Category Science & Technology
How do you mend a broken heart? Maybe someday with stem cells made from your skin
A little more than a year after University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists showed they could turn skin cells back into stem cells, they have pulsating proof that these "induced" stem cells can indeed form the specialized cells that make up heart muscle. Read More
Psychoactive compound activates mysterious receptor
A hallucinogenic compound found in a plant indigenous to South America and used in shamanic rituals regulates a mysterious protein that is abundant throughout the body, University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers have discovered. Read More
Sequences capture the code of the common cold
In an effort to confront our most familiar malady, scientists have deciphered the instruction manual for the common cold. Read More
Intrepid explorers and the search for the origin of species
A UW–Madison professor of genetics will give the plenary lecture at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science on Friday, Feb. 13. Read More
Mouse study reveals genetic component of empathy
The ability to empathize with others is partially determined by genes, according to new research on mice from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). Read More
Noted Australian science writer to visit
Wilson da Silva, editor in chief of the award-winning Australian science magazine COSMOS, has been named a UW–Madison science writer in residence for this spring. Read More
Mathematical models reveal how organisms transcend the sum of their genes
Molecular and cellular biologists have made tremendous scientific advances by dissecting apart the functions of individual genes, proteins, and pathways. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Engineering are looking to expand that understanding by putting the pieces back together, mathematically. Read More
UW-Madison to host bash for Darwin’s 200th birthday
Feb. 12 marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, the founding father of evolution, and scientists, historians and other Wisconsin scholars are planning a daylong celebration in honor of the British biologist and his legacy. Read More
Paper industry executive to lead Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative
Troy Runge, research director at Kimberly-Clark Corp., has been named director of the Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative (WBI). Read More
Reason or faith? Darwin expert reflects
This is going to be a big year for evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin: 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book “On the Origin of Species,” and Feb. 12 would be his 200th birthday. Throughout the year, Darwin Day events are planned around the world to celebrate the man and his work, and to explore Darwin’s legacy of science and reason. On the top of many Darwin Day speakers lists is Ronald Numbers, Hilldale Professor of the History of Science and Medicine. Read More
Genetic change prevents cell death in mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
By shifting a normal protective mechanism into overdrive, a University of Wisconsin–Madison scientist has completely shielded mice from a toxic chemical that would otherwise cause Parkinson's disease. Read More
17th century science, music coincide in multimedia performance
The coincidental revolutions in music and science in the 17th century are the focal points of a free public multimedia event featuring Dava Sobel, author of “Galileo’s Daughter” and “Longitude,” and soprano Sarah Pillow and her Baroque ensemble, Galileo’s Daughters. Read More
Encouraging entrepreneurs: Undergraduate invention competition turns 15
In 1995, the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Engineering debuted the Schoofs Prize for Creativity, a competition that provides university undergraduates the tools and resources to develop an original, patentable invention or process. Read More
Single gene lets bacteria jump from host to host
All life - plants, animals, people - depends on peaceful coexistence with a swarm of microbial life that performs vital services from helping to convert food to energy to protection from disease. Read More
Vet Medicine launches a new approach to E. coli food safety
Infection by Eschericia.coli O157:H7 from undercooked cattle meat proves deadly to about 60 people in the U.S. each year. While testing is available to detect the presence of the bacterium in raw meat, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison would prefer to address the problem before the meat is sent to market. Read More
Innocence Project helps reverse wrongful murder conviction
Robert Lee Stinson, a Milwaukee man convicted of homicide in 1985, is expected to be released from prison today (Jan. 30, 2009) based on new evidence of his innocence. Read More
Experts available to discuss the federal economic stimulus package
As federal lawmakers continue to debate the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA 2009), professional development experts at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are available to discuss the impact of the legislation on the nation's infrastructure. Read More
Research uncovers surprising lion stronghold in war-torn central Africa
Times are tough for wildlife living at the frontier between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Armies are reportedly encamped in a national park and wildlife preserve on the Congolese side, while displaced herders and their cattle have settled in an adjoining Ugandan park. Read More
New evolutionary biology option looks to the future of science
Charles Darwin would be proud of the way the biology major has evolved during the last academic year. Read More
Predicting the future spread of infectious-disease vectors
As global warming raises concerns about potential spread of infectious diseases, a team of researchers has demonstrated a way to predict the expanding range of human disease vectors in a changing world. Read More