Natural Sciences Division

Mary Brunkow, a Seattle scientist who earned a bachelors degree in molecular and cellular biology from the UW, was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine on Monday. Her work, alongside two other scientists, led to a new branch of immunology research that has already led to new developments in treatment for cancers and autoimmune diseases.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to three scientists on Monday for their research on the human immune system, including Mary E. Brunkow, who earned bachelors degree in molecular and cellular biology from the UW.

Mary Brunkow of the Seattle-based Institute for Systems Biology was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her research on the immune cells that prevent the human body from attacking itself. Brunkow earned a bachelors degree in molecular and cellular biology from the UW.

In a physics course for non-STEM majors, Professor Miguel Morales teaches quantum mechanics without the advanced mathematics most quantum courses require.

UW physics professor Jiun-Haw Chu is among 22 scientists selected for as 2025 Experimental Physics Investigators, a distinguished group of mid-career researchers pushing the boundaries of experimental physics.

When something dies, a telltale radioactive signal ticks like a natural clock. Discovering it helped us solve all sorts of natural mysteries. Samuel Wasser, professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Nigeria is home to 100 known species of batsabout a third of Africas bat speciesbut scientists dont know much about them. Iroro Tanshi, postdoctoral researcher in the UW Department of Biology, is interviewed.

In a new study, a team of scientists determined the minimum natural habitat on agricultural land that will allow insect pollinators including bumble bees, solitary bees, hoverflies and butterflies to thrive. UW News reached out to co-author Berry Brosi, UW professor of biology, to learn more about these results and how habitat is important to two types of bees native to Washington.

Bee experts wouldnt have previously expected to find the likes of Osmia cyaneonitens, Dufourea dilatipes and Stelis heronae in Washington. But this year, while collecting pollinators in Chelan County to study how climate and wildfires affect native bee populations, Autumn Maust, a University of Washington research scientist of biology, discovered eight bee species never recorded in Washington.

The Trump administration's announcement linking Tylenol to autism has been met with concern from many involved in autism education and research. Annette Estes, director of the UW Autism Center and a research professor of speech and hearing sciences, is quoted.

Researchers might have stumbled upon a way to solve an unrelated, decades-old cosmic mystery: why a big portion of the universe's "ordinary" matter is missing. Matt McQuinn, associate professor of astronomy at the UW, is mentioned.

To say spotted ratfish are unusual is an understatement. Armed with a venomous fin, they swim gracefully along the sea floor trailing a long, pointed tail half the length of their bodies, with green, glowing eyes hunting for mates or prey to crack open with their beak-like mouths. And if all that wasnt weird enough, they are now the first animal documented to have teeth growing outside of the jaw, according to new research led by a team of scientists at the University of Washington. Karly Cohen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washingtons Friday Harbor Labs, is interviewed.

A new study from the University of Washington has discovered that the spotted ratfish, a common fish in the Puget Sound, has a toothed appendage on its forehead. Karly Cohen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washingtons Friday Harbor Labs, is quoted.

Quantum dots, which are 10,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, are unique materials that generate very specific colors of light. Researchers, including Brandi Cossairt, UW professor of chemistry, hope that quantum dots can one day be useful for more than just illuminating TV screens. UW News asked her to compare the quantum dots in QLED TVs with the ones her lab makes.

Come curious. Leave inspired. We welcome you to connect with us this autumn quarter through an incredible lineup of more than 30 events, exhibitions, podcasts, and more. From thought-provoking talks on monsters to boundary-pushing performances by Grammy-nominated Mariachi ensembles, its a celebration of bold ideas and creative energy. ArtSci On Your Own Time Exhibition: Woven...