UW News
The latest news from the UW
February 21, 2017
Winners, losers among fish when landscape undergoes change
A new study by the University of Washington and Simon Fraser University finds that some fish lose out while others benefit as urban and agricultural development encroaches on streams and rivers across the United States.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Julian Olden • School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Three UW scientists awarded Sloan Fellowships for early-career research
Three faculty members at the University of Washington have been awarded early-career fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The new Sloan Fellows, announced Feb. 21, include Ali Farhadi, assistant professor of computer science and engineering; Emily Levesque, assistant professor of astronomy; and John Tuthill, assistant professor of physiology and biophysics.
Tag(s): Ali Farhadi • awards • College of Arts & Sciences • College of Engineering • Department of Astronomy • Department of Neurobiology & Biophysics • Emily Levesque • John Tuthill • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • School of MedicineFebruary 16, 2017
New clean energy facility accelerates testing of cleantech innovations and launching of companies
Cleantech Businesses and Academic Researchers can Prototype and Test Clean Energy Devices, Software and Systems at the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds A new facility for accelerating the clean energy innovation cycle opened in Seattle Feb. 16. The Clean Energy Institute, a research unit at the University of Washington, created the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds to…
Tag(s): Clean Energy Institute • clean or renewable energy • College of Engineering • Daniel Schwartz • Devin MacKenzie • Washington Clean Energy Testbeds
Immune cell serves as an essential communications link for migrating cells
Scientists at the University of Washington have discovered that a common type of cell in the vertebrate immune system plays a unique role in communication between other cells. It turns out that these cells, called macrophages, can transmit messages between non-immune cells.
Tag(s): cell biology • College of Arts & Sciences • David Parichy • Department of Biology
New UW Computer Science & Engineering building receives $5M gift from Charles and Lisa Simonyi
Longtime philanthropists Charles and Lisa Simonyi have given a second Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) building on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus a major boost with a $5 million gift.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Ed Lazowska • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & EngineeringFebruary 15, 2017
UW affiliate faculty member in anthropology presents her book, ‘Seawomen of Iceland’
Maritime communities take various forms around the planet and through the centuries. Margaret Willson, affiliate associate professor of anthropology and Canadian Studies Arctic Program at the University of Washington, is the author of “Seawomen of Iceland: Survival on the Edge,” published in 2016 by University of Washington Press. UW Today asked Willson a few questions…
Tag(s): books • Canadian Studies Center • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Anthropology • University of Washington Press
Early Earth as exoplanet: NASA highlights just-published UW Virtual Planetary Laboratory research
Recently published research from the UW’s Virtual Planetary Laboratory (VPL) using ancient Earth as a stand-in for hypothetically habitable exoplanets has been highlighted by NASA in a feature article. Leading the research was Giada Arney, who was a UW astronomy doctoral student when doing the work and is now with NASA’s Goddard Spaceflight Center.
Tag(s): astronomy & astrophysics • Department of Astronomy • Giada Arney • Victoria Meadows • Virtual Planetary Laboratory
Arts Roundup: Hannah Black, Step Afrika!, Henry Curator Talk, and Music of Today
This week in the arts, learn about the intersection of feminism, pop music, and hope with lecturer Hannah Black; celebrate the 100th birthday of Jacob Lawrence with Step Afrika!; hear from the Director of the Henry on the photography work of Chuck Close; and explore the facilities of the 3D4M: ceramics + glass + sculpture Program. Critical…
Predicting autism: Researchers find autism biomarkers in infancy
By using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the brains of infants who have older siblings with autism, scientists were able to correctly identify 80 percent of the babies who would be subsequently diagnosed with autism at 2 years of age.
Tag(s): Annette Estes • autism • Center on Human Development and Disability • Department of Radiology • Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences • School of Medicine • Stephen Dager • UW Autism Center
‘The blob’ of abnormal conditions boosted Western U.S. ozone levels
Ozone levels in June 2015 were significantly higher than normal over a large swath of the Western U.S. Analysis ties this air quality pattern to the abnormal conditions in the northeast Pacific Ocean, nicknamed “the blob.”
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Dan Jaffe • Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science • UW BothellFebruary 13, 2017
New findings reveal health, aging experiences of LGBT older adults across nation
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers from the University of Washington’s School of Social Work have released new findings this month on the health and aging of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults in the U.S.
