UW News

The latest news from the UW


June 7, 2012

Regents express concern for future of public higher education in Washington

At the meeting of the University of Washington Board of Regents June 7, the board adopted the following Declaration of Concern for the Sustainability of Washington Public Higher Education.

University of Washington, United Auto Workers reach new three-year agreement

The University of Washington Board of Regents approved today (June 7) a new three-year contract between the university and the United Auto Workers Local 4121, which covers teaching assistants, research assistants, readers, graders, and tutors – known collectively as academic student employees.

New twist on old chemical process could boost energy efficiency

An unappreciated aspect of chemical reactions on the surface of metal oxides could be key in developing more efficient energy systems, including more productive solar cells or hydrogen fuel cells efficient enough for automobiles.

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June 6, 2012

Too few salmon is far worse than too many boats for killer whales – with slide show

Not having enough Chinook salmon to eat stresses out southern resident killer whales more than having boatloads of whale watchers nearby, according to hormone levels of whales summering in the Salish Sea. In lean times, however, the stress normally associated with boats becomes more pronounced, further underscoring the importance of having enough prey.

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Babys genome deciphered prenatally from parents lab tests

A maternal blood sample and a paternal saliva specimen contained enough information to map the fetus DNA.

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June 5, 2012

Vertical sustainability: Moveable ‘green walls’ coming to Gould Hall

Landscape architecture Professor Nancy Rottle and students are mounting the Biodiversity Green Wall, Edible Green Screen + Water Harvesting Demonstration Project on the southeast side of Gould Hall.

News Digest: Free dental screening for kids, Honor: James DeLisle

Free dental screening for children June 9 || International council recognizes James DeLisle

June 4, 2012

Nuclear and coal-fired electrical plants vulnerable to climate change

In a study published this week in Nature Climate Change, University of Washington and European scientists project that in the next 50 years global climate change will disrupt power generation in the U.S. and Europe. Warmer water and lower flows are predicted to interrupt the supply of cooling water.

New statistical model lets patient’s past forecast future ailments

Analyzing medical records from thousands of patients, statisticians have devised a statistical model for predicting what other medical problems a patient might encounter.

June 1, 2012

2012 Awards of Excellence celebration June 7

The university will honor individuals who have made important contributions to the university community at the 42nd Annual Awards of Excellence ceremony, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7, in Meany Hall.

Art, design meet in annual student exhibit at Henry Art Gallery — with slide show

From imagined alien fossils to new social networking programs and beyond, a look at the Henry Art Gallery’s 2012 Master of Fine Arts and Master of Design Thesis Exhibition, running through June 17.

Computer-designed proteins programmed to disarm a variety of flu viruses

Construction plans for tiny molecules to stop flu viruses from infecting cells may help in fighting other pathogens.

May 31, 2012

Students design underwater robot that does more than score points

A new UW club has qualified to participate in an international underwater robot competition and has designed its robot to be used by UW oceanographers in the field.

Arts Roundup: Art, recitals, musical comedy — and choirs combine for 'UW Sings'

There are cool arts events on campus even as the school year draws to a close. The University Symphony features Donna Shin, combined choirs present “UW Sings” and students are featured in music recitals, art exhibits and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” running through June 3.

Two UW public lectures highlight Venus transit across the sun

On June 5, the planet Venus will pass across the disk of the sun in a rare astronomical event that won’t happen again until the year 2117. On June 4, the the UW Astrobiology Program and Astronomy Department will present free, back-to-back 30-minute faculty lectures in Kane Hall about Venus and the significance of its transits to our ever-developing understanding of the universe.

May 30, 2012

Landslides linked to plate tectonics create the steepest mountain terrain

New research shows some of the steepest mountain slopes in the world got that way because of the interplay between terrain uplift associated with plate tectonics and powerful streams cutting into hillsides, leading to large landslides.

May 29, 2012

137th Commencement for UW's Seattle campus—1:30 p.m. June 9 at CenturyLink Field

About 5,000 graduates, a record number, are expected to attend the University of Washington commencement ceremonies in Seattle on June 9. President Michael K. Young will officiate.

UW people, programs to shine at Seattle Science Festival

What’s it like to build a solar race car, measure an ocean wave or drive a Mars rover? How do our genes determine our traits? How will astronomers find new Earthlike planets? The answers will be revealed at Science Expo Day, a free, daylong, family-friendly celebration of science June 2 at Seattle Center. It’s part of the new Seattle Science Festival, happening in June and July.

Mathematicians can conjure matter waves inside an invisible hat

Mathematician Gunther Uhlmann and colleagues have devised an amplifier to boost light, sound or other waves while hiding them inside an invisible container. The findings are published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

May 28, 2012

Engineered microvessels provide a 3-D test bed for human diseases

Bioengineers have developed the first structure to grow small human blood vessels, creating a 3-D test bed that offers a better way to study disease, test drugs and perhaps someday grow human tissues for transplant.

