Tag College of Letters & Science
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.
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.
Professor finds the modern in the medieval
Chris Kleinhenz retired from the Department of French and Italian after nearly 40 years of leading students through Dante’s “Divine Comedy” — including Inferno, Purgatory and Paradise — and showing them why the medieval text matters.
Exhibits reveal famous patrons of the arts also loved science
Medici enthusiasm for science as well as art during the three centuries the family reigned over Florence and Tuscany is now on display at UW–Madison.
Invasive species spreads to Vilas County lake in Wisconsin
The spiny water flea, a small but aggressive aquatic invasive species, has made its way into another of Wisconsin's lakes, University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers reported last week.
New book analyzes candid community conversations on race
Katherine Cramer Walsh woke up one morning seven years ago to hear a radio advertisement promoting a community-based conversation about race in Madison.
‘Glass menagerie:’ Museum unearths exotic stash of glass sea creatures
An ordinary mid-summer stroll through Noland Hall in 2005 led Paula Holahan to an extraordinary discovery: box after box filled with a sea of intricate glass sculptures of marine invertebrate animals.
Fifty years and counting: The Wisconsin Longitudinal Study
Lee Schoenecker doesn't recall filling out a survey 50 years ago about his plans after high school, yet this long-forgotten event has stayed with him ever since. Because of it, the retired urban planner has spent many more hours being surveyed both by telephone and written questionnaire. He recently provided a sample of DNA. Even his wife and siblings have become involved.
Mother-of-pearl: Classic beauty and remarkable strength
While the shiny material of pearls and abalone shells has long been prized for its iridescence and aesthetic value in jewelry and decorations, scientists admire mother-of-pearl for other physical properties as well.
Jets from neutron star rival those made by black holes
A team of astronomers led by a UW–Madison scientist has found that neutron stars produce jets of energy and matter that rival those produced by black holes.
Brain scans show meditation changes minds, increases attention
For hundreds of years, Tibetan monks and other religious people have used meditation to calm the mind and improve concentration. This week, a new study shows exactly how one common type of meditation affects the brain.
Global villain or strategic genius? Neither, asserts new book on Henry Kissinger
In examining the complicated and controversial legacy of Henry Kissinger, UW–Madison historian Jeremi Suri creates a portrait of a man whose political career was motivated by deep moral convictions, yet the outcomes of many of his policies were viewed as morally horrendous.
‘Here at Home’ cultural tour for Wisconsin teachers begins June 21
Twenty-five K-12 teachers from around Wisconsin will join several University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty members and students on a nine-day "Here at Home" cultural tour of the state June 21-29.
Korean studies initiative advances with major grant
The Korean studies initiative at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will be significantly expanded thanks to a $750,000 grant from the Korea Foundation, the Division of International Studies, the College of Letters and Science, and Center for East Asian Studies announced today.
With a big assist from NASA, UW-Madison launches astrobiology push
With the help of a $6.5 million grant from NASA, Wisconsin researchers will join the hunt for extraterrestrial life and early life on Earth by developing techniques and instruments to read the chemical signatures living organisms leave in rocks and minerals.
Research points to arctic strategies for Norway
Plans for sustainable development in Norway's arctic region got a boost this month with the release of a study by University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate students.
Computer scientists set on winning the computer virus ‘cold war’
First came the virus. Then came the antivirus software. Ever since, virus programmers have been escalating their technology, trying to stay one step ahead of the computer security engineers and vice versa.
Intersession class to explore LGBT civil rights
For years, the historical significance of the Stonewall Rebellion, the Mattachine Society and the GLF has been "in the closet" and largely unknown to mainstream America.
Midwest News Index releases latest findings on TV political news
A new University of Wisconsin–Madison study shows that political news stories on local television news outlets in five Midwestern states comprised less than two minutes of a typical 30-minute broadcast during the first quarter of 2007.
Decoding protein structures helps illuminate cause of diabetes
Any photographer can vouch for the difficulty of capturing a clear picture of a moving target. When it comes to molecules, however, sometimes the motion is exactly what scientists want to see.