Author: Kathleen Dannenhold

As the University of Washington launches its sesquicentennial celebration this week with a compelling glance back at the school’s remarkable history and accomplishments, an editorial in the Seattle Times calls attention to the UW’s valued role as one of the region’s biggest economic engines.

The National Science Foundation has pledged $18.5 million to establish an Engineering Research Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering based at the University of Washington. According to Center director Yoky Matsuoka, a UW associate professor of computer science and engineering, “The center will work on robotic devices that interact with, assist and understand the nervous system.”

Don’t forget the UW vs. Eastern Washington football game this Saturday,September 3, at Husky Stadium. Kickoff is at 4 pm, with peak traffic expected to occur three to four hours before. Pedestrians and bicyclists should be aware of the added congestion and the increased number of vehicle drivers who are unfamiliar with the area. Check the UW Alumni Association for the 2011 football schedule and information about upcoming events for Husky fans.

Research findings published by UW Professor Anne Steineman this week show that air vented from machines using top-selling scented liquid laundry detergent and scented dryer sheets contains hazardous chemicals that are essentially unregulated and unmonitored.

According to a new study co-authored by the UW Autism Center, parents of a child with an autism spectrum disorder face a 19 percent chance of having additional children diagnosed with the disorder. Click on the current issue of Front Porch at right to read more about how the UW is improving the lives of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.