Category Science & Technology
New data from Antarctic detector firms up cosmic neutrino sighting
Researchers using the IceCube Neutrino Observatory have sorted through the billions of subatomic particles that zip through its frozen cubic-kilometer-sized detector each year to gather powerful new evidence in support of 2013 observations confirming the existence of cosmic neutrinos.
Fall Competition aims to set standard for research excellence
In addition to the recently announced UW2020 research funding initiative, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education is continuing its longstanding Fall Competition for research funding.
Novel Morgridge technology may illuminate mystery moon caves
It's widely believed that the moon features networks of caves created when violent lava flows tore under the surface from ancient volcanoes. Some craters may actually be "skylights" where cave ceilings have crumbled.
Apes may be closer to speaking than many scientists think
Koko the gorilla is best known for a lifelong study to teach her a silent form of communication, American Sign Language. But some of the simple sounds she has learned may change the perception that humans are the only primates with the capacity for speech.
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.
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…
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.