The mystery of how salmon navigate across thousands of miles of open ocean to locate their river of origin before journeying upstream to spawn has intrigued biologists for decades, and now a new study may offer a clue to the fishes’ homing strategy. In the study, scientists examined 56 years of fisheries data documenting the return of sockeye salmon to the Fraser River in British Columbia – and the route they chose around Vancouver Island showed a correlation with changes in the intensity of the geomagnetic field. 

The next advance in weather forecasting may not come from a new satellite or supercomputer, but from a device in your pocket. University of Washington atmospheric scientists are using pressure sensors included in the newest smartphones to develop better weather forecasting techniques.  ATMOS‘ Cliff Mass, Gregory Hakim, and Luke Madaus are mentioned; read more here! 

Engage, an organization of graduate students in scientific disciplines across UW, helps scientists talk about their work to non-science audiences. They offer a seminar course and a chance to speak at Town Hall, and now their students are blogging about their experiences. Check out the first post, by physics PhD candidate Alan Jamison, called “Hoping to Share Some Science“!