Research News

Study of NBA finds that pay inequity among top performers erodes cooperation

Pay inequity, NBA performance, and workplace cooperation are examined in a Washington State University study from the Carson College of Business, which found that salary disparities among top performers reduce teamwork and undermine collaboration in competitive professional environments.

New biosensor technology could improve glucose monitoring

Washington State University researchers developed a new biosensor technology designed to improve glucose monitoring by enhancing sensitivity and stability in detecting blood sugar levels. The innovation could lead to more accurate, reliable diabetes management tools and advance wearable health monitoring systems.

Study tests notions of sharing among hunter-gatherers

Washington State University anthropologists tested assumptions about sharing among hunter-gatherers using behavioral experiments with the Hadza in Tanzania. The findings challenge traditional views of equal resource distribution and offer new insights into how cooperation and inequality shape human social evolution.

WSU weaving AI into the classroom, aiding K–12 teachers

Washington State University researchers are partnering with K–12 teachers to integrate artificial intelligence into classroom instruction through targeted training and tools. The effort aims to build AI literacy, support lesson planning, and help educators, especially in rural schools, adopt emerging technologies effectively.

Automating the harvest: WSU works to ease labor shortages on the farm

WSU agricultural automation research is creating robotic harvesting and orchard management systems to address chronic farm labor shortages. The innovations aim to increase efficiency, support growers, and strengthen the resilience and productivity of food systems.

Hug your boo: More affection — not equal amounts — strengthens romantic ties

Washington State University researchers in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences found that affection in romantic relationships does not need to be perfectly equal to strengthen bonds. Their research shows that feeling satisfied with the amount of affection given and received, rather than matching it exactly, plays a key role in reinforcing emotional connection and long-term relationship stability.

New Indigenous-focused horticulturist brings traditional ecological knowledge to light

Washington State University hired an Indigenous-focused horticulturist to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into plant science research, supporting environmental restoration, sustainable food systems, and community resilience through collaborations with Tribal and conservation partners in Washington state.

Seeing is believing: WSU tool for visualizing hydrogen fuels Airbus advances

Washington State University engineers developed a visualization tool for liquid hydrogen that enhances collaboration with Airbus, accelerating zero-emission aviation research by helping scientists observe and understand hydrogen fuel behavior in real time.

Pinpoint forecasting among the tools WSU brings to agriculture

Washington State University researchers are advancing AI-driven agricultural forecasting using drones, machine learning, and AgWeatherNet data to provide precise, farm-level insights that help growers improve crop management, water planning, and climate resilience, with key contributions from engineering and computer science expertise.

WSU research sees rise in grant funding for 2025, in fifth straight year of growth

Washington State University research funding increased in 2025 for the fifth consecutive year, as faculty secured competitive grants supporting innovation in agriculture, health, sustainability, and economic development across Washington state and beyond.

Smart homes, sensor tech help people live healthy lives

Washington State University researchers are advancing smart-home and sensor technologies that turn everyday instruments into tools for health monitoring and wellness support, with the potential to help people live healthier, more independent lives and enhance quality of life across age groups.

WSU projects draw on AI to advance medical science

Washington State University researchers in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture developed a self-improving artificial intelligence model that enhances 3-D printing, while related WSU research examined gaps in U.S. medical education around end-of-life care. Together, the studies highlight how engineering and health research can improve clinical outcomes.

Revolutionary technologies deeply woven into WSU’s research and teaching

Washington State University researchers are integrating artificial intelligence across research and teaching to address challenges in health, agriculture, energy, and education. The university-wide effort highlights how AI is accelerating discovery, supporting workforce development, and advancing WSU’s land-grant mission.