Category Science & Technology
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
UW-Madison No. 2 in producing Peace Corps volunteers
For the second straight year, the University of Wisconsin–Madison is second in the nation in producing alumni volunteers to the Peace Corps.
Work begins on future site of Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery
A major change will begin to take shape on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus this month as construction begins at the future site of the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.
Professor to be featured on ABC’s 20/20 tonight, Jan. 11
Richard Davidson, the Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, will be featured on ABC’s 20/20 program tonight, Jan. 11, 2008.
California company licenses WARF stem cell technology
BioTime, Inc. (OTCBB: BTIM) has signed a licensing agreement with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) for 173 patents and patent applications relating to human embryonic stem cell technology created by James Thomson at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Waisman Center presents documentary ‘Indestructible’
The award-winning documentary "Indestructible" will screen at the Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Thursday, Jan. 24.
Environmental art exhibition forged by artists, educators, researchers
An innovative art exhibition titled "Paradise Lost? Climate Change in the Northwoods" features the work of 20 area artists commissioned to explore the specter of global warming in the Great Lakes region.
Persistence, genius mix for chemist
Chemistry professor Laura Kiessling is featured in the Milwuakee Journal Sentinel’s series on “groundbreaking thinkers in Wisconsin” series.
Undergrad team debuts in genetic engineering competition
For the first time, a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison undergraduates participated in the annual International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM), held this fall at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Nylon reveals its antibiotic powers
Nylon, we know, is incredibly versatile, strong and resilient. Now, it may be possible to add antibiotic powers to the list of qualities for the wonder synthetic material.
Computer programming team places first in regional competition
The UW–Madison computer programming team "Red No. 40" beat 198 other teams to place first in the North Central Regional Competition of the International Collegiate Programming Competition in early November, qualifying the team to compete in the World Finals in April.
Engineer James Dumesic named to ‘Scientific American 50’
James Dumesic, Chemical and Biological Engineering Steenbock Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has received a 2007 Scientific American "SciAm 50" award for his innovative alternative fuels research.
Curiosities: Is every snowflake unique?
One fact we know from childhood: every snowflake is unique. Isn’t it? UW–Madison’s snowflake…
Foreign ozone emissions lower U.S. air quality
When it comes to environmental impacts, no nation is an island. A recent study from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison finds that up to 15 percent of U.S. air pollution comes from Asian and European sources.