Category Science & Technology
Digitization project promises lichens and mosses at our fingertips
Lichens and mosses are well-known barometers of the environment. But soon lichens and mosses could assume a new and much broader importance as harbingers of environmental change, thanks to an effort to digitize the lichen and moss collections of U.S. herbaria. Read More
Award allows UW biochemist to investigate mitochondria mystery
Every student of basic biology learns that mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell - little factories turning oxygen and food into energy. Read More
UW study finds that larger dairy farms tend to have better milk quality
Wisconsin's larger dairy operations tended to fare better than the state's small farms in a University of Wisconsin–Madison study of milk quality, although all of the state's farms - both large and small - produced milk that easily met federal food safety guidelines. Read More
Sea level rise less from Greenland, more from Antarctica, than expected during last interglacial
During the last prolonged warm spell on Earth, the oceans were at least four meters - and possibly as much as 6.5 meters, or about 20 feet - higher than they are now. Read More
Chinese high schoolers to learn from stem cells
Eighteen students participating in the inaugural Global Wisconsin Idea Program -- a unique pairing of American and Chinese teenagers -- will join a Chinese university dean this week to learn more about the science of stem cells during a hands-on workshop hosted by the Morgridge Institute for Research. Read More
Novel gene increases yeast’s appetite for plant sugars
For thousands of years, bakers and brewers have relied on yeast to convert sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Yet, University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers eager to harness this talent for brewing biofuels have found when it comes to churning through sugars, these budding microbes can be picky eaters. Read More
Warming climate likely to dramatically increase Yellowstone fires by mid-century
Climate is changing fire patterns in the west in a way that could markedly change the face of Yellowstone National Park, according to new research. Read More
Seeds of collaboration: Illinois Titan Arum traces roots to UW
A Titan Arum grown from a seed produced by the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s record-breaking Big Bucky is about to bloom and release its overpowering… Read More
“Boot camp” prepares students for biology education at UW–Madison
Here's the situation: Recently, three kids succumbed within a month to a new blood parasite at your hospital, and a fourth child has just been admitted with the same parasite. Read More
Climate change reducing ocean’s carbon dioxide uptake
How deep is the ocean’s capacity to buffer against climate change? Read More
Rural Wisconsin high school students learn with stem cells, top UW–Madison researchers
Twenty top science students from rural Wisconsin high schools have earned the opportunity to hone their laboratory skills and work alongside top researchers from the… Read More
Landscape change leads to increased insecticide use in the Midwest
The continued growth of cropland and loss of natural habitat have increasingly simplified agricultural landscapes in the Midwest. Read More
UW-Madison scientists played role in potato genome project
University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists are part of an international consortium that has successfully sequenced and analyzed the potato genome. Read More
Indoor air pollution linked to cardiovascular risk
An estimated two billion people in the developing world heat and cook with a biomass fuel such as wood, but the practice exposes people - especially women - to large doses of small-particle air pollution, which can cause premature death and lung disease. Read More
Old and new insect pests begin bugging Wisconsin
The mosquitoes are back, the Japanese beetles are starting to devour the 300 species of plants they call “food,” and a flock of invasive insects… Read More
Retired Cargill CEO elected chair of private, nonprofit Morgridge Institute for Research
Ernest Micek has been elected chair of the board of trustees for the Morgridge Institute for Research. Read More
Innovation marks UW–Madison contribution to vitamins, drugs, medical supplies
With a long tradition of exploration of medicine and biology, and a research budget that has passed $1 billion, University of Wisconsin–Madison builds on a rich history of discoveries related to drugs and nutrition: Vitamin A and B were discovered here in 1914. Read More
Fireworks show a backdrop for fabulous science lessons
Renowned science educator Bassam Shakhashiri will take the stage on the Memorial Union Terrace Saturday, July 2 to give his annual "The Science of Fireworks" presentation. Read More