Environment

Months of warm temperatures and a lack of rain mean early blooms for tulips and cherry blossoms in Western Washington, according to experts.Blooms are moving targets, impacted by weather each year. Takato Imaizumi, a professor of biology at the UW, is mentioned.

Months of warm temperatures and a lack of rain mean early blooms for tulips and cherry blossoms in Western Washington, according to experts.Blooms are moving targets, impacted by weather each year. Takato Imaizumi, a professor of biology at the UW, is mentioned.

Plants, like people, have a circadian clock and they sense seasonal changes to light and temperature. Plants that bloom in the spring use the longer days and warmer temperatures as seasonal cues that its time to bloom.

Mosquitoes are increasingly becoming resistant to current insecticides, leading to a pressing need for new methods to prevent mosquito bites and the potential transmission of disease. New research by an international team, including researchers at the UW, reveals that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes use a specific sensory receptor to detect and avoid borneol (pronounced "bor-nee-ohl"), an organic compound found in several aromatic plants, including camphor trees, rosemary and other aromatic herbs.

Roughly 215 million years ago, an unusual-looking reptile traipsed around what is now Arizona. About the size of a poodle, the creature had large eye sockets, a toothless beak and short arms. During the early part of its life, the animal seems to have walked around on all fours. But as it grew, it stood upright and began striding around on two legs instead. Elliott Armour Smith, graduate student of biology at the UW, and Christian Sidor, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Burke Museum and professor of biology at the UW, are quoted.

Scientists have unearthed a "peculiar" ancient crocodile that walked on two legs after beginning its life on four. Named Sonselasuchus cedrus, the creature roamed the Earth during the Late Triassic period, approximately 225 to 201 million years ago. Elliott Armour Smith, graduate student of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Its a scene from a nightmare: Youre shopping at the supermarket on a normal fall evening, and suddenly a hungry bear walks in and starts smashing things. This scene has become a reality in parts of Japan. Briana Abrahms, associate professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Seabirds are among the indicator species that provide rich insight into the health of their ecosystems. In a new book, Eric Wagner, a research scientist in biology at the UW, follows a team of scientists as they seek to understand how climate change is affecting our region.

If you happened to spot a honey bee buzzing around Spokane this February, you would be forgiven for thinking it too early in the year for their forage. Rather than waiting for a time of year, honey bees rely on temperature cues to determine when they should begin their flights. Takato Imaizumi, a professor of biology at the UW, is mentioned.

Jennifer Ruesink, University of Washington professor of biology, studies the relationship between the environment and marine organisms, including eelgrass, the primary species of seagrass that resides in the oceans surrounding Washington. In honor of World Seagrass Day, UW News asked Ruesink to explain what seagrass is and what makes the seagrasses in Washington unique.

Researchers at the UW are pioneering a new approach to construction by using engineered living materials to enhance how buildings are made and maintained in a changing climate. Alshakim Nelson, professor of chemistry at the UW, is quoted.

Last December was the warmest on record for Washington state, which led many garden plants to show signs of small buds as early as February. Takato Imaizumi, UW professor of biology, explains how plants know when to bloom and whether this might change in warmer winters.

Last December was the warmest on record for Washington, according to the Washington State Climate Office. Now many plants in our gardens are beginning to bud, even though it's only February. UW News asked Takato Imaizumi, UW professor of biology, to talk about the mechanisms behind blooming and how warmer winters might impact flowering plants.

A recent documentary about the breeding habits of antelopes in India includes the story of how engaging with artists and local communities can help researchers share the importance of their work. UW News asked Vivek Hari Sridhar, a UW assistant professor of biology and one of the leaders of the project, for details about the project and the documentary.

UW News spoke with Lauren Buckley, University of Washington professor of biology, to learn about "functional resurvey" experiments and what they can tell us about how organisms change over time.