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Category Science & Technology

Bacteriologist tabbed for prestigious NIH research award

July 5, 2007

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?

July 5, 2007

“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

July 2, 2007

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”?

June 29, 2007

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

June 29, 2007

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

June 27, 2007

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

June 26, 2007

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

June 25, 2007

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

June 22, 2007

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

June 22, 2007

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

June 22, 2007

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

June 20, 2007

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

June 18, 2007

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

June 15, 2007

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

June 14, 2007

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

June 14, 2007

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

June 7, 2007

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."

Research probes seniors’ plans for end-of-life care

June 6, 2007

A new UW–Madison study offers insight into a critical part of end-of-life planning.