A study by Daphne Liu and Adrian Raftery found that contraceptive prevalence has a significantly greater impact on fertility decline than unmet need. Education also affects fertility, particularly through girls' early educational attainment, which can discourage families from having more children.
Scientists have discovered a hibernation-like state in an ancient Antarctic animal, dating back 250 million years. The discovery indicates that torpor arose in vertebrates even before mammals and dinosaurs evolved.
Researchers found that summit success rates doubled to two-thirds of climbers reaching the top, while death rates remained at around 1% since 1990. Improved weather forecasting and safer climbing techniques may contribute to the increased success rate.
A University of Washington study found that rental ads in Seattle's predominantly white neighborhoods often emphasize 'vintage charm' and history, while neighborhoods with more people of color focus on safety and security. The study suggests that these linguistic patterns can influence housing choices and perpetuate racial segregation.
New research by the University of Minnesota and the University of Washington reveals that additional ICU beds and non-ICU beds filled by COVID-19 patients result in more deaths. The study found that for every six additional ICU beds or seven additional non-ICU beds, one additional COVID-19 death occurs over the following week.
A study analyzing the February 2020 lockdown in China found a significant drop in nitrogen oxides, a gas associated with smog, of 50% compared to expected levels. However, aerosol particle amounts and cloud properties showed no dramatic changes, suggesting negligible climate-related impacts.
A critical EPA insecticide study on chlorpyrifos was found to have been based on incomplete data, leading to an incorrect safe exposure limit. Researchers argue that this oversight had significant public health implications and potentially allowed approvals for unsafe uses of the chemical.
A University of Washington team is developing a model to simulate the impact of various interventions on population health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The model will generate policy recommendations that could help lower infections in King County.
A review paper examines the influence of systemic inequalities on ecology and evolution, finding that racism reduces biodiversity, increases urban heat island effects, and augments climate crises. The authors advocate for environmental justice and anti-racism practices to transform biological research and conservation.
A global conservation plan for parasites is proposed to recognize the value of biological diversity. Research suggests that parasites play critical ecological roles, regulating wildlife populations, and propose identifying and conserving half of world's parasites within the next decade.
The National Academies has published a guide to help public officials interpret COVID-19 data, considering factors such as data representation, biases, and uncertainties. The guide aims to provide decision-makers with a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various data sources.
A new study from the University of Washington found that teens may be more likely to use marijuana following legalization due to increased adult use and store proliferation. The study's lead author notes that early use during adolescence can have negative health consequences, making it concerning that teen use may be going up.
The team developed a low-power, low-weight wireless camera system that can capture first-person views from live insects or small robots. The camera uses a mechanical arm to pivot 60 degrees, allowing for wide-angle views without consuming excessive power.
Researchers found evidence that there are significantly fewer of the single-celled algae that produce harmful toxins in an area more than 45 feet around an eelgrass bed. Eelgrass wards off toxin-producing algae, providing a natural defense for marine species and shellfish harvests.
A University of Washington study reveals that 75% of US workers cannot work exclusively from home, putting them at increased risk of exposure to disease and other job disruptions. These workers are also more likely to be in lower-paid jobs, with some earning as little as $32,000 per year.
University of Washington researchers have successfully cooled a solid-state semiconductor material using an infrared laser, achieving a temperature drop of up to 20 degrees C. The method has wide potential applications in fields such as quantum communication and scientific instruments.
Researchers evaluated 40 climate models focusing on Antarctic sea ice, finding improvements in projections compared to previous models. The study sheds light on dynamics in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, essential for understanding global climate changes.
A new study from the University of Washington reveals that underrepresented students are more likely to drop out of STEM courses due to lower grades in general chemistry. However, if they complete the first course with a minimum grade, they are more persistent and continue in STEM. The study suggests that teaching methods, including tr...
Early oxygen accumulation in Earth's atmosphere dates back to 2.4 billion years ago, with volcanic gases likely holding it back until a less-oxidized mantle became more oxidized, allowing oxygen to flood the air.
The University of Washington has launched an online training program called Every Contact Counts to support public health agencies in conducting contact-tracing interviews. The course provides a foundation for performing contact tracing and offers a certificate of completion, helping to protect communities from the spread of COVID-19.
A recent study from the University of Washington explores how parasites respond to climate change, revealing complex relationships between hosts, parasites, and their communities. The research suggests that pulse warming events can have sudden and profound impacts on disease transmission, leading to a 'choppy sea' of outbreaks.
Researchers discovered that SAR11 bacteria host a unique virus with a two-pronged survival strategy, allowing it to thrive in the oceans. The virus can multiply and split, producing large numbers of free viruses, contributing to its survival.
A new study by the University of Washington finds COVID-19 infection is deadlier than the flu, with a national death rate of 1.3% compared to 0.1%. The study projects a grim future if the US doesn't take strong action against the virus.
A new study finds that West Coast marine species' ability to breathe in ocean water is crucial for their survival and population cycles. The anchovy's oxygen needs match the water breathability index, which changes over time and corresponds with population cycles.
A study by University of Washington professor Dafeng Xu found that bike-share systems can drive a population to commute by bike, increasing rates by 20% in US cities. Larger bike-share systems experience sharper increases in bicycle commuting, making cycling a more accessible and appealing option for commuters.
