Research

  • A recap of Webb telescope discoveries

    Emily Levesque, an associate professor of astronomy at the UW who specializes in massive stars and supernovas, joined host Leah Pezzetti on The Sky Above to discuss the biggest and best discoveries to come from the James Webb Space Telescope this past year.
    12/02/2025 | KING5
  • Low-fly zone

    While some dancers only appear weightless, Rachael Lincoln—with the help of climbing technology—literally defies gravity.

    12/01/2025 | University of Washington Magazine
  • Game changer: System to track small animals from space takes flight again

    A space-based wildlife tracking system that could revolutionize the study of animal migrations and behavior is set to get back online with SpaceX's recent launch. Briana Abrahms, assistant professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.
    12/01/2025 | Science Magazine
  • Northwest scientists develop a dark matter detector to study one of the biggest mysteries of the universe

    The universe is full of mysteries that scientists have not yet been able to solve. And a big one has to do with what the universe is actually made of. Now physicists from the UW are taking a big swing at answering that question. Alvaro Chavarria, associate professor of physics at the UW, is quoted.
    12/01/2025 | OPB
  • The Public Impact of Private Cities

    Geography major Edwin Bai has researched private cities, developed by individuals and corporations, that  "take the libertarian idea of low government regulation to the maximum." 

    December 2025 Perspectives
  • Common PNW fish, uncommon feature: teeth on its forehead

    Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Washington published a paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on the spotted ratfish, sometimes called a ghost shark.Karly Cohen, a postdoctoral researcher at the UW's Friday Harbor Labs, is interviewed.
    KUOW
  • A giant clam named Chowder is making waves at the Burke Museum

    Discovered in Kansas, this clam is already going viral in Seattle.

    University of Washington Magazine
  • Undergrad questions the AI answer

    The next time your phone’s virtual assistant gives you a quick answer instead of nudging you to think harder, remember Andre Ye (Computer Science / Philosophy, 2025). He’s part of a new generation of researchers reimagining how AI supports human thought.

    University of Washington
  • The Curious Journey of Chinese Characters

    Several Asian countries adapted the Chinese writing system—the oldest writing system still in use—for their own languages. In a new book, Professor Zev Handel shares how that happened.

    October 2025 Perspectives
  • Chu Selected as Moore Foundation Experimental Physics Investigator

    UW physics professor Jiun-Haw Chu is among 22 scientists selected for as 2025 Experimental Physics Investigators, a distinguished group of mid-career researchers pushing the boundaries of experimental physics.

    10/03/2025 | College of Arts & Sciences
  • Can Machines Learn Morality?

    UW researchers at the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences and in the Allen School are exploring the potential for training AI to value altruism.

    September 2025 Perspectives
  • Get to know the ratfish and the forehead teeth it uses during sex

    Scientists studied how ratfishes, also known as chimaeras or ghost sharks, ended up with one of evolutions most bizarre appendages. Research by Karly Cohen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washingtons Friday Harbor Labs, is mentioned.

    The New York Times
  • Freaky fish uses forehead teeth to latch on while mating

    The male spotted ratfish a shark-like fish native to the northeastern Pacific Ocean sports rows of teeth outside of its mouth. Karly Cohen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washingtons Friday Harbor Labs, is quoted.
    Cosmos Magazine
  • Will the James Webb telescope lead us to alien life? Scientists say we're getting closer than ever

    Three years into its mission, the James Webb Space Telescope has advanced the search for alien life more than any machine before it. What will it find next? Victoria Meadows, professor of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

    Live Science
  • Capturing the Sounds of Campus

    With "University of Washington Soundscape," ethnomusicology and international studies major Leo Freedman has created an audio experience of the UW campus. 

    September 2025 Perspectives