Category Science & Technology
Public events slated at UW–Madison research stations
The following is a list of public events currently scheduled at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Agricultural Research Stations, the Kemp Biological Station and the O.J. Noer turfgrass facility.
Synchronized swimming: Collections of microorganisms make their own waves
Some microorganisms prefer the breaststroke while swimming. Others move along by essentially twisting their tail. How populations of bacteria and other microorganisms swim is more than just a matter of style, according to Mike Graham, University of Wisconsin–Madison Harvey D. Spangler Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
Study uncovers how Ritalin works in brain to boost cognition, focus attention
In a paper publishing online this week in Biological Psychiatry, UW–Madison psychology researchers report that Ritalin fine-tunes the functioning of neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) - a brain region involved in attention, decision-making and impulse control - while having few effects outside it.
Recent sightings: Algae on Lake Mendota
Following approximately 15 inches of rainfall during the first two weeks of June, algae collects on the surface water…
Studies of cell traits nets big award for UW–Madison researcher
UW-Madison biochemist Doug Weibel has received a prestigious Searle Scholar Award.
BIO 2008: Targeted therapies enjoy banner year
With all the buzz about stem cell research breakthroughs and other highlights in a year of life-science innovation, it was targeted therapies with companion molecular diagnostics that gained the most in terms of development and usage, according to a new study released by Deloitte Consulting.
Wiley to tackle interim role leading new institute
Outgoing University of Wisconsin–Madison Chancellor John D. Wiley has been named the new interim director of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID), the public half of the new research center that promises to be a model of interdisciplinary science and public-private collaboration.
UW-Madison grad student to meet with Nobel laureates
University of Wisconsin–Madison nuclear engineering doctoral student Rachel Slaybaugh never dreamed she'd have the opportunity to chat with a Nobel Prize-winning physicist - much less several of them.
Survey: Misconduct in research likely underreported
Instances of falsified results, fabricated data and plagiarism in scientific research may be vastly underreported, according to findings published in a commentary in the current (June 18) issue of Nature.
Study: Breast cancer patients with greater need seek more information online
Patients with more concerns about their breast cancer are heavier users of online information, according to a new study conducted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Center for Excellence in Cancer Communications Research, funded by the National Cancer Institute.
Newly born twin stars show surprising differences
The analysis of the youngest pair of identical twin stars yet discovered has revealed surprising differences in brightness, surface temperature and possibly even the size of the two.
Ebb and flow of the sea drives world’s big extinction events
A new study, published online June 15 in the journal Nature, suggests that it is the ocean, and in particular the epic ebbs and flows of sea level and sediment over the course of geologic time, that is the primary cause of the world's periodic mass extinctions during the past 500 million years.
Ancient mineral shows early Earth climate tough on continents
A new analysis of ancient minerals called zircons suggests that a harsh climate may have scoured and possibly even destroyed the surface of the Earth's earliest continents.
Pioneer of climatology dies at 88
Reid Bryson, a towering figure in climatology and interdisciplinary studies of climate, people and the environment, and the founder of the University of Wisconsin–Madison's meteorology department and Center for Climatic Research, and the first director of the Institute for Environmental Studies, died in his sleep early June 11 at his home in Madison.
Town hall meeting set on study of state-owned heating and cooling plants
A town hall meeting detailing the progress of a study on state-owned heating and cooling facilities in Madison will be held Tuesday, June 17, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Mechanical Engineering Building at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Curiosities: Why does the sky turn green before a tornado?
Scott Bachmeier, a research meteorologist at the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies at UW–Madison, says that particles in the air scatter…
Scientific information largely ignored when forming opinions about stem cell research
When forming attitudes about embryonic stem cell research, people are influenced by a number of things. But understanding science plays a negligible role for many people, according to a recent UW–Madison study.
Agent in red wine found to keep hearts young
How, scientists wonder, do the French get away with a clean bill of heart health despite a diet loaded with saturated fats?
Entrepreneurship becoming acceptable, even fashionable, in Wisconsin
With the sixth annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference set for June 9-10 in Milwaukee, there are increasing signs the state is becoming a place where entrepreneurs can survive — and even flourish.