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.
The global maternal mortality ratio declined from 422 in 1980 to 320 in 1990 and 251 in 2008, with developing countries making significant progress. The study found that HIV accounts for nearly one out of every five maternal deaths, with six countries accounting for more than half of all maternal deaths.
A new study found that developing countries spend more on healthcare than they receive in foreign aid, with sub-Saharan Africa being an exception. The researchers recommend improving transparency and accountability in financial reporting to strengthen the effectiveness of health aid systems.
A University of Washington project aims to make all software open source, allowing users to add custom features to widely used programs. The Prefab system hijacks the display to customize user interaction, enabling people with disabilities to access previously inaccessible interfaces.
A study by University of Washington researchers suggests that dangerous plaques in blood vessels can rupture due to an overproduction of protein-digesting enzymes. This process is associated with plaque hemorrhage, artery-blocking clots, and a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Diabetes patients who struggle with trust and social relationships have a 33% higher mortality rate than those who easily interact with others and seek support. This association holds true even after controlling for other risk factors.
International conservationists warn that allowing Tanzania and Zambia to sell their stockpiled ivory could lead to increased slaughter of elephants throughout Africa. The team argues that the two countries have not met the necessary criteria to demonstrate their elephant populations are secure and law enforcement is effective in combat...
Scientists found nitryl chloride levels comparable to those in marine air near Boulder, Colo., indicating a global source of the pollutant. Chloride from coal burning and other non-coastal areas may contribute to smog formation.
A team of researchers has developed a way to get modern, multiple-processor computers to behave in predictable ways by automatically parceling sets of commands. This allows well-behaved programs to run faster than on single processors, while also reducing errors and improving overall system reliability.
Men who engage in domestic violence overestimated the prevalence of abuse by two to three times, with a higher rate engaging in abusive behavior if they believed it was more common. Researchers suggest that misperceptions about violence may drive this overestimation.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that adults with both diabetes and major depression are more than twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with diabetes alone. The study, led by Dr. Wayne Katon, suggests that major depression doubles the risk of dementia in adults with diabetes.
Researchers identified a gene lta4h involved in TB and leprosy susceptibility, with a role in orchestrating pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. The balanced genotype appears to lead to a balanced inflammatory response, while very strong anti-inflammatory activities may worsen infections.
A five-person team from the University of Washington assessed damage in Haiti after a magnitude-7 earthquake. The team found that much of the loss of human life could have been prevented by using earthquake-resistant designs and construction.
Research by Patrick Christie at the University of Washington found that local people's involvement and leadership are crucial for successful conservation efforts. Participatory planning, collaboration between communities and governance conditions play a vital role in managing conflicts and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Washington studied brain signals in eight patients awaiting epilepsy surgery, finding that imagined movements can strengthen brain activity. After less than 10 minutes of practice, brain signals from imagined movement became significantly stronger than when actually performing the physical motion.
The world's population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, with a significant decline in crop yields due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. To address this challenge, scientists are advocating for innovative agricultural systems that reduce land, energy, and water usage while minimizing pollution.
A recent study led by Dr. Lucas Hoffman found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common pathogen in cystic fibrosis lung infections, can resist powerful antibiotics due to adapting to the clogged airways. The mutation enables the bacteria to thrive in viscous lung secretions and survive oxidative stress caused by antibiotic treatment.
Materials scientists at the University of Washington have developed a three-dimensional scaffold made from natural materials that mimic the binding sites for stem cells. Human embryonic stem cells grow and multiply readily on this structure, offering a clean and biodegradable alternative to traditional feeder layers.
Researchers used single-walled carbon nanotubes to study phase transition behavior of argon and krypton atoms. They found that the nanotube's electrical resistance changed when krypton atoms stuck to the surface, and demonstrated sensitivity to individual atom landings.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that patients with depression are at a 36% higher risk of developing advanced micro-vascular complications, such as end-stage kidney disease or blindness. Depression is also linked to a 25% higher risk of macrovascular complications, including stroke and heart attack.
Researchers have developed a new formula to analyze changes in complex systems, enabling detailed maps of their evolution. This tool can be applied to various fields, including neuroscience, air traffic control, and public health.
Researchers developed a new technique to manage dams in the Columbia River basin for a warmer future climate. The approach reduced summer losses in hydropower due to climate change by about a quarter, while bolstering flows for fish and minimizing flooding.
