Category Science & Technology
‘Were U Wondering’ … how math can tame traffic?
Laura Albert, professor of industrial and systems engineering, uses math and science to explain traffic congestion — and what can be done to alleviate it.
Evolving to outpace climate change, tiny marine animal provides new evidence of long-theorized genetic mechanism
The evolution experiment is new evidence of a genetic mechanism called positive epistasis, in which the positive effect of a variant of a gene is amplified when working in combination with other key genes.
Research Cores Initiative helps replace equipment and enhance services
Cores are unique spaces where researchers can consult with technical experts. But the shared instruments, equipment and other resources they depend on have a limited lifespan.
Were U Wondering … how vaccines work?
Ann Palmenberg, professor of virology and biochemistry, explains how vaccines trick your immune system into thinking you've had an infection so you'll be protected when a real virus comes along.
Underground search for dark matter in the universe relies on UW expertise
UW–Madison physicists and the Physical Sciences Lab have been working on the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment, which just started up a new detector at least 100 times more sensitive than its predecessor.
Nuclear war would turn oceans upside down, crash food web
It would result in cooling so strong it would extend sea ice and render impassable major seaports that are now open year-round, and would likely cause significant damage to much of the ocean food web.
Unexpected link between most common cancer drivers may yield more effective drugs
A UW–Madison research team has discovered a direct link between cellular pathways that make promising targets for new cancer treatments.
Chemist Randall Goldsmith named a Schmidt Science Polymath
The UW–Madison professor's multidisciplinary approach to studying chemical and biophysical systems earned a $2.5 million award from the philanthropic organization founded by the former CEO of Google.
New study allows researchers to more efficiently form human heart cells from stem cells
The heart muscle cells, according to the UW–Madison Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center, could be useful for cardiac repair, regeneration and cell therapy.
Erin Silva named endowed chair in organic agriculture and outreach
The new chair, established through a $1 million endowment from Clif Bar & Company, was created to support the advancement of organic agriculture through dedicated research and outreach programs.
UW scientist wins Blue Planet Prize
Steve Carpenter, one of the world’s foremost lake ecologists, has been awarded an international prize for scientific research that has helped provide solutions to global environmental problems.
A Juneteenth celebration of science
Outreach teams from UW–Madison brought the "Kitchen Chemist," hands-on exploration stations, and a chance to chat with scientists to the Kujichagulia Center for Self-Determination Juneteenth celebration at Penn Park Saturday.
New cryo-electron microscopy centers help UW researchers uncover mysteries of life
The technology allows scientists to capture detailed information about the smallest components of living cells to understand everything from more effective drug development to how viruses infect cells.
PhD student researches the chemical origins of life
In 2019, Lena Vincent led a study that has become an essential guide for other astrobiology researchers trying to understand how, from a complex mix of chemicals, life could emerge anywhere that basic building blocks exist.
Altered gene helps plants absorb more carbon dioxide, produce more useful compounds
If scientists could add a trait like this to crops or drug-producing plants, it could help them produce more chemicals naturally while reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Latest round of Research Forward supports cross-campus collaborations and diversity
The projects range from probing the origins of the universe, to examining the negative effects of poverty on adolescent academic success, to developing a new type of anti-tumor vaccine that can be used to treat cancer.
Universe in the Park
Away from the glare of city lights, under dark skies in our state parks, UW–Madison's Astronomy Department presents "Universe in the Park" at locations throughout Wisconsin during the summer months.
Were U Wondering? The worms’ turn
In this episode of "Were U Wondering," Brad Herrick, an ecologist and research program manager at the UW–Madison Arboretum, explains why earthworms dig out of the soil when it rains, and you see them littering the sidewalks.
Non-invasive liquid biopsy tracks cancer treatment success in real time
These blood tests could help physicians better treat their patients by allowing them to see which treatments are working in real time without the need for repeated, invasive biopsies of solid tumors.
New research shows no evidence of structural brain change with short-term mindfulness training
“We are still in the early stages of research on the effects of meditation training on the brain and there is much to be discovered,” says Center for Healthy Minds founder and director Richard Davidson.