats weigh their odds of safely retrieving food pellets near a predator to make instinctive safety decisions. Rats with impaired amygdala activity were more cautious and risk-averse when faced with danger, while those with overactive amygdala showed greater fear and avoidance behaviors.
Researchers found that a simple mechanism of finger-trap tension helps stabilize chromosomes during cell division, ensuring accurate gene distribution. This discovery could lead to new ways to correct defects before they occur or target cells with incorrect chromosome numbers to prevent further division.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that 90% of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders showed discrepancies between their IQ score and performance on standardized tests. These children often have above-average academic abilities, suggesting that traditional IQ scores may not be an accurate pre...
A new analysis by an international team of scientists found that changes in trophic levels of caught fish have little correlation with ecosystem health. In fact, global catches of fish at all trophic levels have generally increased since the mid-80s, contradicting previous warnings about 'fishing down food webs'.
A team of University of Washington undergraduate students has developed a low-cost ultrasound system that uses a modular design and off-the-shelf parts. The system aims to improve access to maternal healthcare in developing countries, where an estimated 1,000 women die each day from childbirth-related mortality.
Researchers developed new methods to probe the human genome's repetitive landscapes, detecting subtle variations that account for normal diversity among people. These copy number variations may also determine disease susceptibilities and severity.
A study by the University of Washington found that 25 commonly used scented products release an average of 17 chemicals each, with nearly a quarter classified as toxic or hazardous. The majority of these chemicals were not listed on product labels or disclosed to consumers.
Researchers have identified a new class of long non-protein-coding RNAs that respond to SARS-CoV and influenza virus infections, suggesting they play a role in determining the outcome of infection. The study found distinct profiles of genetic activity associated with pathogenicity and lethal infection.
Research from the University of Washington finds that two elite blogs trigger viral video distribution, with top general interest outlets taking cues from them. Four groups were identified: elite blogs, top general blogs, top political blogs, and tail blogs.
A new implantable device aims to restore balance during Meniere's disease attacks while preserving natural hearing and residual balance function. The device, developed by University of Washington researchers, has shown promising results in a 10-person surgical trial.
A University of Washington biologist has built 120 'condominiums' for Galapagos penguins in a bid to boost their dwindling numbers. The new nests, designed to provide shaded breeding grounds, were completed ahead of La Niña conditions that bring plentiful food to the penguins.
A recent national study highlights the need to improve engineering education in the US to produce innovative scientists and engineers. The report identifies key opportunities for improvement, including enhancing communication and professional skills, integrating context into design processes, and making undergraduate programs more acce...
Researchers found that babies who watched a robot interact socially with people were more willing to learn from it than those who didn't see the interactions. The study suggests that social interaction and communication are fundamental features of being human, implying that humanoid robots must be able to interact socially with humans ...
In laboratory tests, water fleas from clear-water alpine ponds in Washington state's Olympic Mountains survived UV rays better than those from murkier ponds. The fleas lack melanin, a protective pigment found in most animals.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that study-abroad students double their alcohol consumption while abroad, up to eight drinks per week. Drinking behavior differs according to country and age, with younger students and those in Europe and Australia drinking more heavily.
Research reveals that warmer temperatures in the tropics have a significant impact on life, even with small temperature increases. The study analyzed nearly 500 million temperature readings and found that metabolic rates increase faster in warmer temperatures, leading to greater effects in tropical regions.
A new device, SeaFlow, detects and tracks microscopic algae that take up 50% of the world's ocean carbon dioxide. This discovery challenges traditional knowledge of ocean ecosystems and highlights the importance of monitoring phytoplankton communities for global carbon cycle understanding.
The Living Voters Guide aims to spark civil discussion among Washington voters by letting them work together to write their own voters guide. The guide uses elements of Twitter's character limit and Google's ranking system to encourage people of different views to learn from each other.
Depression during pregnancy significantly increases risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, with poorer outcomes for depressed pregnant women living in poverty. Universal screening and access to mental health care are critical for mitigating these effects.
Researchers aim to create more effective aerial vehicles by studying how animals sense their surroundings, enabling them to navigate in low-light conditions and around moving objects. The project seeks to balance short-term navigation with long-term goals, such as reaching a final destination.
Transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) is a safe and effective treatment for advanced brain diseases and traumatic injuries. By performing surgery through the eye socket, surgeons can gain equivalent access to the front of the brain while eliminating large ear-to-ear scars associated with major brain surgery.
The University of Washington, Oregon State University, and the University of Idaho will receive nearly $3.6 million in federal funding to develop new climate change planning tools. The Northwest Climate Science Center will provide science, maps, and assistance to resource managers to apply climate change findings.
Scientists have developed a laboratory model to study innovative approaches against typhoid fever in a living system. The 'humanized' mouse model enables researchers to test new treatments before testing them on people.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a system that uses home electrical wiring as an antenna to receive low-power sensor data. The technology, called Sensor Nodes Utilizing Powerline Infrastructure (SNUPI), allows for wireless sensors that can transmit information wirelessly and run for decades on a single battery.
