UW News
The latest news from the UW
March 19, 2024
Citizen scientist group finds 15 rare ‘active asteroids’
In 2021, Colin Orion Chandler started Active Asteroids Citizen Science, a partnership between NASA, Zooniverse, astronomers and thousands of citizen scientist volunteers. The initiative is searching for so-called “active asteroids,” which have comet-like tails and could hold clues to the formation of our solar system, among other cosmic mysteries. Chandler, now a University of Washington researcher, and his team recently announced they have discovered 15 active asteroids, and are continuing the search for more of these unusual and rare objects.
Tag(s): astronomy & astrophysics • Colin Orion Chandler • Department of Astronomy • DIRAC InstituteMarch 14, 2024
UW researchers taught kids to code with cultural research and embroidery machines
University of Washington researchers taught a group of high schoolers to code by combining cultural research into various embroidery traditions with “computational embroidery.” The method teaches kids to encode embroidery patterns on a computer through a coding language called Turtlestitch.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Information School • Jayne Everson • Megumi Kivuva • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & EngineeringMarch 13, 2024
Q&A: UW expert on the rising rates of immunosuppression among U.S. adults
A new UW study places the prevalence of immunosuppression at around 6.6% of American adults — more than twice as high as previously understood. That rise could have broad implications for how we navigate the late stages of COVID-19 and prepare for future pandemics.
Tag(s): COVID-19 • COVID-19 studies • Melissa Martinson • public health • School of Social WorkMarch 12, 2024
AI analysis of historical satellite images show USSR collapse in 1990s increased methane emissions, despite lower oil and gas production
An AI-powered analysis of 25 years of satellite images yields the surprising finding that methane emissions in Turkmenistan, a former Soviet republic and major oil-producing region, actually increased in the years following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Tag(s): Alex Turner • climate • College of the Environment • Department of Atmospheric and Climate ScienceMarch 11, 2024
Video: Admissions director answers six commonly asked questions about applying to the UW’s Seattle campus
Six of the most commonly asked questions about how competitive it is to get into the UW and how admissions decisions are made are answered in this video featuring Paul Seegert, Director of Admissions on the Seattle campus.
Tag(s): Office of Admissions • Paul Seegert
Q&A: How Instagram influencers profit from anti-vaccine misinformation
New research from the UW examines how three wellness Instagram influencers profited from anti-vaccine misinformation.
Tag(s): Center for an Informed Public • Information School • Rachel MoranMarch 8, 2024
Video: Predicting cherry tree bloom timing at the UW
Cherry trees on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus are waking up and getting ready to say hello. For the 29 iconic Yoshino cherry trees in the UW Quad, peak bloom will likely begin after March 20.
Tag(s): Autumn Maust • cherry blossoms • College of the Environment • Sara Shores • School of Environmental and Forest SciencesMarch 7, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: Mark Morris Dance Group, Psychology Seminar, Screening Queer Hong Kong, and more
This week, head to Meany Hall for The Look of Love performance by the Mark Morris Dance Group, learn about recent research at a clinical seminar hosted by the Department of Psychology, tune into a book talk with the Japan Studies Program, and more. March 12, 11:30 am – 12:50 pm | Psychology Cross-Area Clinical…
Tag(s): China Studies Program • Department of Asian Languages and Literature • Department of Psychology • East Asia Center • Jackson School of International Studies • Japan Studies Program • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Simpson Center for the HumanitiesMarch 6, 2024
Scientists CT-scanned thousands of natural history specimens, which you can access for free
Natural history museums have entered a new stage of discovery and accessibility — one where scientists around the globe and curious folks at home can access valuable museum specimens to study, learn or just be amazed. This new era follows the completion of openVertebrate, or oVert, a five-year collaborative project among 18 institutions to create 3D reconstructions of vertebrate specimens and make them freely available online. The team behind this endeavor, which includes scientists at the University of Washington and its Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture, published a summary of the project March 6 in the journal BioScience, offering a glimpse of how the data can be used to ask new questions and spur the development of innovative technology.
