Category Science & Technology
UW–Madison geneticist named science ambassador to girls and young women
Ahna Skop, a professor, artist and advocate for underrepresented students, has been selected for an initiative to further women in science by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
“Clamp” regulates message transfer between mammal neurons
A UW researcher has described a key component of the nervous system — the brake, or “clamp,” that prevents the fusion pore from completing its formation and opening.
Machine learning and its radical application to severe weather prediction
In the last decade, artificial intelligence applications have exploded across various research sectors, including computer vision, communications and medicine. Now, the rapidly developing technology is making its mark in weather prediction.
Seeking basic info on “basement rocks”
Geologist Esther Stewart makes a living poking around in the geologic basement beneath Wisconsin, which provides many clues to the land's history.
New UW–Madison school sets emphasis on computing, data fields
The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences is “a chance to create a strong ecosystem of innovation, to create jobs and bring significant recognition to Wisconsin as a place where entrepreneurs thrive,” says director Tom Erickson.
University helps state growers cope with voracious, invading fruit fly
“These insects have invaded everywhere in the world that grows fruit,” says researcher Hanna McIntosh. “If the mulch works here, it’s probably applicable to people who grow fruit in other places.”
Climate change impacts Wisconsin’s inland lakes
The UW Water Resources Institute studied the effect on lake levels, water quality, aquatic invasive species and fisheries for 15,000 of the state's "true water treasures."
Science meets seat-of-the-tractor observations with Discovery Farms
“By the time Discovery Farms left Cashton in 2017,” says Jack Herricks, “the relationship had changed, the era of finger pointing and distrust had left. It was a pretty dramatic shift.”
Making biominerals: nature’s recipe is old, evolved more than once
In recent years, scientists have teased out many of the secrets of biomineralization, the process by which sea urchins grow spines, mollusks build their shells…
Madison College students prepare for transfer, gain biotech skills
An instructor at the technical college saw opportunities at a UW–Madison biotechnology research center for her students to learn lab skills and get ready for attending a four-year college.
Single protein plays important dual transport roles in the brain
A wide range of neurological conditions could benefit from the growth of axons — the telephone wires of the nervous system — including spinal cord injuries and some neurodegenerative diseases, says researcher Edwin Chapman.
‘Dr. Dirt’ worked with farmers to address water resource challenges
Fred Madison's work — which sought to protect the environment, assure farm profitability and sustain natural and human resources — had important impacts on farm practices, natural resources policy and conservation professionals.
Two different equine diseases detected in Wisconsin in recent weeks
Following news in early August that 2019’s first case of Eastern equine encephalitis was detected in Wisconsin, another horse in Wisconsin was diagnosed with a separate disease called equine infectious anemia.
UW–Madison dairy science internships help Tuskegee students weigh career choices
Under the guidance of UW–Madison's Virginia Pszczolkowski (left) and Sebastian Arriola Apelo (background), Brianna Brown, an intern from Tuskegee University, ultrasounds the side of a dairy cow.
Bending the rules: A revolutionary new way for metals to be malleable
The researchers’ new mechanism for bending holds particular interest for the U.S. Army, which has an urgent need for strong and durable materials in order to keep troops safe in combat zones.
UW Arboretum hosts native plant gardening conference Sept. 15
Held when the prairies are at their seasonal peak, the conference offers a day of expert-led workshops and tours to help all gardeners, from beginner to experienced, learn to create beautiful restorative landscapes.
Earth’s last magnetic field reversal took far longer than once thought
A reversing field might significantly affect navigation and satellite and terrestrial communication, but the study suggests that society would have generations to adapt to a lengthy period of magnetic instability.
Research looks at how Snapchat filters affect self-image
Graduate student Amy Niu is researching whether selfie-editing filters negatively or positively impact one’s evaluation of self.
Thanks to science, parasite can have sex in mice, not just cats
The work could lead to a vaccine for cats and throws a critical lifeline to scientists who study the parasite by providing a new animal model in which to study it.
Chemical catalysis pioneer James Dumesic wins international energy prize
Dumesic was selected for his pioneering work on novel catalytic processes for converting plant material into advanced fuels, biodegradable plastics, and other renewable chemicals.