Category Science & Technology
Lifelike chemistry created in lab search for ways to study origin of life
The work is far from jumpstarting life in the lab. Yet, it shows that simple laboratory techniques can spur the kinds of reactions that are likely necessary to explain how life got started on Earth some four billion years ago. Read More
Americans maintain high levels of trust in science
A new report analyzing decades of surveys reveals that Americans’ trust in scientists has remained stable and high, and that "scientists are at the top of trustworthy professions." But the research found a large gap between rural and suburban residents. Read More
UW–Madison signs Second Nature Resilience Commitment
The Resilience Commitment will not only help UW–Madison address current and ongoing effects of climate change on campus, it will also amplify the benefits of collaboration and partnership with local, state and global communities. Read More
Injectable, flexible electrode could replace rigid nerve-stimulating implants
Neuromodulation therapies can reduce epileptic seizures, soothe chronic pain and treat depression. Now, a significant advance could dramatically reduce their cost, increase their reliability and make them much less invasive. Read More
WARF announces annual grant figures and 2019 Innovation Award winners
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation has granted the university $80 million and the Morgridge Institute $11.9 million, and is honoring faculty members who made significant technological advances. Read More
UW–Madison chemist searches for ways to bioengineer proteins within cells
Chemistry Professor Andrew Buller wants to add more building blocks to the body’s protein-making kit, making it easier and less expensive to create the new molecules for research and medicine. Read More
For the love of bats
Amy Wray doesn’t expect everyone to love bats like she does, but the doctoral candidate in wildlife ecology hopes to help people understand how essential they are to our ecosystem. And what better time than Halloween? Read More
Deepest look yet at brewer’s yeasts reveals the diversity harnessed by humans
A new trove of genomic data could allow researchers to develop novel features in fermented beverages, an industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Read More
Researchers may have found a new way to fight skin-burrowing schistosomiasis parasite
Scientists led by Morgridge Institute for Research investigator Phillip Newmark have isolated a potent kryptonite against the parasitic worms, which cause devastating health problems. Read More
Newly discovered virus infects bald eagles across America
Scientists found the virus while searching for the cause of Wisconsin River Eagle Syndrome. The newly identified bald eagle hepacivirus may contribute to the fatal disease, which causes eagles to stumble and have seizures. Read More
UW–Madison physicist awarded Packard Fellowship
Shimon Kolkowitz's research into ultra-precision atomic clocks will test Einstein's general theory of relativity. Read More
Regents approve new undergraduate major in Data Science
Students majoring in data science will learn to apply computational, statistical, and mathematical methods to data in order to solve real-world problems. Read More
Science journalist Christie Aschwanden visits as UW–Madison Science Writer in Residence
Aschwanden, who for years was lead science writer for FiveThirtyEight, will be on campus Oct. 14 through 18 visiting students and faculty and participating in a panel discussion. Read More
Extension strengthens link between field and campus
When the Conant brothers started a hops farm, they knew practically nothing about hops. So they turned to their county ag educator from UW Extension, which is now part of UW–Madison. The agent drew upon UW researchers’ unbiased scientific expertise. Read More
Campus a popular stopover for migrating butterflies
Butterflies like to stop at the UW–Madison campus and Arboretum to rest and drink up the nectar in the many flowers there. Read More
150 years ago, periodic table brought order to the chemical universe
"You could say that we take the periodic table (of the elements) for granted," says UW–Madison chemistry instructor Matt Bowman. "But I could not imagine chemistry without it.” Read More
UW–Madison, local startup testing a one-two punch against hard-to-heal wounds
Millions of people with severe burns or diabetic skin ulcers could benefit from an experimental enhancement to a next-generation covering that is already healing difficult wounds. Read More
Scientists connected fragments of pine savanna and new species keep showing up
A new study connecting small, restored patches of savanna to one another demonstrates a hopeful strategy in efforts to conserve plant and animal species confronting fragmented and shrinking habitats. Read More
Detailed PICture reveals how tooth enamel is strong enough to last a lifetime
Physicist Pupa Gilbert used PIC mapping to find that the way enamel crystals are misoriented likely deflects cracks, leading to teeth’s lifelong strength. Read More
Hofacker named director of UW–Madison’s Posse scholarship program
The program identifies and awards full-tuition scholarships to public high school students with extraordinary potential who may be overlooked in the traditional college selection process. Read More