Skip to main content

Category Science & Technology

Researchers explore the broad-reaching effects of a pandemic in Wisconsin

April 28, 2009

If a pandemic hit Madison, canceling a football game at the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Camp Randall would protect thousands from exposure to illness. However, the economic cost would be substantial for stadium workers and employees at nearby restaurants and businesses if widespread, prolonged illness forced officials to call off an entire season of Badger football.

UW-Madison physicist elected to National Academy of Sciences

April 28, 2009

Susan N. Coppersmith, a University of Wisconsin–Madison professor of physics, was elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences today (April 28), in recognition of her "distinguished and continuing achievements in original research."

As ticks expand, new areas may become prone to Lyme disease

April 27, 2009

Last summer, after returning home from a walk in Madison's Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood, Susan Paskewitz was astonished to find a deer tick crawling up her dog's hind leg. It was the first time Paskewitz, a University of Wisconsin–Madison entomologist, had collected a tick in the city. Within the month, she learned of two other such cases.

‘Why Files’ finally in print after 13 years on the Web

April 21, 2009

A pioneering University of Wisconsin–Madison project that was among the first to deliver accurate, understandable and appealing science to the infant World Wide Web has finally found a home between the covers of a book. On Tuesday, April 28, Penguin will release "The Why Files: The Science Behind the News."

Sustainability to be focus of annual bioethics forum

April 20, 2009

Sustainability will be the focus of the eighth annual International Bioethics Forum to be held in Madison Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24.

Researchers use brain interface to post to Twitter

April 20, 2009

In early April, Adam Wilson posted a status update on the social networking Web site Twitter - just by thinking about it.

‘Motorized’ DNA opens door to autonomous molecular experiments

April 17, 2009

Using the same protein molecule that scientists have used for decades to copy genetic material, researchers have developed a molecular motor for propelling DNA.

UW-Madison students strive to improve medical care around the world

April 16, 2009

When Amit Nimunkar returned to his home in India for a visit with family, the University of Wisconsin–Madison biomedical engineering (BME) graduate student told his grandmother about the exciting BME projects he was working on.

Art of the very, very small to debut at Dane County Airport

April 15, 2009

Artful images of the very, very small - cells, molecules and nanoscale structures - will be on display beginning Friday, April 24, at the Art Court of the Dane County Regional Airport.

Study reveals potential to amass more carbon in eastern North American forests

April 6, 2009

With climate change looming, the hunt for places that can soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is on.

Sleep: Spring cleaning for the brain?

April 2, 2009

If you've ever been sleep-deprived, you know the feeling that your brain is full of wool.

Survey shows high interest in biofuels

April 1, 2009

Most Americans want to know more about biofuels, according to a new survey fielded by researchers in the Department of Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Silicon superlattices: New waves in thermoelectricity

April 1, 2009

A University of Wisconsin–Madison research team has developed a new method for using nanoscale silicon that could improve devices that convert thermal energy into electrical energy.

Landscape found to influence spread of malaria in Amazon

March 31, 2009

The spread of malaria, one of the world's most prevalent insect-borne diseases and a leading killer of children, may have more to do with landscape than precipitation as the world warms, according to a new study.

Study of cat diet leads to key nervous system repair discovery

March 30, 2009

Scientists studying a mysterious neurological affliction in cats have discovered a surprising ability of the central nervous system to repair itself and restore function.

Study reveals new options for people with PKU

March 30, 2009

For people with the genetic condition known as phenylketonuria (PKU), diet is a constant struggle. They can eat virtually no protein, and instead get their daily dose of this key macronutrient by drinking a bitter-tasting formula of amino acids. Yet drink it they must; deviating from this strict dietary regimen puts them at risk of developing permanent neurological damage.

Hurricanes not likely to disrupt ocean carbon balance

March 30, 2009

Hurricanes are well known for the trail of damage and debris they can leave on land, but less known for the invisible trail left over the ocean by their gale-force winds - a trail of carbon dioxide.

Entomology department’s centennial celebration features butterfly exhibit

March 30, 2009

To help celebrate its 100th year, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Entomology is inviting the public to get up close and personal with members of the wide world of insects.

Former NSF director Neal Lane to discuss ‘Science in the Obama Era’

March 27, 2009

Former National Science Foundation director Neal Lane, now of Rice University, will give a UW–Madison chemistry department colloquium, "Science in the Obama Era," on Friday, March 27 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 1315 of the Chemistry Building, 1101 University Ave.

Wisconsin, Morgridge scientists excise vector, exotic genes from induced stem cells

March 26, 2009

A team of scientists from the Morgridge Institute for Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison reports that it has created induced human pluripotent stem (iPS) cells completely free of viral vectors and exotic genes.