Department of Biology

Thomas Daniel, a UW professor of biology, is the co-author of a study on the newly developed Smellicopter: an autonomous drone that uses a live antenna from a moth to navigate toward smells.

Amid the dispiriting surge of coronavirus cases around the United States, seven states in the Midwest appear to have a reason to be hopeful: They have all seen a sustained decrease in case numbers over the past two weeks. Carl Bergstrom, professor of biology at the UW, is quoted. [This is part of updates for Dec. 5.]

After analyzing a snapshot of the Stingray Nebula NASA's Hubble Space Telescope took in 2016, astronomers found that the magnificent-colored nebula has drastically changed since 1996 when it still boasted bright blue colors and a very distinguishable shape. Bruce Balick, professor emeritus of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said researchers are still investigating whether people who have been vaccinated can spread the novel coronavirus. Carl Bergstrom, professor of biology at the UW, explains why this is important. [This is part of the Dec. 4 issue of "Health 202."]

A team led by scientists at the University of Washington and the University of California, San Diego has discovered that cowpeas — a type of bean plant — harbor receptors on the surface of their cells that can detect a compound in caterpillar saliva and initiate anti-herbivore defenses.

More than 65 species of plants have gone extinct in the U.S. and Canada since European colonization, according to a new study. The study was conducted by a group of 16 experts from across the U.S., including Richard Olmstead, professor of biology at the UW. The study showed that far more plant species have gone extinct on the continent than previously documented.

With vaccines and a new administration, the pandemic will be tamed. But experts say the coming months “are going to be just horrible.” Carl Bergstrom, professor of biology at the UW, is mentioned.

With vaccines and a new administration, the pandemic will be tamed. But experts say the coming months “are going to be just horrible.” Carl Bergstrom, professor of biology at the UW, is mentioned.

A rare snowy owl has been spotted in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood, and the new resident knows how to draw a crowd. Carl Bergstrom, professor of biology at the UW, is interviewed.

Richard Olmstead, professor of biology and curator of the Burke Museum Herbarium, discusses his new research on plant extinction.

Like many big state universities, the University of Michigan tried to open with some semblance of normalcy. Outbreaks ensued. Carl Bergstrom, professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Scientists are finding that some percentage of tropical forests may hold up under global warming — if they’re not cut down. Abigail Swann, associate professor of atmospheric sciences and of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Chipmunk-like animals that lived among the dinos appear to have been social creatures, which suggests that sociality arose in mammals earlier than scientists thought. Luke Weaver, a graduate student in biology, is interviewed on the “60-Second Science” podcast.

Wrinkle-faced bats incorporate whistles, wing flaps and furry masks into their mating rituals, researchers have found. Sharlene Santana, associate professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Daniel. E. L. Promislow, professor of biology, discusses the relation between dogs and aging science.