Tag Biosciences
Bioethicist Fost debates use of steroids in sports
Norman Fost, professor in the departments of pediatrics and medical history and bioethics, and director of the Program in Bioethics, particpiated recently in an Intelligence Squared U.S. debate as an advocate for the motion “Should We Accept Steroid Use in Sports?” Read More
School of Pharmacy ready to celebrate 125 years
What began as an inspiration of several forward-thinking pharmacists throughout the state is now, 125 years later, a national leader in advancing both the practice and science of pharmacy. Read More
Ebola virus disarmed by excising a single gene
The deadly Ebola virus, an emerging public health concern in Africa and a potential biological weapon, ranks among the most feared of exotic pathogens. Read More
In diatom, scientists find genes that may level engineering hurdle
Denizens of oceans, lakes and even wet soil, diatoms are unicellular algae that encase themselves in intricately patterned, glass-like shells. Curiously, these tiny phytoplankton could be harboring the next big breakthrough in computer chips. Read More
Work begins on future site of Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery
A major change will begin to take shape on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus this month as construction begins at the future site of the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. Read More
Persistence, genius mix for chemist
Chemistry professor Laura Kiessling is featured in the Milwuakee Journal Sentinel’s series on “groundbreaking thinkers in Wisconsin” series. Read More
Undergrad team debuts in genetic engineering competition
For the first time, a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison undergraduates participated in the annual International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM), held this fall at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Read More
Engineer James Dumesic named to ‘Scientific American 50’
James Dumesic, Chemical and Biological Engineering Steenbock Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has received a 2007 Scientific American "SciAm 50" award for his innovative alternative fuels research. Read More
Arsenic contamination lacks one-size-fits-all remedy
Though a worldwide problem, arsenic contamination of drinking water does not have a universal solution, recent work by UW–Madison researchers has shown. Read More
Waterborne carbon increases threat of environmental mercury
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin and a worrisome environmental contaminant, but the severity of its threat appears to depend on what else is in the water, researchers at UW–Madison have found. Read More
Genome study places modern humans in the evolutionary fast lane
Countering a common theory that human evolution has slowed to a crawl or even stopped in modern humans, a new study by UW–Madison researchers examining data from an international genomics project describes the past 40,000 years as a time of supercharged evolutionary change. Read More
Waistline growth on high-carb diets linked to liver gene
Experts have been warning for years that foods loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and other processed carbohydrates are making us fatter. Now, a University of Wisconsin–Madison study has uncovered the genetic basis for why this is so. Read More
UW-Madison scientists guide human skin cells to embryonic state
In a paper to be published Nov. 22 in the online edition of the journal Science, a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers reports the genetic reprogramming of human skin cells to create cells indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells. Read More
Reprogramming the debate: stem-cell finding alters ethical controversy
When University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers succeeded in reprogramming skin cells to behave like embryonic stem cells, they also began to redefine the political and ethical dynamics of the stem-cell debate, a leading bioethicist says. Read More
Bridging the divide between math and biology
As a mathematician who has navigated the field of biology for nearly a decade, mathematics professor Julie Mitchell has some sage advice for those who choose to follow. Never hesitate to ask a “dumb” question. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something. Meanwhile, show some bravado. Read More
Tool-wielding chimps provide a glimpse of early human behavior
Chimpanzees inhabiting a harsh savanna environment and using bark and stick tools to exploit an underground food resource are giving scientists new insights to the behaviors of the earliest hominids who, millions of years ago, left the African forests to range the same kinds of environments and possibly utilize the same foods. Read More
Two young researchers win White House science award
Two of the University of Wisconsin–Madison's most promising young faculty members have received the highest national honor bestowed upon scientists in the early stages of their careers. The Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) recognize top junior researchers who have demonstrated exceptional potential and leadership at the frontiers of science. Read More
Open house showcases new science building
Since it opened at the beginning of the school year, the Microbial Sciences Building has been drawing rave reviews from students and researchers who work and study in the new facility. Read More
Researchers examine world’s potential to produce biodiesel
What do the countries of Thailand, Uruguay and Ghana have in common? They all could become leading producers of the emerging renewable fuel known as biodiesel, says a study from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Read More