Category Science & Technology
‘Jumping genes’ could make for safer gene delivery system
A new nonviral gene delivery system using transposons, or “jumping genes,” provides a safer alternative to previous options, according to a publication by a UW–Madison molecular biologist and biological safety expert. Read More
Curiosities: Is there any validity to the so-called 5-second rule?
If a piece of toast fell on the floor, would you pick it up and eat it? You probably would if you believe in… Read More
Town hall meetings to introduce building plans for Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery
On October 1, 8 and 10, the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) are hosting a series of town hall meetings to inform the UW–Madison community about the latest building plans for the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. Read More
Study shows autism symptoms can improve into adulthood
Hallmarks of autism are characteristic behaviors - repetitive motions, problems interacting with others, impaired communication abilities - that occur in widely different combinations and degrees of severity among those who have the condition. Read More
Study: Nutrient pollution drives frog deformities
High levels of nutrients used in farming and ranching activities fuel parasite infections that have caused highly publicized frog deformities in ponds and lakes across North America, according to a new study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder. Read More
Hormone-driven effects on eating, stress mediated by same brain region
A hormone system linked to reducing food consumption appears to do so by increasing stress-related behaviors, according to a new study. Read More
Institutes will provide space for science, arts, community
Faculty, staff and graduate students are invited to give input on the design of the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery during upcoming town hall meetings, planned for Oct. 1, 8 and 10. Read More
New book looks at public perception and media treatment of GMOs
Although the vast majority of Americans are blithely unaware, the United States and its system of food production is irreversibly hitched to modern biotechnology. In short, most people unwittingly and regularly consume food that was produced through genetic engineering. Read More
Study reveals possible genetic risk for fetal alcohol disorders
New research in primates suggests that infants and children who carry a certain gene variant may be more vulnerable to the ill effects of fetal alcohol exposure. Read More
$7.2 million grant to aid search for ALS stem cell therapy
With the help of a $7.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers will explore the potential of stem cells and natural growth factors to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Read More
Grant supports changes to clinical, translational research
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded UW–Madison’s new Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) one of the largest grants in the history of the School of Medicine and Public Health. Read More
Hybrid buses come to campus
Two of Wisconsin’s first hybrid electric-powered buses will be in service on campus soon. Read More
Wisconsin prairie to be named for botany Professor Hugh Iltis
A prairie in Marquette County will soon be named for Hugh Iltis, a University of Wisconsin–Madison professor emeritus of botany and former director of the UW–Madison Herbarium. Read More
Microbial Sciences Building designed for discovery, collaboration
As the doors swung open at the new Microbial Sciences Building at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, students and researchers found a facility designed to spark exchanges of ideas aimed at answering biological questions of unprecedented complexity and importance. Read More
Research and instruction in the Microbial Sciences Building
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Microbial Sciences Building will be home to a wide range of departments, programs and researc h centers. Read More
Concrete Canoe team victorious in the Netherlands
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Concrete Canoe Team dominated the 30th annual Dutch Concrete Canoe Challenge this weekend in the Netherlands. The team took first place overall, with victories in five out of the six race categories. The team's 20-foot, 176-pound canoe, Descendent, also won the construction and innovation categories for its design and use of environmentally sound concrete. Read More