Natural Sciences Division

Researchers at the University of Washington are investigating how genetic changes impact the severity of schizophrenia symptoms. A new study supports the idea that deletions in genes that regulate early brain and neuron development are associated with more severe features of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, particularly lower cognitive abilities.

Researchers at the University of Washington and partners at Carnegie Mellon University are collaborating on a new project to help scientists use artificial intelligence to better understand the universe.

Eight University of Washington researchers have been selected as Fulbright Scholars for 2026-2027 and will pursue studies around the world. Fulbright Scholars are college and university faculty, administrators and researchers, as well as artists and professionals, who build their skills and connections, gain valuable international insights and return home to share their experiences with their students and colleagues. This years UW cohort represents a variety of disciplines, including sciences, engineering, business, environmental sciences, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science.

After nearly two years of engaging Black young adults through culturally grounded research and community conversations, the Black Adult Resilience Study has reached a major milestone. Priscilla Lui, associate professor of psychology at the UW, and Nia Jones, research coordinator and UW graduate, are quoted.

About 75% of public schools in Washington state have implemented some limitations on cell phones. Gov. Bob Ferguson would like to see limitations at all of them.Luca Magis-Weinberg, assistant professor of psychology at the UW, is quoted.

The UWs CoMotion program announced 10 startups that secured UW-licensed intellectual property over the past year. Eight are in healthcare, spanning diagnostic tools, medical devices and new therapeutics. The other two focus on K-12 education or climate change. The UW's Michael Malone, doctoral student in mechanical engineering, Jan Whittington, associate professor of urban design and planning, Min Sun, professor of education, Scott Kennedy, associate professor of pathology in the UW School of Medicine, Dr. Ian Bennett, professor of family medicine and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences in the UW School of Medicine, Dr. Misbah Keen, professor of family medicine at the UW School of Medicine, Larry Mauksch, clinical professor emeritus of family medicine, Jae-Hyun Chung, associate professor of mechanical engineering, Andrea Stocco, associate professor of psychology, and David Baker, professor of biochemistry in the UW School of Medicine and director of the UW Institute for Protein Design, are mentioned.

John Gottman, professor emeritus of psychology at the UW, found that the couples who stayed together weren't the ones who avoided conflict. They were the ones who knew how to interrupt it before it became destructive.

One of the most endangered sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean is getting a leg up in the kelp forests of Washingtons San Juan Islands: a 24-armed sea star called the sunflower star. Researchers are working with the Samish Indian Nation to bring this pizza-sized predator back from the brink of extinction after a vast underwater pandemic. Jason Hodin, a research scientist at the UW Friday Harbor Laboratories, is quoted. Tess Chapman, Chloe Schwab and Julia Knopf, all research assistants at the UW Friday Harbor Laboratories, are mentioned.

David J. Masiello, professor of chemistry, has been named an AAAS Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in recognition of “scientifically and socially distinguished achievements.” 

Nia Brice’s undergraduate experience wasn’t just about one major, one course, one project or one grade. It was about finding joy, challenging herself and redefining what it means to be resilient.

A growing body of research shows how air pollution, fertilizers and fungicides are altering the chemical signals that plants and animals use to communicate. Scientists warn that insect reproduction, foraging, navigation and even the pollination of crops could be affected. Jeff Riffell, professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Burrowing shrimp dig into the sand and make tunnels underground. In doing so they kick up about a handful of sand up to the surface everyday, and bury clams and oysters.Thats a problem for shellfish farmers. Jennifer Ruesink, professor of biology at the UW, is interviewed.

Across the globe, human activities are changing the way our planet smells. Jeff Riffell, professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.

While the majority of the world just wants to swat mosquitoes, three University of Washington researchers find these insects fascinating. They told UW News what it's like to study mosquitoes and why these critters are actually really important.

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.