Tag(s): Adam Summers • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • College of the Environment • Department of Biology • Friday Harbor Laboratories • Luke Tornabene • School of Aquatic and Fishery SciencesMarch 1, 2024
Public Notice: UWMC-Northwest Major Institution Master Plan Final EIS
Project Name: UWMC-Northwest Major Institution Master Plan (MIMP) Final EIS Proponent & Lead Agency: University of Washington Description of Proposal: The UW Medical Center – Northwest Major Institution Master Plan update will allow for space on the campus to accommodate projected population growth and corresponding increase in healthcare demands. It would also allow for replacing…
February 29, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: First Wednesday Concert Series, Book Talks, Ethnomusicology Visiting Artist Concert and more
This week, enjoy the First Wednesday Concert Series in Allen Library, be awed by Ethnomusicology Visiting Artist Concert with Shoji Kameda, attend book talks, and more. March 4, 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Annual Graduate Student Invited Lecturer | Know Your Place, Know Your Calling: Geography, Race, and Kant’s ‘World-Citizen’, Denny Hall Graduate students in the…
Tag(s): Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • Department of Asian Languages and Literature • Department of Chemistry • Department of German Studies • Department of Philosophy • Department of Political Science • East European and Central Asian Studies • Eastern European • Ellison Center for Russian • Jackson School of International Studies • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Music • South Asia Center • Taiwan Studies Program • University of Washington Bothell • UW Libraries • UW Music • UW Public Lectures
Q&A: How a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease could also work for Type 2 diabetes
Alzheimer’s disease and Type 2 diabetes are part of a family of amyloid diseases that are characterized by having proteins that cluster together. UW researchers have demonstrated more similarities between the two diseases.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Bioengineering • Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute • UW Medicine • Valerie DaggettFebruary 28, 2024
UW graduate receives prestigious Gates Cambridge scholarship
Sonia Fereidooni, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Washington, was selected for the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Fereidooni, 22, will receive a full-cost scholarship to pursue doctoral work in Digital Humanities at the University of Cambridge, England. The highly competitive scholarship brings recognition of accomplishments and future promise. This year, 26 students…
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Gates Cambridge Scholar • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Undergraduate Academic Affairs
80 mph speed record for glacier fracture helps reveal the physics of ice sheet collapse
New research documents the fastest-known large-scale breakage along an Antarctic ice shelf. In 2012, a 6.5-mile crack formed in about 5 and a half minutes, showing that ice shelves can effectively shatter, though the speed of breakage is reduced by seawater rushing in. These results can help improve ice-sheet models and projections for future sea level rise.
Tag(s): Brad Lipovsky • climate change • College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • glaciers • Marine Denolle • polar science
Vision Zero road safety projects in Seattle are unlikely to have negative impacts on local business sales, UW study finds
An analysis of seven safety projects across Seattle found they had no negative impact on the annual revenues of nearby businesses for three years after construction began.
Tag(s): Andrew Dannenberg • Department of Urban Design and Planning • School of Public Health • Vision ZeroFebruary 27, 2024
Q&A: Decline in condom use indicates need for further education, awareness
New research from Steven Goodreau, University of Washington professor of anthropology, shows that condom use has been trending downward among younger gay and bisexual men over the last decade, even when they aren’t taking pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Anthropology • Steven GoodreauFebruary 22, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: War in the Middle East Lecture Series, Dance Majors Concert, Borden Lecture in Theoretical Chemistry, and more
This week, attend the War in the Middle East Lecture Series, check out the Dance Majors Concert, listen to the Weston and Sheila Borden Endowed Lecture in Theoretical Chemistry, and more. February 26, 7:30 pm | Baroque Ensemble: Telemannia, Brechemin Auditorium The UW Baroque Ensemble, led by director Tekla Cunningham, will perform works by Telemann…
Tag(s): Center for Global Studies • Center for South Asian Studies • Center for West European Studies • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Chemistry • Department of Dance • Department of Ethnomusicology • Department of Gender • Department of German Studies • Department of Political Science • Department of Sociology • East European and Central Asian Studies • Ellison Center for Russian • Henry Art Gallery • Henry M. Jackson Foundation • Jackson School of International Studies • School of Music • Select Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies • Social Sciences Division
Admitted students to the UW now have until June 1 to commit, a result of FAFSA delays
The University of Washington is extending the confirmation date for newly admitted freshman undergraduate students from May 1 to June 1 for the 2024-25 academic year. June 1 is now the date when admitted students must confirm their acceptance and place a deposit to hold their spot in the fall 2024 entering class.
