Mouse study reveals genetic component of empathy
The ability to empathize with others is partially determined by genes, according to new research on mice from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).
Recent sightings: ‘World Runway’
Models display various styles of traditional Hmong dress during “World Runway,” an international fashion show held in the Memorial Union’s Main Lounge on Feb.
UW-Madison explores partnerships with Iraqi university
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is taking the first steps toward a formal partnership with a university in Iraq.
Graduate student’s software innovation helps harness brainstorming
One success of the UW–Madison Reaccreditation Project gave rise to an even bigger challenge: namely, what to make of tens of thousands of open-ended observations about the university’s future? One clever software solution, developed by math graduate student Erik Andrejko, may end up finding a useful home with any organization in the throes of strategic planning.
Noted Australian science writer to visit
Wilson da Silva, editor in chief of the award-winning Australian science magazine COSMOS, has been named a UW–Madison science writer in residence for this spring.
Farlow celebrates 10 years with campus opera
When other 11-year-olds were out doing whatever 11-year-olds did in 1960, Bill Farlow could be found in the library in El Paso, Texas, head buried in an opera score, following along to the music as he listened to the recording. “I had watched old opera movies on television, and El Paso had a fine symphony and opera. I started learning about opera 50 years ago and it took,” says Farlow.
Green is the trend for UW design students
With the economy in recession and consumers looking to cut costs however they can, it may not seem like the best time to focus on fashion and design. But students in the School of Human Ecology are doing just that in a course focused on creating products and apparel that are not only sustainable, but people actually want to buy.
UWPD warns of thefts
The UWPD is again warning students, faculty and staff not to leave valuables unattended in the wake of a recent string of thefts of audio-visual equipment and laptops.
Dance programming abounds on campus during February
February may be short, but it’s long on programming by the Dance Program.
Spring public policy series announced
Specialists in administrative law, entrepreneurship and social statistics will speak on a variety of public policy issues this spring through joint sponsorship of the La Follette School of Public Policy and the Center for the World and the Global Economy (WAGE).
Milestones
The university has awarded 2009 Research Service Grant Awards to Nancy Mithlo, Department of Art History, and Douglas Weibel, Department of Biochemistry. The Council for…
Process Redesign begins review of research grant administration
The university’s effort to create better business processes is tackling its first large-scale project: a comprehensive review of the administration of research grants, with an eye toward making improvements.
Two longtime, retired faculty members pass away in January
Two retired professors widely respected for their teaching, scholarship and influence — Clara Penniman and Wilmott Ragsdale — passed away last month.
Celebrate winter during Hoofers carnival
Last weekend’s freakishly warm weather was just a teaser of spring — winter is still the main course, and there’s no better way to chill than at the Hoofers Winter Carnival with outdoor games, sports, contests and demonstrations. And make sure your camera has fresh batteries: Lady Liberty will make her triumphant return to Lake Mendota.
Outdoor fitness still an option, even in winter
As the gloss starts to wear off those New Year’s resolutions to get in shape and the dark cold days of winter still stretch out ahead of us, the idea of developing and sticking to an outdoor fitness plan may sound less than appealing.
Employee Matters
This column is prepared by staff from the Office of Human Resources. E-mail questions to benefits@ohr.wisc.edu or call 262-5650. For more information, visit Payroll and Benefits Services
Making sense out of bacteria and other ‘bugs’
For two years now, she’s been sending toothbrushes along with veterinary medical students headed out on farm calls. Their directive: Rub the toothbrush on cows with ringworm.
Work begins on Education Building’s renovation, expansion
Work to renovate and expand the Education Building on historic Bascom Hill is beginning — with the goal of creating a focal point for the School of Education and serving its mission into the future.
New Arts Venture Challenge awards student innovators
It's not every day that a judge is so torn between two competitors that he produces $500 out of his own pocket just so he won't have to choose.