Category Science & Technology
T cell immunity enhanced by timing of interleukin-7 therapy
That the cell nurturing growth factor interleukin-7 can help ramp up the ability of the immune system to remember the pathogenic villains it encounters is well known. Read More
Unique whey protein is promising supplement for strict PKU diet
Individuals with a rare genetic condition known as phenylketonuria, or PKU, receive a difficult-to-follow prescription. They must severely limit their consumption of protein, completely avoiding mealtime staples such as meat, cheese and even bread. Not surprisingly, for many, diet is a constant struggle. Read More
Geology professor drills into earth-shaking questions
Two months aboard an ocean-going ship might sound like a luxurious vacation. With 16-hour workdays amid the clamorous hubbub of an industrial drilling rig, however, Harold Tobin’s recent voyage was far from relaxing. Tobin, an associate professor in the geology department, sailed last fall into the western Pacific in a quest to peer into the heart of one of the most active earthquake zones on the planet. Read More
Writer’s Choice: Connections between visual, science explored
When visual culture is mentioned, molecules, materials science and technology do not often come to mind. But exploring the possible intersections between the visual and science is the focus of a conference organized by the Visual Culture Center at UW–Madison. “Visualizing Science,” to be held Feb. 7–8, is the latest in the center’s series of public conferences that explore visual culture, part of an ongoing collaboration among scholars from sciences, arts and humanities. Read More
Particle accelerator may reveal shape of alternate dimensions
When the world's most powerful particle accelerator starts up later this year, exotic new particles may offer a glimpse of the existence and shapes of extra dimensions. Read More
With a jolt, ‘nanonails’ go from repellant to wettable
Sculpting a surface composed of tightly packed nanostructures that resemble tiny nails, University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers and their colleagues from Bell Laboratories have created a material that can repel almost any liquid. Read More
New Antarctic ice core to provide clearest climate record yet
Ice Coring and Drilling Services at UW–Madison built and is operating a state-of-the-art, deep ice-coring drill that is the engine behind an unprecedented Antarctic research project to record greenhouse gas levels over the last 100,000 years. The project completed its first year at the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide. Read More
Professor helps schools meet the demands of high-stakes accountability
Richard Halverson, an education leadership and policy analysis professor, is focusing his research on examining how schools are approaching the tough standards established by the federal No Child Left Behind law. Read More
UW-Madison joins largest climate change teach-in in U.S. history
On Jan. 30 and 31, the University of Wisconsin–Madison will participate in Focus the Nation, an unprecedented teach-in on global warming solutions with the aim of preparing millions of students to become leaders in responding to the challenge. Read More
Campus learns about building plans at town hall meetings
Throughout the month of October, the UW–Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation hosted a series of town hall meetings on campus to inform the university community about the latest building plans for the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. Read More
Bioethicist Fost debates use of steroids in sports
Norman Fost, professor in the departments of pediatrics and medical history and bioethics, and director of the Program in Bioethics, particpiated recently in an Intelligence Squared U.S. debate as an advocate for the motion “Should We Accept Steroid Use in Sports?” Read More
Low vaccination rate of U.S. puppies and kittens poses larger risks
It's hard to believe that in an advanced country like the United States, fewer than half of all puppies and kittens are being vaccinated. Yet that's exactly what was found in a study recently completed by UW–Madison and Dane County veterinarians. Read More
School of Pharmacy ready to celebrate 125 years
What began as an inspiration of several forward-thinking pharmacists throughout the state is now, 125 years later, a national leader in advancing both the practice and science of pharmacy. Read More
Ebola virus disarmed by excising a single gene
The deadly Ebola virus, an emerging public health concern in Africa and a potential biological weapon, ranks among the most feared of exotic pathogens. Read More
In diatom, scientists find genes that may level engineering hurdle
Denizens of oceans, lakes and even wet soil, diatoms are unicellular algae that encase themselves in intricately patterned, glass-like shells. Curiously, these tiny phytoplankton could be harboring the next big breakthrough in computer chips. Read More
Curiosities: How can a tornado occur in January?
Tornadoes can happen whenever atmospheric conditions are suitable, says Steve Ackerman, professor of atmospheric science at UW–Madison. Over the years, Wisconsin has had… Read More
Study: Brain connections strengthen during waking hours, weaken during sleep
Most people know it from experience: After so many hours of being awake, your brain feels unable to absorb any more-and several hours of sleep will refresh it. Read More
Planning for interaction at Institutes for Discovery
As a first-generation college student at a small liberal arts school on the East Coast, Gwen Drury was struck by how physical space influenced the way people interact. Read More
Wisconsin Idea grants bring a community focus to current affairs
The 2008 Ira and Ineva Reilly Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Endowment will provide more than $900,000 in support for 15 projects targeting issues related to education, health, the economy and the environment. Read More