UW News
The latest news from the UW
January 18, 2021
Researchers use lasers and molecular tethers to create perfectly patterned platforms for tissue engineering
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a technique to modify naturally occurring biological polymers with protein-based biochemical messages that affect cell behavior. Their approach, published the week of Jan. 18 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses a near-infrared laser to trigger chemical adhesion of protein messages to a scaffold made from biological polymers such as collagen, a connective tissue found throughout our bodies.
Tag(s): Cole DeForest • College of Engineering • Department of Bioengineering • Department of Chemical Engineering • Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine • Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute • School of MedicineJanuary 14, 2021
Astronomers document the rise and fall of a rarely observed stellar dance
Astronomers have catalogued 126 years of changes to a binary star system called HS Hydrae. Analyzing observations from astro-photographic plates in the late 1800s to TESS observations in 2019, they show that the two stars in HS Hydrae began to eclipse each other starting around a century ago, peaking in the 1960s. The degree of eclipsing then plummeted over the course of just a half century, and will cease around February 2021.
Tag(s): astronomy & astrophysics • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Astronomy • James Davenport
Evans School Dean Jodi Sandfort: A public university can help redesign public services
Jodi Sandfort, new dean of the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, talks about her views on policy-making, government services, and the role of a public university in facilitating conversation and change.
Tag(s): Evans School of Public Policy & Governance • Jodi Sandfort
Sexual harassment claims considered more credible if made by ‘prototypical’ women
A new UW study reveals people’s perceptions that sexual harassment primarily affects young, feminine and conventionally attractive women. Women who fall outside that prototype not only are perceived as unharmed by harassment, but also have a harder time convincing others that they have been harassed.
Tag(s): Bryn Bandt-Law • Cheryl Kaiser • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of PsychologyJanuary 13, 2021
Soundbites & B-roll: Detecting COVID-19 in wastewater
When someone has the coronavirus, some of it is shed in their fecal matter. So what people flush has become useful material to University of Washington researchers who are developing a new testing method for COVID-19 in sewage.
January 12, 2021
Video: Detecting COVID-19 in wastewater
When someone has the coronavirus, some of it is shed in their fecal matter. So what we flush has become useful to UW researchers developing a new testing method for COVID-19 in sewage. They’re looking at wastewater that flows from people’s homes, sampling it at manholes and neighborhood pump stations before it goes to sewage treatment plants.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering • Mari Winkler
ArtSci Roundup: Events to honor Martin Luther King, Jr; ‘Attack on the Capitol: What Does It Mean for Democracy?’; COVID-19 and racial inequities — and more
During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. Many of these online opportunities are streamed through Zoom. All UW faculty, staff, and students have access to Zoom Pro via UW-IT. Events…
Tag(s): African Studies Program • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Comparative History of Ideas Program • Department of History • Department of Near Eastern Languages & Civilization • Department of Political Science • DXARTS • Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • School of Art + Art History + Design • Simpson Center for the Humanities
Official notice: University of Washington accreditation evaluation visit by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
This public notification serves as an invitation for third-party comments, which should be sent directly to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
New treatment allows some people with spinal cord injury to regain hand and arm function
Using physical therapy combined with a noninvasive method of stimulating nerve cells in the spinal cord, University of Washington researchers helped six Seattle area participants regain some hand and arm mobility.
Tag(s): Center for Neurotechnology • Chet Moritz • College of Engineering • Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering • Department of Physiology & Biophysics • Department of Rehabilitation Medicine • Fatma Inanici • School of MedicineJanuary 11, 2021
More management measures lead to healthier fish populations
Fish populations tend to do better in places where rigorous fisheries management practices are used, and the more measures employed, the better for fish populations and food production, according to a new paper published Jan. 11 in Nature Sustainability.
