Environment

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.

"Burrowing shrimp are a well-documented native pest species in Willapa Bay that have been a nuisance to bottom-culture shellfish farmers for over a century. Methods for controlling shrimp populations have varied over the years, including mechanical and chemical controls," writes Emma Guerrini Romano, UW doctoral student in biology. Andrea Durant, UW assistant professor of biology, and Jennifer Ruesink, UW professor of biology, are mentioned.

Emma Teal Laukitis, ’18, and her sister Claire not only catch and sell Alaska’s most famous fish, they help feed hundreds of thousands Alaskans through their donations.

In December, the Trump administration announced its intent to close a climate research center in Boulder, Colorado. This sparked worry amidst atmospheric scientists around the world, including many in the Pacific Northwest. The National Center for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR, was founded by the National Science Foundation in 1960 to strengthen computer models and research methods for understanding weather and the climate. Its run by a consortium of universities that includes the UW, which is one of 14 founding members. Abigail Swan, professor of atmospheric sciences and of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Chemistry PhD alum Jonathan Cox spent most of 2025 in Kyrgyzstan, helping farmers improve their soil—and their crops—through soil testing.