University of Washington cosmologist Craig Hogan believes new experiments could shed light on subatomic particles called gravitons, potentially uniting quantum mechanics and relativity. These advancements might also provide clues to the holographic principle, which suggests everything in 3D can be specified by information in 2D.
A study of nearly 1,900 air travelers found that the percentage of people experiencing stress while flying increased from 60% to 81% since 9/11. Post-9/11 fliers are more focused on personal safety and security, with women being slightly more concerned than men.
The researchers aim to create a prototype for real-time measurement of complex processes within cells. This technology could lead to more effective drugs and insights into human disease.
The University of Washington has established a new center to combat deadly microbial pathogens, which threaten human health worldwide. Researchers will focus on developing treatments and vaccines for diseases caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pathogenic protozoa, and other infectious agents.
Scientists discover that internal waves generated by the moon's pull at the Hawaiian Ridge can mix ocean waters at rates up to 1,000 times more intense than in areas without such topography. The measurements provide new insights into the global ocean circulation and nutrient cycles.
A new study by University of Washington professor Martina Morris finds that 90% of young white male workers can expect lower lifetime wage growth than previous generations. This decline is attributed to the new economy's unequal distribution of prosperity and growing job instability, trapping workers in low-wage careers.
Researchers found clean-air slots with pristine air, sandwiched between polluted layers in southern Africa. These 'clean-air slots' can persist for days on end over thousands of square miles.
Researchers in Alaska are studying a shift in shark populations due to climate change, with salmon sharks and Pacific sleeper sharks increasing in numbers. The declining number of sea lions, seals, and other pinnipeds suggests that top predators have shifted from orcas and pinnipeds to orcas, sharks, and decreasing numbers of the latter.
Research teams have discovered oxygen decreases of 10-15% in the upper thermocline, a layer 100-600 meters deep. Slower ocean circulation and increased plant productivity may be contributing factors, potentially linked to climate shifts and global warming.
A team of UW researchers has determined a more precise solar neutrino production figure, finding that the fusion rate is 17% greater than previously estimated. This new finding means the sun must be producing 17% more energetic neutrinos, with an accuracy of 3-4 percentage points.
Researchers discovered increased brain activity involving the superior temporal gyrus and inferior parietal cortex when subjects imitated others or were imitated. This suggests that imitation may be linked to empathy and play a crucial role in learning and cultural transmission.
The new Northwest/Alaska Center for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities will investigate disparities in oral health, focusing on children from poor families and minority groups. Researchers aim to prevent cavities through xylitol, culturally appropriate approaches to dental fear, and effective care translation.
A team led by Tom Murphy will use laser ranging and a large telescope to measure the moon's distance from Earth with accuracy of a millimeter. The project will also test Einstein's equivalence principle and the strength of gravitational interaction, providing insights into gravity's nature.
A study led by Dr. George Ojemann identified 105 neurons with specific responses to different stages of memory, including encoding, storage, and retrieval. The findings highlight the complexity of individual neurons' role in memory and provide insights into brain regions involved in implicit memory recall.
Researchers found that children who learned ASL before puberty exhibit distinct brain activity patterns when reading sign language, while those who learn it after puberty show reduced right hemisphere activity. This study highlights the importance of early language exposure in shaping neural systems for language.
Researchers have adapted microcilia technology to enable small satellites to quickly and efficiently dock with their mother ships. The system uses pulsating waves of tiny fingers to maneuver objects in any direction, promising a game-changing advancement for future space missions.
A recent analysis of 31 studies found that individuals with HSV-2 infection are twice as likely to contract HIV, with up to half of cases attributed to preceding HSV-2 infection. The study highlights the importance of controlling HSV-2 infection in preventing HIV acquisition.
Researchers at the University of Washington have made significant progress in understanding how hydrogen atoms are transferred between molecules, a key step in creating new compounds. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient manufacturing methods, cleaner product development, and improved chemical reactions.
Scientists took detailed measurements of a pollution plume containing Gobi desert dust and hydrocarbons on both sides of the Pacific, revealing elevated levels of pollutants. The study shows that Asian air pollution can affect air quality in North America, with significant implications for climate change.
Research reveals that Northwestern crows primarily monitor their surroundings for opportunities to steal food, rather than detecting predators. The birds use complex strategies to obtain food, including targeting invertebrates and smaller prey.
Research found that autistic preschoolers have 10% larger brains than normally developing children, which may contribute to their difficulty in recognizing emotions from facial expressions. The study also suggests that early intervention programs can help rewire the brain to process faces and emotions more normally.
Researchers developed a new fluorescence resonance energy transfer technique to track changes in protein structure, enabling precise correlation with functions. The method shows potential for understanding issues like biocompatibility of medical implants, blood clotting processes, and cancer metastasis.
A combination treatment of statin and niacin reduced cardiovascular events by 60-90%, reversing plaque buildup in the arteries. Antioxidant vitamins had no significant benefit on cardiovascular outcomes, contrary to previous assumptions.
Researchers found that deaf people's brains process vibrations in the same part of the brain as sound, leading to a similar musical experience. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that brains are hardwired at birth and instead shows that our genes provide a developmental strategy for brain organization.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a potential non-toxic cancer treatment using a wormwood derivative. The compound, artemisinin, selectively targets breast cancer cells by exploiting their high iron concentrations.