Tag(s): Karen Fredriksen-GoldsenFebruary 10, 2017
Laser-based camera developed at UW improves view of the carotid artery to assess stroke and heart attack risk
A unique application of a medical camera developed by a University of Washington mechanical engineer could one day help physicians know who is at risk for stroke or heart attack by providing a better view of potential problem areas.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Mechanical Engineering • Eric Seibel
Ralina Joseph co-edits special journal issue on race, respectability and the media
Ralina Joseph, University of Washington associate professor of communication, has guest co-edited a special triple issue of the interdisciplinary journal Souls: A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture and Society with her former mentor and dissertation adviser, Jane Rhodes of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Joseph’s own article in the issue focuses on the…
Tag(s): Center for Communication Difference and Equity • Department of Communication • Ralina JosephFebruary 8, 2017
Arts Roundup: Solaris Vocal Ensemble, ArtVenture — and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor
This week in the arts, hear Solaris Vocal Ensemble join forces with Seattle Modern Orchestra, take the family on an ArtVenture at the Henry, and spend Valentine’s Day listening to the internationally recognized superstar pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. Guitar Studio Recital 7:30 p.m., February 10 | Brechemin Auditorium Students of Michael Partington perform works for classical guitar. More info….
Tag(s): Henry Art Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Music
College of Engineering’s STARS program wins $2.2M to improve access for low-income students
The STARS program, which offers engineering students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds extra academic support, will receive a one-time grant of $2.2 million from the Opportunity Expansion Fund passed by the Washington Legislature and funded by Microsoft.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • education • Eve Riskin • STARS
Hidden lakes drain below West Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier
Drainage of four interconnected lakes below Thwaites Glacier in late 2013 caused only a 10 percent increase in the glacier’s speed. The glacier’s recent speedup is therefore not due to changes in meltwater flow along its underside.
Tag(s): Applied Physics Laboratory • Benjamin Smith • climate change • College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • glaciers • polar science • Polar Science CenterFebruary 6, 2017
‘Overwhelming’ response, global press attention for new UW Information School course, ‘Calling BS’
It’s almost unheard-of for a university class to spark global press attention — and offers of book deals — before instruction even begins. But such is the case with the UW Information School’s new course, “Calling Bullshit in the Age of Big Data.”
Tag(s): Carl Bergstrom • Information School • Jevin WestFebruary 3, 2017
New digital collection from UW Libraries: Glaciers and Landforms
Thousands of photos of glaciers, volcanoes, rivers and other natural phenomena are now easily viewed by the public through the University of Washington Libraries. UW Libraries’ Special Collections this fall released a new Glacier and Landforms Photograph Collection. The collection is designed to provide online access to photos of glaciers, geology and related subjects. At…
Tag(s): geology • UW LibrariesFebruary 1, 2017
UW introduces new master’s degree in applied child & adolescent psychology
A new UW graduate degree program – the Master of Arts in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment – aims to meet the growing need for mental health professionals trained to serve children, teens and families.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Continuum College • Department of Psychology
Arts Roundup: Japanese drumming, Shakespeare, and a public lecture
This week in the arts, traditional Japanese music, a modern twist on a Shakespearean classic, and a lecture featuring Cameron Rowland discusses contemporary art and its place in society. KODO 8 p.m., February 3 & 4 | Meany Theater An international phenomenon since 1981, the percussion ensemble KODO explores the limitless rhythmic possibilities of the traditional…
Tag(s): Henry Art Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Music
New route-finding map lets Seattle pedestrians avoid hills, construction, accessibility barriers
AccessMap – a University of Washington project spearheaded by the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology — launched a new online travel planner offering customizable suggestions for people who need accessible or pedestrian-friendly routes when getting from point A to B in Seattle.
Tag(s): Anat Caspi • College of Engineering • Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering • eScience Institute • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Taskar Center for Accessible Technology • Urban@UWJanuary 31, 2017
UW’s Forefront to recreate memorial, advocate for solutions at Suicide Prevention Education Day in Olympia
The UW-based Forefront will host a memorial for Washington state residents who died by suicide and join firearms dealers, veterans’ organizations, pharmacists, health care providers and suicide attempt and loss survivors to advocate for two legislative bills as part of Suicide Prevention Education Day.
Tag(s): Forefront • Jennifer Stuber • School of Social Work
Poetry, passion and social justice: Activist poets to gather at UW, perform at Seattle Public Library Feb. 3
Poet activists from around the nation will gather for daylong UW conference Feb. 3 on creativity in activism — and then give full voice to that creativity in performances 7 – 10 p.m. at the Seattle Public Library. All are welcome.
Tag(s): Amaranth Borsuk • micha cárdenas • Sarah Dowling • Simpson Center for the Humanities • UW Bothell • UW Poetic Operations CollaborativeJanuary 30, 2017
Artists in the lab: Talk will highlight a creative partnership between art and science
Jennifer Nemhauser leads a research laboratory of scientists, all immersed in the complex world of plant hormones. But last year, the University of Washington professor of biology boosted her lab’s roster with some unexpected talent. Claire Cowie — an artist, UW alumna and lecturer — spent three months in 2016 as a part-time artist-in-residence in Nemhauser’s lab….
Tag(s): Claire Cowie • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Biology • Jennifer Nemhauser • School of Art + Art History + DesignJanuary 27, 2017
UW statement regarding purported Red Square event Monday
A statement from Denzil Suite, vice president for student life at the University of Washington, regarding an event purported to be taking place Monday on Red Square.
