Category Science & Technology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Study works to improve pain relief in pets
A new, injectable pain-relieving drug formulation for animals might eliminate more than pain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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).
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.
World Stem Cell Summit comes to Madison Sept. 21-23
Meeting stem cell experts from around the world, unique networking opportunities, and a public day of outreach await those attending the World Stem Cell Summit and related events Sept. 21-23 in Madison, Wis.
New projects take aim at Arboretum stormwater problems
Even after the most violent rains, stormwater usually recedes from city streets within hours. But in the downstream places where this water collects, the impact can be lasting, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum.
Baby’s smell tamps down dad’s testosterone levels
Does eau de infant make dad a better parent? It does, it seems, if you are a common marmoset, a New World monkey known for its collaborative approach to rearing offspring.