Study finds minimal effect on major crime from legal marijuana sales

Legalizing recreational marijuana has had minimal effect on violent or property crime rates in Washington and Colorado, a WSU study funded by the National Institute of Justice has found. “As the nationwide debate about legalization, the federal classification of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act, and the consequences of legalization for crime continues, it is […]

Ecological legacy of the Palouse Prairie

It’s the cutest photo ever—innocent black eyes, little mottled snout covered with sand. Erim Gómez has won several awards for his angelic close-up of a spadefoot toad. The doctoral student in environmental and natural resource sciences admits to a soft spot for the shy creatures. Working with associate professor Rodney Sayler in the WSU Endangered […]

Studio of notes

The first thing you might notice about the Washington State University recording studio is the silence. It starts when Dave Bjur, studio manager and chief engineer, closes the hallway door, sealing off the random din of the Kimbrough Music Building’s top floor. Then he closes a second door and a weird sensation settles into the […]

WSU climbs 47 spots in WSJ college rankings

Washington State University climbed 47 spots in the latest Wall Street Journal / Times Higher Education U.S. College Rankings, landing among the top 200 institutions nationwide. The university system ranked 176 out of more than 800 colleges in the 2020 WSJ/THE report released earlier this month, up from 223 the year prior. Among public universities in the Pacific Northwest, WSU was second […]

Watershed planning for rural growth, threatened salmon

A report by scientists with WSU’s State of Washington Water Research Center could help inform decision makers and planners in watersheds across the state, as they develop projects that balance growth with the needs of threatened salmon and steelhead. “Our guidance highlights available approaches that can benefit endangered species and their habitat, as well as […]

Grizzlies show remarkable gene control before and during hibernation

Being a human couch potato can greatly increase fat accumulation, hasten the onset of Type II diabetes symptoms, result in detrimental blood chemistry and cardiovascular changes, and eventually, bring about one’s death. Large hibernators such as bears however have evolved to adapt to and reverse similar metabolic stressors they face each year before and during […]

Taking the LEAD in fostering student democratic engagement

In recognition of WSU’s high level of student engagement, the university has been selected as a 2019 LEAD Initiative Institution by NASPA, a national organization for student affairs professionals. The honor recognizes colleges and universities that are committed to making civic learning and democratic engagement a part of every student’s college education. WSU is the […]