Kenyon Chan, former chancellor of the University of Washington Bothell, has been named interim chancellor of the University of Washington Tacoma.
February 27, 2014
The latest news from the UW
Battery-free technology brings gesture recognition to all devices
University of Washington computer scientists have built a low-cost gesture recognition system that runs without batteries and lets users control their electronic devices hidden from sight with simple hand movements. The prototype, called “AllSee,” uses existing TV signals as both a power source and the means for detecting a user’s gesture command.
February 26, 2014
Arts Roundup: Exhibits, dance — and ‘The Arabian Nights’
Exhibit openings, music, theater and dance performances fill this especially busy week in the arts.
Pine forest particles appear out of thin air, influence climate
German, Finnish and U.S. scientists have discovered how gas wafting from coniferous trees creates particles that can reflect sunlight or promote formation of clouds.
Whales, ships more common through Bering Strait
A three-year survey of whales in the Bering Strait reveals that many species of whales are using the narrow waterway, while shipping and commercial traffic also increase.
February 25, 2014
Joel Migdal book ‘Shifting Sands’ considers American role in Middle East
Migdal, UW professor of international studies, discusses his latest book, “Shifting Sands: The United States in the Middle East.”
February 24, 2014
Healthy Generations Hartford Center of Excellence opens with lecture on changing culture of aging
The University of Washington’s School of Social Work will launch a new center – called the Healthy Generations Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatric Social Work – with a public lecture and reception Thursday, Feb. 27.
News Digest: Justice Sotomayor visit, donate frequent flyer miles
Tickets available starting Tuesday for Justice Sotomayor visit || Donate frequent flyer miles to UW Combined Fund Drive, Make-A-Wish
Vitamin water: Measuring essential nutrients in the ocean
Oceanographers have found that archaea, a type of marine microbe, can produce B-12 vitamins in the ocean.
February 21, 2014
News Digest; Literary conference; Honor: Classics department
Writers to gather in Seattle for literary conference || Classics department wins new award for professional equity
February 20, 2014
Notice of Possible Rule Making — Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (per RCW 34.05.310)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 478-136-041, Alcoholic Beverage Policy, and WAC 478-137-050, Limitations on Use Statutes Authorizing the University to Adopt Rules on This Subject: RCW 28B.20.130. Reasons Why Rules on This Subject May Be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Due to recent changes in the state Liquor Control Board’s rules for the special occasion license, the University proposes making administrative changes to its alcoholic beverage policy. The University also proposes to clarify rules pertaining to third-party vendors, restrictions…
NASA’s ‘Mohawk Guy’ advocates ‘audacious,’ creative engineering
Bobak Ferdowsi, a NASA flight engineer who became known as “Mohawk Guy” after sporting a mohawk hairstyle during the 2012 rover Curiosity’s landing on Mars, spoke to a class of University of Washington aeronautics and astronautics engineering students on Feb. 19. Ferdowsi was a student in the department and graduated from the UW in 2001.
February 19, 2014
Arts Roundup: Drama, music — and the Dance Majors Concert
As we reach the final stretch of February, drama music and dance round out this week in the arts.
Seminar will celebrate courageous UW alum Gordon Hirabayashi
The Presidential Medal of Freedom bestowed posthumously on UW alum Gordon K. Hirabayashi will come to the UW on Feb. 22 in an afternoon-long seminar and celebration of the man and his legacy.
UW President Young comments on passage of Real Hope Act
The vote Feb. 18 “was a vote of confidence in students and their importance to the future of our state,” UW president said.
February 18, 2014
Personal stories behind Exxon Valdez spill in book ‘Red light to Starboard’
Angela Day, UW doctoral student in political science, discusses her book, “Red Light to Starboard: Recalling the Exxon Valdez Disaster.”
Chemistry’s Matthew Bush named Sloan fellow
UW’s Matthew Bush has been selected as one of 126 Sloan Research Fellows for 2014.
Anti-kickback, Conflict of Interest and Whistleblower Regulations
Anti-Kickback, Conflict of Interest and Whistleblower Regulations Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR 52.203-7) require the University to implement procedures designed to prevent and detect violations of the Anti-Kickback Act of 1986 (41 USC 51-58). This is published as a reminder of the policies and procedures in place at the University of Washington 1. Kickback Defined. “Kickback” as defined by FAR means any money, fee commission, credit, gift, gratuity, thing of value or compensation of any kind that is provided directly or…
Embarking on geoengineering, then stopping, would speed up global warming
Carrying out geoengineering for several decades and then stopping would cause warming at a rate more than double that expected due to global warming.