Tag(s): AdmissionsFebruary 20, 2024
UW computer scientists and chemist named Sloan Fellows
Three University of Washington faculty members have been awarded early-career fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The new Sloan Fellows, announced Feb. 20, are Simon S. Du and Adriana Schulz, both assistant professors in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, and Alexandra Velian, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Tag(s): Adriana Schulz • Alexandra Velian • Simon S. DuFebruary 16, 2024
Video: Bringing stars back to the sea
Scientists at Friday Harbor Laboratories, a University of Washington facility in the San Juan Islands, are working to help sunflower stars — a type of sea star — grow and thrive once again after their populations along the West Coast were devastated by a mysterious disease called sea star wasting syndrome.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Friday Harbor Laboratories • Jason HodinFebruary 15, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: The Big Read, DXARTS Winter Concert, LOVERULES Exhibition and more
This week, attend the “Big Read” conversation with Dr. Joy Buolamwini, visit the Henry Art Gallery for Hank Willis Thomas’ LOVERULES Exhibition, head to the Seattle Art Museum for “Tides of Times: A Conversation On Maritime Asia in Art and Trade” and more. February 20, 1:00 pm | The Big Read: Keynote Conversation with the…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Center for Southeast Asia and Its Diasporas • Department of American Ethnic Studies • Department of Asian Languages and Literature • Department of German Studies • Department of History • East Asia Center • East European and Central Asian Studies • Ellison Center for Russian • Henry Art Gallery • Henry M. Jackson Foundation • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Severyns Ravenholt Endowment • Taiwan Studies Arts & Culture Program
First-ever atomic freeze-frame of liquid water
In an experiment akin to stop-motion photography, an international team co-led by University of Washington scientists has isolated the energetic movement of an electron in a sample of liquid water — while “freezing” the motion of the much larger atom it orbits.
Tag(s): Clean Energy Institute • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Chemistry • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Xiaosong Li
UW’s Tateuchi East Asian Library celebrates recent renovations, reopening
While visiting Seattle five years ago for a wedding, Chad Westra toured the University of Washington. He made his way to the third floor of Gowen Hall and discovered the Tateuchi East Asian Library with its sculpted, curved ceiling and bright, big windows. The library was “enchanting.”
Tag(s): Hyokyoung Yi • Simon Neame • UW Libraries
Q&A: What is the best route to fairer AI systems?
Mike Teodorescu, a University of Washington assistant professor in the Information School, proposes that private enterprise standards for fairer machine learning systems would inform governmental regulation.
Tag(s): artificial intelligence • Information School • Mike TeodorescuFebruary 14, 2024
The UW once again is a Fulbright top producer
The University of Washington is proud to be included on the list of U.S. colleges and universities that produced the most 2023-24 Fulbright U.S. students and scholars. This recognition is given to the U.S. colleges and universities that had the highest number of applicants selected for the 2023-24 Fulbright U.S. Student and Fulbright U.S. Scholar Programs.
Tag(s): Fulbright ProgramFebruary 13, 2024
UW is among the top universities worldwide, ranked by reputation
The University of Washington was No. 26 in the world on the Times Higher Education annual reputation ranking, released on February 12.
Tag(s): RankingsFebruary 8, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: Journeys of Black Mathematicians, Circa Performance, Building Scyborgs Lecture, and more
This week, head to Kane Hall for the film screening of Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience, attend K. Wayne Yang’s discussion on scyborgs and decolonization, enjoy next level circus by the Australian contemporary circus group Circa, and more. February 12, 3:30 – 5:00 pm | Black Soldiers and the Racial Debilitation of Slavery and…
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Applied Mathematics • Department of Asian Languages and Literature • Department of Comparative History of Ideas • Department of History • Department of Mathematics • Department of Statistics • Henry M. Jackson Foundation • Husky Union Building • Jackson School of International Studies • Japan Studies Program • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • School of Law • School of Music • Social Sciences Division • South Asia Center • UW Comparative Religion • UW Graduate School • UW Housing & Food Services • UW Public Lectures
Foul fumes pose pollinator problems
Scientists at the University of Washington have discovered that nighttime air pollution — coming primarily from car exhaust and power plant emissions — is responsible for a major drop in nighttime pollinator activity. Nitrate radicals (NO3) in the air degrade the scent chemicals released by a common wildflower, drastically reducing the scent-based cues that its chief pollinators rely on to locate the flower. The findings, published Feb. 9 in Science, are the first to show how nighttime pollution creates a chain of chemical reactions that degrades scent cues, leaving flowers undetectable by smell. The researchers also determined that pollution likely has worldwide impacts on pollination.
Tag(s): air pollution • College of Arts & Sciences • College of the Environment • Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science • Department of Biology • Jeffrey Riffell • Joel Thornton • pollutionFebruary 7, 2024
Q&A: Helping robots identify objects in cluttered spaces
Robots in warehouses and even around our houses struggle to identify and pick up objects if they are too close together, or if a space is cluttered. This is because robots lack what psychologists call “object unity,” or our ability to identify things even when we can’t see all of them. Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a way to teach robots this skill.
