December 2, 2020
Improving smoke forecasts by flying through wildfire smoke plumes
Recent years have seen hazy skies and hazardous air quality become regular features of the late summer weather on the West Coast. New research led by the University of Washington looks at the most detailed observations to date from the interiors of West Coast wildfire smoke plumes and showed that smoke forecasts may incorrectly predict…
November 19, 2020
Winter 2021 undergraduate course highlights UW population health research
This winter, the Population Health Initiative is again partnering with the University of Washington’s Undergraduate Research Program (URP) to offer a series of lectures that focus on the three pillars of population health: human health, environmental resilience and social and economic equity. The Research Exposed! (General Studies 391, SLN 15106) course will feature faculty from…
November 12, 2020
Discussing suicide prevention leads to safer weapons storage
A new University of Washington study found that talking to people at gun shows about suicide prevention and the risks of unsecured firearms can lead to safe weapons storage. The research by UW’s Forefront Suicide Prevention program was based on visits to 18 gun shows and other community events around Washington state last year. The…
November 4, 2020
New UW models show how COVID-19 can spread through a city
A research team led by UC Irvine and the University of Washington has created a new model of coronavirus diffusion through a community. This approach factors in network exposure — whom one interacts with — and demographics to simulate at a more detailed level both where and how quickly the coronavirus could spread through Seattle…
October 28, 2020
Initiative-supported project finds pandemic is worsening social isolation in older adults
New research from the University of Washington found that older adults throughout Washington are increasingly isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are also challenged by the even greater reliance on technology and they often neglect chronic health conditions. While senior-services agencies are adapting and innovating to meet the needs of this population, researchers say a…
October 22, 2020
UW breaks ground on new health sciences education building
The University of Washington has broken ground on a new Health Sciences Education Building where students will learn integrated patient care in an integrated training facility. The 100,000 square-foot, four-story, $100 million, fully modern facility received $70 million from the Washington state Legislature. The new building is designed around flexible spaces that allow for 21st-century…
October 16, 2020
Panel envisions how to create a “better normal” post-pandemic
To mark the completion of the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, the UW Population Health Initiative and the Graduate School Office of Public Lectures convened a panel of experts for a discussion moderated by Hanson Hosein that tackled how to create a healthier, more equitable world.
October 14, 2020
Initiative-supported project decontaminates N95 respirator masks using ultraviolet light
A University of Washington-led team has developed a box that decontaminates N95 respirator masks using ultraviolet light. This box supports the reuse of masks for first responders, who need the masks to protect themselves from COVID-19 and are concerned about shortages. The research group is currently building and distributing boxes to first-responder stations across King…
October 5, 2020
How can we recover from a health crisis during a climate crisis? Five UW experts weigh in
The COVID-19 pandemic, catastrophic on many levels, has starkly exposed the structural, social, economic and political factors that prevent equitable health outcomes for people around the world. While communities everywhere grapple with the devastating losses of life, livelihoods and connection, another catastrophe is well underway. Climate change continues to devastate the health and well-being of…
September 30, 2020
UW psychologists share tips on relationships during the pandemic
Months into the pandemic, as restrictions loosen and more people venture out, families and friends may confront differences over what’s necessary, safe or comfortable. So many questions and choices: Attend a child’s birthday party? Host a backyard barbecue? Meet for a drink? Hug a relative? Decline, and you risk hurt feelings; accept, and you may…