Slide show: February thaw
When unexpectedly warm temperatures and cabin fever mix, Wisconsinites find every possible excuse to be outside.
Two-step chemical process turns raw biomass into biofuel
Taking a chemical approach, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a two-step method to convert the cellulose in raw biomass into a promising biofuel. The process, which is described in the Wednesday, Feb. 11 issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, is unprecedented in its use of untreated, inedible biomass as the starting material.
UW-Madison receives national service award
For the second year in a row, the Corporation for National and Community Service has honored the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to America's communities.
Reactor refuel is unique educational opportunity for nuclear engineering students
Under a U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration initiative, engineers will convert the UW–Madison research and training nuclear reactor from highly enriched uranium to low enriched uranium.
WSUM starts a new era with move into University Square
After years of a pillar-to-post existence and adapting to jerry-rigged spaces that were never intended to house a radio studio, WSUM-FM 91.7 has moved into shiny, new digs designed just for them at University Square, 333 East Campus Mall.
Curiosities: What’s the difference between an economic recession and a depression?
The “official” arbiter of recessions is the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), a private, nonprofit research organization, comprising a number of top economists,…
Clean air action day announced for Feb. 9
As Dane County gears up for a Clean Air Action Day on Monday, Feb 9, UW–Madison is taking an active role to help safeguard local air quality.
Mathematical models reveal how organisms transcend the sum of their genes
Molecular and cellular biologists have made tremendous scientific advances by dissecting apart the functions of individual genes, proteins, and pathways. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Engineering are looking to expand that understanding by putting the pieces back together, mathematically.
UW-Madison: Russell Athletic relationship will end
The University of Wisconsin–Madison will end its business relationship with Russell Athletic at the expiration of its current licensing agreement in March.
UW-Madison to host bash for Darwin’s 200th birthday
Feb. 12 marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, the founding father of evolution, and scientists, historians and other Wisconsin scholars are planning a daylong celebration in honor of the British biologist and his legacy.
Paper industry executive to lead Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative
Troy Runge, research director at Kimberly-Clark Corp., has been named director of the Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative (WBI).
Third annual 100-Hour Challenge stimulates student entrepreneurship
In the past, enterprising University of Wisconsin–Madison students have repurposed surplus materials to construct, among other things, a space heater safety alarm, a home reservoir system, a hand-cranking portable power generator and an artistic, wall-mounted light fixture.
Alternative Breaks deadline approaching
The deadline to apply to participate in UW–Madison's Alternative Breaks program is coming up.
Reason or faith? Darwin expert reflects
This is going to be a big year for evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin: 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book “On the Origin of Species,” and Feb. 12 would be his 200th birthday. Throughout the year, Darwin Day events are planned around the world to celebrate the man and his work, and to explore Darwin’s legacy of science and reason. On the top of many Darwin Day speakers lists is Ronald Numbers, Hilldale Professor of the History of Science and Medicine.
The Wisconsin Experience: Delta Program makes big impact on UW teaching culture
Teachers teach, students learn and researchers study. But the Delta Program in Research, Teaching and Learning turns teachers into students, students into teachers and both into researchers.
Genetic change prevents cell death in mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
By shifting a normal protective mechanism into overdrive, a University of Wisconsin–Madison scientist has completely shielded mice from a toxic chemical that would otherwise cause Parkinson's disease.
Free cake to celebrate UW–Madison’s 160th birthday
This year, the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) is feeding students' minds as well as their bodies during the University of Wisconsin–Madison's birthday celebration.
WID plans town-hall meetings
The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) is sponsoring two additional open or town-hall meetings for interested faculty. The first is at 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9. The topic of that meeting will be “Education and Outreach in WID.”