Category Science & Technology

Curiosities: Is global warming evident in temperature records and warming winters?

April 11, 2011

Indeed, and winter is actually warming faster than summer in Wisconsin, says Ankur Desai, an assistant professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences at the…

ABC News global warming reporter to be science writer in residence

April 6, 2011

Bill Blakemore, who leads coverage of global warming for ABC News, is the spring science writer in residence at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

New technology could stamp out bacteria in persistent wounds

April 4, 2011

Using an advanced form of a rubber stamp, researchers have developed a way to adhere an ultra-thin antibacterial coating to a wound.

Slide Show: All hands on science

April 4, 2011

Touching it with their own hands — and seeing it with their own eyes — made science come alive for those who attended this year’s Science Expeditions, a campuswide open house at UW–Madison, on April 2.

New plan details Wisconsin’s potential to turn millions of exported energy dollars into revenues

March 28, 2011

A collaboration of researchers, business leaders, policymakers and industry experts has identified a plan for capitalizing on the biogas energy opportunity in Wisconsin.

Two new basic science departments established

March 24, 2011

Science is in your hands at annual Science Expeditions event

March 24, 2011

A little hands-on exploration can open a whole new world, and Science Expeditions — set for Saturday, April 2, this year — is a passport to the world of research at UW–Madison.

UW-Madison lake scientist gets world’s top water prize

March 22, 2011

Noted University of Wisconsin–Madison limnologist Stephen Carpenter has been awarded the 2011 Stockholm Water Prize, the world's most prestigious award for water-related activities, it was announced in Stockholm, Sweden today (Tuesday, March 22).

Curiosities: What is the flattest thing in the world?

March 21, 2011

The answer depends on many factors, including how the measurement is made and the scale of interest. “A mountain can look very rough, but if…

New imaging technique provides rapid, high-definition chemistry

March 21, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/21/11

Researchers find reduction in asthma attacks tied to seasonal allergies

March 16, 2011

Aging rates, mortality gender gap similar across primates, study finds

March 10, 2011

Humans aren't the only ones who grow old gracefully, says a new study of primate aging patterns.

UW-Madison to host Science Olympiad National Tournament on May 18-21

March 8, 2011

More than 6,000 students, educators and parents from around the country will visit the University of Wisconsin–Madison Wednesday-Saturday, May 18-21, for the 27th annual Science Olympiad National Tournament.

Discovery Town Center debuts Saturday Science Series for families

March 3, 2011

The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery Town Center will debut a new monthly series of free science exploration and education programs aimed at kids and families this Saturday March 5. Its first program, Leopold Discovery Day, invites learner of all ages to celebrate the life and discoveries of legendary University of Wisconsin–Madison environmentalist Aldo Leopold, known as the "father of wildlife management."

Ecological adaptation likely to influence impacts of climate change

March 1, 2011

Animals' capacity to adapt is a factor in how they are likely to respond to changing climate conditions.

Curiosities: Why, when I see wind generators on a windy day, are some rotating and others not?

February 28, 2011

There are several possible reasons why a turbine may be still even when the wind is blowing, says Giri Venkataramanan, a…

Insect hearing inspires new approach to small antennas

February 25, 2011

Ormia ochracea is a small parasitic fly best known for its strong sense of directional hearing. A female fly tracks a male cricket by its chirps and then deposits her eggs on the unfortunate host. The larvae subsequently eat the cricket.

Curiosities: How high can bugs fly?

February 15, 2011

“We can pick up insects at 5,000 or 6,000 feet,” says Phil Pellitteri of the UW–Madison insect diagnostic lab. “But wind is a big…

Ancient Mesoamerican sculpture uncovered in southern Mexico

February 14, 2011

With one arm raised and a determined scowl, the figure looks ready to march right off his carved tablet and into the history books. If only we knew who he was - corn god? Tribal chief? Sacred priest?

World phosphorous use crosses critical threshold

February 14, 2011

Recalculating the global use of phosphorous, a fertilizer linchpin of modern agriculture, a team of researchers warns that the world's stocks may soon be in short supply and that overuse in the industrialized world has become a leading cause of the pollution of lakes, rivers and streams.