Meany Center joins visiting Step Afrika! dance troupe to honor 100th anniversary of artist Jacob Lawrence’s birth
Meany Center for the Performing Arts and the School of Art + Art History + Design celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of artist Jacob Lawrence along with the Seattle Art Museum.
Tag(s): Jacob Lawrence • Jacob Lawrence Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Michelle Witt • School of Art + Art History + DesignJanuary 25, 2017
Arts Roundup: A trio, a quartet, and a chamber recital
It’s a musical week here at the UW! Attend the faculty-student chamber recital and performances by the Escher String Quartet and the Evergreen Trio. Undergraduate Theater Society: New Works Festival 7:30 p.m., January 27 through January 29 | Hutchinson Hall Cabaret Theater A long standing UTS tradition, the New Works Festival highlights work shopping new…
Tag(s): Meany Center for the Performing Arts • School of Music
Monsoons to mosquitoes: UW researchers attend national weather conference in Seattle
Researchers from across the UW are presenting their work at the American Meteorological Society’s annual meeting this week in Seattle.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • College of the Environment • Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science • weather
‘Protective’ DNA strands are shorter in adults who had more infections as infants
New research indicates that people who had more infections as babies harbor a key marker of cellular aging as young adults: the protective stretches of DNA which “cap” the ends of their chromosomes are shorter than in adults who were healthier as infants.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Dan Eisenberg • Department of Anthropology • genetics & DNA
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation boosts vital work of the UW’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) announced today the foundation’s commitment to invest $279 million in IHME to expand its work over the next decade.
January 24, 2017
Prized fossil find — the oldest, most complete iguanian in the Americas — illuminates the lives of lizards in the Age of Dinosaurs
Paleontologists picking through a bounty of fossils from Montana have discovered something unexpected — a new species of lizard from the late dinosaur era, whose closest relatives roamed in faraway Asia.
Tag(s): Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • David DeMar • Department of Biology • dinosaurs • evolution • Gregory Wilson Mantilla • paleontology
Predator or not? Invasive snails hide even when they don’t know
The specific cues that trigger an animal’s natural defense vary depending on the species and its history in the ecosystem, a new University of Washington study finds.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • College of Engineering • Department of Biology • Emily Grason • Washington Sea GrantJanuary 20, 2017
Statement from UW President Ana Mari Cauce on shooting incident during protest in Red Square
A statement from University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce following an incident in which a man suffered a gunshot wound in the abdomen during a large protest in Red Square
January 18, 2017
Arts Roundup: Maple and Vine, a dance faculty concert, and Russian music of the 1960s
This week in the arts, take a trip in time with Maple and Vine, view choreography by nationally and internationally recognized faculty, and hear collaborative musical works at Meany Hall. Maple and Vine January 17 through January 22 | Jones Playhouse Written by Jordan Harrison and directed by Sean Ryan, this darkly funny and provocative investigation of…
Tag(s): Department of Dance • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Music • UW Drama
Listen to the Earth smash another global temperature record
The year 2016 was officially the hottest in recent history, beating previous records in 2014 and 2015. UW scientists let you hear the data speak for itself.
Tag(s): climate change • College of the Environment • Dargan Frierson • Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science
Climate change prompts Alaska fish to change breeding behavior
A new University of Washington study finds that one of Alaska’s most abundant freshwater fish species is altering its breeding patterns in response to climate change, which could impact the ecology of northern lakes that already acutely feel the effects of a changing climate.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Daniel Schindler • Rachel Hovel • School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Vitamin B-12, and a knockoff version, create complex market for marine vitamins
Vitamin B-12 exists in two different, incompatible forms in the oceans. An organism thought to supply the essential vitamin B-12 in the marine environment is actually churning out a knockoff version.
Tag(s): Anitra Ingalls • College of the Environment • marine microbiology • oceanography • School of OceanographyJanuary 17, 2017
Conditions right for complex life may have come and gone in Earth’s distant past
Conditions suitable to support complex life may have developed in Earth’s oceans — and then faded — more than a billion years before life truly took hold, a new University of Washington-led study has found.
Tag(s): Astrobiology Program • College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • Roger Buick
Three unique pieces comprise 2017 Dance Faculty Concert Jan. 20-22
The UW Dance Program will team with the “vertical dance company” BANDALOOP for part of its annual Dance Faculty Concert, to be held Jan. 20 – 22 in Meany Hall.
Tag(s): Bruce McCormick • Dance Faculty Concert • Department of Dance • Jennifer Salk • Rachael Lincoln
Diversification key to resilient fishing communities
Fishing communities can survive ― and even thrive ― as fish abundance and market prices shift if they can catch a variety of species and nimbly move from one fishery to the next, a new University of Washington study finds.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Daniel Schindler • Ray Hilborn • School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences« Previous Page Next Page »