Scientists have discovered a cell-to-cell signaling pathway that designates the future location of ear's sensory organs in embryonic mice. By activating this signal, they were able to induce patches of new sensory tissue with hair cells and support cells. This breakthrough suggests a potential avenue for regenerating sensory organs in ...
A new device can transmit American Sign Language over US cellular networks, allowing for fast and reliable communication. The tool has been tested by deaf and hard-of-hearing students, who found it to be a game-changer for their daily lives.
A team of researchers at the University of Washington has developed a method for rapid and cost-effective DNA sequencing using nanotechnology, paving the way for personalized medicine. The new technique has the potential to provide detailed genetic information for specific conditions and diseases.
A team of researchers has discovered a genetic link between the immune system and Parkinson's disease, finding a new association with the HLA region. The study, which analyzed over 2,000 patients and healthy volunteers, suggests that immune function may play a role in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers from the University of Washington are leading an expedition to study the seafloor and its ecosystems. The team aims to deploy sensors and moorings that will provide real-time data on ocean conditions, enabling scientists to better understand and predict natural phenomena such as hurricanes and tsunamis.
A recent study by Linda Ng Boyle found that an in-car coach using eye tracking technology significantly reduced the time until collision among high-risk young drivers, more than doubling their time. The system provided continual feedback to drivers who needed it most, leading to a significant improvement in their driving behavior.
Engineers and physicians at the University of Washington have developed a scaffold that supports the growth and integration of stem cell-derived cardiac muscle cells. The scaffold accelerates oxygen and nutrient supply to transplanted tissue, promoting heart repair and vascular tissue engineering.
A newly discovered molecular mechanism helps control the amount and effectiveness of a substance that mimics an active ingredient in marijuana. The study suggests that the enzyme ABHD6 plays a crucial role in degrading this substance, which is produced by the body's own nerve cells.
A new study reveals that Foldit players have successfully solved protein-folding problems that are too difficult for supercomputers, using intuitive leaps and strategic thinking. The game has shown promise in tackling medical challenges, such as designing proteins to combat diseases like the flu and HIV.
Researchers discovered a common pathway critical for Salmonella's ability to cause disease and resist antibiotics. Mutant strains exhibited abnormalities under stressful conditions, highlighting the importance of stress response mechanisms.
Researchers have developed a multifunctional nanoparticle that eliminates background noise, enabling precise medical imaging. The technique uses photoacoustic imaging to detect single cells, potentially revolutionizing cancer detection and molecular imaging.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed an insect-like robot with hundreds of tiny legs, excelling in its ability to carry heavy loads and move in any direction. The robot's microchip and feet are heated by electrical currents, allowing it to curl and shuffle along at high speeds.
A recent study analyzed worldwide catch and economic data for the past 55 years, finding that fishermen prioritize profit over top predators. The research revealed that nearly all high-catch fisheries are already developed, with few new opportunities existing today.
Research reveals a mechanism for autoimmune disease that depends on killer T cells expressing dual receptors for normal proteins and pathogens. The study found that viruses lacking the specific protein can still trigger the disease, suggesting a complex interplay between viral infections and genetic predisposition.
The Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean at the University of Washington will focus on 10 critical areas, including climate change, ocean acidification, and marine ecosystems. The institute aims to expand its research efforts with a potential $100 million award over five years.
Researchers developed a biosensor to study cell division in bacteria, finding that the regulatory messenger c-di-GMP is distributed unevenly between swimming and stay-put cells. This asymmetrical distribution affects enzyme production and cell function, with implications for bacterial behavior and disease.
A new study has found significant quality-control issues with genome comparison tools, which can lead to incorrect conclusions. The researchers used a large-scale dataset and found that the best-performing tool, Pecan, produced more reliable alignments than other tools.
Despite decades of research suggesting UV radiation was a major contributor to amphibian declines, new findings reveal that natural water conditions and female behavior are more significant factors in protecting embryos from harm. Amphibians exhibit adaptations such as laying eggs in shaded areas when water clarity puts them at risk.
Computer modeling reveals that planets in habitable zones can fluctuate between life-supporting conditions and inhospitable temperatures due to giant neighbor's gravitational pull. This can cause drastic changes in a planet's orbit, potentially altering its geological properties over long timescales.
A Seattle obesity study reveals that physical proximity to a supermarket is not the primary factor in determining healthy eating habits, with economic access playing a crucial role. The research found that people often shop at supermarkets over three miles away to save money, highlighting the need for more affordable and nutritious foo...
The study reveals a significant increase in inequality in adult mortality, with men in Swaziland facing a nine-fold higher probability of premature death than Cyprus. The United States has fallen behind other countries in reducing deaths, ranking 49th for women and 45th for men by 2010.
Researchers found evidence of four 'megafloods' in Glacial Lake Atna, which breached ice dams and released up to 1,400 cubic kilometers of water. The floods formed massive dunes over 110 feet high, with some still visible on topographical maps.
Researchers have discovered 2,363 new DNA sequences corresponding to 730 regions on the human genome, representing segments not charted in the reference map. The findings suggest that new genome assemblies based solely on next-generation sequencing might miss many of these sites.