Category Science & Technology
Curiosities: Why do leaves change color in the fall?
Submitted by Kaela, a sixth-grader at Cherokee Middle School Read More
A gene divided reveals details of natural selection
In a molecular tour de force, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have provided an exquisitely detailed picture of natural selection as it occurs at the genetic level. Read More
Primate study shows excess vitamin A can be stored during fetal development
A new University of Wisconsin–Madison study suggests that pregnant women who take some types of vitamin supplements or eat fortified foods may be passing excess vitamin A to their developing fetuses. Reported in the October issue of the Journal of Comparative Medicine, the finding could guide efforts to develop future formulations of vitamins. Read More
Smithies’ work at UW–Madison underpinned Nobel Prize in Medicine
The gene targeting work for which North Carolina biologist Oliver Smithies was recognized for the 2007 Nobel Prize in Medicine has a distinct Wisconsin flavor. Read More
Researchers identify key step bird flu virus takes to spread readily in humans
Since it first appeared in Hong Kong in 1997, the H5N1 avian flu virus has been slowly evolving into a pathogen better equipped to infect humans. The final form of the virus, biomedical researchers fear, will be a highly pathogenic strain of influenza that spreads easily among humans. Read More
Washburn Observatory to close for renovations
Washburn Observatory, which sits along Observatory Drive on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, will close at the end of October for remodeling and renovations. Read More
Fight to save celebrated prairie continues
Students from UW–Madison’s general ecology class have joined Arboretum researchers and land managers in an ambitious five-year plan to subdue the spread of invasive reed canary grass in the UW Arboretum’s Greene Prairie. Read More
WARF announces new hires and promotions
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) has announced promotions for Michael E. Falk and Emily Bauer, and the hires of a communications director, Janet L. Kelly, and two licensing professionals, Craig Heim for start-up companies, and Mark Stoveken for pharmaceutical licensing. Read More
Hot subjects—Physics 206: ‘Seeking Truth: Living with Doubt’
Physics professor Marshall Onellion has a new job title this semester: official tackling dummy for his freshmen students. It’s part of his scheme to provoke controversial discussion and to get his students really thinking. Oddly enough, he’s instigating this debate in a physics class. Read More
Bioenergy research center gets early boost from U.S. Department of Energy
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) has received $6.67 million in start-up funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that will allow researchers to get to work on promising new sources of energy that may someday power our cars, homes, and businesses. Read More
‘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
Scientific American columnist to be writer in residence
Steve Mirsky, whose talent blending science and humor has been a staple of Scientific American since 1995 as reflected in the magazine's Anti Gravity column, has been named a University of Wisconsin–Madison Science Writer in Residence for fall 2007. 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