Research News

Nghia Hoang receives NSF CAREER award for AI research

Washington State University researcher Nghia Hoang received a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to advance artificial intelligence systems and machine learning technologies. The award recognizes early-career faculty with strong potential for leadership in science and engineering innovation.

WSU study finds high prevalence of hantavirus in some parts of Pacific Northwest

Washington State University researchers from the College of Veterinary Medicine found a high prevalence of Sin Nombre hantavirus in rodent populations across parts of the Pacific Northwest. The study improves understanding of virus transmission and supports future public health surveillance efforts.

New Meyer’s Point grants support environmental research and hands‑on learning

Washington State University researchers from the College of Arts and Sciences received new Meyer’s Point grants to support interdisciplinary environmental research and field-based learning. The projects advance work in coastal resilience, biodiversity, Indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable land use.

New WSU app provides free, local weather data to ag industry, general public

Washington State University researchers from the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences launched a free AgWeatherNet app that provides local weather data and agriculture decision-support tools. The app delivers site-specific forecasts to support growers, livestock producers, and the public across Washington.

Fulbright France highlights WSU professor’s global energy impact for America’s 250th

Bin Yang, a scientist pioneering renewable fuels at Washington State University’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering, was highlighted by Fulbright France for his work advancing renewable fuels, sustainable bioeconomy development, and global energy security.

Students build medical school training devices

Washington State University bioengineering students partnered with medical students to develop prototype medical training devices that simulate real clinical scenarios, including airway management, laparoscopic surgery, and vital sign monitoring. The interdisciplinary project gives students hands-on experience while improving medical education and patient care training.

New WSU raspberry breeder to continue career goal of helping farmers

Washington State University researchers found that naturally occurring bacteria in apple and pear trees can work together to suppress fire blight, a destructive disease responsible for more than $100 million in annual losses for Washington growers. The research could lead to more sustainable and effective disease-control strategies for orchards.

New WSU study shows bacteria can team up against fire blight

Washington State University’s new Endowed Chair in Raspberry Breeding, Germán Sandoya-Miranda, plans to work closely with growers to develop improved raspberry varieties that can better withstand climate change, disease, and pest pressures while increasing crop productivity and sustainability.

Trio of USDA grants will help WSU scientist make food safer, reduce waste

Washington State University researcher Kang Huang received three USDA grants to develop technologies that improve food safety and reduce food waste across the food production process. The project focuses on antimicrobial food packaging, AI-powered sanitation monitoring, and sustainable biopesticides to protect crops before harvest.

Propel gift empowers aging business management innovation

A $50,000 gift from Propel Insurance helps Washington State University expand research and training focused on healthy aging, brain health, and advanced care planning. The funding supports community dementia-risk screenings, workforce training initiatives, and new educational modules through the Granger Cobb Institute for the Business of Aging.

Researchers develop method to make renewable natural gas directly from waste

Washington State University researchers developed a new wastewater treatment method that converts sewage sludge into renewable natural gas more efficiently while significantly reducing disposal costs. The pilot study produced 200% more renewable natural gas than current practices and could help communities create cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.

What’s in a name? WSU virologists reveal two dahlia-damaging viruses are variants of the same species

Washington State University researchers discovered that two viruses long believed to cause mosaic disease in dahlias are actually variants of the same viral species. The findings improve virus identification and could strengthen disease testing, clean-plant certification, and protection strategies for ornamental flower growers.

Construction begins for new WSU Plant Growth Facility

Washington State University researchers from the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences have begun construction on a new Plant Growth Facility in Wenatchee, expanding capacity for controlled-environment research to improve tree fruit resilience, productivity, and sustainability.

Seeing through paper: Light sheet reveals printing in MASC’s early books

Washington State University Libraries introduced a new light sheet technology that allows researchers to examine watermarks and internal structures in early printed books. The tool enhances the study of literary history, helping scholars more accurately date texts and trace their origins.

Two WSU professors among 2025 AAAS Fellows

Two Washington State University professors from the WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences and WSU College of Veterinary Medicine were named 2025 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The honor recognizes research advancing plant science, pharmacogenetics, and real-world applications in agriculture and health.

WSU launches bilingual video series to help beekeepers improve colony health

Washington State University launched a bilingual video series to help beekeepers improve colony health. Developed by the Honey Bee and Pollinator Program, the series provides accessible training in bee biology, safety, and colony management, expanding support for pollinator health and sustainable agriculture.

Scientists discover new bee species that depends on native Texas shrub

Washington State University researchers from the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences discovered a new mining bee species, Andrena cenizophila, uniquely dependent on Texas purple sage, advancing understanding of pollinator biodiversity and plant specialization.