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Tag Genetics

Legend in genetics at forefront of book about heroism during 20th century’s darkest hours

August 20, 2014

Waclaw Szybalski, 92, a genius of genetics who has been repeatedly mentioned as a candidate for the Nobel Prize, grew up as an aspiring scientist during World War II in the eastern part of Poland. Many of Szybalski's most significant wartime roles concerned a decidedly applied type of science: He cooked TNT so the Polish resistance could sabotage rail lines. He participated in smuggling typhus vaccine to Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto. And he fed lice and supervised "louse feeders."

Scientists find the shocking truth about electric fish

June 26, 2014

Scientists have found how the electric fish evolved its jolt.

Famed Milwaukee County Zoo orangutan’s death caused by strange infection

February 27, 2014

Mahal, the young orangutan who became a star of the Milwaukee County Zoo and an emblem of survival for a dwindling species, led an extraordinary life. It turns out, the young ape died an extraordinary death, too.

Microbiome meets big social science: What’s the potential?

October 15, 2013

Over the last decade or so, biologists have mustered an ever-growing appreciation for the essential role of microbial communities in a diversity of environments.

Early career award funds study of messenger RNA stability

May 8, 2013

In an effort to improve microorganisms that can sustainably produce fuels and chemicals, a University of Wisconsin–Madison engineer is using a U.S. Department of Energy award to study what - if anything - gets lost in the translation of genetic information.