Category Science & Technology
Cellular networks vulnerable to wildfires across U.S.
More than 430,000 cell network transceivers covering approximately 85 million people are in areas the U.S. Forest Service considers at moderate or high wildfire risk. Read More
COVID-19 model quantifies impact of region-specific social distancing orders
A simulation using cellphone data shows social distancing measures had a major influence on case numbers, though the impact varied markedly in different areas, even within the same state. Read More
Surprising communication between atoms could improve quantum computing
A group of UW physicists has identified conditions under which relatively distant atoms communicate with each other in ways that had previously only been seen in atoms closer together. Read More
Do the twist: Making two-dimensional quantum materials using curved surfaces
The continuously twisting stacks of 2D materials create new properties that scientists can exploit to study quantum physics on the nanoscale. Read More
‘Grassland 2.0’ seeks to transform Upper Midwest agriculture through perennial grasslands
With chronically low and erratic milk prices, some dairy farmers have controlled their production costs with managed grazing. Read More
Gimlet’s Kendra Pierre-Louis to visit virtually as Science Writer in Residence
As a climate reporter on the new podcast "How to Save a Planet," Pierre-Louis discusses everything from the surprising benefits of trees to why everyone needs a “go bag” — and friendly neighbors — in a disaster. Read More
American Physical Society bestows top honors on two UW scientists
Physics professor Vernon Barger won the J.J. Sakurai Prize for Theoretical Particle Physics, and chemistry professor Martin Zanni was the recipient of the Earle K. Plyler Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy & Dynamics. Read More
UW grad student shares hands-on physics, art lessons with local fifth graders
Students took breaks from all-electronic assignments to work with take-home kits that let them explore the physics of light while creating art. Read More
UW–Madison supports largest solar development in Dane County
The university will purchase half of the energy produced by a 20-megawatt solar array that Madison Gas and Electric plans to build south of Madison. Read More
UW biochemist Scott Coyle awarded 2020 Packard Fellowship
Coyle's research could have far-reaching applications, from expanding the scope of cell-based therapies to fight disease to developing micro-technologies for bioremediation of damaged environmental sites. Read More
Proven treatments and new methods crucial to fighting COVID-19
UW Health clinicians are using current respiratory treatments and are working with the School of Medicine and Public Health on several novel therapies. Read More
First relatives of rubella virus discovered in bats in Uganda and mice in Germany
Neither of the new viruses is known to infect people, but the findings reinforce the important work scientists are undertaking to study the effects of a changing environment on human and animal diseases. Read More
UW Arboretum enhances sustainability with solar panel upgrade
The new system will include an array of 66 photovoltaic modules that are projected to produce 32,300 kilowatt-hours in the first year of operation. Read More
COVID questions: aerosol transmission, small business, managing stress
What is aerosol transmission? How has the pandemic affected small businesses? How can I manage stress? Read More
Virtual events explore science of well-being, feature new insights from Dalai Lama
“The World We Make 2020” is a weeklong series by UW–Madison's Center for Healthy Minds. Experts will discuss topics including the neuroscience of the mind-body connection, and workplace well-being for educators. Read More
$11.4M Army grant supports aircraft hybrid-electric engine research at UW–Madison
“While there has been a lot of work done on developing hybrid-electric engines for ground vehicles, there hasn’t been much research on using (them) in aircraft,” says David Rothamer, a mechanical engineering professor. Read More
Explore over 100 virtual events at the 10th annual Wisconsin Science Festival
Activities will include experiments, live Q&A with scientists, demonstrations, performances, podcasts, behind-the-scenes tours and more — along with up-to-the-minute information on what researchers are learning about COVID-19. Read More
Astronomers model, determine how disk galaxies evolve so smoothly
Using advanced computer simulations, scientists from UW, Iowa State and IBM are learning how galaxies get their characteristic structure — super-bright centers fading away to dark edges. Read More
Interview: Keys to a successful COVID-19 vaccine
The race to develop a vaccine for the virus that causes COVID-19 will represent the largest global vaccination effort since the fight against polio nearly 70 years ago. That historical perspective is important, says Morgridge Institute virology investigator Paul Ahlquist. Read More
Coldest Northern Hemisphere temperature, first recorded by UW–Madison, officially confirmed
Nearly 30 years after recording a temperature of minus 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit in Greenland, the measurement has been verified as the coldest recorded temperature in the hemisphere. Read More