Tag(s): Chris Anderson • College of the Environment • Michael Melnychuk • Ray Hilborn • School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences • Trevor BranchJanuary 8, 2021
COVID-19 vaccines are ‘remarkable achievement,’ but soothing mistrust is necessary to end pandemic
“Of course, we didn’t put Democrats in the vial; we didn’t put Republicans in the vial,” University of Washington’s Dr. Larry Corey writes in a recent COVID-19 Vaccine Matters blog jointly produced by Johns Hopkins University and the UW. While development of vaccines now being distributed to combat COVID-19, the deadly disease caused by the novel coronavirus, are…
Tag(s): COVID-19 • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center • Larry Corey • School of Medicine • vaccinesJanuary 6, 2021
ArtSci Roundup: The Converso’s Return, Drop-in Meditation Session, and More
During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. Many of these online opportunities are streamed through Zoom. All UW faculty, staff, and students have access to Zoom Pro via UW-IT. The…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • Center for Child and Family Well-Being • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of History • Department of Sociology • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + Design • Sephardic Studies Program • Stroum Center for Jewish Studies • UW Alumni AssociationJanuary 4, 2021
Faculty/staff honors: Distinguished educator, historic preservation planning award — and a film documentary appearance
Recent honors to and awards for UW faculty and staff members include a documentary film appearance, a distinguished educator award and an honor for historic preservation planning.
Tag(s): Ann Bostrom • ASUW Shell House • Department of History • Evans School of Public Policy & Governance • Glennys Young • Matt Newman • Nicole KleinDecember 28, 2020
Beyond COVID-19: A look back at 2020 at the UW
While this year in scientific research will be defined by the novel coronavirus pandemic and the incredible advances in testing, genome sequencing and vaccination that were made as a result, other significant research and work continued on and around the University of Washington’s campuses. Here’s a timeline of the research and work that went beyond COVID-19.
In pandemic milestone, UW brings COVID-19 vaccines to frontline health care workers
The first scheduled to receive vaccinations were frontline personnel working with COVID-19 patients. In addition to patient-care staff in intensive care units, COVID acute care floors and emergency departments, the immediate list also included environmental services staff, as well as emergency medical responders in the community. Next in line are nursing home residents and their caregivers.
Tag(s): COVID-19 • Harborview Medical Center • UW Medicine
ArtSci Roundup: Protest, Race and Citizenship across African Worlds, TEAL Digital Scholarship for East Asian Studies: The Deep Fake of Place, and More
During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. Many of these online opportunities are streamed through Zoom. All UW faculty, staff, and students have access to Zoom Pro via UW-IT. Beyond…
Tag(s): African Studies Program • ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Comparative History of Ideas Program • Department of Geography • Department of History • Department of Near Eastern Languages & Civilization • Department of Political Science • Evans School of Public Policy & Governance • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • Simpson Center for the Humanities • UW Alumni Association
Dueling pulpits: Book by Jackson School’s Taso Lagos explores rivalry between two charismatic early-20th century preachers
In a new book, Taso Lagos of the UW Jackson School studies the rivalry between Aimee Semple McPherson and Robert “Fighting Bob” Shuler, two California-based performer-preachers who had the country’s rapt attention in the 1920s.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Jackson School of International Studies • Taso Lagos
Video: News and research highlights from 2020
As the year draws to a close, we present highlights from video stories produced by UW News during 2020 — a year that will be largely defined by the COVID-19 pandemic and the many ways it impacted our lives and work.
