Tag Biosciences
Researchers underscore limitations of genetic ancestry tests
Although many people rely on commercially available genetic tests for insights into their ancestry, consumers should be aware of significant limitations in such testing, according to a group of researchers commenting in today's issue of the journal Science.
A gene divided reveals details of natural selection
In a molecular tour de force, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have provided an exquisitely detailed picture of natural selection as it occurs at the genetic level.
Primate study shows excess vitamin A can be stored during fetal development
A new University of Wisconsin–Madison study suggests that pregnant women who take some types of vitamin supplements or eat fortified foods may be passing excess vitamin A to their developing fetuses. Reported in the October issue of the Journal of Comparative Medicine, the finding could guide efforts to develop future formulations of vitamins.
Researchers identify key step bird flu virus takes to spread readily in humans
Since it first appeared in Hong Kong in 1997, the H5N1 avian flu virus has been slowly evolving into a pathogen better equipped to infect humans. The final form of the virus, biomedical researchers fear, will be a highly pathogenic strain of influenza that spreads easily among humans.
Bioenergy research center gets early boost from U.S. Department of Energy
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) has received $6.67 million in start-up funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that will allow researchers to get to work on promising new sources of energy that may someday power our cars, homes, and businesses.
‘Jumping genes’ could make for safer gene delivery system
A new nonviral gene delivery system using transposons, or “jumping genes,” provides a safer alternative to previous options, according to a publication by a UW–Madison molecular biologist and biological safety expert.
Town hall meetings to introduce building plans for Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery
On October 1, 8 and 10, the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) are hosting a series of town hall meetings to inform the UW–Madison community about the latest building plans for the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.
Study: Nutrient pollution drives frog deformities
High levels of nutrients used in farming and ranching activities fuel parasite infections that have caused highly publicized frog deformities in ponds and lakes across North America, according to a new study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Hormone-driven effects on eating, stress mediated by same brain region
A hormone system linked to reducing food consumption appears to do so by increasing stress-related behaviors, according to a new study.
New book looks at public perception and media treatment of GMOs
Although the vast majority of Americans are blithely unaware, the United States and its system of food production is irreversibly hitched to modern biotechnology. In short, most people unwittingly and regularly consume food that was produced through genetic engineering.
$7.2 million grant to aid search for ALS stem cell therapy
With the help of a $7.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers will explore the potential of stem cells and natural growth factors to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Microbial Sciences Building designed for discovery, collaboration
As the doors swung open at the new Microbial Sciences Building at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, students and researchers found a facility designed to spark exchanges of ideas aimed at answering biological questions of unprecedented complexity and importance.
Research and instruction in the Microbial Sciences Building
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Microbial Sciences Building will be home to a wide range of departments, programs and researc h centers.
Using evolution, UW team creates a template for many new therapeutic agents
By guiding an enzyme down a new evolutionary pathway, a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers has created a new form of an enzyme capable of producing a range of potential new therapeutic agents with anticancer and antibiotic properties.
Basic research robust in face of more university patenting
A UW–Madison study of more than 1,800 U.S. life scientists found that, despite an explosion in academic patenting in recent years, most life science professors still do research the "old-fashioned" way: they win federal grants, publish results in scientific journals, and graduate Ph.D. students.
National Stem Cell Bank announces addition of new cell lines
The National Stem Cell Bank has announced that it has received select human embryonic stem cell lines from Novocell, a leading stem cell engineering company based in San Diego. With the addition of the new lines, the National Stem Cell Bank will have on deposit 14 of the 21 cell lines listed on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) federal registry.
UW Badgers, farmers enjoy benefits of whey sports drink
When the University of Wisconsin football Badgers take the field this fall, they will have a secret weapon behind them: Wisconsin's dairy cows.
Beijing seminar helps Wisconsin dairies build a bridge to China
Along the northern and northeastern borders of China, traditionally considered the country's dairy belt, daily life can resemble a scene from a Wisconsin of a bygone era. But Chinese dairy farmers aren't facing the hurdles of modernization alone. To help them meet their lofty goals, they are turning to a state that knows a thing or two about building a dairy industry: Wisconsin.