February 14, 2014
UW helps protect $30 million to $40 million in U.S. wood exports to Japan
A recently introduced homebuilding subsidy program in Japan put logs and lumber imported from the U.S. and other countries at a competitive disadvantage.
February 12, 2014
Arts Roundup: Music, art — and ‘Short Takes on Dam(n) Science’
Music and museums lead this week in the arts as Ludovic Morlot, Seattle Symphony music director, joins the University Symphony for a special Valentine’s Day performance.
Jake Rosenfeld explores the sharp decline of union membership, influence
Jake Rosenfeld, a University of Washington associate professor of sociology, examines the far-reaching economic and social consequences of the decline of organized labor in his new book, “What Unions No Longer Do.”
February 11, 2014
UW tied for second in number of Peace Corps volunteers
The University of Washington this year tied for second among large universities in the number of Peace Corps volunteers.
Washington housing market uneven in fourth quarter 2013
Washington state’s housing market softened in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the quarter before, but remained stronger than a year ago, according to the UW’s Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies.
Data on today’s youth reveal childhood clues for later risk of STDs
Findings from UW longitudinal surveys of nearly 2,000 participants suggest that efforts to curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases should begin years before most people start having sex.
February 10, 2014
News Digest: Rideshare treats, state fourth in exonerations, husky green nominations
Care packages offered this week to carpoolers, vanpoolers || Washington state fourth in exonerations nationwide || Husky Green Award nominations sought through March 10
Newly found tactics in offense-defense struggle with hepatitis C virus
People who are genetically equipped to stop hepatitis C viruses from turning off a type of interferon generally have a robust antiviral response. Findings on the mechanisms governing this ability suggest new avenues for treatment research.
February 8, 2014
UW among 19 campuses – out of 1,700 – getting nod for access, affordability, success
Only 19 universities – including the University of Washington– met the bar for access, affordability and student success set by the Center on Higher Education Reform.
February 7, 2014
Board of Regents — Feb. 13 Meeting Announcement
The Board of Regents will hold a Regular Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 12:15 p.m. in the Petersen Room of the Allen Library. The full agenda is available online.
Use humans in your UW research? More info on the new forms you need
The Human Subjects Division has updated and streamlined its forms, which should bring some administrative relief to UW researchers involved in the university’s 6,000 active studies using human subjects.
February 6, 2014
UW’s James Riley elected to National Academy of Engineering
James Riley, a University of Washington professor of mechanical engineering, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Election to the academy is among the highest professional distinctions accorded an engineer.
Documents that Changed the World: The Book of Mormon
Joe Janes of the UW Information School discusses the famous book and its origin as part of his ongoing podcast series, “Documents that Changed the World.”
Credit card-sized device could analyze biopsy, help diagnose pancreatic cancer in minutes
University of Washington scientists and engineers are developing a low-cost device that could help pathologists diagnose pancreatic cancer earlier and faster. The prototype can perform the basic steps for processing a biopsy, relying on fluid transport instead of human hands to process the tissue.
February 5, 2014
Arts Roundup: Exhibits, lectures — and the Mallethead Series
It’s a packed week in the arts presenting you with a diverse array of options. The Henry Art Gallery presents “Danny Lyon: The Bikeriders” through May 4; the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture hosts a trivia night at the College Inn Pub and don’t miss the final weekend of “Reading to Vegetables” at the Penthouse Theater.
Public lecture series will explore the science of decision making
The ninth annual Allen L. Edwards Psychology Lecture Series will delve into “The Science of Decision Making,” to explain how the brain and an individual’s expectations influence decisions made in uncertain conditions.
February 4, 2014
News Digest: Campuswide big-data event, Paws-on Science deadline, Green Seed Fund awards
UW president, provost headline campus-wide data science event Friday || Participant deadline Feb. 14 for Paws-on Science || Green Seed Fund awards $279,000 to initial slate of projects
Does caregiving cause psychological stress? Study says, it depends
The results break the longstanding belief that caregiving directly causes psychological distress, and make a case for genetics and upbringing influencing vulnerability.
Fruit flies – fermented-fruit connoisseurs – are relentless party crashers
That fruit fly appearing moments after you poured that first glass of cabernet, has just used a poppy-seed-sized brain to conduct a finely-choreographed search and arrive in time for happy hour.
Personal experience, work seniority improve mental health professionals’ outlook
One might think that after years on the job, mental health workers would harbor negative attitudes about mental illness, but a new UW study suggests the opposite.
February 3, 2014
Greenland’s fastest glacier sets new speed record
Observations of Jakobshavn Glacier from 2012 and 2013 show the fast-moving glacier has set new records for the speed of ice flowing toward the ocean.