According to a University of Washington study, teenagers attending college are significantly less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior than those who do not attend college. The study found that college students were more likely to always use a condom and less likely to engage in casual sex or high-risk sex.
Researchers at University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University propose that shuffling emerged as a precursor to bipedal behavior to conserve metabolic energy. For distances less than 30 feet, shuffling would be efficient, while longer distances would favor all fours.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that popular biofuel sources like corn-based ethanol may have negative environmental impacts. The authors recommend promoting sustainable alternatives such as switchgrass or algae-based fuels, and implementing policies to minimize land usage and energy consumption.
Foldit, a computer game, harnesses players' skills to predict protein folding, a crucial step in understanding biological mysteries. Researchers aim to identify 'protein-folding prodigies' who can speed up the process and potentially find cures for diseases like HIV.
Research shows that tropical species are more vulnerable to climate change due to their narrow temperature range, making them more susceptible to extinction with warming of just a degree or two. This is because they live near their thermal optimum and cannot cope with temperatures beyond that range.
Researchers have completed a nationwide consortium to sequence structural variations in the human genome, revealing 1695 regions of variation and discovering previously unknown DNA segments. The study provides a comprehensive map of genetic differences among individuals, shedding light on their role in human health and disease.
Researchers have linked ribosomes and Gcn4 to the pathways related to dietary response and aging. The study found that mutations to the large ribosomal subunit led to increased lifespan, and treating cells with a drug specifically targeting the large subunits made them live longer.
Researchers found that surface meltwater is responsible for only a few percent of the movement of Greenland's outlet glaciers, despite being a major factor in their acceleration. Meltwater is instead thought to play a more significant role in calving events, which contribute to ice loss.
The University of Washington is leading a $6.25M project to develop an electronic Sherlock Holmes system for complex data analysis in the military. The system will integrate various types of sensor data to predict behavior and make decisions, addressing the challenge of handling high degrees of complexity and uncertainty.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a dramatic improvement in dye-sensitized solar cells by using a popcorn-ball design, which manipulates light to convert solar energy into electricity more efficiently. The new approach doubles the efficiency of converting solar energy to electricity, outperforming previous records.
Researchers found that repeated methamphetamine use depresses brain areas and leads to permanent changes in neural terminals. Re-administering the drug reverses these changes, suggesting potential new treatment approaches for methamphetamine addiction.
Researchers have created an online map that shows locations experiencing problems with internet connectivity, providing a snapshot of the internet's weak points. The Hubble tool monitors about 90% of the internet and can help professional network operators identify and fix issues quickly.
A newly found fish in Indonesian waters has sparked excitement among scientists due to its unique appearance and possible connection to an unknown family. The fish, resembling a glass sculpture, can burrow into crevices with its soft and pliable body, and its eyes appear to be directed forward.
A study by the University of Washington found that community health center-trained family physicians were more likely to work in underserved settings than their non-community health center-trained counterparts. This is significant given the projected increase in the need for family physicians, expected to reach nearly 140,000 by 2020.
A team of researchers found that deletions and duplications of DNA are more common in people with schizophrenia, affecting genes related to brain development and neurological function. The study suggests that schizophrenia is caused by many different mutations in many different genes.
Researchers found that Staph aureus produces lactic acid in the presence of nitric oxide, allowing it to thrive. This mechanism makes it difficult for our bodies to defend against the bacteria, making traditional antibiotics less effective.
A new University of Washington study found that despite public health campaigns, many women continue to use substances like tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol during pregnancy, while their partners' use remains stable. Men's patterns of substance use are bleaker, with men typically not targeted by these campaigns.
Researchers found a signature to detect rain-on-snow events in satellite microwave imagery, which can prevent mass starvation of native people's livestock. The method could provide a realistic chance of getting food to herds affected by the devastating weather event.
A study by sport psychologists at the University of Washington found that providing parent workshops alongside coach training decreases performance anxiety and stress in young athletes. The research demonstrated the effectiveness of this combined approach in improving the youth sports experience.
Larval sand dollars use cloning as a survival mechanism to reduce size and visibility to predators when threatened. By creating clones, they increase chances of survival by having multiple individuals, but this may come at the cost of reduced size later in life.
Researchers at the University of Washington have identified 25 genes regulating lifespan in yeast and roundworms, with at least 15 having similar versions in humans. The study provides quantitative evidence that these genes have been conserved during evolution, suggesting potential targets for treating age-related diseases.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and University of Washington discovered that implantable cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers can be reprogrammed without patient authorization, posing security and privacy risks. The team developed prototype defenses to address these issues.
A study of a tropical wasp species found that males' larger brain regions were associated with dominant behavior and vision-based mating opportunities. The research supports the 'social brain hypothesis,' which suggests that large human brains evolved in response to complex social interactions.
A study by the University of Washington researchers found that infections and toxins can activate caspase-1, an enzyme involved in both beneficial apoptosis and harmful pyroptosis. This activation leads to inflammation and can be detrimental to vital tissues, but also plays a role in resistance to infection.
New University of Washington research suggests that negative mother-daughter relationships and low serotonin levels in adolescents may be linked to self-harming behaviors. The study found that these two factors combined account for 64% of the difference between adolescents who engage in self-harming behaviors and those who do not.
