Category Science & Technology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UW alum helped pack James Webb telescope for space travel
Wei-Di Cheng, a 1993 engineering graduate, analyzed mechanical ground systems to propose, design, fabricate, test and deliver ground systems to support spacecraft and payload integration.
UW–Madison partners with regional leaders to launch Midwest Climate Collaborative
The MCC is a network of organizations committed to accelerating climate action in the Midwest by leveraging research, shaping public understanding, advancing solutions and developing future leaders.
Omicron causes less severe illness in animal models than previous variants
The findings, published in the journal Nature, align with preliminary data from studies of people infected with the variant and offer insight into the nature of the disease with omicron.
Bus shelters to get solar-powered displays
In a collaboration with student organizations interested in sustainability, Transportation Services will start installing solar panels, lights and screens with real-time arrival information on bus shelters in 2022.
Researchers seeking study participants to lose weight — by phone
Log2Lose, an 18-month study, aims to help people build habits for a healthier lifestyle by sending them motivational text messages and providing an app to keep track of what they eat.
UW–Madison researchers lead effort to create a universal coronavirus vaccine
If the world already had a pan-coronavirus vaccine in March 2020, it could have served as a mitigation tool until vaccines specific to SARS-CoV-2 could be developed.
Video: From weather to wonder
The Wonders of Physics traveling show is back in action at schools and public events. It is now presented by UW–Madison outreach specialist Haddie McLean, a former TV meteorologist. In this video, she visits Pecatonica Elementary School.
Mysterious ‘blue lurker’ stars likely got a spin boost by absorbing their partners
The stars, discovered a few years ago, were spinning far too quickly given their age. Nicknamed “blue lurkers,” they hid for decades within clusters of other stars.
Balancing personal and community risk with the omicron variant
Devlin Cole of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health says, "Wear a mask, get vaccinated and boosted … you can still go out and do the things you want to do, but it’s going to take a bit more planning."
Boosting one gene in the brain’s helper cells slows Alzheimer’s progression in mice
High activity of the gene, Nrf2, slowed cognitive and physical decline in the mice and reduced the accumulation of sticky proteins in their brains, all key markers of the disease in humans.
New way to alter DNA, affect health circumvents gut bacteria
A study by Wisconsin Institute for Discovery researchers challenges long-held beliefs, with potential implications for physiological processes and diseases such as propionic acidemia, autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.