Category Science & Technology
Curiosities: What’s behind the claims that the new particle accelerator in Europe may create black holes that could destroy the Earth? Should we be worried?
When the Large Hadron Collider starts running this summer near Geneva, Switzerland, some physicists have predicted that some of its high-energy proton collisions could… Read More
SEMATECH donates cutting-edge lab equipment to UW–Madison
Students in Mechanical Engineering Professor Roxann Engelstad's lab, sought after in industry for their problem-solving experience, now can graduate even more well-versed in cutting-edge technology. Read More
The biology of obesity: Do these genes make me look fat?
Scientists are probing the complex relationship between our DNA and our diets to unravel the root causes of obesity. But for those seeking a simple solution to the worldwide fat epidemic, their answers may be hard to swallow. Read More
Watershed study solidifies science behind ecosystem restoration projects
Working with The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin and the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a pair of University of Wisconsin–Madison hydroecologists is evaluating the efficacy of an ecosystem restoration project along a stretch of the Pecatonica River near the small town of Barneveld in southwest Wisconsin. Read More
Self-assembling polymer arrays improve data storage potential
A new manufacturing approach holds the potential to overcome the technological limitations currently facing the microelectronics and data-storage industries, paving the way to smaller electronic devices and higher-capacity hard drives. Read More
World Stem Cell Summit offers registration discounts to UW–Madison community
The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center and the WiCell Research Institute will help supplement World Stem Cell Summit registrations for a limited number of faculty, staff, students and trainees. Read More
Fighting ash borer: To spray or not to spray?
Perhaps the only good news in the Aug. 4 announcement that emerald ash borers have been found in southeastern Wisconsin is that the invasive pest took its time getting here. Read More
Slide show: Bucky (and friends) go to the fair
Cream puffs and the giant slide aside, the Wisconsin State Fair is a great venue for learning new things about the world — making it an ideal spot for UW–Madison to settle in for a day. On Wednesday, Aug. 6, the university did just that by bringing a sampling of science, music and athletics to the citizens of the state during UW–Madison Day at the Fair. Read More
UW-Madison students improve Ecuador water quality
Civil and environmental engineering students used their senior design capstone project as an opportunity to fix a water pipeline serving five communities in Ecuador. Read More
Rising from the ashes: The science of Yellowstone’s rebirth
When wildfires raged through more than a million acres of a beloved national park, the destruction seemed complete. But a UW researcher looked closer — and found hope growing among the remains. Read More
Conference brings science into focus for visually impaired
A conference titled Independent Laboratory Access for the Blind Conference on Teaching, Learning and Practicing Science for Students with Visual Impairments has been scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16, at UW–Madison. Read More
UW-Madison ecologist receives MacArthur Award
University of Wisconsin–Madison zoology professor Monica Turner was lauded Aug. 4 for work that was once criticized as "pseudoscience." Read More
New ‘urban research park’ offers jolt of electricity to Madison high-tech startups
After three decades of almost exponential commercial growth on Madison's west side, the University Research Park (URP) will pursue an opportunity to sink roots downtown with an innovative "urban research park" targeting high-technology entrepreneurs. Read More
New $8.9 million project aims to unlock stem cell secrets
Although scientists have had access to human embryonic stem cells for a decade, precisely how the all-purpose cell gives rise to all other cells in the body and why others do not remains a fundamental mystery of biology. Read More
South Pole researchers training this week at UW’s Physical Sciences Lab
This week marks the annual "Driller and Deployer Workshop" for research staff who will work at the South Pole as part of the well-known IceCube Neutrino Observatory project. Read More
Emerald ash borer detected in state: experts available for comment
Today (Aug. 4), the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced the first identification of emerald ash borer in the state of Wisconsin. The following are experts in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and UW-Extension who can provide expert commentary on what the identification means and the implications for Wisconsin’s trees. Read More
Curiosities: What will be the most likely fuel to replace gasoline?
“What are the major benefits of using cellulosic ethanol to fuel our cars? We reduce spending on importing energy, have the potential to do… Read More
Curiosities: Which saves more gas: driving with windows closed, and the AC on, or AC off, and windows open?
That depends on conditions. “Today’s cars are designed to be very aerodynamic,” says Glenn Bower, a senior scientist at the Engine Research Center… Read More