Researchers warn that AI-manipulated satellite images can be a severe national security threat. A study by the University of Washington identified new ways to detect fake satellite photos and called for geographic fact-checking.
Researchers used image-analysis methods from engineering to spot minute movements of a stony coral. The study found more activities happening under nighttime conditions and provided insights into coral behavior and physiology.
A new study suggests that lessons learned from past emergencies, such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, can inform improvements to the government's response to pandemics. By adopting a more centralized approach to procurement and communication, governments can achieve goals faster and more effectively.
UW researchers studied how to make online arguments more productive and centered around relationship-building. They found that people want to have difficult conversations online, but often avoid them due to lack of nuance or space for discussion. The team developed 12 potential technological design interventions, including democratizin...
A new study by the University of Washington found that hospital pandemic policies harmed families and nurses, leading to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and mistrust. The policies also exacerbated existing racial biases in care, particularly for Black women and birthing people.
A University of Washington-led team has developed a system that uses machine learning to capture subtle changes in facial light reflection to estimate pulse and respiration rates from smartphone videos. The system outperforms previous versions on diverse datasets, including those with darker skin tones.
A study by University of Washington researchers suggests that thicker-leaved tropical plants could flourish in a CO2-rich environment, outcompeting species with thinner leaves. This shift in vegetation could help preserve carbon-absorbing ecosystems and reduce the severity of climate change.
Researchers analyzed citizen science data and found massive by-the-wind sailor jellyfish strandings occurred in warmer winters, with beach cover spanning over 620 miles. The study suggests a tipping point in the ecosystem towards these jellies as climate change warms oceans.
A mindfulness program called Be REAL, which teaches coping techniques to manage stress and emotions, has improved students' psychological well-being. The program, offered in residence halls and classes, showed significant improvements in mindfulness, self-compassion, resilience, and reduced stress among participants.
A new paper warns of the dangers of large language models, which can perpetuate racist ideologies and cause significant environmental degradation. The models' huge computational needs also restrict access to smaller developers, leaving out marginalized communities.
A new study from the University of Washington found that individuals who recognize common humanity with others are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as wearing masks and helping those in need, even at personal cost. This identification with all humanity was a stronger predictor of behavior than identifying with one's c...
Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new AI system that can track individual heartbeats using smart speakers. The system sends inaudible sounds and uses machine learning to identify signals from both regular and irregular heartbeats, achieving accuracy comparable to standard heartbeat monitors.
A new study from the University of Washington reveals that people's brains have parallel learning systems for avoiding bad options and finding good ones. The research suggests that being able to 'turn down the volume' on irrelevant signals is critical to complex problem-solving.
A new method to rate tornado warning skill improves understanding of forecast challenges, particularly nighttime and summer twisters. The study finds that these events are harder to predict due to unfavorable conditions and fewer eyewitness reports.
A record-high amount of Arctic freshwater is expected to flow into the Labrador Sea, impacting local marine environments and global ocean currents. The freshwater, which has increased by 40% over the past two decades, will travel through the Canadian Archipelago rather than traditional marine passageways.
The study documents the discovery of Purgatorius fossils, which are estimated to be 65.9 million years old, providing insight into primates' evolution and diversification after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. The findings suggest that primates likely emerged by the Late Cretaceous period and lived alongside large dinosaurs.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute developed a phone-based therapy to combat insomnia in older adults with osteoarthritis. The study found that this treatment can be delivered in just a few short calls, improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue and pain symptoms.
A University of Washington study suggests that reducing emissions by 1.8% annually would be required to meet the 2 degrees Celsius global temperature target. This represents an 80% increase in ambition over current Paris Agreement targets.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed an AI system called Audeo that generates music from silent video performances of pianists. The system correctly identified musical pieces using music-recognition apps 86% of the time, surpassing human accuracy in some cases.
A new study finds human-induced climate change responsible for the retreat of Palcaraju Glacier, leading to a significant increase in glacial lake outburst flooding. The research provides critical evidence for an ongoing case in German courts, highlighting the need for protective measures and reimbursement.
A new University of Washington study found that bleeding gums on gentle probing and retinal hemorrhaging are associated with low vitamin C levels in the bloodstream. Increasing daily vitamin C intake helped reverse these bleeding issues.
A University of Washington study identifies four main groups of photoreceptors, many of them new, that marine organisms use to detect and respond to light. This discovery could aid in the field of optogenetics and provide insights into how marine life responds to changing ocean conditions.
Research shows that sleep cycles in people oscillate during the 29.5-day lunar cycle, with people going to bed later and sleeping less in the days leading up to a full moon. This natural adaptation may have allowed ancestors to take advantage of available evening light.
Small hydropower dams in Brazil are found to cause more significant disruptions to fish migration patterns than large hydropower projects. The study highlights the cumulative impacts of these smaller dams on river connectivity and biodiversity.
A team from the University of Washington has used a robust model of Venus' atmosphere to reinterpret radio telescope observations and conclude that phosphine was unlikely detected. The data instead suggest sulfur dioxide as the source of the signal, which is consistent with what astronomers know of the planet's environment.
