Category Science & Technology
UW researchers investigate mining-related deforestation in the Amazon
While these mining operations are often called “artisanal” or “small-scale,” in aggregate they are very destructive.
Earth’s vegetation is changing faster today than it has over the last 18,000 years
The research suggests that humanity’s dominant influence on ecosystems that is so visible today has its origin in the earliest civilizations and the rise of agriculture, deforestation and other ways our species has influenced the landscape.
First we tamed turnips. Then we turned them into bok choy and other veggies.
This new research represents the most complete look yet at how humans domesticated the ubiquitous species Brassica rapa, untangling the complex web of domestication.
Video: Dean Robertson engineering expansion
“The new facility will stimulate collaboration, spark research discoveries and serve as the focal point of our engineering campus, Robertson said.
Celebrating IceCube’s first decade of discovery
The Antarctic observatory's founders believed that studying cosmic neutrinos would reveal hidden parts of the universe. Over the course of the next decade, they would be proven right.
Designer alterations to brain cells reduce anxious behavior in monkeys, hold promise for new treatments
The technique used by psychiatry Professor Ned Kalin could point to a new way to help people with severe anxiety and other treatment-resistant psychiatric illnesses.
New director leads major changes in campus human research protection program
Gretchen Anding is implementing steps that will allow for greater collaboration, consistency and communication in the compliance process.
UW–Madison senior wins prestigious Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
Cheryl Mulor plans to pursue a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University with a focus in sustainable design and construction. She hopes to one day return to Kenya and own her own company.
UW grad combines research, tribal traditions in wolf relationship plan
Abi Fergus says understanding tribal citizens’ attitudes toward wolves helped her stay in touch with the human dimension of her research.
Great Lakes research to fuel emerging bioeconomy
GLBRC is laying the groundwork for economically viable and environmentally sustainable biorefineries that use dedicated bioenergy crops grown on land unsuitable for food production — work that could serve as a cornerstone for an emerging bioeconomy.
Tom Brock, who discovered world-changing extremophiles, dies at 94
One of the species Brock discovered helped usher in the modern era of molecular biology and underpins today’s PCR tests for the COVID-19 virus.
Human genome editing requires difficult conversations between science and society
Researchers argue that such advanced technologies demand more robust and thoughtful public engagement if they are to be harnessed to benefit society without crossing ethical lines.
Arsenic is more common in wells near fractured bedrock in southeastern Wisconsin
The findings come from an ongoing survey of the extent and causes of arsenic contamination in groundwater led by Eric Stewart of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey.
New chemistry makes ‘magic’ drug improvements easier
Drug developers could use the technique to test whether a drug candidate might be improved with a new methyl group, potentially saving otherwise promising drugs from the trash heap.
Human-Computer Interaction focuses on technology to improve daily lives
Human-Computer Interaction research at UW–Madison aims to make technology more accessible while fostering efficiency in human-centered tasks.
Micro-molded ‘ice cube tray’ scaffold is next step in returning sight to injured retinas
New advances by medical researchers and engineers at UW–Madison may provide hope for those suffering from vision loss.
Wendt appointed associate vice chancellor for research in the physical sciences
“My unintended role as a trailblazer has led to a career-long pursuit of diversity in STEM,” says Wendt, a professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Research reveals a more accurate picture of invasive fish virus
Since the early 2000s, viral hemorrhagic septicemia has caused deaths in more than 30 fish species in the Great Lakes region.
Imaging system allows us to see UV and visible light simultaneously
While the first device is a proof of concept measuring about 8 inches long, the system could be downsized for use in commercial products, like a device similar to binoculars.
Advanced microscopy technique could help UW reach new frontiers in the biosciences
At its most basic level, it takes pictures. That’s the scaled-down explanation of cryogenic electron microscopy, or cryo-EM. But it’s so much more than that.