A University of Washington study found that black teens are less likely to start smoking as adolescents due to parental guidelines and consequences. Teens who associate with deviant peers are more likely to smoke, regardless of race. Parents can reduce their teen's likelihood of smoking by setting clear guidelines and maintaining a str...
Researchers used sophisticated statistical analyses to study genomic patterns of human population structure, revealing 18 significant axes of variation. These findings provide insights into the history of human evolution, evolutionary forces shaping local populations, and geographic correlations with genetic variation.
New research reveals a significant decline in Cascades snowpack due to warming climate, with potential implications for drinking water supplies, fisheries, irrigation, and hydropower. The study used multiple methods to analyze decades-long records of water content in the central Puget Sound basin.
A recent clinical trial found that acyclovir, a widely used herpes treatment, did not reduce the risk of HIV transmission when taken by individuals with both HIV and HSV-2. However, the study did show a significant reduction in genital ulcers and modest decrease in HIV levels.
Researchers found that brain cells in the lateral intraparietal cortex predict direction choice and uncertainty, revealing a link between decision making and certainty. The study suggests a simple mechanism underlying both, bringing certainty under the same rubric as choice and reaction time.
A new UW program aims to correct misconceptions about mental health, highlighting the use of derogatory language in media reports. The project's report found nearly one-third of stories used negative terms, while only 6% employed positive language.
Researchers discovered that Mexicans are more outgoing and talkative in daily life, spending more time in groups and outdoors, while Americans prefer solo interactions. This difference can be attributed to interdependent vs independent cultural selves.
Contrary to recent hypothesis, geologists argue that chevrons are not evidence of megatsunamis caused by asteroids or comets. Instead, they propose that similar formations can be explained by wind-blown deposits, supported by the presence of volcanic ash in similar locations.
The University of Washington's seaglider successfully operated for six months under the ice in Davis Strait, collecting data on fresh water exiting the Arctic. The record-breaking deployment contributes to understanding climate change impacts on ocean circulation.
Astronomers have found evidence of planet destruction caused by a star's tides, with some planets falling into their parent stars. The research uses computer models and observations to show that the tidal forces can misshape the star's surface, leading to the planet's demise.
A University of Washington computer scientist has led a statistical study comparing the pattern of symbols in the Indus script to various linguistic scripts and nonlinguistic systems. The results found the Indus script's pattern is closer to that of spoken words, supporting the hypothesis that it codes for an as-yet-unknown language.
A new grant-funded workshop series aims to recruit Ph.D.-level women scientists and engineers from industry into academic positions. Senior academics will provide guidance on job application, interviewing, and start-up negotiations.
University of Washington researchers found a combination of nanoparticles and chlorotoxin, a scorpion venom compound, cuts brain cancer cell spread by 98% compared to 45% with chlorotoxin alone. The additive treatment disables machinery that allows tumor cells to change shape, preventing further invasion.
Scientists have identified the two neural centers responsible for regulating sleep patterns, revealing that disruptions to these centers can cause jet lag. The study found that deep sleep is more closely tied to light-dark cycles, while REM sleep follows a separate internal clock, leading to a delay in adaptation to new schedules.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a cell survival pathway that protects against degenerative diseases and promotes longevity. The study found that nematode worms live longer when their genetic make-up permits them to turn on this pathway under normal oxygen conditions.
The University of Washington is leveraging cloud computing to facilitate data-intensive research on oceans and galaxies. Researchers are using the platform to explore climate simulations and analyze astronomical images, which previously were too large for individual computers to handle.
A new study from the University of Washington found that people's understanding of rainy weather forecasts is hindered by misconceptions about probability and uncertainty. Researchers tested over 450 college students and found that many incorrectly assumed deterministic forecasts, leading to unnecessary precautions.
A new tool, Baby Steps, combines photo and video recording with medical record-keeping to track children's developmental milestones. This system led to a three-fold increase in parents recording medically relevant information.
A study by University of Washington psychologists explores the effects of interacting with technological nature on human connections with nature. The researchers found that while technological nature can provide some benefits, it lacks the depth and social connections offered by natural interactions.
Researchers found that many Hispanics were misclassified in a 'some other race' category, leading to incorrect projections of racial diversity. The study suggests that Americans may struggle to accurately report their ancestry due to generational memory loss and stigma around interracial relationships.
Belief in future racial progress and support for policies addressing inequality decreased after the election, while beliefs about racial progress made in the US and Protestant work ethic increased.Obama's election is seen as a symbol of racial progress, distracting from ongoing issues with racial inequity.
Increased amygdala activity may cause social deficits in autism by leading to reduced neural habituation and impaired learning of social cues. This hyperarousal affects the ability to pick up subtle social cues, contributing to difficulties with complex social interactions.
The University of Washington's DEIMOS acoustic package has joined the Monterey Accelerated Research System (MARS) ocean observatory to monitor movements of fish and zooplankton in Monterey Bay. The system uses an echo sounder to reveal what's in a narrow cone of water above the instrument, providing insights into ocean life dynamics.
Researchers discovered an abnormality in the brains of adolescent boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex. This region normally activates when a reward stops, but in boys with ADHD, it fails to do so, leading to continued activation and impulsive behavior.