A 10% increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit led to a 9% decrease in annual reports of child neglect made to child welfare agencies. The study highlights the importance of social policies on health and suggests that violence prevention can be an added benefit.
Scientists at the University of Washington develop a technique to modify biological polymers with protein-based biochemical messages, triggering cell behavior. The approach uses near-infrared lasers to attach proteins to scaffolds made from collagen or fibrin, creating intricate patterns that control cell growth and signaling.
A study led by the University of Washington found that women perceived as 'prototypical' are more likely to be believed when making accusations of sexual harassment. Non-prototypical women face greater hurdles and are seen as less credible, less harmed, and their harassers deserve less punishment.
Researchers discovered that the two stars in the HS Hydrae system were almost completely eclipsing each other 50 years ago but now barely overlap. The team predicts that the eclipses will cease around February 2021, marking the end of this rare stellar dance.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new treatment that uses skin-surface stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries regain hand and arm mobility. After a five-month training program, six participants showed significant improvements in hand function, which lasted for up to six months after treatment ended.
A new study published in Nature Sustainability found that more management measures employed in fisheries lead to better outcomes for fish populations. The research team analyzed data from nearly 300 fish populations and confirmed that increased management attention is linked to healthier fisheries.
A team of researchers has developed an optical computing core prototype using phase-change material, accelerating neural networks and reducing energy consumption for AI applications. The technology is scalable and directly applicable to cloud computing, making it a promising solution for the growing demands of AI online.
A new AI model has shown promise in generating faster and more accurate weather forecasts by analyzing past weather patterns. The model uses about 7,000 times less computing power than traditional forecasting models while still simulating a year's weather around the globe.
A new study suggests that warm ocean currents in the North Pacific during the last ice age created a relatively warm region around the modern Bering Sea, making it more habitable for early humans. This finding addresses a long-standing mystery about the earliest inhabitants of North America.
Scientists aim to understand the recent collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to better gauge its potential risk in a warming climate. The Hercules Dome ice core will provide key evidence about past sea levels and ocean chemistry.
A University of Washington study found that aircraft noise impacts the Olympic Peninsula at least 20% of weekday hours, affecting wildlife and residents. The researchers also found most military aircraft noise is intermittent and comparable to Seattle's air traffic.
The Smellicopter drone uses a live moth antenna to sense chemicals in the air and navigate towards sources of interest. It can also avoid obstacles using infrared sensors and doesn't require GPS, making it suitable for exploring indoor or underground spaces.
The Stingray Nebula, a young planetary nebula, has faded significantly over the past 20 years, losing its bright colors and shape. Its rapid dimming is likely connected to the cooling of its parent star, which has reduced ultraviolet ionizing radiation.
Researchers discovered that a molecule related to tire preservative 6PPD is highly toxic to coho salmon, causing acute mortality. The team identified 6PPD-quinone as the culprit chemical, which transforms when exposed to ozone and kills salmon.
A new University of Washington study examines the effects of early police contacts on Black and white adolescents, finding that Black youth are more likely to be treated as 'usual suspects' after a first encounter, leading to subsequent arrests. White youth with early police contact are not significantly more likely to be arrested later.
Researchers discovered that cowpea plants harbor receptors on their cells that can detect caterpillar saliva, triggering anti-herbivore defenses. The discovery sheds light on how plants activate their immune systems to defend against hungry insects.
Research team discovers endophytes can break apart phosphorus complexes, making it accessible to plants. This natural approach reduces environmental harm from chemical fertilizers and promotes more sustainable food production.
A DNA-based molecular tagging system called Porcupine has been developed by University of Washington and Microsoft researchers. The system uses distinct DNA strands to encode digital tags with high accuracy and security, making it suitable for tracking high-value items and preventing tampering.
Researchers tracked and flew through wildfire plumes from the source to collect data on how chemical composition changes over time. The study found that smoke forecasts may incorrectly predict particles in staler smoke, which could impact air quality estimates.
A new study reveals that mammals were socially interacting during the Age of Dinosaurs, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery of a new genus, Filikomys primaevus, indicates that these early mammals engaged in multi-generational, group-nesting and burrowing behavior.
A new model simulates COVID-19 spread through neighborhoods, revealing varying risk levels, peak infection times, and prolonged hospital strain. Denser areas tend to reach peak infections earlier, while less dense ones may experience longer outbreaks.
Researchers developed SoundWatch, a smartwatch app for deaf, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing people to receive sound alerts from various sources. The app uses machine learning to identify and classify common home-related sounds, enhancing users' experiences and connection to the world.
A University of Washington study reveals certain human actions increase survival chances in devastating events. Researchers suggest simple behavioral changes, such as being aware of local hazards and moving to a higher floor, can save more lives than expensive engineering solutions.
Researchers at Forefront Suicide Prevention at the University of Washington found that talking about suicide prevention and safe firearm storage at gun shows can lead to a significant increase in people locking up their firearms. In a community-based setting, engaging people in an empathetic conversation resulted in more people adoptin...
A new study found that early-arriving endangered Chinook salmon experience an additional 20% mortality due to sea lion predation. The study also showed that the numbers of California sea lions are highest at the mouth of the Columbia River, increasing exposure to predation.