November 26, 1997
New role for brain receptor in control of body weight – research findings identify pathway for development of drugs to treat obesity
People who are resistant to the hormone leptin may become obese due to difficulties receiving bloodborne messages that tell their brain to reduce food intake or burn off excessive weight.
UW engineering students exploring ‘distant planet’ with robots
For the past three weeks, engineering students at the University of Washington have been exploring the “distant planet” of Sram using remote-controlled robots.
November 25, 1997
Health Source: Medical News from the University of Washington
Medical News from the University of Washington
November 21, 1997
How little gray cells process sound: they’re really a series of computers
Individual neurons, or brain cells, do not just relay information from one point to another, according to a group of researchers from across the United States who discussed new insights into the process of hearing at a symposium held last month at the Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting in New Orleans. Instead, they said, each neuron could be compared to a tiny computer that compiles information from many sources and makes a decision based on that information
November 20, 1997
Coping with twins, triplets — and more: UW Medical Center offers special classes for expectant parents
The impact of multiple births on a family is not additive, it’s exponential. Few parents are prepared for the enormous emotional, physical and financial demands that accompany this phenomenon. To help couples deal with this huge change in their lives, University of Washington Medical Center hosts “Expecting Multiples,” a series of classes for families expecting twins or more.
UW to establish Center for Molecular Genetic Pathology, using $3.25 million in federal and university funds
Reflecting the emergence of a new research discipline combining human genetics and pathology, the University of Washington School of Medicine will establish a Center for Molecular Genetic Pathology.
UW physicist earns highest government award
Experiments to understand single-bubble sonoluminescence — where a pinpoint of light and extreme temperatures are created inside a tiny bubble when liquids are bombarded with high-pitched sound waves — have earned the University of Washington’s Tom Matula a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
November 19, 1997
For street kids the streets are mean, but they may be better than home
It isn’t pretty on the streets of Seattle, or any big city, if you are a homeless adolescent. But recent research shows life on the street may be an improvement over what many children face at home.
New simulator technology to give surgeons ‘feel’ of really operating
Surgical students soon will be able hone their skills with simulators that for the first time present a realistic feel of performing surgery thanks to a research project under way at the University of Washington. The project also could improve patient care by leading to the development of instruments that enhance surgeons’ sense of touch.
November 18, 1997
Engineer behind Mars Sojourner rover to speak at UW
This presentation will cover the highlights of the Mars Pathfinder mission and the design and control of the Sojourner vehicle. It will include pictures taken by the lander and rover, video clips of mission operations, a video containing eight rover movies showing sojourner navigating its way across the Martian surface and a 3-D animated playback of data collected by Sojourner.
November 13, 1997
First annual “Health of Hanford” conference — scientists gather to report, discuss research findings
The latest research on thyroid disease, wildlife populations, beryllium exposure and Columbia River contamination in the Hanford reach area are among topics to be addressed during a two-day conference Dec. 3 and 4 in Richland, Wash.
State colleges and universities unite to propose higher education endowment
All 38 of Washington’s public colleges and universities have proposed that the state establish a $500 million public-private partnership to enhance the quality of higher education in Washington.
The Earth’s mysterious inner core is turning independently, but more slowly than previously thought
The proposition that the Earth’s little understood inner core is a frozen yet white hot globe of curiously laid out iron crystals, spinning independently of the rest of the planet, has been given a boost by a University of Washington researcher.
November 12, 1997
Drug shows promise in keeping cardiac arrest patients alive until they reach the hospital
A clinical trial performed by University of Washington researchers shows that administering an anti-arrhythmia medication, amiodarone, offers considerable promise in helping to resuscitate cardiac arrest victims.
November 10, 1997
New endowed professorship will enhance community-focused teaching and research in family medicine.
A newly established endowed professorship — the first for the University of Washington Department of Family Medicine — will further enhance the already strong links between the academic department and practicing physicians throughout the region.
University of Washington geneticist clones gene for an inherited form of deafness
A postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of University of Washington geneticist Dr. Mary-Claire King has succeeded in cloning a gene which, when mutated, causes an inherited form of deafness.
November 6, 1997
UW professor to coordinate National Science Foundation’s external year 2000 efforts
The National Science Foundation has appointed University of Washington Professor Mark Haselkorn to coordinate its external efforts to address the year 2000 computer problem.
November 5, 1997
The world’s most detailed weather system gives forecasters a “dramatic” view of local conditions
First it was the Chinese, then the Egyptians who more than 3,000 years ago began studying and predicting the weather. Then in the 16th and 17th centuries meteorology became a science with the invention of instruments to measure the elements. Now a supercomputer is ushering in a new era of high-precision local weather forecasting.
