Category Science & Technology
More details on origin of world’s favorite beer-making microbe
The crucial genetic mashup that spawned the yeast that brews the vast majority of beer occurred at least twice - and both times without human help - according to a University of Wisconsin–Madison study published Aug. 11 in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution. Read More
Proposed ban on fetal tissue would halt lifesaving research, scientists say
A bill before the State Assembly aimed at banning the scientific use of fetal tissue would halt work that could alleviate or end the suffering… Read More
Discovery in growing graphene nanoribbons could enable faster, more efficient electronics
Graphene, an atom-thick material with extraordinary properties, is a promising candidate for the next generation of dramatically faster, more energy-efficient electronics. However, scientists have struggled to fabricate the material into ultra-narrow strips, called nanoribbons, that could enable the use of graphene in high-performance semiconductor electronics. Read More
“Happy Days Study” meets the microbiome
For almost 60 years, the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) has closely followed the life course of roughly a third of Wisconsin high school graduates from the class of 1957. Read More
UW leading $2.6 million effort to improve solar power plants
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $2.6 million to a research collaboration led by University of Wisconsin–Madison engineering physics research Professor Mark Anderson that aims to advance the technology of utility-scale concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. Read More
Student organic seed enthusiasts to gather in Madison
While organic foods are popular among consumers, the organics segment remains a lonely field for future plant breeders. At many of the universities that offer graduate programs in plant breeding, for instance, there are only a handful of students focused on developing better fruit, vegetable and field crop varieties for organic farming systems. Read More
UW–Madison grad student wins HHMI international fellowship
Yei Hwan Jung, a graduate student in the lab of University of Wisconsin–Madison electrical and computer engineering Professor Zhenqiang “Jack” Ma, has been named an International Student Research Fellow by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). Read More
Obama taps UW–Madison biochemist to head science medal panel
President Barack Obama has named University of Wisconsin–Madison biochemistry Professor Judith Kimble to chair the President’s Committee on the National Medal of Science. Read More
UW engineers use ‘CRISPR’ technology to locate crucial protein in stem cell survival
In a multidisciplinary effort, a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers has identified a protein that is integral to the survival and self-renewal processes of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC). Read More
UW 2020: New VCRGE program to support early stage research
In an effort to create a dynamic new funding mechanism for bold research ideas, ideas with potential to drive significant discoveries, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education (VCRGE), with support from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), is teeing up a new program to seed potentially groundbreaking research. Read More
UW study shows how a kernel got naked and corn became king
Ten thousand years ago, a golden grain got naked, brought people together and grew to become one of the top agricultural commodities on the planet. Read More
Cages offer new direction in sustainable catalyst design
University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers have developed a new approach to structuring the catalysts used in essential reactions in the chemical and energy fields. The advance offers a pathway for industries to wean themselves off of platinum, one of the scarcest metals in the earth's crust. Read More
Researchers pinpoint where the brain unites our eyes’ double vision
If you have two working eyes, you are live streaming two images of the world into your brain. Your brain combines the two to produce a view of the world that appears as though you had a single eye - like the Cyclops from Greek mythology. Read More
Smaller and smarter antennas for military use
When it comes to protecting the men and women of the armed forces, University of Wisconsin–Madison researcher Nader Behdad focuses his work on an obstacle most people wouldn't associate with combat: the physical limitations of low-frequency antennas. Read More
Keeping up that positive feeling: the science of savoring emotions
Savoring a beautiful sunset and the positive emotions associated with it can contribute to improved well-being, according to research. But why and how are some people better than others in keeping the feeling alive? Read More
Words jump-start vision, psychologist’s study shows
Cognitive scientists have come to view the brain as a prediction machine, constantly comparing what is happening around us to expectations based on experience - and considering what should happen next. Read More
Molecular fuel cell catalysts hold promise for efficient energy storage
In the quest for better, less expensive ways to store and use energy, platinum and other precious metals play an important role. They serve as catalysts to propel the most efficient fuel cells, but they are costly and rare. Read More
Cancer discovery links experimental vaccine and biological treatment
A new study at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has linked two seemingly unrelated cancer treatments that are both now being tested in clinical trials. Read More
Nanoscale light-emitting device has big profile
University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers have created a nanoscale device that can emit light as powerfully as an object 10,000 times its size. It's an advance that could have huge implications for everything from photography to solar power. Read More