A recent study identified 155 regions on the canine genome influenced by selective breeding. These regions contain 1,630 known or predicted protein-coding genes linked to physical and behavioral variations such as size, coat color, and behavior.
A team of researchers has resolved a long-standing conflict in the theory of galaxy formation, using millions of hours of supercomputer simulations. The study reveals that cosmic explosions, such as supernovas, play a key role in preventing the formation of stars and dark matter at the centers of dwarf galaxies.
Greenroads aims to recognize companies using sustainable methods, provide ideas for greener practices, and offer incentives for environmentally friendly roads. The system allows up to 118 points for voluntary actions, including noise mitigation, storm-water management, and waste reduction.
A team of scientists has discovered that rare microbial organisms, once thought to be undetectable, dominate the ecosystem in a unique hydrothermal vent field. The study, led by William Brazelton at the University of Washington, found that microorganisms can remain rare for long periods before becoming dominant when ecosystems change.
CoRoT-7 b is a rocky planet circling a star 480 light years from Earth, with temperatures above 4,000 degrees F on its surface and potentially hosting multiple volcanoes due to its close orbit. Its extreme volcanic activity makes it unlikely to harbor life.
Researchers tested urban macaques for lead and toxic metal exposure, finding higher levels in younger animals. The study suggests that synanthropic macaques, which share the same ecological niche with humans, could serve as early indicators of human exposure to toxins.
Researchers have found regular patterns in small tremors between episodic tremor and slip events, suggesting a megathrust earthquake could occur closer to the Puget Sound region than previously thought. This new evidence is helping scientists refine building codes and better understand the hazard from a great quake.
Climate Wizard generates color maps of projected temperature and precipitation changes using 16 climate models, making data accessible to a wider audience. The tool allows users to explore climate change impacts on endangered species, drought-prone regions, and freshwater supplies.
Research suggests that environment plays a significant role in women's interest in computer science, with stereotypical settings evoking a masculine image. Women tend to prefer non-stereotypical environments, such as those without Star Trek posters or junk food, and feel less of a sense of belonging in stereotypical settings.
Assistant professor Jessica Lundquist uses low-cost temperature sensors and tennis balls to study mountain precipitation and its impact on lower-elevation communities. The system provides accurate temperature readings for up to 11 months in remote locations, helping improve computer models and storm flooding forecasts.
A new system, MultiLearn, allows up to four students to share a single computer for interactive math problems, effectively quadrupling the number of computers available. Early tests show that elementary school students are able to work independently on their own pace without distraction.
Researchers found that tubercle formation is a critical step in TB infection, and that epithelial cells produce MMP9 enzyme to recruit macrophages. Blocking this pathway may lead to new therapies for TB and other inflammatory conditions.
Researchers analyzed internet offers for free or discounted prescription medications and found that their value is low compared to retail costs. The studies also revealed that efficacy and safety information were often de-emphasized in favor of promotional messaging.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences challenges the long-held notion that fish obtain up to 50% of their carbon from terrestrial sources. Instead, researchers found that algae provide a much more nutritious and abundant diet for fish and other aquatic life.
Researchers at the University of Washington successfully used exome sequencing to identify a previously unknown gene responsible for Miller syndrome, a mendelian disorder. This breakthrough study demonstrates the efficiency and potential of this strategy in discovering the genetic basis of rare diseases, which could lead to new therapies.
A new study found that a mastery motivational climate, emphasizing teamwork and positive communication, influences children's achievement goals in sports. Coaches who use this approach promote greater enjoyment, lower sport anxiety, and improved retention rates among young athletes.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed Open Data Kit, a versatile platform for collecting, storing, and analyzing mobile data. Organizations worldwide are using it to gather information on global health, environment, and human rights issues, enabling evidence-based decision-making.
Stress-evoked changes in serotonin-regulating brain pathways can lead to low mood and cocaine-seeking. Researchers found that the dynorphin/kappa opioid system, activated by stress or chemicals, weakens serotonin levels in the nucleus accumbens.
A new study has found that pregnant women with a history of depression who use psychiatric medication are at increased risk of delivering prematurely. The research analyzed data from nearly 3,000 women and showed that medication use and depression were strongly linked to preterm delivery before 35 weeks' gestation.
Researchers documented tsunami-caused erosion in the Kuril Islands and found that waves can carry away nearly 50 times more sand and soil than they deposit. The study provides detailed insights into the scope of tsunami-induced erosion and its relationship with wave force and topography.