Tag(s): Ashis Banerjee • College of Engineering • Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering • Department of Mechanical Engineering
UW-developed smart earrings can monitor a person’s temperature
University of Washington researchers introduced the Thermal Earring, a wireless wearable that continuously monitors a user’s earlobe temperature. Potential applications include tracking signs of ovulation, stress, eating and exercise. The smart earring prototype is about the size and weight of a small paperclip and has a 28-day battery life.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering • Department of Emergency Medicine • Joseph Breda • Mastafa Springston • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Qiuyue (Shirley) Xue • School of Medicine • Shwetak Patel • Vikram IyerFebruary 6, 2024
Nancy Allbritton elected to National Academy of Engineering
Nancy Allbritton, the dean of the University of Washington College of Engineering and a UW professor of bioengineering, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Bioengineering • Department of Chemical Engineering • Jill Seebergh • Nancy Allbritton
Parents’ conversational approaches about Black Lives Matter differ by race
A new study from the University of Washington professor Andrew Meltzoff and Northwestern University showed key differences in the language Black parents and white used to explain Black Lives Matter.
Tag(s): Andrew Meltzoff • Department of Psychology • Institute for Learning and Brain SciencesFebruary 1, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: The Big Read, Guest Pianist Recital, Neuroinclusive Teaching Strategies, and more
This week, check out the Guest Pianist Recital with Alexandre Dossin, learn about neurodiverse teaching strategies with Hala Annabi, attend The Big Read hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences, and more. February 6, 7:30 pm | Guest Pianist Recital: Alexandre Dossin, University of Oregon, Brechemin Auditorium The School of Music has invited pianist…
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Jackson School of International Studies • School of Music • Social Sciences Division • South Asia Center • Teaching@UW • UW Libraries • UW MusicJanuary 31, 2024
Determination of non-significance: Anderson Hall Renovation
Pursuant to the provisions of WAC 197-11-340 and WAC 478-324-140, the University of Washington hereby provides public notice of: DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE Project Name: Anderson Hall Renovation Proponent/Lead Agency: University of Washington–Seattle Campus Comment Period Closes: February 14, 2024 Description of Proposal: The proposed University of Washington Anderson Hall project is intended to provide interior…
Determination of non-significance: Lot E18 Solar Canopy Project
Pursuant to the provisions of WAC 197-11-340 and WAC 478-324-140, the University of Washington hereby provides public notice of: DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE Project Name: Lot E18 Solar Canopy Project Proponent/Lead Agency: University of Washington–Seattle Campus Comment Period Closes: February 14 2024 Description of Proposal: The University is proposing to install an approximately 4,820 SF solar…
January 30, 2024
Using computers to design proteins allows researchers to make tunable hydrogels that can form both inside and outside of cells
New research led by the UW demonstrates a new class of hydrogels that can form not just outside cells, but also inside of them. These hydrogels exhibited similar mechanical properties both inside and outside of cells, providing researchers with a new tool to group proteins together inside of cells.
Tag(s): Cole DeForest • College of Engineering • David Baker • Department of Bioengineering • Department of Chemical Engineering • Institute for Protein DesignJanuary 29, 2024
Q&A: How ‘slow slip’ earthquakes may be driven by deep hydraulic fracturing
New research confirms the cause of slow slip along the Cascadia Subduction Zone and other faults that is accompanied by intermittent tremors or “pops” at the surface. Co-authors Marine Denolle and Joan Gomberg discuss the role of fluid-driven fracturing deep underground.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • earthquakes & seismology • Joan Gomberg • Marine DenolleJanuary 28, 2024
UW community mourns passing of civic leader Nancy Evans
The University of Washington community is mourning the passing of Nancy Bell Evans – a supporter of education, health care, and arts and culture, and someone who brought energy, grace, and passion to public and nonprofit service.
Tag(s): Evans School of Public Policy & GovernanceJanuary 25, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: Katz Distinguished Lecture, Book Talks, Michelle Cann Piano Performance, and more
This week, listen to the Katz Distinguished Lecture series led by Sasha Su-Ling Welland, join a book talk event with Dr. Alexander Bubb, be awed by Michelle Cann’s piano performance, and more. January 26, 10:00 – 11:00 am | 18/19 GRC Book Talk: Asian Classics on the Victorian Bookshelf with Dr. Alexander Bubb, Zoom UW…
Tag(s): China Studies Program • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Anthropology • Department of History • Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures • Department of Scandinavian Studies • Henry M. Jackson Foundation • Jackson School of International Studies • Japan Studies Program • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Middle East Center • Nepal Studies Initiative • School of Music • Select Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies • Severyns Ravenholt Endowment • Simpson Center for the Humanities • Social Sciences Division • South Asia Center • UW Bothell • UW Textual StudiesJanuary 23, 2024
Report on Washington’s Extended Foster Care program shows successful ways to support more young adults
The state of Washington’s Extended Foster Care program — in which young adults ages 18-21 can continue to receive some support — could help even more people by expanding participation, providing greater flexibility in eligibility criteria, and extending benefits, according to a new report from the University of Washington.
Tag(s): Emiko Tajima • Kristian Jones • School of Social Work« Previous Page Next Page »