A study published by Dr. Dean Shibata found that people's brains use both rational and emotional parts when making personal decisions. When asked to choose between options, the ventromedial frontal lobe showed increased activity in the brain.
The Dawgstar nanosatellite will conduct scientific research on the Earth's ionosphere and perform precision formation flying experiments with two companion satellites. Students played a primary role in designing and building the compact piece of space hardware, gaining hands-on experience for future space endeavors.
The UrbanSim project will use advanced software to create realistic animated streetscapes showing the potential impact of current decisions on urban development. The system will integrate data from various sources, including demographic and economic information, to provide a comprehensive understanding of long-term effects.
A study published in JAMA found that the misdiagnosis rate for appendicitis remained high despite the availability of new diagnostic tests, particularly among young women and older men. The researchers analyzed data from 85,790 appendectomies performed in Washington state between 1987 and 1998 and found that the rate of misdiagnosis in...
The University of Washington has received grants for two genomic research centers, led by Deirdre Meldrum and Maynard Olson, respectively. These centers aim to develop new research tools and approaches to understand the human genome, with potential applications in disease diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers are collecting data on the behavior of Puget Sound's orca whales using novel tools such as a small radio-controlled catamaran and a fish finder. The study suggests that the whales are declining due to a drop in salmon runs and increasing contamination from PCBs.
A new study by University of Washington economists found that wives tend to cut back on spending after their husbands retire, indicating a shift in household bargaining power. This difference is attributed to the fact that wives are typically younger and live longer than husbands, leading them to prioritize saving over consumption.
The Agrobacterium genome, a key tool for genetic engineering of foodstuffs, has been sequenced and made publicly available. This will provide insights into its unique properties and enable the development of more nutritious and resilient crops.
A brief non-confrontational intervention program significantly reduced alcohol-related problems among high-risk college-age drinkers, with 43% of participants dropping out of the high-risk category. The program showed long-lasting effects over four years.
Infants begin learning from birth and can distinguish consonant and vowel sounds in any language by 12 months. The study suggests that early identification of children with language difficulties allows for intervention, enabling them to develop their maximum potential.
Researchers find unique vent systems on seafloor mountain Atlantis Massif, formed by heat generated when seawater reacts with mantle rocks. The Lost City Field may be common, potentially upending previous estimates of hydrothermal venting and life on the seafloor.
Researchers found a strong correlation between the Arctic Oscillation's negative phase and near-record cold days and snow storms over a broader region of the hemisphere. The Arctic Oscillation has been linked to wide-ranging climate effects in the Northern Hemisphere, preventing freezing temperatures from extending as far south.
A US study found that women with a prior Caesarean delivery are at increased risk of uterine rupture during labor, especially if induced. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 births and found associations between induction methods and uterine rupture risk.
Researchers observed that biting behavior in Polybia occidentalis wasps is a continuum, transitioning from mild to highly aggressive. This behavior affects the life cycle of individual wasps, influencing foraging and social hierarchy.
Researchers developed a computer program that provides bite-sized information on the most important findings, leading to a 34% decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for middle ear infections. The system helps doctors stay current with the latest research without overwhelming them.
A study by UW researchers found that genetic taste markers do not affect the enjoyment of chocolate, and that sweetness and fat can mask bitter flavors. The study showed that women who were more sensitive to bitter tastes preferred lattes over straight espresso coffee.
Dr. Jeffrey S. Chamberlain joins the University of Washington to study muscular dystrophy gene therapies with a focus on developing vectors for genetic delivery. His research aims to prevent and reverse the disease, offering hope for treatment or cure options.
Children's adjustment problems after divorce depend on their temperament and mother's parenting style, according to a study. Impulsive children at risk of depression if mothers are inconsistent with rules and discipline.
The Stardust spacecraft is set to receive a gravity boost from Earth, lengthening its orbit and setting it on course for a rendezvous with comet Wild 2. The spacecraft will capture particles being boiled off the comet's surface by solar heating.
The University of Washington has established a $35.5 million center for mind, brain and learning to conduct innovative research on early brain and behavioral development. The center, in partnership with Talaris Research Institute, will focus on five major themes: brain plasticity, brain-behavior links, nature-nurture, computer vs. biol...
A new report emphasizes the importance of counting salmon to validate conservation strategies, as most current programs rely on habitat conditions without evidence of impact. Validation monitoring involves tracking fish before, during, and after changes in buffers or comparing waterway numbers with or without buffers.
A prolonged period of unusually cold water off Brazil is causing Argentine penguins to venture further north in search of food. This has led to a surge in nest failures at Punta Tombo reserve due to the long absence of adult males returning to provide for their chicks.
A study by Dr. Adam Drewnowski suggests that using Mediterranean cuisine techniques can help overcome bitterness in vegetables, revealing potential health benefits.
A survey conducted by Dr. Maria Silveira found that many patients and families in Oregon are unaware of their basic rights regarding end-of-life care. The results suggest a need for healthcare providers to actively educate patients about their options, including refusal of treatment, withdrawal of care, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.
A speech-language pathologist is presenting a successful program that helps male-to-female transgender clients acquire a more feminine-sounding voice. The one-year intensive therapy focuses on practical skills like speech rate, intonation, and non-verbal communication to improve the client's overall perception as a woman.