Tag College of Letters & Science
Ancient rocks record first evidence for photosynthesis that made oxygen
A new study shows that iron-bearing rocks that formed at the ocean floor 3.2 billion years ago carry unmistakable evidence of oxygen. The only logical source for that oxygen is the earliest known example of photosynthesis by living organisms, say University of Wisconsin–Madison geoscientists.
American Family makes 10-year pledge to support UW partnerships
The University of Wisconsin–Madison and American Family Insurance will expand their longtime partnership in support of academic programs, research, athletics and charitable activities, with the insurer pledging $40 million to the UW over the next 10 years.
‘Lazy eye’ may bully the brain into altering its wiring
Colorful and expressive, the eyes are central to the way people interact with each other, as well as take in their surroundings. That makes amblyopia — more commonly known as "lazy eye" — all the more obvious, but the physical manifestation of the most common cause of vision problems among children the world over is actually a brain disorder.
Boundless Together: The research behind the commercial
A new commercial for UW–Madison will premier during the season-opening Badger football game on Aug. 5. Learn more about the cutting-edge research highlighted in the spot.
New online tool puts Madison lakes on the map — and in the forecast
Imagine packing the car, herding your family on board and heading to the lake, only to find green, scummy water or a closed beach at your destination. Up until now, it's been an all-too-common end to summer travel plans in Wisconsin. But a new online tool can send people to clearer waters.
More complex Atticus Finch can lead to important discussions, says UW English professor
When readers think of Atticus Finch, they think of the virtuous lawyer from “To Kill a Mockingbird,” brought to life in the movie by Gregory Peck. But in “Go Set a Watchman,” Harper Lee’s just-released sequel, Atticus is depicted as an aging racist who has attended a Ku Klux Klan meeting and denounces desegregation — a far cry from the hero his daughter Scout looked up to — not to mention the more than 40 million people who bought the book.
Humanity has exceeded 4 of 9 ‘planetary boundaries,’ according to researchers
An international team of researchers says climate change, the loss of biosphere integrity, land-system change, and altered biogeochemical cycles like phosphorus and nitrogen runoff have all passed beyond levels that put humanity in a “safe operating space.” Civilization has crossed four of nine so-called planetary boundaries as the result of human activity, according to a report published today in Science by the 18-member research team. Among them is Steve Carpenter, director of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Center for Limnology and the only U.S.-based researcher on the study.
‘Career Kickstart’ kicking off next year at Ogg Residence Hall
Graduation is years away for many students, but it’s never too early to think about what comes next. Starting fall 2015, Career Kickstart will offer a head start for thinking beyond the diploma. Available to students who have completed their first year, Ogg Residence Hall will provide tools for those eager to work on career development.
UW team explores large, restless volcanic field in Chile
If Brad Singer knew for sure what was happening three miles under an odd-shaped lake in the Andes, he might be less eager to spend a good part of his career investigating a volcanic field that has erupted 36 times during the last 25,000 years. As he leads a large scientific team exploring a region in the Andes called Laguna del Maule, Singer hopes the area remains quiet.
Letters & Science launches initiative to prepare liberal arts students for careers
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s College of Letters & Science has launched a new, coordinated approach to preparing students for careers.
The power of a story: Hundreds expected for Oral History Association conference
Wisconsin, and Madison in particular, will be front and center during the Oral History Association’s 48th annual meeting. The meeting will take place at the Madison Concourse Hotel from Oct. 8-12. This year’s theme, “Oral History in Motion: Movements, Transformations, and the Power of Story,” speaks to the rich history of Wisconsin, and Madison, says Ed Van Gemert, University of Wisconsin–Madison vice provost for libraries and university librarian.
Study shows role of media in sharing life events
To share is human. And the means to share personal news — good and bad — have exploded over the last decade, particularly social media and texting. But until now, all research about what is known as "social sharing," or the act of telling others about the important events in our lives, has been restricted to face-to-face interactions.
Rare texts, technology tell Shakespeare’s story in seminar
Harnessing today's technology and rare books dating back to the 16th century, students and a faculty member will bring to life the works of William Shakespeare on Saturday, June 21 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Buried fossil soils found to be awash in carbon
Soils that formed on the Earth’s surface thousands of years ago and that are now deeply buried features of vanished landscapes have been found to be rich in carbon, adding a new dimension to our planet’s carbon cycle.
Babbling brooks adding to climate change?
Studying stream bubbles isn't exactly a walk in the park - what with the mud and ticks, the long days hiking and swimming through mucky streams, the sun exposure and scratching brush.
Sociologist, former L&S dean Sandefur to leave UW–Madison after 30 years
Gary Sandefur, a longtime faculty member and administrator at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is headed back to his home state of Oklahoma.
National Academy of Sciences adds three UW–Madison researchers
Three University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty members have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the organization announced today.