Category Science & Technology
UW-Madison spinoff keeps an eye on weather as it returns to Madison
Understory, a company spawned by two University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate students in 2012, has moved back to Madison. It designs and deploys flocks of miniature weather stations that create an unprecedented level of detail on such weather measures as wind, hail and temperature. Read More
Putting the sloth in sloths: Arboreal lifestyle drives slow motion pace
Tree sloths have a unique lifestyle: They make the canopy their home and subsist solely on a diet of leaves. Their slow motion lifestyle, according to a new study from UW–Madison scientists, is the direct result of the animal’s adaption to its arboreal niche. Read More
UW-Madison engineers will shape 5G wireless networks
As demands on wireless networks increase, University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers aim to open new frontiers in cutting-edge wireless communications. Their research is part of a National Science Foundation initiative to develop the next generation of wireless technologies. Read More
Computer-generated database of diffusion values is shared online
University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers recently used powerful computers to quickly and accurately develop the world’s largest computed database of information about an important materials-mixing process called diffusion. Read More
Mara McDonald, ‘quintessential boundary crosser,’ dies at 68
Although the longtime assistant administrator in the Laboratory of Genetics and J.F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution retired from the university last year, she continued to touch lives. Read More
UW, Purdue scientists solve structure of cold virus linked to childhood asthma
The findings provide the foundation for future antiviral drug and vaccine development against rhinovirus C. Read More
UW professor helps promote sustainability throughout the state
Tom Eggert and his colleagues at UW–Madison are helping businesses showcase their sustainable practices through the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. Read More
Lessons of lager: Yeast origin becomes a complex tale
The findings are important as yeasts are critical to many industries — brewing, fermenting other foods, making drugs like human insulin, and producing new biofuels. Read More
A taste of vision: Device translates from camera to brain, via the tongue
The device, patented almost 20 years ago by a visionary UW doctor, is now on the market after a long campaign by the company he founded. Read More
New startups ‘graduate’ from UW business accelerator
The companies launched with help from the D2P program are working in such areas as growing brain cells, virtual reality and stroke rehabilitation. Read More
UW-Madison spinoff taking a big bite out of swallowing problems
Swallow Solutions' system sets up a customized therapy program so users can strengthen the tongue and associated swallowing muscles in the throat. Read More
Benign bacteria block mosquitoes from transmitting Zika, chikungunya viruses
The bacteria could present a “novel biological control mechanism,” aiding efforts to stop the spread of Zika virus. Read More
Gulbrandsen reflects on 16 years shepherding innovation at WARF
WARF saves taxpayers a lot of money, but WARF only succeeds if UW–Madison succeeds," says Gulbrandsen, who led the foundation for 16 years. "UW–Madison and WARF benefit the state and the entire world, and that’s something the state should be proud of. Read More
Fundamental discovery slashes energy cost of chemical reactions
"We get two for the price of one," says researcher Shannon Stahl, "and we can save half a volt ... In a fuel cell, that is significant saving of energy." Read More
Kawaoka to receive Japan Academy award, presented by Emperor and Empress
Yoshihiro Kawaoka was chosen for his fundamental studies of the influenza virus leading to improved vaccines and better understanding of pandemic flu. Read More
Research may point to new ways to deliver drugs into bacteria
The results were surprising due to the breadth of the different proteins found to be involved, says biochemist Douglas Weibel. Read More
New material, picked by computers, could boost power of vacuum electronics
Engineers at UW–Madison have identified a substance that could vastly improve the technology for devices such as microwave ovens and X-ray machines. Read More
UW-Madison seeks to capitalize on push to harness helpful microbes
The federal government has launched the National Microbiome Initiative to “foster the integrated study of microbiomes across different ecosystems.” Read More
New high-power Evinrude outboard built with UW–Madison software
The engine maker got some help from an unlikely source: code originally written to understand the motion of air after an atomic bomb explosion. Read More
Cancer treatment spinoff takes top honor in life science at Governor’s Business Plan Contest
Lynx Biosciences is developing technology to choose the drug most likely to benefit a blood cancer patient by analyzing how the tumor cells respond. Read More