A University of Washington team created a new tool that can design a 3D-printable passive gripper and calculate the best path to pick up an object. The designed grippers and paths were successful for 20 out of 22 objects tested, with two challenging shapes being the wedge and pyramid shape.
A new study found evidence that multituberculates, an extinct group of mammals, likely reproduced in a placental-like manner. This discovery questions the long-held idea that marsupials were less advanced than placentals in terms of reproductive strategy.
A new study published in Psychiatric Services finds that large-scale training in suicide prevention is possible, with healthcare professionals reporting improved understanding of suicide and how to respond. The training aims to educate and empower providers to identify at-risk behaviors and discuss limitations of lethal means.
A new study led by the University of Washington strengthens evidence that air pollution can harm childhood behavioral problems and IQ. Researchers found prenatal and postnatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide and small-particle air pollution were associated with poorer child behavioral functioning and cognitive performance.
The ClearBuds earbuds use a novel microphone system and real-time machine-learning to enhance the speaker's voice and reduce background noise. They achieved better performance than Apple AirPods Pro in signal-to-distortion ratio tests.
A new study from the University of Washington found that sweetened beverage taxes redistribute dollars from higher- to lower-income households, providing a net economic benefit of $5.3 to $16.4 million per year to lower-income communities. The taxes also fund health programs and reduce consumption of unhealthy drinks.
Researchers have designed an energy-efficient silicon-based non-volatile switch that manipulates light to control information flow in data centers. This technology reduces energy needs by 70-fold compared to traditional switches, making data centers more environmentally friendly.
A University of Washington study found that Pacific salmon in larger groups have lower predation risk, but may trade safety for food. The researchers analyzed historical data on fish catches and predator wounds to estimate group size and predation risk, revealing the benefits and costs of schooling in marine fish.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that African wild dogs, a highly endangered species, shifted their breeding dates later in response to changing temperatures, leading to reduced pup survival rates. The study highlights how large predators can be vulnerable to climate change and its impact on life history events.
A new study found that the 2021 heat wave caused widespread death among shellfish due to a combination of low tides, high air temperatures, and location. The research team analyzed hundreds of field observations and found that some species fared better than others in terms of survival.
A previously unknown subpopulation of polar bears living in Southeast Greenland has been genetically distinct and uniquely adapted to its environment. The study provides insight into how the species might persist into the future, but highlights the need for careful extrapolation due to limited access to sea ice.
A citizen science project called Snow Spotter analyzed tree-snow interactions to improve predictions of summer water supplies. The study found that snow in Washington's trees becomes 'cemented' and never leaves, while Colorado's trees experience frequent snowfall but dry conditions.
Researchers analyzed over 11,000 venture-backed startups and found that prior collaboration between venture capitalists predicts exit type, with firms with co-invested VCs more likely to be acquired. Conversely, those without prior collaborations are more likely to go public.
A University of Washington-led team found that people in China with higher socioeconomic status are more exposed to outdoor air pollution. The study discovered a unique correlation between socioeconomic status and ambient air pollution levels, which runs counter to existing studies conducted in the US.
A new study by the University of Washington calculates the impact of past emissions on future warming. By 2029, there's a two-thirds chance of exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius warming, even if all emissions cease, and by 2057, there's a similar chance for 2 degrees Celsius.
Researchers created VoxLens, a JavaScript plugin that allows screen-reader users to interact with visualizations by gaining high-level summaries, listening to graph translations into sound, or using voice-activated commands. The tool shows improved accuracy and interaction time for users compared to those without access to the plugin.
Research from the University of Washington found that narcissistic executives can prevent knowledge sharing among business units, despite boosts to performance. Narcissists overestimate internal knowledge value and underestimate external ideas.
Researchers investigate how COVID-19 pandemic policies impacted access to life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder in minority groups. They aim to understand structural mechanisms of disparities and encourage the healthcare system to review and change social policies.
A study by the University of Washington found that Seattle's democracy voucher program increased donations by 53% per race and boosted small donations by 270%. The program also led to an 86% increase in candidates and a decline in incumbent electoral success.
A study found that people experience a dissociative state when scrolling through social media, leading researchers to design an app that promotes user control and attention. The app, Chirp, incorporates features such as lists and pop-up surveys to help users stay focused.
Adult smokers who switch to vaping are more likely to report better physical health, exercise, and social engagement. While e-cigarettes still carry risks, the study suggests they can be associated with other healthy lifestyle choices for those who already smoke.
A University of Washington model found that the body's ability to create cloned immune cells falls significantly with age, leading to increased susceptibility to COVID-19 in the elderly. The study suggests that genetic limits on cell division may play a role in the devastating effects of COVID-19 on older adults.
A study published in Cell Reports Physical Sciences has measured the physical limits for liquid water in icy extraterrestrial worlds. The results show that cold, salty liquids can remain liquid at much cooler temperatures than previously thought, extending the range of possible habitats on icy moons.
Experts propose a consensus approach to address the impact of forest fires on human health. The method emphasizes controlled burns as a tool to reduce explosive wildfires and improve forest health. The approach also prioritizes inclusivity in decision-making, particularly for populations disproportionately affected by smoke exposure.
Recent studies found that pathologists perceive an overdiagnosis of melanoma, with many diagnosing cases as non-invasive melanoma despite variability in diagnoses. A study involving over 100 dermatopathologists showed a majority agree on the issue, but awareness may not be enough to reduce overdiagnosis.
