Campus news Latest News
Researchers study vital ‘on/off switches’ that control when bacteria turn deadly
No matter how many times it’s demonstrated, it’s still hard to envision bacteria as social, communicating creatures. But by using a signaling system called “quorum sensing,” these single-celled organisms radically alter their behavior to suit their population. Helen Blackwell, a professor of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has been making artificial compounds that mimic the natural quorum-sensing signals, including some that block a natural signal from binding to its protein target.
Down syndrome helps researchers understand Alzheimer’s disease
The link between a protein typically associated with Alzheimer's disease and its impact on memory and cognition may not be as clear as once thought, according to a new study from the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Waisman Center. The findings are revealing more information about the earliest stages of the neurodegenerative disease.
Crone set to guide Graduate School into new era
This past week, Interim Dean Wendy Crone took time to answer a few questions about the mission and priorities of the Graduate School in its new configuration.
Focus on festivals: School of Music’s new approach invites more interaction
Breaking with tradition, the UW–Madison School of Music will present an array of music festivals this year, rather than individual guest artists scattered throughout the fall and spring semesters. Festivals include one devoted entirely to brass music, scheduled for Oct. 8-13; a jazz festival in early December; and two featuring music of contemporary composers: Cecilia McDowall (Feb. 19-23) and George Crumb (March 22-23).
Excavation exposes Roman imperial outpost at its bitter end
Like Pompeii, the ancient ruins of Zeugma, a frontier city of the Roman Empire on the banks of the Euphrates River in what is now modern Turkey, stood frozen in time.
Women’s Philanthropy Council marks 25th anniversary at UW–Madison
For a quarter century, Wisconsin women have played a leading role in the women's philanthropy movement. These pioneering women will be joined by national leaders and faculty experts in Madison this week to mark the 25th anniversary of the Women's Philanthropy Council, supported by the University of Wisconsin Foundation.
Give happy: Gretchen Rubin says philanthropy can spur a cycle of happiness
If you’re happy and you know it, do something good for someone else. If you’re not happy and you want to get there, do the same.
Seasonal flu shots available soon for UW students, employees
Flu season will soon be upon us and every year, UW–Madison sees its share of influenza. University Health Services (UHS) strongly recommends that all students, faculty and staff get their flu shot. It's the single best protection against the flu.
Campus botany gardener: transplant master
To hear master gardener Mo Fayyaz tell it, raising plants is straightforward: Get the right light, temperature, soil and water. Keep your eyes open. If one thing doesn’t work, try something else. And if everything fails, choose another plant. “You cannot just plant a rose in the shade and expect much,” he says. In 1984, Fayyaz secured his present job, director of UW–Madison’s Botany Garden and Greenhouse, and he began a long campaign to nurture and expand a garden that supports teaching and research in the biological sciences.
Parents’ Weekend to bring campus to life for Badger parents
Friday afternoon lectures, Friday evening activities, Saturday morning pregame tailgates, Sunday strolls around campus. What may sound like a standard fall weekend for UW–Madison students will soon be experienced by their parents. From Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19-21, campus will host the annual Parents’ Weekend, formally introducing parents to the staples of campus life.
Journal Sentinel’s Mark Johnson to be Science Writer in Residence
Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Mark Johnson will bring his experience and expertise to campus as the fall 2014 University of Wisconsin–Madison Science Writer in Residence.
Project prepares collection for 21st-century challenge of invasive species
At the Wisconsin State Herbarium, director Kenneth Cameron is spearheading a new, three-year project to “digitize” images and data on aquatic and wetland plants, mollusks and fish from the Great Lakes basin. The $2.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation will also be disbursed to natural history museums at UW campuses in Stevens Point, Milwaukee and La Crosse, and in every other Great Lakes state. Together, these institutions expect to digitize 1.73 million specimens related to Great Lakes invasives.
Blank GE Healthcare visit highlights partnerships in Milwaukee area
Chancellor Rebecca Blank is beginning her second year leading the University of Wisconsin–Madison much as she began her first year – by reaching out across the state to talk about the positive impact the state’s flagship university has throughout Wisconsin.
Former Gov. Thompson to give Offner Lecture Sept. 30
Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson will give this year's Paul Offner Lecture on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street.
Yogic breathing shows promise in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
One of the greatest casualties of war is its lasting effect on the minds of soldiers. This presents a daunting public health problem: More than 20 percent of veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a 2012 report by RAND Corp.
Campus art in the limelight on new website
A newly launched UW–Madison website seeks to fill a niche by giving students, staff and visitors digital access to information about and images of the public art they can see across campus. The Division of Facilities Planning and Management has partnered with an art history graduate student to create the site, which highlights UW–Madison public art that exists outside of a traditional gallery setting.
Wisconsin Science Festival to celebrate scientific discovery, community
Thousands of visitors, young and old, will have the chance to indulge their “inner scientist” during the 2014 Wisconsin Science Festival, with more than 20 communities statewide joining Madison in the event. Now in its fourth year, the festival will be held from Oct. 16-19.
UW-Madison parents warned of phone scam
Earlier today, September 10, the UW–Madison Police Department was made aware of a phone scam targeting parents of UW–Madison students.
Census Bureau Research Data Center to be established at UW–Madison
The potential for interdisciplinary research is about to expand considerably throughout the state of Wisconsin, thanks to Census Bureau approval for construction of a branch Research Data Center, or RDC, on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus.
UW-Madison ranked 13th best public college by U.S. News & World Report
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is 13th among public institutions in U.S. News & World Report's latest rankings.