June research highlights: Air quality inequity, ultrafast chemistry, cigar galaxy, more
Our take
The University of Washington's latest research roundup feels particularly relevant right now, touching on everything from environmental justice to the furthest reaches of the cosmos. It's a reminder of the breadth of impactful work happening within the Pacific Northwest’s academic landscape, and how seemingly disparate fields can illuminate larger societal and scientific questions. The news of air quality inequity hitting home especially hard, echoing concerns raised in the [Rubin Observatory begins landmark 10-year timelapse of night sky] piece, which highlights the potential for long-term data collection to reveal trends and patterns previously hidden. Understanding these trends, whether in atmospheric pollution or stellar evolution, requires a commitment to rigorous research and a willingness to confront complex realities – something we appreciate seeing from institutions like UW and WSU alike, as exemplified by the recent [WSU Cougars announce partnership with Colville Tribes, including five-year deal worth $8M] which showcases collaboration and commitment to communities.
The findings regarding air quality are particularly sobering. The disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color isn't a new revelation, but the data reinforcing this reality demands action. It’s a critical intersection of science and social responsibility; understanding the chemical processes involved in pollution (as hinted at by the mention of “ultrafast chemistry”) is vital, but equally crucial is addressing the systemic factors that lead to these disparities. The methane record fluctuations also add another layer of complexity to the climate picture, reminding us that even seemingly stable indicators can be subject to unpredictable shifts. It’s a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges in accurately modeling climate change and developing effective mitigation strategies. And while the cigar galaxy, captured in stunning detail by the James Webb Space Telescope, offers a breathtaking view of the universe, it's important to remember that these discoveries are enabled by the same scientific principles and infrastructure that can be applied to solving problems here on Earth.
Beyond the immediate implications for air quality and climate science, the research underscores the accelerating pace of scientific discovery. The mention of ultrafast chemistry, for instance, points to a frontier where reactions happen on timescales previously unimaginable, opening up new avenues for materials science and potentially revolutionizing industries. Similarly, the high-resolution images of the cigar galaxy aren't just beautiful; they provide astronomers with unprecedented detail to study star formation, galactic evolution, and the fundamental laws of physics governing the universe. These advancements build upon decades of research and highlight the importance of continued investment in scientific exploration, both in space and on our own planet. It speaks to the inherent human drive to understand the world around us, from the smallest chemical reaction to the largest cosmic structures.
Ultimately, these diverse findings—from air quality to distant galaxies—converge on a common thread: the need for rigorous data, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to using scientific knowledge for the betterment of society. The recent tragic events detailed in [Drivers who hit, killed state trooper in Tacoma won’t face criminal charges], while unrelated in subject matter, underscore the importance of clear data and responsible action in all areas of life. As we continue to generate vast amounts of data across all fields, a critical question worth watching is how we can effectively translate these findings into tangible solutions that address pressing societal challenges and ensure a more equitable and sustainable future.
New images of cigar-shaped M82 galaxy capture millions of stars
The Messier 82 galaxy, known as M82 or the Cigar galaxy, has long fascinated researchers with its astronomical rate of star formation — approximately 10 times faster than the Milky Way. Researchers have pored over grainy, low-resolution, images taken by previous generations of telescopes, which weren’t powerful enough to see through the thick cloud of dust surrounding the galaxy. The James Webb Space Telescope, however, can pierce straight through with extremely sharp vision. That enabled a team of astronomers from multiple institutions, including NASA and the UW, to capture new high-resolution images. Posted June 23, the images include more than 16.5 million individual stars and provide the clearest look yet at M82’s galactic disc, the flattened central hub that contains most of the galaxy’s stellar mass. That could help scientists understand how M82 formed and for how long it has been producing stars so prodigiously.
For more information, contact team member Benjamin Williams, a UW research professor of astronomy, at benw1@uw.edu.
All images are included in NASA’s press release.
New study maps pollution disparities by state and sector across almost 20 years
Air quality in the United States has improved markedly since the landmark Clean Air Act passed in 1970. However, the gains have not been equally shared: Today, communities of color and low-income communities are exposed to disproportionately more air pollution than the overall population. In a new study published June 10 in Science Advances, UW researchers created the first comprehensive map cataloging how air quality inequity has changed per state and economic sector from 2002 to 2019. The study confirmed that, despite improvements in overall air quality, pollution tends to be concentrated in Black, Hispanic and low-income communities. The findings include specific state-level opportunities for improvement across 11 sectors — for example, disparities in construction-related emissions in Florida increased significantly during the study period. The findings and resulting database could help policymakers across the country prioritize environmental justice projects.
For more information, contact senior author Julian Marshall, UW professor of civil and environmental engineering at jdmarsh@uw.edu.
The other UW co-authors are Bujin Bekbulat, Arushi Sharma, Esther Min and Alper Unal. A full list of co-authors is included in the paper.
Researchers observe ultrafast chemistry happening in real time
Molecules are not static. Instead, they are having little dance parties — their atoms wiggle and twist around in space. Occasionally, upon receiving a burst of energy, the bonds holding atoms together in a molecule can break and reform with the atoms in a different configuration. While the number of atoms stays the same, the orientation of these atoms determines a molecule’s chemical properties — an important part of its identity. In a recent Nature Communications paper, a UW-led team witnessed firsthand, and for the first time, a molecule turning into its “alter ego.” The researchers observed a hydrogen atom, also known as a proton, jump to a new position by bonding to a different atom in the same molecule. This process, which happens within a few millionths of billionths of a second, is important for various fundamental processes, including photosynthesis, and when DNA acquires mutations. To understand why, and how, this happens so fast, the researchers developed a new tool that probes molecular structure on an ultrafast timescale. They were able to use this technology to detect how the molecule’s wiggles allowed the proton transfer to happen. These findings will help researchers test existing theories about these ultrafast chemical dynamics and develop new molecules for clean energy processes.
For more information, contact senior author Munira Khalil, UW professor of chemistry, at mkhalil@uw.edu.
Co-authors Somnath Biswas, Jason Sandwisch and Robert Weakly completed this work while at the UW. Funding information is included in the paper.
Random events leave lasting signature on the atmospheric methane record, new study shows
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas with a complicated life cycle. It’s released into the atmosphere by both natural and industrial processes, and there are multiple pathways by which it’s broken down. Recently, atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs but the rate of accumulation has been somewhat inconsistent over time. To understand why, researchers are looking at climate records preceding the industrial era, via ice cores. These deep cylinders of glacial ice document slow swings in atmospheric methane levels spanning decades, or even centuries. This pattern is typically associated with gradual climate change, but in a recent PNAS study, UW researchers show that it doesn’t have to be. Instead, they reveal that short-term, random events, such as fires or changes in wetlands, can spark gradual shifts. Not only does this clarify the historical record, but it also adds nuance to modern trends.
For more information, contact senior author Eric Mei, UW doctoral student of atmospheric and climate science at emei@uw.edu.
The other UW co-authors are Gregory Hakim and Alexander Turner. A full list of co-authors is included in the paper.
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