Researchers discovered that light can trigger magnetism in normally nonmagnetic materials by aligning electron spins. This breakthrough could enable the development of quantum bits for quantum computing and other applications.
Research by University of Washington reveals that ice shards in Southern Ocean clouds increase the amount of sunlight absorbed by the ocean's surface. The study found a significant impact on temperature, with differences of 10 Watts per square meter between models including and excluding ice formation.
A new study by the University of Washington's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences finds that children can develop key reading skills in a virtual classroom with other students. The 'Reading Camp' program demonstrates not only its effectiveness but also its potential to reach larger numbers of students remotely.
A recent study found that young people in rural areas carry handguns nearly twice as often as urban youths, with one in three reporting carrying by age 26. The study identified six longitudinal trajectories of handgun carrying, suggesting different cultural contexts and motivations for the behavior.
A new study by University of Washington researchers explains why Antarctic sea ice retreats quickly during the summer months, finding that it follows simple rules of physics. The seasonal cycle is consistent, showing a fast retreat relative to slow growth.
Researchers developed tiny sensor-carrying devices inspired by dandelion seeds to monitor environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. The devices can travel up to 100 meters on a breeze, share data wirelessly up to 60 meters away, and power themselves using solar panels.
Researchers created a dental tool that measures plaque acidity using an LED light and FDA-approved chemical dye, providing dentists with early warning signs of cavity development. The device can help limit the need for specific harmful bacteria tests and educate patients about sugar's impact on oral health.
New research found that Black Lives Matter protests led to a surge in online searches for anti-racist terms and topics, with spikes in searches continuing even after the initial protests. The study also showed that these increased search volumes were correlated with higher daily visits to Wikipedia pages on related topics.
Researchers found that mindfulness meditation can reduce feelings of guilt and lead to less generous behavior in social situations. However, it may also cause individuals to focus outward on others rather than inwardly considering their own emotions.
A new study from the University of Washington finds that counties relying on court-imposed fines for revenue sentence more women to incarceration. The association suggests that monetary sanctions have far-reaching social, economic, and punitive effects, disproportionately impacting low-income communities.
A recent study found that farms using regenerative agriculture have healthier crops with higher levels of minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. The research suggests that the key lies in the biology of the soil, where microbes and fungi play a crucial role in boosting beneficial compounds.
Researchers have discovered new details about HIV's structure, including the position of envelope spike proteins and glycan shields. The findings may help in designing a vaccine that can protect against AIDS.
A recent study found that Google's image search for occupations like CEO still displays significant gender bias, even after the company claimed to have fixed the issue. The researchers proposed three algorithms to address this problem and tested them on four major search engines.
A new study published in Ecological Applications shows that eDNA-based detection can be a useful tool for early detection of invasive green crab. The technique involves collecting water samples and analyzing DNA to detect the presence of the species, which can help wildlife managers contain future invasions and prevent new outbreaks.
Research found that anaerobic microbial transformation on Tonle Sap Lake's floodplains produces substantial amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide, highlighting the importance of this process in tropical freshwater ecosystems. This discovery has significant implications for understanding global carbon cycles and the impact of climate change.
A team of scientists used genetic testing to uncover the tactics of international criminal networks behind ivory trafficking out of Africa. The analysis linked most large ivory shipments to a handful of interconnected smuggling networks, expanding efforts to track and seize illicit shipments.
Researchers developed a new method using smartphone vibration motor and camera to monitor blood clots, with accuracy similar to commercially available techniques. The device can be used at home, making it easier for patients to test their PT/INR levels, potentially reducing the need for frequent clinical visits.
New research reveals mosquitoes use red and orange colors to detect hosts, influenced by their sense of smell. By filtering out these colors or wearing specific attire, individuals can potentially prevent mosquito bites, reducing the risk of diseases like dengue and Zika.
A new study found that crowdfunding has limited success in helping people pay their medical bills, particularly in low-income and under-insured communities. Despite raising over $650 million annually, 33.8% of campaigns remain unfunded, highlighting the need for better health insurance coverage and social assistance programs.
Researchers discovered that yeast cells can actively regulate temperature-dependent phase separation in their membranes. This process is crucial for membrane function and cell division. By adjusting the temperature, yeast cells can maintain a consistent state of phase separation, which may be essential for optimal cellular performance.
Researchers at University of Washington developed a fast, cheap test for COVID-19 that combines speed of antigen tests with accuracy of PCR tests. The Harmony COVID-19 test detects genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 virus with 97% accuracy and provides results in under 20 minutes.
A team at the University of Washington has created an optical computing system that not only reduces noise but also utilizes it to improve creative output. The system uses a Generative Adversarial Network and demonstrates the viability of this technology at a large scale.
A University of Washington team has discovered 349 methane gas plumes bubbling up from the seafloor in Puget Sound. The bubbles are likely connected to underlying geology and may be a natural source of methane, rather than human activity.
A nationwide study reveals that higher access to grocery stores is associated with increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, lower consumption of fast food and soda. Food deserts and high income were found to be negatively correlated with dietary health, particularly among subpopulations.
Researchers found that dynamic ocean management is more effective in reducing accidental catch than permanent marine protected areas. Dynamic closures track real-time data and close smaller areas as species hotspots shift, resulting in up to 57% reduction in bycatch.