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.
February 29, 2024
The latest news from the UW
February 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 from 20 institutions across the United States were selected. Fereidooni was born in Eastern Canada and raised in rural Washington. While an undergraduate at the…
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.
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.
February 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.
February 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 and Couperin, including two of Telemann’s Paris quartets, the orchestral suite La Bizarre and François Couperin’s L’apothéose de Corelli. Free | More info February 27, 2:00…
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.
February 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.
February 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.
February 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 Author, Husky Union Building The College of Arts & Sciences welcomes the UW community of faculty, staff, and students to participate in the second annual…
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.
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.”
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.
February 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.
February 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.
February 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 the Civil War, Smith Hall As part of the History Colloquium, Professor La Tasha Levy will discuss “Black Soldiers and the Racial Debilitation of Slavery and…
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.
February 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.
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.
February 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.
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.
February 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 Alexandre Dossin from the University of Oregon for a solo recital. Alexandre Dossin is a graduate of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory (Russia) and holds a…
January 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 renovation to the existing classroom, offices, and other program spaces to improve building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation), structural and unreinforced masonry improvements,…
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 canopy over 30 existing parking spaces in parking lot E18. The solar canopy would generate approximately 84kW of electrical power connecting to the City of…
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.
January 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.
January 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.
January 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 Textual Studies will host a virtual book talk event with Dr. Alexander Bubb on his latest book, Asian Classics on the Victorian Bookshelf. There will…
January 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.
January 22, 2024
Shallow soda lakes show promise as cradles of life on Earth
Field observations from an unusual lake show that in environments known as “soda lakes” phosphate can concentrate at the very high levels needed for the basic molecules of life to emerge. A shallow, salty lake in western Canada gives new support to Charles Darwin’s idea that life could have emerged in a “warm little pond.”
Q&A: UW expert on the rise and risks of artificial sweeteners
The rise of artificial sweeteners has made it easier for conscious consumers to reduce their sugar intake, but these products may present their own health risks.
January 19, 2024
UW military rhetoric instructor explores trauma through poetry, writing
Abby Murray doesn’t have a military background, but she is an instructor and fellowship director for the U.S. Army War College fellowship program at the University of Washington. She’s also a poet who has hosted free writing workshops at locations including community centers, military posts and immigration detention centers.
January 18, 2024
Preliminary permit process starting for UW housing redevelopment plan
University of Washington development partner Greystar submitted permit numbers paperwork this week for a multiphase plan to invest in some of the University’s existing housing in the neighborhoods east of the main Seattle campus to increase housing options, affordability for its students, faculty, and families, and improve student housing quality.
ArtSci Roundup: History Lecture Series, Meany Center Dance Performance, “A Kabluna” Film Screening, and more
This week, attend the History Lecture Series on Mediterranean Imprints and Erasures in Seattle, view the film screening of A Kabluna at the University of Washington, head to Meany Hall to enjoy Spain’s premiere dance group Compañía Nacional de Danza, and more. January 22, 7:30 pm | Frequency: Variations, Meany Hall Chamber group Frequency—violinists Michael Jinsoo Lim and Jennifer Caine Provine, violist Melia Watras, and cellist Sarah Rommel—performs works by Benjamin Britten, Felix Mendelssohn, Kaija Saariaho and the world premiere of a new…
January 16, 2024
UW research helps California forest managers assess smoke hazards from prescribed burns
An international team led by researchers at the University of Washington built a framework to help land managers assess the air quality implications of land management scenarios with different levels of prescribed burning.
January 12, 2024
UW finance, planning and budgeting merge to better serve faculty, staff and students
President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost Tricia Serio announced an organizational and leadership restructuring in the areas of finance, planning and budgeting aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of these areas’ service to the University community. The changes, which take effect Tuesday, Jan. 16, come after an external review determined a unified organization will better serve faculty and academic personnel, as well as staff and students.
January 11, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: Patty Berne on Disability Justice, UW Dance Presents, Interrupting Privilege Museum Exhibition, and more
This week, join Patty Berne for a talk on disability justice, enjoy an evening of live dance performance created by UW Dance, head to the Northwest African American Museum for an Interrupting Privilege Museum Exhibition, and more. January 17, 3:30 pm | Book Talk: U.S. – Taiwan Relations with Bonnie Glaser, Husky Union Building and Online Join the UW’s Taiwan Studies Program for a book discussion with Bonnie Glaser, co-author of U.S. – Taiwan Relations: Will China’s Challenge Lead to a…
January 9, 2024
Video: UW football fans grateful for ‘amazing’ season
At Monday’s CFP National Championship Game in Houston, Husky Nation turned out, proud in purple and gold, and cheering on a UW team that was undefeated this season. Tens of thousands of fans packed NRG Stadium – some fresh off the Huskies’ Sugar Bowl win in New Orleans – and stayed to the end. Though UW lost to Michigan, as one fan said, “We’ll get there again.”
Determination of non-significance: N26 and E2 Lots Fleet Charging 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: N26 and E2 Lots Fleet Charging Project Proponent/Lead Agency: University of Washington–Seattle Campus Comment Period Closes: January 23, 2024 Description of Proposal: The University is proposing to install approximately 80 electric vehicle charging stations in the E2 parking lot and 38 charging stations in the N26 lot. Minor excavation will occur to support installation of electrical…
Q&A: UW researchers answer common questions about language models like ChatGPT
A team University of Washington researchers have published a guide explaining language models, the technology that underlies chatbots.