Tag(s): COVID-19December 23, 2020
Bait and switch: Mislabeled salmon, shrimp have biggest environmental toll
A study co-authored by UW’s Sunny Jardine finds that farmed Atlantic salmon, often labeled and sold as Pacific salmon or rainbow trout, is the second-most-consumed mislabeled seafood product in the U.S. Although not the most frequently mislabeled seafood, salmon’s popularity means it has one of the biggest environmental impacts.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • fisheries biology • food production • salmon • School of Marine and Environmental Affairs • Sunny JardineDecember 20, 2020
Soundbites & B-roll: UW students join vaccination effort
Journalists: download this video here. Keely Robinson (UW nursing student), Kendra Nguyen (UW pharmacy student) and Emily Wang (UW pharmacy student) talk about being a student and their role in upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics. ### Kiyomi Taguchi ktaguchi@uw.edu / 206-685-2716
December 18, 2020
Coral recovery during a prolonged heatwave offers new hope
The pressing concerns of climate change have placed the long-term health of the world’s coral reefs in jeopardy. However, new research inspires hope as some corals managed to survive a recent and globally unprecedented heatwave.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Danielle Claar • School of Aquatic and Fishery SciencesDecember 15, 2020
UW announces Maggie Walker Deanship in the College of the Environment
The University of Washington today announced a major gift that elevates the importance of climate change and secures the legacy of Seattle philanthropist Maggie Walker by creating a namesake deanship for the College of the Environment.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Lisa Graumlich • Maggie Walker
How to have holidays ‘full of love and connection’ and set goals for 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic and social-distancing guidelines have changed how we celebrate the holidays this year. University of Washington psychologist Jonathan Kanter explains that, by being intentional about how we approach and experience the season, we can find joy, and recognize – even embrace – how we’ve weathered this year.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • COVID-19 • Department of Psychology • Jonathan Kanter
A.I. model shows promise to generate faster, more accurate weather forecasts
A model based solely on the past 40 years of weather events uses 7,000 times less computer power than today’s weather forecasting tools. An A.I.-powered model could someday provide more accurate forecasts for rain, snow and other weather events.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Dale Durran • Department of Atmospheric Sciences • weatherDecember 14, 2020
Highlights: UW, Johns Hopkins symposium on preserving scientific integrity in COVID-19 vaccine research
Johns Hopkins University and the University of Washington brought together leading experts in October to explore these issues and put forward a concise plan for protecting the scientific integrity of these lifesaving efforts. Here’s a 4-minute highlight reel of the symposium.
Tag(s): COVID-19
Gift celebrates success of UW student and faculty work to grow businesses in underserved communities
The University of Washington today announced a $100,000 gift from UW Regent Joanne Harrell and her husband, former longtime Seattle elected leader Bruce Harrell, benefitting the Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) at the Foster School of Business.
Tag(s): Consulting and Business Development Center • Foster School of Business • UW Board of Regents
Behold! UW-authored books and music for the good Dawgs on your shopping list
Here’s a quick look at some giftworthy books and music created by UW faculty and staff in 2020, and a reminder of some recent favorites.
Tag(s): Anu Taranath • Charles Johnson • College of Engineering • Craig Sheppard • David Shields • Department of Astronomy • Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering • Department of English • Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering • Department of Slavic Languages and Literature • Emily Levesque • Faisal Hossain • John Marzluff • Jose Alaniz • Margaret O'Mara • Michael Partington • Roger Sale • School of Music • Shana Lee Hirsch • Ted Poor • Tyler Sprague • University of Washington Press
ArtSci Roundup: Set in Motion, Drop-in Meditation Session, and More
During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. Many of these online opportunities are streamed through Zoom. All UW faculty, staff, and students have access to Zoom Pro via UW-IT. Set…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Baltic Studies Program • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • Center for Child and Family Well-Being • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Communication • Department of Political Science • Department of Scandinavian Studies • Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Drama • School of MusicDecember 9, 2020
UW statement in response to claim by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
A statement from the University of Washington in response to allegations U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made during a speech at Georgia Tech on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020.
Warm oceans helped first human migration from Asia to North America
New research reveals significant changes to the circulation of the North Pacific and its impact on the initial migration of humans from Asia to North America. It provides a new picture of the circulation and climate of the North Pacific at the end of the last ice age, with implications for early human migration.
