Category Science & Technology
Study shows compassion meditation changes the brain
Cultivating compassion and kindness through meditation affects brain regions that can make a person more empathetic to other peoples' mental states, say researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Read More
For stem cell scientist James Thomson, discovery trumps fame
The UW scientist who first brought stem cells into the scientific spotlight — a discovery that sparked a volatile debate of political and medical ethics — doesn’t seek fame for himself. So when you are the go-to guy for everybody who wants access to James Thomson, a man who’d much rather be in the lab than in the media’s glare, you learn to say no more often than you’d like. Read More
Events celebrate nanotechnology
The public can get up close and personal with nanotechnology research during a series of free public nanotechnology events on campus during "Nano Days," Saturday, March 29-Sunday, April 6. Read More
Technology to predict strain gets a perfect model: Michelangelo’s ‘David’
For statues, stress injuries come from standing in place for hundreds of years. Using a novel technique, researchers have now developed a way to predict such fracturing, applying the procedure to Michelangelo's famous statue "David" in an analysis that proved simpler, faster and more accurate than previous methods. Read More
New nanoparticle catalyst brings fuel-cell cars closer to showroom
A University of Wisconsin–Madison and University of Maryland (UM) team has developed a new nanotechnology-driven chemical catalyst that paves the way for more efficient hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Read More
UW Geology Museum receives more than $100,000 in minerals
In its 160-year existence, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Geology Museum has never before received a mineral donation like the one recently given by retired UW–Madison electrical engineering Professor R.A. Greiner. Read More
Chancellor search
UW-Madison is currently conducting a national search for a successor to Chancellor John D. Wiley, who will step down in September 2008. Read More
UW–Madison biochemist elected to National Academy of Sciences
Judith Kimble, a professor of biochemistry and genetics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, has been elected to a three-year term as councilor for the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Read More
Office upholds remaining WARF stem cell patents
The United States Patent and Trademark Office again has upheld the claims of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) by making determinations on… Read More
UW-Madison ‘Gaia Project’ creates environmental learning, action project for faculty and staff
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Gaia Project, a program devoted to helping faculty and staff get involved in topics related to climate, energy and sustainability, has launched this semester with more than 100 subscribers already on board. Read More
Curiosities: Why do we dream?
Submitted by Rachel Furlow, 7th grade, Cherokee Middle School Read More
Stem cell summit to convene in Madison
Researchers, business representatives, philanthropists, bioethicists and educators from around the world will be invited to Madison for the World Stem Cell Summit at the Alliant Energy Center on Sept. 22-23, 2008. Read More
Fund for late professor lifts Engineers Without Borders into the black
Katie Simon had a lot to be nervous about in March 2007 when she became the president of the University of Wisconsin–Madison chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB), an organization that applies the knowledge of engineers to improving the quality of life for developing communities. Read More
Increased ethanol production to worsen Gulf of Mexico ‘dead zone’
The rush in the United States to produce corn-based ethanol as an alternative fuel will likely worsen pollution in the Gulf of Mexico and expand the annual "dead zone" that kills fish and other aquatic life, according to new research. Read More
WID established as Graduate School center
In fall 2007, the proposal (1.5 Mb PDF) for the public Wisconsin Institute for Discovery was approved by the University Academic Planning Council, establishing the institute as a center within the Graduate School. Read More
Forum today to seek campus, community views on next chancellor
The last of three public forums seeking campus and community perspectives on the qualities and talents needed in the University of Wisconsin–Madison's next chancellor will be held Thursday, March 6 at Union South. Read More
Lowly Icelandic midges reveal ecosystem’s tipping points
A UW–Madison zoologist describes in the journal Nature an ecosystem population dynamics model built on the flies of Iceland’s Lake Myvatn, showing how even slight human-induced changes can irreversibly alter the balance of nature. Read More
Gilson event highlights conflicts of interest in clinical trials
Paul DeLuca, associate dean for research and graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, will speak on conflicts of interest in clinical trials at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 6. Read More
Professor named first scientific director of national nuclear research facility
Idaho National Laboratory has selected University of Wisconsin–Madison nuclear fuels and materials expert Todd Allen to lead its newly created Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) National Scientific User Facility. Read More
Bacteria unlock secrets that may aid cancer treatment
The murky flasks of bacteria growing in Ben Shen’s lab may change how we look at both chemistry and chemotherapy. Read More