Category Science & Technology
Milky Way’s infrared portrait gives new view of galaxy
Astronomers have obtained an entirely new perspective of our home galaxy: a complete mosaic portrait of the Milky Way in infrared light, a picture that when printed measures 180 feet long by 4 feet wide.
UW-Madison students design ‘disaster’ for Wisconsin rescue training facility
When University of Wisconsin–Madison civil and environmental engineering students Dan Zignego, Jake Varnes, Bill Schmitz and Nick Bobinski began a design project meant to be the crowning glory of their educational careers, they never thought it would turn into such a disaster.
Green highways: Research targets environmentally friendly asphalts
For those hoping to create a greener world, our country's millions of miles of asphalt roads may seem like an odd place to seek solutions. Yet, it's precisely because asphalt is so common that we have much to gain from making it more eco-friendly, says University of Wisconsin–Madison civil engineering professor Hussain Bahia.
Curiosities: Are there years when dandelions are more plentiful?
Mark Renz, Extension weed scientist at UW–Madison’s Department of Agronomy, says that varying environmental conditions ensure that virtually all plants, including dandelions,…
New exchange program to build bridges between UW and India
Although still recovering from jet lag, a group of 15 undergraduate students from India are getting situated in various labs across the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, where they will spend the summer conducting research.
Hartwell fellowship aids childhood asthma research
Postdoctoral fellow Lisa Lenertz spends her days at the University of Wisconsin–Madison studying how one protein, critical for proper immune function, moves from the inside to the surface of white blood cells.
At the synapse: Gene may shed light on neurological disorders
In a recent finding, UW–Madison researchers describe a gene that controls the proper development of synapses, explaining how they work and why they sometimes go wrong.
Nobel laureate establishes symposium to inspire young scientists
As an undergraduate student at Oxford University in the 1940s, Oliver Smithies attended a series of lectures by Linus Pauling, one of the most influential chemists of the 20th century. It was a powerful experience, one that sparked the young scientist's ambitions and helped launch his own eminent career.
Astronomers witness the birth of a supernova
An international team of astronomers, acting on a tip from a NASA satellite that serves as an early warning system for the most violent astronomical events, has caught a supernova in the act.
African dust forecast may help hurricane season predictions
As the official June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, forecasters are developing predictions about the severity of this year's season. For the first time this year, African dust may provide a piece of this puzzle.
Gypsy Moth spraying planned for campus and Arboretum
Aerial spraying to protect trees and forests from the potentially defoliating effects of the invasive gypsy moth could begin in Wisconsin within the next two weeks.
Recent sightings: Bugged
Kindergarteners experience hands-on learning and exploration during a UW–Madison Insect Ambassadors program held at C.H. Bird Elementary School in Sun Prairie…
Two UW–Madison researchers receive Shaw Awards
Innovative research that could help develop drugs to treat disorders such as epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias, and a novel approach to advancing the understanding of how breast cancer cells lose the ability to respond positively to anti-estrogen therapy won two University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists 2008 Shaw Scientists Awards.
Alumna to ‘mix it up’ on the Food Network
Mary Nolan, a 2004 graduate in journalism, will star in the Food Network’s Chic & Easy, a cooking show that focuses on creating elegant dishes that are accessible and simple to make. The show debuts Sunday, May 18.
Geography students put local foods on the map
As temperatures warm, farm fields begin to green and outdoor farmers' markets get under way, the time is ripe for thinking about local foods. For Madison residents, finding locally produced foods is now just a mouse click away.
Feds announce decision to list polar bear as threatened species
After a series of delays, the U.S. Department of the Interior today (May 14) announced that, on the recommendation of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the polar bear will be listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
Notable graduates: David Blodgett — Concrete accomplishments on the water
When competitors from other schools hear about David Blodgett of UW–Madison's Concrete Canoe team, they generally have the response: "That's not fair."
Notable graduates: Craig Kohn — A passion for agricultural education
In the process of applying for grants to conduct his own environmental research, Craig Kohn was asked to take the lead on implementing an environmental education program through the Wisconsin Future Farmers of America (FFA) Association. Unenthusiastic at first, Kohn soon discovered his passion for education.
Institute sponsors symposium to explore integration of math, biology
The Morgridge Institute for Research and the Graduate School are sponsoring a two-day symposium open to faculty and academic staff interested in exploring the interfaces connecting the mathematic, computational and biological sciences, and the major impact of these evolving interactions on research, education, training and discovery.
Invitrogen, WARF sign license agreement for human embryonic stem cells
Invitrogen Corp. and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation announced today (May 8) that they have signed a license for human embryonic stem cell (hESC) patents for the development of research tools.