Category Science & Technology
In a sea of data, Bioinformatics Resource Center rides genomic wave
In July 2012, the UW–Madison Bioinformatics Resource Center opened for business, providing one-stop shopping for genetic sequencing, genome assembly, analysis and a host of services to help UW–Madison faculty and others make sense of the sea of data generated by new technologies that have put the secrets of human, plant, animal and microbial genomes within tantalizing reach.
Archeologists return to mysterious Aztalan site in Jefferson County
Research groups from three Midwestern universities are digging yet again at Aztalan, a state park near Lake Mills, Wis., hoping to unravel the history of a walled outpost that was once thought to be related to the Aztec culture in Mexico.
Ecologists map the benefits of our ecosystems
Two ecologists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison report this week (July 1) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences a novel approach to analyzing the production and location of 10 different ecosystem services across a landscape, opening the door to being able to identify factors governing their synergies and tradeoffs.
Diamond catalyst shows promise in breaching age-old barrier
In the world, there are a lot of small molecules people would like to get rid of, or at least convert to something useful, according to University of Wisconsin–Madison chemist Robert J. Hamers.
“Science is Fun” offers two shows in July
Chemist and stage-master Bassam Shakhashiri will present two free shows on the UW–Madison campus in early July. Tickets are not required, but space may be limited, says Shakhashiri, a professor of chemistry who has entertained and enlightened the public for decades at standing-room-only demonstrations.
Exploring a volcano: The romance and the reality
A UW–Madison team endures hardship in the field, where a deceptively calm volcanic site could be spewing lava within weeks.
Innovation institute to broaden U.S. palette of advanced materials
Sporting sleek cases, sensitive touch screens, and an ever-increasing array of features, today's smartphones and tablets provide consumers unparalleled mobile computing capability.
Morgridge Institute taps biomedical innovator as chairman
The trustees of the Morgridge Institute for Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have named Fred Robertson as chairman, replacing outgoing chairman Ernie Micek, whose term as chair has ended and who will remain on the board.
Business school bootcamp teaches art and science of entrepreneurship
Ice cream is more than a dessert to Maya Warren: it's her future. She studies it on a molecular level and plans to start a business related to ice cream after graduation.
Future looks bright for carbon nanotube solar cells
In an approach that could challenge silicon as the predominant photovoltaic cell material, University of Wisconsin–Madison materials engineers have developed an inexpensive solar cell that exploits carbon nanotubes to absorb and convert energy from the sun.
Grandparents gather for support at Waisman Center
You're not alone. It's a simple message but one that can provide great comfort. That is just part of what those who gather at the Waisman Center as part of the Grandparents' Network take with them following each meeting.
Researchers unearth bioenergy potential in leaf-cutter ant communities
As spring warms up Wisconsin, humans aren't the only ones tending their gardens.
Professional degree a new tool for conservation leaders
In the face of unprecedented environmental challenges that demand novel solutions, the University of Wisconsin–Madison will soon begin accepting applications for a model graduate degree program to train tomorrow's conservation leaders.
With Ceres back in orbit, Planet Trek blasts off for the bike season
The Rodney Dangerfield of celestial bodies is back.
Ned Kalin – revealing disorders of the brain
Dr. Ned Kalin, chair of the Department of Psychiatry, is an accomplished biological psychiatrist whose research focuses on anxiety. Through imaging studies and understanding the genetic and environmental components of mental illness, his lab is working toward discoveries that can form the basis of early interventions to treat children who are at risk of developing long-term anxiety and related psychiatric disorders.
$18 million to study deadly secrets of flu, Ebola, West Nile viruses
In an effort to sort out why some viruses such as influenza, Ebola and West Nile are so lethal, a team of U.S. researchers plans a comprehensive effort to model how humans respond to these viral pathogens.
Innovative solar cell structure stores and supplies energy simultaneously
The potential energy available via solar power might seem limitless on a sunny summer day, but all that energy has to be stored for it to be truly useful. If you see a solar panel on a rooftop, in a large-scale array, or even on a parking meter, a bulky battery or supercapacitor is hidden just out of sight, receiving energy from the panel through power lines.
RFID advance to improve safety of nation’s blood supply
A six-year collaboration between industry and the University of Wisconsin–Madison RFID Lab has achieved a major milestone with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearing the first RFID-enabled solution to improve the safety and efficiency of the nation's blood supply.
A virtual elephant from a marriage of biology, engineering, and art
The solid aluminum cast of an elephant on Warren Porter's desk has been waiting for 25 years.
Colleagues remember Rader for technical skills, human touch
Computing can be a complex and difficult topic for those without technical experience. Stephen Rader’s easy-going manner made his colleagues in the Physics Department feel at-ease with technology and helped support their research successes.