Category Science & Technology
Drying process could be key step in the development of life
New research could help explain crucial early steps on the path of life that led from a pool filled with simple amino acids to bacteria, redwood trees and people. Read More
When living closer to humans, animals encounter each other more often
Living closer to humans brings wild animals closer to each other, possibly closer than they'd like, according to new research from UW's Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Read More
Study maps uneasy future of Wisconsin trout populations
Climate change has affected Wisconsin trout species differently: Populations of smaller, brightly colored brook trout have declined, while numbers of larger brown trout have generally increased. Read More
UW research in 2022: From restored prairie to scorpion venom to the sewer
Here are the science stories on campus during 2022 that wowed and inspired us. Read More
UW–Madison has long been a leader in fusion research and education
Over more than a half-century, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has become a national leader in the field, with dozens of researchers working on multiple large-scale projects across three departments and two colleges. Read More
Folds in pUG molecules turn off genes and could provide clues about human disease
A curlicue RNA molecule dubbed a pUG can silence gene expression in roundworms, according to new findings. Researchers are using what they've learned to study human pUGs and their role in our own gene expression. Read More
Nuclear engineering student crowned Miss America 2023
Nuclear engineering student and 2022 Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke won the Miss America title on Dec. 15. She's using her platform to raise awareness of nuclear energy's benefits for a clean energy future. Read More
Badger Talks brings campus expertise to expanded audience
Badger Talks connects more than 400,000 Wisconsinites to UW experts every year through in-person and digital content, including a podcast. Read More
Earth’s orbit is more important in driving tropical Pacific climate than previously thought
Researchers found that the atmosphere and ocean pushing on each other is important in creating the climate on the tropical Pacific. Read More
UW researchers working to improve and simplify models for how PFAS flows through the ground
Researchers found that several factors have a major influence on where and how long harmful PFAS chemicals stay locked in the ground before flowing below the water table. Read More
New carbon nanotube-based foam promises superior protection against concussions
A a carbon nanotube foam just one atom thick absorbs specific energy 18 times better than current U.S. military combat helmets. Read More
Study shows differences between brains of primates — humans, other apes and monkeys — are small but significant
The cellular differences between these species may illuminate steps in their evolution and how those differences can be implicated in disorders, such as autism and intellectual disabilities, seen in humans. Read More
UW–Madison researchers key in revealing neutrinos emanating from galactic neighbor with a gigantic black hole
The astrophysical neutrinos coming from a Milky Way neighbor hold promise for future astronomical discoveries. Read More
Marine Protected Area creates spillover benefits for tuna fishing in Hawaii
The study showed that catch rates in waters close to the protected area increased by about 54% for yellowfin tuna, about 12% for bigeye tuna and about 8% across all fish species. Read More
Wild primate virus has pandemic potential should it jump the species barrier, shows study
New research demonstrates the potential for a family of viruses in African primates to jump the species barrier to humans. Read More
Grad students work with climatologist on tool to alert communities to dangerous heat levels
In practice, the new warning system could help policymakers make decisions for how their population can stay healthy during extreme heat. Read More
American Physical Society names four UW faculty fellows
Four University of Wisconsin–Madison professors have been elected fellows of the American Physical Society, recognizing advances in physics through original research and publication, significant and innovative applications of physics, and leadership, service and contributions to the teaching of physics. Read More
Understanding freshwater foam may help in fight against PFAS “forever chemicals”
Research in the School of Engineering will advance our understanding of how PFAS chemicals behave in diverse aquatic conditions. Read More
Improved understanding of early spinal cord development paves the way for new treatments
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are developing the means to turn stem cells into a wide range of specific types of spinal cord neurons and cells in the hindbrain — the critical nexus between the spinal cord and the brain — paving the way for improved prevention and treatment of spinal cord disease. Read More
New interactive mural invites exploration and engagement with science
A multilayered mural painted in bold colors now hangs in the atrium of the Discovery Building, depicting the many facets of STEM research and inspiring new generations to engage in science. Painted QR codes make the mural interactive, drawing the viewer into the stories of renowned and lesser known Wisconsin scientists whose contributions have shaped society. Read More