Category Science & Technology
Massive bubbles at center of Milky Way caused by supermassive black hole
The black hole origin of these huge bubbles rules out the possibility that the expansion of the material was driven by exploding stars, according to professor of astronomy and physics Ellen Zweibel. Read More
Ancient example of modern global warming was too hot for tiny, important ocean creatures
During another time in which Earth warmed rapidly in conjunction with a spike in atmospheric carbon similar to our modern climate, seawater temperature and chemical changes decimated an important piece of the food web in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Read More
A science trailblazer retires: Stem cell researcher James Thomson’s legacy changed the future of biology
After more than 30 years with UW–Madison and 12 years with the Morgridge Institute for Research, Thomson has announced plans to retire in July. Read More
Makerspace fun: Waxing skis, snowboards
On Feb. 18, the creators at UW Makerspace turned to a light-hearted task: Waxing skis and snowboards. Read More
Mouse study may help doctors choose treatments for leukemia patients
By exploring the ways mice responded, researchers hope to gain an understanding of the sorts of human health issues that may bring on a case of this life-threatening form of cancer. Read More
‘Super pest’ Colorado potato beetle has the genetic resources to sidestep our attacks
New research reveals how diversity within its genome has allowed the pest to quickly evolve resistance to nearly anything humans have thrown at it. Read More
Researchers are using machine learning to understand how brain cells work
Called manifold learning, the approach may help researchers better understand and even predict brain disorders by looking at specific neuronal properties. Read More
Ultraprecise atomic clock poised for new physics discoveries
The clock's design allows the team to test ways to search for gravitational waves, attempt to detect dark matter, and discover new physics with clocks. Read More
Study finds tributaries play significant role in Great Lakes PFAS loading
The sources of the chemicals in the study are likely linked to a firefighting foam manufacturer, other industrial activity, and airports which use firefighting foam on runways. Read More
At bioenergy crossroads, should corn ethanol be left in the rearview mirror?
New research shows that the carbon emissions from using land to grow corn can negate or even reverse any climate advantages of corn ethanol relative to gasoline. Read More
Sharon Dunwoody was a ‘star’ of science communication
Sharon’s scholarship helped generations of journalists, students and scientists become better translators of complex ideas to audiences all over the world. Read More
This protein can shred our cells. Or it can help us think.
In findings that surprised researchers, a new study reveals that complexin — a protein long known to play a role in communication between cells in the brain — is also capable of obliterating cells if left unchecked. Read More
Fog detection software helps airlines keep travelers safe
The software uses machine learning techniques with near real-time data from weather satellites to monitor conditions 24/7 and issue potential fog warnings. Read More
UW-built instrument will enhance views of distant galaxies
A near-infrared spectrograph, which splits light into its individual colors to form a rainbow-like spectrum, will soon be shipped to South Africa from UW–Madison. Custom-built here by staff in the Washburn Astronomical Laboratories, it will expand the capabilities of the Southern African Large Telescope. Read More
New UW–Madison research projects to benefit Great Lakes
Wisconsin Sea Grant announced 12 new two-year research projects worth $2.8 million that build Great Lakes understanding, leading to science-based management and policy decisions. Six are at UW–Madison. Read More
UW–Madison online graduate engineering programs rank in top 10
This is the eleventh year in a row that the online engineering programs, offered through the College of Engineering’s Interdisciplinary Professional Programs, have been highly ranked among a competitive field of engineering and online programs. Read More
Perception study may explain promising depression therapy
Ketamine has been shown to relieve depression-like symptoms in animal studies. With human volunteers, researchers Sounak Mohanta and Yuri Saalmann concluded that the drug blocks "negative predictions" that are prominent in depressed patients. Read More
Coral skeleton formation rate determines resilience to acidifying oceans
A new UW–Madison study has implications for predicting coral reef survival and developing mitigation strategies against having their bony skeletons weakened by ocean acidification. Read More
Microbes help hibernating animals recycle nutrients, maintain muscle through winter
The discovery could help people with muscle-wasting disorders and even astronauts on extended space voyages by putting space travelers into a hibernation-like state. Read More
Current anti-COVID pills work well against omicron, but antibody drugs are less effective
Public health officials expect antiviral pills to become an increasingly common treatment for COVID-19 that will reduce the severity of the disease in at-risk patients and decrease the burden of the pandemic. Read More