Category Science & Technology
Statement on NBAF short list announcement
Chancellor John D. Wiley expresses diappointment with the decision of the U.S. departments of Homeland Security and Agriculture to not include Wisconsin on its list for consideration for the National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF).
Soil particles found to boost prion’s capacity to infect
The rogue proteins that cause chronic wasting disease (CWD) exhibit a dramatic increase in their infectious nature when bound to common soil particles, according to a new study.
Bacteriologist tabbed for prestigious NIH research award
Richard L. Gourse, a professor of bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an expert on the critical early steps of gene expression, has received a prestigious MERIT award from the National Institutes of Health, which provides research funding for up to 10 years.
Curiosities: What is the surface of the Sun like?
“Technically, there is no surface of the Sun,” says UW–Madison’s Sanjay Limaye. The senior scientist and educator with the Space…
Mother-of-pearl: Classic beauty and remarkable strength
While the shiny material of pearls and abalone shells has long been prized for its iridescence and aesthetic value in jewelry and decorations, scientists admire mother-of-pearl for other physical properties as well.
Curiosities: After rains, why do worms crawl out onto the pavement and “commit suicide”?
After a strong rain, the corpses of worms strewn across the pavement are a disgusting sight – or a pathetic one, depending on your…
Merger forms new department of forest and wildlife ecology
The departments of wildlife ecology and forestry ecology and management at the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are merging to become the department of forest and wildlife ecology.
Jets from neutron star rival those made by black holes
A team of astronomers led by a UW–Madison scientist has found that neutron stars produce jets of energy and matter that rival those produced by black holes.
Major bioenergy initiative takes flight in Midwest
A consortium of universities, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories and businesses led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison to explore the vast potential of bioenergy was awarded one of three major new DOE bioenergy research centers, it was announced today (June 26).
Brain scans show meditation changes minds, increases attention
For hundreds of years, Tibetan monks and other religious people have used meditation to calm the mind and improve concentration. This week, a new study shows exactly how one common type of meditation affects the brain.
Behavioral scientist recalls campus climate of the ’50s
Students of color are not much different today than they were 50 years ago, behavioral neuroscientist Leslie H. Hicks told a group of PEOPLE undergraduates during an informal question-and-answer session about college life.
UW-Madison employee shines light on solar power, energy conservation
A UW–Madison employee has demonstrated his commitment to the environment by switching to solar power for most of his energy needs.
Professor recognized for work on climate change and insurance
Dan Anderson, a University of Wisconsin–Madison business professor, has won a $10,000 stipend for his paper on risk management as it relates to global warming and climate change.
Engineers develop higher-energy liquid-transportation fuel from sugar
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and combine it with water molecules and sunshine to make carbohydrate or sugar. Variations on this process provide fuel for all of life on Earth.
Concrete canoe team wins fifth straight national title
Racing and exhibiting a 20-foot, 176-pound boat named Descendent, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Concrete Canoe Team did more than just buck the laws of physics this weekend: Despite stiff competition, the team earned its fifth consecutive national title at the American Society of Civil Engineers 20th annual National Concrete Canoe Competition, held June 14 through 16.
Forum to explore sports, race, gender
In the wake of the Don Imus-Rutgers women's basketball controversy, this year's University Summer Forum will explore the culture of sport and its wide-ranging effects on society through race, gender and corporate sponsorship.
Training grants a boon to research, scientists
David Beebe is living proof of the value of training grants such as the Biotechnology Training Program.
Middle-schoolers to give Madison neighborhoods a virtual overhaul
Some Madison middle school students will have a pretty impressive subject for their "What I did on my summer vacation" essays - developing their own plan for making over the capital city's most famous street and some of its key neighborhoods.
Students cross border to study environmental justice
This month, seven students will learn about and try to remedy some of the major environmental injustices surrounding the Mexican-U.S. border area through a University of Wisconsin–Madison summer course titled " Crossing Borders: Environmental Justice at the Mexico/U.S. Border."