New research suggests that sleep problems in babies may be associated with altered growth trajectory in the hippocampus, a key part of the brain involved in learning and memory. Infants who later develop autism were more likely to have difficulty falling asleep, which was linked to changes in the size of the hippocampus.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that only about 2% of microplastic particles in Pacific oysters can be confirmed as plastics. The team used advanced methodologies to accurately identify and catalog microplastics, revealing a lower abundance than previously thought.
The study found that Greenland's ice sheet lost an average of 200 gigatons of ice per year, and Antarctica's ice sheet lost an average of 118 gigatons of ice per year. This resulted in a global sea level rise of 0.55 inches (14 millimeters) since 2003.
A study estimates that 14.4 million workers face weekly and 26.7 million monthly exposure to infections in the workplace, highlighting the need for improved protective measures.
A new study predicts that US agricultural workers will experience double the number of unsafe days due to extreme heat by 2050, with health risks tripling. The research suggests that adapting working conditions, such as using lighter protective clothing and taking breaks, can mitigate these risks.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Idaho discovered that prolonged antibiotic exposure can 'prime' single-resistant bacteria to become multidrug-resistant. This effect makes it more likely for bacteria to acquire resistance to multiple antibiotics, even in an antibiotic-free environment.
New research from the University of Washington finds that designated ethnic spaces make underrepresented minority students feel more engaged and valued. The study reveals that these spaces are crucial in signaling to students of color that they belong at the university.
Researchers aim to discover technology that supports home-based learning and combats social isolation in families. The study will recruit diverse families with children ages 3-13 and explore how they access and use tools to manage their lives.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that people often misunderstand online status indicators and adjust their behavior accordingly. Over half of participants reported being aware that someone had noticed their status, while over half logged in to check others' statuses.
A survey of Washington state's heroin users found that most are interested in reducing or stopping their use and are open to services to help manage substance use. Syringe exchanges have seen increased possession of naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdose.
A University of Washington study synthesizes climate change impacts on Northwest wildfires, predicting larger and more frequent fires in the region. The greatest increased risk is found for low-elevation ponderosa pine forests, with other ecosystems experiencing more frequent but less severe fires.
New research measures cloud changes caused by ship pollution, revealing a measurable regional impact on global temperatures. The study found that globally, cloud changes due to industrial pollution block 1 Watt of solar energy per square meter.
A new study found a dramatic increase in the global abundance of Anisakis worms, also known as herring worms, which can be transmitted to humans through raw or undercooked seafood. The parasite's rise could have implications for human health and marine mammal populations.
Researchers found that large predators generally suppress smaller predators, providing more food in the form of leftover prey. However, the scavenging process can also be deadly for smaller carnivores, as they may be killed by their larger kin when returning to the kill site.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that people often ignore fake news on social media, but some use strategies like evaluating the source or noticing inconsistencies to detect misinformation. The study provides a framework for understanding how people react to fake news and could inform interventions to resist misinf...
Researchers found that some oyster species can pass on memories of harsh conditions to their offspring, improving survival rates. However, this ability varies between species and life stages.
Research at Mount Rainier National Park finds a growing mismatch between the blooming of iconic wildflowers and visitor peak times due to climate change. The study, led by the University of Washington, used crowd-sourced photos and analysis to model the timing of wildflower blooms and visitor visits from 2009-2015.
Active learning techniques have been shown to significantly narrow the achievement gap between overrepresented and underrepresented students in STEM fields. In a recent study, instructors incorporated more active learning methods into undergraduate STEM courses, resulting in exam scores narrowing by 33-42% and course passing rates impr...
Researchers at the University of Washington and Lowell Observatory found that Betelgeuse's surface temperature remains relatively stable despite recent dimming. The team calculated the average surface temperature of the star using a filter to 'dampen' its light, revealing a surface temperature of around 3,325 degrees Celsius.
A recent study from the University of Washington found that a natural aptitude for learning languages is a stronger predictor of learning to program than basic math knowledge. Participants who excelled in programming tasks tended to have strong problem-solving and language abilities, suggesting that coding involves learning a second la...
Researchers highlight tensions between staff and athletes when data collection encroaches on autonomy, while also exploring the benefits of performance monitoring. The study suggests that designers can improve interfaces to support athlete self-reflection and communication with staff.
Researchers found that previous tree thinning and prescribed burns helped forests survive the devastating Carlton Complex fire. The study suggests that reducing built-up fuels such as small trees and shrubs pays off, even in extreme wildfires.
A new study by the University of Washington reveals that experiencing wildness in urban areas is essential for physical and mental health. Researchers surveyed hundreds of park-goers and found that encounters with wildlife, water views, and solitude were key to visitors' meaningful experiences.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed a mathematical model that describes how rotating detonation engines work. The model allows engineers to determine whether an engine is stable or unstable and assess its performance. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and lightweight spacecraft.
The James Webb Space Telescope and other observatories will study the atmospheres of nearby, Earth-like exoplanets for signs of life. These exoplanets are thought to have reservoirs of compounds that could replenish their atmospheres.