A team of University of Washington scientists has uncovered the basis for the strong yet dynamic attachment of spindle fibers to kinetochores, a site on each chromosome that mechanically couples to spindle fibers. This discovery sheds light on how chromosomes are accurately and evenly divided during cell division.
Research finds that tropical forest lizards are less tolerant of high temperatures than their relatives at higher latitudes. A temperature change of just a few degrees can significantly reduce their physical performance, making them more vulnerable to extinction. The study's lead author warns that the same concerns apply to other ectot...
A Washington state program teaches domestic violence victims how to use technology safely, reducing risks of tracking and monitoring. The program increased women's knowledge and empowerment, with high satisfaction rates.
Research finds that whites react more negatively to strongly identified minority individuals than weakly identified ones. This study provides an alternative explanation for why some minorities report experiencing more prejudice.
Researchers have identified a newly discovered species of fish, H. psychedelica, characterized by its unusual hopping behavior and distinctive zebra-like stripes. The species is part of the genus Histiophryne and has evolved unique adaptations to its environment.
Research found that microbes evolved to add oxygen to ammonia, producing nitrate, around 2.5 billion years ago. This marks the beginning of the aerobic nitrogen cycle, which is crucial for life today.
A systematic review of high-quality trials found exercise to be significantly effective in preventing new episodes of low-back problems. Meanwhile, popular prevention methods such as reduced lifting programs and ergonomic interventions were ineffective.
Researchers tracked first- and second-graders for seven years and found that anti-social behavior among girls and anxiety among both sexes predicted depression in early adolescence. Early signs of depression were not predictive of adolescent depression, highlighting the need to recognize mental health issues in younger children.
Changing ocean conditions and food scarcity are forcing Magellanic penguins to travel farther for food, threatening their survival. Climate variability, oil pollution, and overfishing are major contributors to the decline of the colony.
Researchers found a surge in duplicated sequences containing rapidly evolving genes in the genomes of humans and great apes, with most differences occurring prior to the speciation of chimpanzees. The study suggests that genetic differences contribute significantly to the distinctiveness between humans and chimps, and that these region...
Research suggests girls are more resilient to adverse childhood experiences due to having criminal charges on their male counterparts. Children exposed to multiple traumatic events face significant challenges transitioning to adulthood.
Researchers developed a new 3-D microscope to visualize cells, which could improve early cancer detection. The technique bridges the gap between research and clinical practices, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.
Research suggests that people with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of premature death from medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The study found that the risk is similar for men and women, with endocrine problems also contributing to the increased mortality rate.
Researchers have found a connection between seismic slip and nonvolcanic tremor in the Cascadia subduction zone, potentially increasing stress on the megathrust fault. The findings suggest that slow slip events may lead to increased risk of megathrust earthquakes.
Researchers suggest using 30% of global crop residues to sequester 600 megatons of carbon in the deep ocean, reducing atmospheric CO2 by up to 15%. The process would be 92% efficient and minimize environmental damage if done correctly.
In the Pacific Northwest, tree mortality rates have doubled in 17 years, with older forests experiencing a faster rate of decline than younger forests. This increase is attributed to warming temperatures, which reduce snowpack, prolong droughts, and enable insects and diseases to flourish.
Researchers found that 10-month-old infants can use prior information to understand novel actions, but not when performed in a different location. The study suggests that providing advance information about a person's goals helps infants learn from another person's actions.
A new study reveals that most of Antarctica has been warming at a rate comparable to the rest of the world, contrary to previous findings on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. The research used satellite data and weather station measurements to estimate temperature trends and found that West Antarctica warmed more than East Antarctica.
Researchers at University of Washington developed prototype malaria test printed on disposable Mylar card that can work months later without refrigeration. The test uses microfluidics and dry reagents stabilized with sugar to retain activity after 60 days.
Climate change may lead to severe food shortages affecting half the world's population by 2100, as tropical regions experience reduced crop yields and increased water stress. The research highlights the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies to address these impacts.
The Hubble Space Telescope is set to undergo its fifth and final service mission, which will provide the telescope with a future as bright as its past despite being nearly 18 years into troubled beginnings. The repairs will upgrade instruments, replace gyroscopes and heat shields, and add new capabilities for deeper observations.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that two-thirds of women who donated eggs reported satisfaction with the process, but 16% experienced physical symptoms and 20% had lasting psychological effects. Women's motivations for donation varied, with some citing altruism and others financial concerns.
Researchers propose that Jupiter's gravitational pull creates powerful waves in Europa's ocean, generating significant heat energy. This could be a dominant heat source, potentially supporting life without sunlight.
Researchers found that a magnitude 9.2 Indian Ocean earthquake triggered non-volcanic tremor at the Parkfield region of the San Andreas fault, approximately 125 miles away. This low-stress event sheds new light on seismic phenomenon and its potential role in releasing stress within an earthquake-producing fault.
Scientists have visualized individual neurons in rat brains that are activated during associative learning tasks, providing direct evidence of convergent activation. This finding sheds light on how the brain changes as a result of experience and has implications for understanding plasticity.
A new study found that an elementary school intervention program led to improved mental health, sexual health, and economic outcomes in young adults. Participants who received the full intervention showed stronger effects on positive functioning in young adulthood.