Tag(s): anthropology • Ben Fitzhugh • climate • College of Arts & Sciences • College of the Environment • Department of Anthropology • Department of Atmospheric Sciences • oceanographyDecember 8, 2020
Round 2 of Washington study underway to determine food, economic insecurity during pandemic
Understanding Washington residents’ access to food and their economic well-being – or lack of it – during the COVID-19 pandemic is vital for state and community partners to identify those needs and allocate resources effectively. To help accomplish this goal, the University of Washington, Washington State University and Tacoma Community College, along with input from…
Tag(s): Adam Drewnowski • Alan Ismach • Center for Public Health Nutrition • Chelsea Rose • COVID-19 studies • Esther Nguyen • James Buszkiewicz • Jennifer Otten • population health • Sarah Collier • School of Public Health • Washington State Food Security Survey
Annual notification: Anti-kickback, conflict of interest, whistleblower regulations and hotlines
Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR 52.203-7) require the University of Washington to implement procedures designed to prevent and detect violations of the Anti-Kickback Act of 1986 (41 USC 51-58). In addition, state regulations (RCW 42.40) require the university to provide annual notification to employees of the procedures and protections under the Whistleblower Act. These articles are…
NSF-funded deep ice core to be drilled at Hercules Dome, Antarctica
Antarctica’s next deep ice core, a 1.5-mile core reaching back to 130,000-year-old ice, will be carried out by a multi-institutional U.S. team led by UW’s Eric Steig. The site hundreds of miles from today’s coastline could provide clues to the most recent collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Tag(s): climate change • College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • Eric Steig • glaciers • polar science
Policies around pregnancy, birth during pandemic failing both patients and nurses
As an experienced nurse midwife, whose scientific research focuses on respectful and equitable care during pregnancy and childbirth, the University of Washington’s Molly Altman has been studying pregnancy and childbirth during the pandemic alongside colleagues across the UW and in affected communities. While her work is being distilled into formal studies that will be submitted…
Tag(s): COVID-19 • Molly Altman • population health • School of NursingDecember 7, 2020
The Smellicopter is an obstacle-avoiding drone that uses a live moth antenna to seek out smells
A team led by the UW has developed Smellicopter: an autonomous drone that uses a live antenna from a moth to navigate toward smells. Smellicopter can also sense and avoid obstacles as it travels through the air.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • College of Engineering • Department of Biology • Department of Mechanical Engineering • Sawyer Fuller • Tom Daniel
ArtSci Roundup: Re/frame: All Together Now, This Is Beethoven, and More
During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. Many of these online opportunities are streamed through Zoom. All UW faculty, staff, and students have access to Zoom Pro via UW-IT. Re/frame:…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Baltic Studies Program • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Dance • Department of Political Science • Department of Scandinavian Studies • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Drama • School of Music
Military flights biggest cause of noise pollution on Olympic Peninsula
A new University of Washington study provides the first look at how much noise pollution is impacting the Olympic Peninsula. The paper found that aircraft were audible across a large swath of the peninsula at least 20% of weekday hours, or for about one hour during a six-hour period. About 88% of all audible aircraft in the pre-pandemic study were military planes.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Julian Olden • School of Aquatic and Fishery SciencesDecember 5, 2020
UW statement on the suspension of Nahziah Carter
The UW’s Title IX Office acted swiftly to gather information, investigate the facts and render carefully considered decisions after fair hearings on these matters. The UW is committed preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment, and to supporting and protecting our students, faculty and staff while upholding due process, and properly investigating and addressing allegations of this nature.
December 3, 2020
Researchers discover how bean plants fend off famished foes
A team led by scientists at the University of Washington and the University of California, San Diego has discovered that cowpeas — a type of bean plant — harbor receptors on the surface of their cells that can detect a compound in caterpillar saliva and initiate anti-herbivore defenses.
Tag(s): Adam Steinbrenner • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Biology
UW student volunteers collect, donate devices for equitable online health care
Online access to health care is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. About 20 UW undergraduates are part of a nationwide organization collecting used video-enabled devices and donating them to medical facilities for low-income and senior patients.
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