Collaborate.org: A global intelligence dashboard that visualizes the world’s data

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Dr. Kevin Montgomery was working at NASA when he had his “A-ha” moment. During a trip to Hawaii, he visited a remote valley on the island of Kauai, accessible only by helicopter. As he stood in the wild of that pristine valley, home to a range of exotic species and endangered plants, gazing up at a… Read More…

UW’s Ed Lazowska: ‘Washington is the ass end of the donkey in just about every aspect of education’

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The incredible talent that the University of Washington pumps out every year was on display during Tuesday’s Seattle Tech Meetup, as five startups with UW ties gave five-minute pitches to the crowd at the Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science and Engineering. But unfortunately for the state, the UW is one of the few bright spots… Read More…

Rapid extraction: University of Washington researcher develops speedy DNA device

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The concept of extracting and analyzing human DNA is, for most of us, a little out of the knowledge comfort zone. But last week, research at the University of Washington revealed a device that suggested the process doesn’t have to be so complex after all. Instead, it could start and end with a single swab to… Read More…

Here’s why this do-it-all science instructor is the 2013 National Teacher of the Year

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When Jeff Charbonneau begins class everyday at Zillah High, he says the same thing: “Welcome to paradise, everybody.” No, Zillah High isn’t on the sandy shores of Hawaii. In fact, the place is far from it, nestled in the Yakima Valley of Eastern Washington. But after 60 people took four hours to clean up vandalized school… Read More…

UW-Bothell becomes first university in Wash. to create School of STEM

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A recent survey showed that an estimated 30,000 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) jobs in Washington will go unfilled in the next five years due to a lack of qualified candidates. The University of Washington Bothell campus is helping to fix that. The UW Board of Regents officially approved the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and… Read More…

Washington bill could make CSE classes count for math, science credit

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A new bill in the Washington State Legislature may allow computer science classes to count as a math or science requirement toward high school graduation. Currently, Washington high schoolers who take a computer science class don’t receive a math or science credit. HB 1472 would enable this and “provide initiatives to improve and expand access to computer science… Read More…

Code.org video featuring Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and other coding geeks goes viral

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Code.org, the non-profit created by entrepreneurs Ali and Hadi Partovi, has struck a nerve with its video about the importance of computer science education. The video, which was released earlier this week, has already been viewed more than five million times. (across various platforms). Of course, it didn’t hurt that the video — directed by Lesley… Read More…

Geek of the Week: This chemist and his team are hacking molecules for cheaper energy

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Anyone who has shopped for a ring knows that platinum doesn’t come cheap. Existing fuel cells rely on this precious metal as the catalyst to convert hydrogen into electricity, increasing the cost of fuel cells and limiting their potential reach as a source of energy. But what if the catalyst could be a cheaper metal,… Read More…

Ed Lazowska: The iPad wouldn’t be here without federal research dollars

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University of Washington computer science professor Ed Lazowska is known for his strong opinions. And he got to share some of those Thursday, testifying before the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Science Education. Lazowska’s main point: Federal research dollars play a critical role in helping to spark innovation. Lazowska was making… Read More…

Seattle snapshots: Northern Lights put on a great show

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Monday night provided a rare opportunity for space-enthusiasts and photographers as the Northern Lights were visible around the northern part of the world. Several Seattleites snapped some amazing photos, like the one above from GeekWire reader Richard Burte at Snoqualmie. He also created a gallery from last night. Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, appear when… Read More…