May 25, 2012

It's in the genes: Research pinpoints how plants know when to flower

Scientists believe they’ve pinpointed the last crucial piece of the 80-year-old puzzle of how plants “know” when to flower. Understanding how flowering works in a simple plant should lead to a better understanding of how the same genes work in more complex plants such as rice and wheat.

May 24, 2012

Arts Roundup: Student art at the Henry, theater in Hutchinson — and music abounds

The 2012 Master of Fine Arts and Master of Design Thesis Exhibition, plus the Undergraduate Theater Society stages “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and lots of events from the School of Music.

Academic-industry partnership forms for drug development

The School of Pharmacy and pharmaceutical companies will study the body’s drug transporters to map interactions and individualize therapy.

May 23, 2012

Official Notice: Final supplemental environmental impact statement for IMA field #1 improvements

Public Notice University of Washington Pursuant to the provisions of WAC 197-11-460 & 510 and WAC 478-324-140, the University of Washington hereby provides public notice of the: AVAILABILITY OF FINAL SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (FSEIS*). Project Name: Recreational Sports Intramural Activities Field No. 1 Improvements Proponent: University of Washington Description of Proposal: Improvements include installation…

May 22, 2012

Long-distance training teaches proper technique for asthma test

The virtual teaching of health professionals translates to better asthma care for patients.

History hiding in plain sight: Students present back stories of local monuments

UW doctoral candidate Tim Wright sets students off to explore monuments of the Pacific Northwest in his unique class, “Fact or Fiction: Historical Monuments of the Pacific Northwest.”

News Digest: Honor: Xiaodong Xu, ‘Raise the Roof’ May 24, ‘Cirque’ launches at UW Tacoma, Honor: Buddy Ratner, science behind ‘Chasing Ice,’ Honor: Jeff Hou

Xiaodong Xu garners Department of Energy early-career grant || Ethnic Cultural Center’s ‘Raise the Roof’ party Thursday || ‘Cirque,’ an activism traveling carnival, launches June 2 at UW Tacoma || Buddy Ratner recognized for biomaterials work || Glaciology graduate student to discuss science behind film ‘Chasing Ice’ || Jeff Hou named community builder

May 21, 2012

Inaugural Conservation Remix aims to foster creative thinking about environment

Conservation Remix, a daylong event June 2 organized by UW staff with Conservation Magazine and biology, offers an eclectic mix of topics for discussion – from designing superefficient buildings that generate their own energy to controlling invasive species by eating them.

May 18, 2012

Blues singer Mark Lanegan releases 'Harborview Hospital'

In the song on his latest album, a pause at Ninth and James turns into a mystical vision of mercy.

Lost and Found Films: The UW Nuclear Reactor, 1963

It’s 1963 again in our latest installment of Lost and Found Films, where readers help identify historic bits of film from the Audio Visual Materials Library, provided by film archivist Hannah Palin. Can you help her learn what’s happening here?

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May 17, 2012

'Hackademia': Course harnesses the spirit of old-school hacking

Beth Kolko’s experimental course takes its cue from the hacker community, helping students of any major get a taste of what it means to build software and hardware.

Slew of rare DNA changes following population explosion holds clues to common diseases

Scientists try to find which single-letter switches in the genetic code influence health risks.

Arts Roundup: Dance, art, combined bands — and the UW Gospel Choir

It’s a whirlwind of a week for campus arts. Drama and dance team for the Masters of Fine Arts Dance Concert, School of Art students exhibit work, the Undergraduate Theater Society opens a musical comedy and the School of Music has several events, including the powerful UW Gospel Choir.

May 16, 2012

iSchool Professor Batya Friedman named 2012-13 University Faculty Lecturer

Batya Friedman, a professor in the University of Washington Information School, has been named University Faculty Lecturer for 2012-13. Chosen by a faculty committee led by Provost Ana Mari Cauce, Friedman is known for technology design that supports important human values.

Gaydar automatic and more accurate for women's faces, psychologists find

After seeing faces for less than a blink of an eye, college students have accuracy greater than mere chance in judging others sexual orientation.

News Digest: Recognition for UW waste management, nurturing communities, Honor: Danny Hoffman, disability-policy posters, undergraduate research conference

Association honors UW for waste management, sustainability || New book explores creating, supporting livable communities || ‘New Directions’ award to Danny Hoffman || Disability, Law, Policy and the Community poster session || Minority Affairs and Diversity hosts undergraduate research conference

May 15, 2012

How public should public records be? Increased availability sparks privacy concerns

Online technology has increased access to public records such as political campaign contributions and real estate transactions. But that information availability also sparks privacy concerns and may dampen some people’s willingness to engage in public activities, according to recent research.

Nearly 1,000 projects to be presented at Undergraduate Research Symposium

The largest Undergraduate Research Symposium in University of Washington history runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 18, primarily in Mary Gates Hall.

Insulin nasal spray therapy shows memory improvement in Alzheimers patients

A year-long, multi-site clinical trial of insulin nasal spray has been called a significant step forward in measuring the safety and effectiveness of a promising treatment.

New undergraduate summer certificate programs teach career skills

The University of Washington is offering three new undergraduate summer certificate programs this year covering topics including business essentials, database management and localization.

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