Natural Sciences Division

The Stingray Nebula, a shroud of gas around an aging star, was already unusual: It is by far the youngest such object in space. But scientists say that it is now getting dimmer as rapidly as it appeared. Its brightness has dropped by a factor of nearly 1,000 over 20 years, and the bright tendrils that once wrapped around its edges are gone. Bruce Balick, professor emeritus of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

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."]

Roy Black, affiliate professor of chemistry and of bioengineering at the UW, writes a letter to the editor in response to a review of "The Genesis Quest" by Michael Marshall.

Bruce Balick, an emeritus professor of astronomy, explains the results of his new study on planetary nebula.

Alan Marlatt, a leading addiction researcher and professor of psychology at the UW, is mentioned in this article about applying the principle of harm reduction to COVID-19.

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.

UW Tacoma alum Omari Amili speaks with formerly-incarcerated UW alumni and faculty.

Affective Software Inc., is releasing a new portal and products to harness technology in assessing and improving relationships. Affective Software was co-founded by John Gottman, professor emeritus of psychology at the UW, and Julie Gottman, who found fame with their research-based love and therapy institute and the so-called “Love Lab,” which opened in 1986 at the UW.

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.

An octopus has more neurons in its arms than in its head. It’s difficult to imagine how they perceive the world, but scientists have tried. Dominic Sitivilli, a doctoral student in psychology and astrobiology at the UW, is quoted.

Assistant Professor of statistics Alex Luedtke has identified statistical methods for the analysis of COVID-19 treatment trials.