Category Science & Technology
Scaled-down genome may power up E. coli’s ability in lab, industry
By stripping the E. coli genome of vast tracts of its genetic material — hundreds of apparently inconsequential genes — a team of Wisconsin researchers has created a leaner and meaner version of the bacterium that is a workhorse of modern biology and industry.
Scientists discover a master key to microbes’ pathogenic lifestyles
A team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health reports the discovery of a master molecular sensor embedded in the spores of the fungi that triggers a transformation from that of a benign lifestyle in the soil to a deadly pathogen.
Three faculty elected to National Academy of Sciences
Three members of the UW–Madison faculty were among 72 individuals elected this week to the National Academies of Science.
UW-Madison’s cluster-hiring initiative shows signs of delivering on its promise
Seven years after the University of Wisconsin–Madison's cluster-hiring initiative was outlined by former Chancellor David Ward, the program is producing numerous accomplishments.
Amasino receives prestigious HHMI professorship
Just as a non-musician savors the resounding strains of a Beethoven symphony, University of Wisconsin–Madison biochemist Richard Amasino believes that non-scientists can appreciate the role of science in their lives. He will have a chance to advance that notion to K-12 teachers nationwide after being named a million-dollar Howard Hughes Medical Institute professor.
Historic gift will drive research innovation
The largest individual gift ever to benefit UW–Madison - $50 million from alumni John and Tashia Morgridge - will pave the way for pioneering scientific collaboration at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.
‘Virtual’ symposium brings nanotech, biotech topics to K-12 science teachers
On Monday, May 1, educators from around Wisconsin will join with educators in Indiana and Minnesota to explore the convergence of nanotechnology and biotechnology with a panel of experts drawn from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the National Science Foundation and Wisconsin's biotechnology community. The New Technologies symposium will originate from the Pyle Center at UW–Madison and will be broadcast live via Internet2 beginning at 8 a.m.
Cell barrier slows bird flu’s spread among humans
Although more than 100 people have been infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, mostly from close contact with infected poultry, the fact that the virus does not spread easily from its pioneering human hosts to other humans has been a biomedical puzzle.
Engineers squeeze secrets from proteins
Proteins, one of the basic components of living things, are among the most studied molecules in biochemistry. Understanding how proteins form or "fold" from sequenced strings of amino acids has long been one of the grand challenges of biology.
Scientists reveal how deadly toxin hijacks cells
Scientists have pinpointed exactly how botulinum neurotoxin A - a potential agent of biological warfare and one of the most lethal toxins known to humans - is able to sneak into cells.
Researcher carves out role of champion of cheese
The most ironic thing about Mark Johnson, one of Wisconsin's leading experts on cheese, is that he spent the first half of his life simply hating the stuff. But the years can change a man and his taste buds. Now, as senior scientist at UW–Madison's Center for Dairy Research, Johnson has devoted his career to enhancing the quality of Wisconsin cheeses.
UW-Madison to launch new influenza research institute
In an effort to bolster what is already recognized as one of the world's top programs of influenza research, UW–Madison announced today plans to launch a new Institute for Influenza Viral Research.
Conference to explore global biological threats
Leading government and academic experts from Washington, D.C. and Madison will address key issues surrounding global biological threats in an all-day symposium April 7 at UW–Madison.
Liquid crystals show promise in controlling embryonic stem cells
Liquid crystals, the same phase-shifting materials used to display information on cell phones, monitors and other electronic equipment, can also be used to report in real time on the differentiation of embryonic stem cells.
Mispairs in genetic material make protein synthesis more efficient
A UW–Madison bacteriologist reveals that mispaired nucleotides in transfer RNA actually make the molecule more adroit, enhancing its ability to build proteins. The paper also illustrates the dynamic nature of genetic material, which is not flat, like an illustration in a textbook, but twists and bends as it interacts with cellular machinery.
New veterinary medicine program supports Wisconsin aquaculture
Friday night fish fries are just one clue that the fish industry, including fish farming, is big business in Wisconsin. UW–Madison's School of Veterinary Medicine is helping launch a new fish health program to protect Wisconsin's growing aquaculture industry.
Great (taste) expectations: study shows brain can manipulate taste
A team of UW–Madison scientists tested the ability of the human brain to mitigate foul taste through a ruse of anticipation. The work, conducted at the UW–Madison Waisman Center using high-tech brain imaging techniques and distasteful concoctions of quinine on a cohort of college students, reveals in detail how the brain responds to a manipulation intended to mitigate an unpleasant experience.
Wisconsin scientists find a way to make human collagen in the lab
A team of scientists at UW–Madison reports the discovery of a method for making human collagen in the lab, opening the door to broader medical applications.
Study explains unexpected conductivity of nanoscale silicon
When graduate student Pengpeng Zhang successfully imaged a piece of silicon just 10 nanometers-or a millionth of a centimeter-in thickness, she and her UW–Madison co-researchers were puzzled. According to established thinking, the feat should be impossible because her microscopy method required samples that conduct electricity.
Darwin’s Day: Making the case for evolution
Just in time for Charles Darwin's 197th birthday, an eminent group of UW–Madison faculty have joined forces to make the case on Feb. 11 for the iconographic scientist and what they consider to be biology's prevailing central idea: Evolution.