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Humanity has exceeded 4 of 9 ‘planetary boundaries,’ according to researchers

January 15, 2015

An international team of researchers says climate change, the loss of biosphere integrity, land-system change, and altered biogeochemical cycles like phosphorus and nitrogen runoff have all passed beyond levels that put humanity in a “safe operating space.” Civilization has crossed four of nine so-called planetary boundaries as the result of human activity, according to a report published today in Science by the 18-member research team. Among them is Steve Carpenter, director of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Center for Limnology and the only U.S.-based researcher on the study. Read More

UW-Madison scientists find how many cancers may evade treatment

January 15, 2015

Xiaojun Tan, a graduate student in Richard A. Anderson’s lab at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, made an unexpected observation while studying the locations inside cells where the epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR, can be found. His subsequent investigation revealed how cancer was evading treatment drugs: by sneaking through the cellular back door. Read More

Chemical dial controls attraction between water-repelling molecules

January 14, 2015

Abbott, Gellman and a group of University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers have provided new insights on hydrophobic interactions within complex systems. In a study published today in the journal Nature, the researchers show how the nearby presence of polar (water-attracted, or hydrophilic) substances can change the way the nonpolar hydrophobic groups want to stick to each other. Read More

Carbon nanotube finding could lead to flexible electronics with longer battery life

January 14, 2015

University of Wisconsin–Madison materials engineers have made a significant leap toward creating higher-performance electronics with improved battery life — and the ability to flex and stretch. Led by materials science Associate Professor Michael Arnold and Professor Padma Gopalan, the team has reported the highest-performing carbon nanotube transistors ever demonstrated. In addition to paving the way for improved consumer electronics, this technology could also have specific uses in industrial and military applications. Read More

King Holiday keynote speaker depicted in film ‘Selma’ will bring timely message

January 14, 2015

King Holiday keynote speaker depicted in film "Selma" will bring timely message Read More

After the game ends, UW–Madison helps athletes return to the classroom

January 13, 2015

The last time LaMar "Soup" Campbell sat in a University of Wisconsin–Madison classroom, Bill Clinton was president. Melvin Gordon had just turned 5 years old. Read More

Infamous study of humanity’s ‘dark side’ may actually show how to keep it at bay

January 9, 2015

In 1961, with memories of Holocaust atrocities and the prosecution of Nazi officials at Nuremburg still fresh, psychologist Stanley Milgram undertook a series of now infamous experiments on obedience and reprehensible behavior. Read More

Deer account for almost half of long-term forest change, study finds

January 2, 2015

A study released this week has linked at least 40 percent of species changes in the forests of northern Wisconsin and Michigan over the past 60 years to the eating habits of white-tailed deer. Read More

Muddy forests, shorter winters present challenges for loggers

December 22, 2014

Stable, frozen ground has long been recognized a logger’s friend, capable of supporting equipment and trucks in marshy or soggy forests. Now, a comprehensive look at weather from 1948 onward shows that the logger’s friend is melting. The study, published in the current issue of the Journal of Environmental Management, finds that the period of frozen ground has declined by an average of two or three weeks since 1948. Read More

‘Amazing Race,’ amazing comeback

December 20, 2014

It wasn't just an "Amazing Race" for Amy DeJong and Maya Warren. It was an amazing victory -- and an amazing comeback. Read More

Julian remembered as a good friend, co-worker

December 19, 2014

Obituary for UW–Madison employee Miguel Julian. Read More

Neal First, whose work led to cattle cloning, dies at 84

December 18, 2014

Emeritus Professor Neal First, a pioneer in cattle reproduction and cloning who studied animal physiology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison for 45 years, died Nov. 20 from complications of cancer. Read More

Capitol veteran, a UW–Madison alumnus, to direct state relations

December 18, 2014

Matt Kussow has been hired as the new director of state government relations at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Read More

Changes intended to make official travel easier, more efficient

December 18, 2014

Changes are coming in January to the travel program for all University of Wisconsin System employees. The program changes are intended to ease travel booking, improve traveler safety and comfort, and achieve cost efficiency. Read More