University of Wisconsin–Madison

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Citizen scientists provide clarity for lake researchers’ big questions

A massive new study of water clarity trends in Midwestern lakes is sure to make some waves in scientific circles. The study involved nearly a quarter of a million observations in 3,251 lakes spread across eight states, and data dating back seven decades. But it’s where that data came from that’s truly noteworthy. For the report, published online April 30 in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers turned exclusively to citizen scientists.

De-extinction: Will dead species live again?

De-extinction is a recent term that involves bringing back an extinct species using DNA that’s been recovered from preserved material. There are two ways that it can be accomplished: one would be cloning to produce a copy of an extinct individual’s genome. The second way is through genetic engineering to re-create a close approximation of what the extinct species’ genome might have once been. The reality is that it’s no longer science fiction. We’re getting close to being able to revive extinct species from recovered DNA.

Campus bike thefts on the rise

As the weather gets nicer, more and more people are out and about on their bikes. With that, we know the number of thefts of bicycles typically increases — and this year is no different. In fact, compared to this time last year, bike thefts on the UW-Madison campus have nearly doubled.

Winning teams address global food system challenges, from food spoilage to hunger

The national Agricultural Innovation Prize: Powered by 40 Chances announced winning student teams during a two-day competition held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on April 25-26, where students, competition judges, experts from a range of backgrounds and the public explored finalists’ projects and larger ideas in business, science and society.