Category Science & Technology
On slippery science subjects, Internet news delivers
Internet-based science news draws a more demographically diverse, learned and focused audience than print or television news, according to a study by University of Wisconsin–Madison communication researchers. Read More
Particle accelerator ready to attempt record-breaking collisions
Energy is building at the Large Hadron Collider outside of Geneva, Switzerland, in more ways than one. Read More
Molecular biologist receives Stephen Jay Gould Prize
Sean Carroll, a University of Wisconsin–Madison molecular biologist and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, has been named the recipient of the 2010 Stephen Jay Gould Prize, an award given in recognition of exemplary efforts to advance public understanding of evolutionary science. Read More
Study explores link between sunlight, multiple sclerosis
For more than 30 years, scientists have known that multiple sclerosis (MS) is much more common in higher latitudes than in the tropics. Because sunlight is more abundant near the equator, many researchers have wondered if the high levels of vitamin D engendered by sunlight could explain this unusual pattern of prevalence. Read More
Twenty-year study yields precise model of tectonic-plate movements
A new model of the Earth, 20 years in the making, describes a dynamic three-dimensional puzzle of planetary proportions. Read More
Engineers revolutionizing Third World housing and infrastructure featured at WARF Gilson event
The recent earthquake in Haiti graphically demonstrated to the world how the impact of a natural disaster is magnified by poorly constructed housing and unplanned infrastructure. Read More
Book, research sparked professor’s passion for the gas and dust of the galaxy
Most people first think of the stars when thinking about outer space — but Snezana Stanimirovic is more interested in what’s between them. Read More
From raw biomass, chemical process produces simple, fermentable sugars
A University of Wisconsin–Madison research team has developed a promising new chemical method to liberate the sugar molecules trapped inside inedible plant biomass, a key step in the creation of cellulosic biofuels. Read More
Where the invasive things are — and where they could be
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Center for Limnology have launched a new Web site to help assess the threat of aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin's lakes. Read More
Celebrating 25 years at UW–Madison’s Biotechnology Center
On Wednesday, March 10, the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus community and guests will join in celebrating 25 years of operation at the UW–Madison Biotechnology Center. Read More
Weather Guys get new platform at Why Files Web site
The Weather Guys - two University of Wisconsin–Madison professors of atmospheric sciences - will now appear at The Why Files, a Web site that covers science behind the headlines. Read More
DNR taps UW–Madison expertise to measure, manage state deer herd
Wisconsin wildlife managers are tapping into University of Wisconsin–Madison expertise in wildlife ecology, forest ecology and environmental communications in order to better manage the state's population of white-tailed deer. Read More
Template engineering demonstrates possibilities of new superconducting material
A breakthrough approach by University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers and their collaborators in fabricating thin films of a new superconducting material has yielded promising results: The material has a current-carrying potential 500 times that of previous experiments, making it significant for a variety of practical applications. Read More
New approach could produce multifunction nanodevices
A team led by University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers has developed a new approach for creating powerful nanodevices, and their discoveries could pave the way for other researchers to begin more widespread development of these devices. Read More
Novel compound found effective against avian influenza virus
A novel compound is highly effective against the pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, including some drug-resistant strains, according to new research led by a University of Wisconsin–Madison virologist. Read More
New process yields high-energy-density plant-based transportation fuel
A team of University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers has developed a highly efficient, environmentally friendly process that selectively converts gamma-valerolactone, a biomass derivative, into the chemical equivalent of jet fuel. Read More
UW-Madison physicists build basic quantum computing circuit
Exerting delicate control over a pair of atoms within a mere seven-millionths-of-a-second window of opportunity, physicists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison created an atomic circuit that may help quantum computing become a reality. Read More
Two selected as American Geophysical Union fellows
Two University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists have been named fellows of the American Geophysical Union, a distinction made for exceptional scientific contributions and eminence in the Earth or space sciences. Read More
Virus hybridization could create pandemic bird flu
Genetic interactions between avian H5N1 influenza and human seasonal influenza viruses have the potential to create hybrid strains combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of H1N1, according to a new study. Read More
Induced neural stem cells: Not quite ready for prime time
The great promise of induced pluripotent stem cells is that the all-purpose cells seem capable of performing all the same tricks as embryonic stem cells, but without the controversy. Read More