Category Science & Technology
Science photo takes second in national contest
With a photograph that embodies the unexpected - and sometimes breathtaking - outcomes of science, University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate student Jenna Eun has won second place in the 2008 Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and Science magazine. Read More
Professor brings sight to people around the world
If you’ve met Suresh Chandra, you’ve likely been enlisted in his crusade to end blindness. Read More
Global population lecture opens Nelson Institute series
Joel Cohen will give a free public lecture, “Global Population and the Global Environment to 2050,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, in 165 Bascom Hall. The event opens the fourth year of the Gaylord Nelson Lecture Series, hosted by the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. “Population and Resources” is the theme for 2008–09. Read More
University names interim director for Nelson Institute
Gregg Mitman, a science historian at UW–Madison, has been named interim director of the university’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Read More
Canadian science radio producer named Science Writer in Residence
Jim Handman, executive producer of the highly acclaimed Canadian Broadcasting Corp. science radio show “Quirks & Quarks,” will spend the week of Oct. 6–10 on campus as the fall Science Writer in Residence. Read More
Family medicine increases visibility through YouTube channel
The Department of Family Medicine (DFM) has further broadened its online presence by launching an expanded channel, http://www.youtube.com/WIFamilyMedicine. Read More
Conference targets solutions for lakes
People who care about Dane County’s tainted lakes will consider the options in a daylong conference on Friday, Oct. 10, at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Read More
Q&A: A broad vision for cross-college biology education
As one who balances scientific interests in microbes and climate change with a passion for human development, associate soil science professor Teri Balser knows a thing or two about bridging diverse disciplines and perspectives. Who better, then, to lead the Institute for Cross-College Biology Education? Read More
Study works to improve pain relief in pets
A new, injectable pain-relieving drug formulation for animals might eliminate more than pain. Read More
Comet dust reveals unexpected mixing of solar system
Chemical clues from a comet's halo are challenging common views about the history and evolution of the solar system and showing it may be more mixed-up than previously thought. Read More
Reseachers derive ‘green gasoline’ from plant sugars
Alternative energy doesn't always mean solar or wind power. In fact, the alternative fuels developed by University of Wisconsin–Madison chemical and biological engineering professor James Dumesic look a lot like the gasoline and diesel fuel used in vehicles today. Read More
Monsanto supports UW plant breeding with $1 million fellowship gift
Monsanto Co. has made a $1 million gift to support plant breeding and genetics in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Read More
Feyzi named new director of Physical Sciences Laboratory
Farshid Feyzi takes over this week as director of the Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL), the University of Wisconsin–Madison's in-house engineering, manufacturing and project consultation center. Read More
Engineered stem cells carry promising ALS therapy
Using adult stem cells from bone marrow as "Trojan horses" to deliver a nurturing growth factor to atrophied muscles, Wisconsin scientists have successfully slowed the progression of ALS in rats. Read More
Great ideas sought for WID competition
To chart the direction of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID), the committee and campus leaders charged with formulating the vision for the new interdisciplinary institute have issued a call for research theme proposals from UW–Madison faculty. Read More
New book explains food science in easy-to-digest bites
Ever wonder how marshmallow Peeps are made? Or why the bacteria known as probiotics are good for you? Or perhaps why a few grains of uncooked rice are sometimes added to salt shakers? Read More
Executive director named for Morgridge Institute for Research
A distinguished researcher from Purdue University with significant private and public sector experience will return to Wisconsin as the executive director of the new Morgridge Institute for Research, part of the twin Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. Read More
Heart of the Matter
Underground in Europe, thousands of scientists — using the largest accelerator ever built — are conducting a thrilling hunt. They’re looking for tiny particles that are the source of all matter’s mass, hoping to solve some of the biggest mysteries in physics. And UW–Madison researchers are right at the center of the action. Read More
World’s biggest particle accelerator begins operation
After more than 15 years of planning and preparation, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's most powerful particle accelerator, started operating this morning (Sept. 10). Read More
Can love change your mind? New project explores neuroscience of ‘positive qualities’
What is happening in the minds of people who have developed a greater capacity for forgiveness and compassion? Can a quality like love — whether it’s shown toward a family member or a friend — be neurologically measured in the brain? A new research project at UW–Madison offers the opportunity to apply hard science to these seemingly ethereal questions. Read More