Natural Sciences Division

New research from the University of Washington published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, shows how “microinclusions” — brief instances of positive treatment, especially from members of the dominant group — help women feel valued at work. UW News talked with lead author Gregg Muragishi, a UW postdoctoral scholar of psychology, to learn more about this research.

Jeffrey Riffell, a University of Washington professor of biology, wants to understand how female mosquitoes find find a host to bite for a bloody meal. His research has shown that hungry mosquitoes find us by following a trail of scent cues, including chemicals exuded by our skin and sweat, as well as the carbon dioxide gas we exhale with each breath. Mosquitoes also like colors, at least certain ones. His team is closing in on how the sense of smell and vision work together to help a mosquito zero in for the final strike and get her blood meal.

In the 127 years since the electron was discovered, it has undergone more scrutiny than perhaps any other particle. As a result, its properties are not just well known, but rote, textbook material. So it came as a shock last year when a new effect was seen in electrons. The UW's Matthew Yankowitz, assistant professor of both physics and materials science and engineering, and Xiaodong Xu, professor of both physics and materials science and engineering, are quoted.

Edgar Quiroz Sanchez, graduating with two bachelor's degrees, has been a powerful voice for the needs of undocumented students at the UW.

And a new study offers a fuller understanding of tool use by sea otters. Otters in California's Monterey Bay use rocks and other objects to break open hard prey, letting them access certain larger prey and reducing their tooth damage. Chris Law, research scientist and teaching professor in biology at the UW, is quoted.

When sea otters face competition for their favorite kinds of food, some use tools — like rocks and even glass bottles — to open tougher prey. That’s according to a new study of sea otters in Monterey Bay, California. Chris Law, research scientist and teaching professor in biology at the UW, is interviewed.

The 2023-24 Honors Excellence in Teaching Award goes to Dr. Oliver Fraser, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Astronomy.

Despite problems with humanity’s use of carbon-based fossil fuels, our whole existence is based on this element’s ability to create rich chemistry. Don Brownlee, professor of astronomy at the UW, is mentioned.

The College of Arts & Sciences celebrates undergraduate and graduate students from across all four divisions, who are recognized for making the most of their time at the UW. 

With the help of Google Cloud, scientists churned through hundreds of thousands of images of the night sky to reveal that the solar system is filled with unseen objects. Željko Ivezić, professor of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

Anatomy for Change, a program for students underrepresented in healthcare careers, provides opportunities to spend time in an anatomy lab.

Often vilified by Hollywood as potential competitors and even threats to humans, both sea dwelling and fictional off world octopuses have made many a filmgoer squirm in horror. Aside from their piercing eyes, their brains and morphologies are as different from humans as any species could be. Peter Ward, professor of Earth and space sciences and of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Like many little girls, a young Kristi Yamaguchi loved playing with Barbie. With a schedule packed with ice skating practices, her Barbie dolls became her “best friends.” So, it’s surreal for the decorated Olympian figure skater to now be a Barbie girl herself. Sapna Cheryan, professor of psychology at the UW, is quoted.

As computer programming becomes an increasingly valued skill in the workforce, there is a greater need to understand how people learn to code most effectively. UW News spoke with co-authors Chantel Prat, a UW professor of psychology, and Chu-Hsuan (Iris) Kuo, a recent UW doctoral graduate of psychology, about their research, the future of teaching computer programming and more.

Hummingbirds, I realized, are not just adorable. They're also jerks. Yes, jerks. But don't take my word for it. Alyssa Sargent, doctoral student of biology at the UW, is quoted.