Category Science & Technology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly speaks at UW on his Year in Space
Retired NASA astronaut Scott Kelly spoke to a nearly full house at Memorial Union on Oct. 4 about his year in space, one day reaching the red planet and the importance of endurance through adversity.
Most preprint studies of COVID-19 hold up through peer-review
Quantifying the differences typically seen after studies cross the peer-review finish line can help consumers of the freshest science consider how much weight they give preprint results as they report on discoveries or issue public health guidance.
Monitoring an invasion: Where are jumping worms now?
Invasive jumping worms threaten soil health in Wisconsin, including in Dane County where the population has infested the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum. Brad Herrick leads crews of volunteers to survey for the worms so that researchers can study their movements and possibly find ways to halt their spread.
Decades of work at UW–Madison underpin discovery of corona protecting Milky Way’s neighboring galaxies
Astronomers at UW–Madison used light from quasars across 28 galaxies to illuminate a corona of warm gases mediating a trail of gaseous debris left by the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two dwarf galaxies orbiting the Milky Way.