A new study reveals that zigzagging provides the most efficient way for humans to ascend steep slopes, with a mathematical model supporting its advantages. The research suggests that this pattern of movement emerged as a compromise between energy efficiency and the physical limitations of human physiology.
Researchers at UW are testing a pilot project involving dozens of volunteers wearing electronic tags to track their location and belongings in the six-story building. The study aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of RFID technology, including data privacy and personal space concerns.
A team approach to treating depression in older adults reduces total healthcare costs, with patients receiving IMPACT care having lower average costs over a four-year period. The cost-effectiveness of the IMPACT model makes it an attractive option for health organizations, which have already implemented it to improve patient outcomes.
A University of Washington study found that case workers rarely screen for domestic violence, often failing to identify victims or provide necessary services. Researchers recommend a cultural shift in welfare organizations to prioritize screening and supporting vulnerable clients.
Researchers discovered that the Lost City hydrothermal vent field produces building blocks of life, including hydrocarbons and acetate, in higher concentrations and with more complexity than typical black smoker systems. This finding is significant for understanding the origin of life on Earth and other solar bodies.
Global water planning faces a fundamental shift due to changing climate patterns. Water managers must adapt to new, unpredictable conditions that challenge traditional approaches. The authors propose a revised framework incorporating shifting averages and variability.
Children with autism typically have normal-sized heads at birth but experience accelerated head growth between six and nine months of age, according to a new study. This aberrant growth is present in both early onset and regression types of the disorder, making it a potential biological marker for autism.
Researchers have developed a smaller endoscope that can take high-quality color pictures in confined spaces, potentially saving lives by detecting treatable conditions before they turn into cancer. The device is designed for low-cost screening and doesn't require anesthesia or sedation.
Researchers have identified a large number of genes that govern how diatoms build their shells, which are crucial for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The study also reveals a link between iron availability and shell thickness, with implications for climate change mitigation strategies.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a contact lens with an electronic circuit and light-emitting diodes, paving the way for potential applications such as virtual displays, improved vision correction, and enhanced gaming experiences. The device was tested on rabbits without adverse effects.
The University of Washington is launching a groundbreaking study to prevent autism symptoms in high-risk infants. Led by Annette Estes, researchers will assess and intervene with 200 Seattle-area infants who have an older sibling diagnosed with autism, aiming to identify early risk factors and intervene before symptoms appear.
A national study found a disconnect between explicit and implicit preferences for Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The study, using an Implicit Association Test, showed that Clinton was the preferred candidate among 48% of participants, while Obama had 25% support.
A UW researcher found that dust from the Gobi and Taklimakan deserts in China and Mongolia is routinely present in the air over the western United States during spring months. Particles of 2.5 microns or less, which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, increase in concentration in years with large Asian dust storms.
The Arctic's natural 'sunscreen' is melting at an unprecedented rate due to record-breaking amounts of ice-free water, leading to sea surface temperatures rising by as much as 5 degrees C above average. This phenomenon can delay winter freeze-up and impact the growth of thick ice in the winter.
New research reveals that certain areas of the moon are protected by the magnetosphere, reducing radiation exposure for astronauts. The study also highlights the need to consider energetic oxygen particles generated during solar storms.
The open-source tool Sage has won international recognition for its user-friendly tools and collaborative features, making powerful number-crunching accessible to mathematicians worldwide. With features like collaborative online worksheets, Sage is poised to replace commercial software commonly used in mathematics education and research.
A University of Washington study finds that the prices of lower-calorie foods have risen nearly 20% in two years, while energy-dense foods remain stable or drop in price. This disparity may make it difficult for consumers to maintain a healthy diet.
Researchers found a 30% increase in tremor activity with rising tides, contradicting assumptions that water would clamp down on the movement. The tremors are likely caused by tidal stresses from gravitational influences of sun and moon.
The University of Washington's new DNA fin-printing project aims to create open-access databases for Pacific salmon populations, helping managers and scientists understand their ocean migration. By employing genetic markers, researchers can distinguish between individual fish and track population movements, informing conservation effor...
Researchers propose a broader approach to uncovering the causes and consequences of obesity, highlighting similarities in cell responses to excess nutrients. This understanding might reveal why overeating leads to various diseases and explain animal longevity on calorie-restricted diets.
A study of over 1,300 youths found that those with asthma are 1.9 times more likely to develop depressive or anxiety disorders. Young people with both conditions often struggle to manage their asthma, leading to impaired physical functioning and increased risk of smoking.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created 3D models of landmarks using vacation photos from Flickr. The models were accurate enough to show individual figures carved into stone facades, with resolutions comparable to those obtained by laser scanners.
A new study by University of Washington researchers found that a mastery motivational climate, focusing on personal improvement and having fun, has a greater impact on young athletes than winning. Athletes who played for coaches with this approach reported higher enjoyment, better relationships with the coach, and improved skills.
ResearchChannel will broadcast live performances by local bands and compelling speakers from the science and research community, using advanced technology to stream uncompressed high-definition video. Participants can interact with the performers and watch live broadcasts through the ResearchChannel Web site and KEXP's site.
Research from the University of Washington suggests that a person's moral identity motivates behavior, but accurate judgments are needed to set it in the right direction. A strong moral identity can push individuals toward socially desirable outcomes, but without proper guidance, it can also lead to undesirable behaviors.