UW–Madison botanist plucks new flower from Isle Royale
One of the world’s newest sunflower species, discovered by a University of Wisconsin-Madison botanist, has carved out a very small but safe niche on an island in Lake Superior.
Tag: research
Wisconsin engineer, entrepreneur move ‘green’ diesel engine closer to market
A University of Wisconsin-Madison engineer is collaborating with a Wisconsin entrepreneur to produce a diesel engine that could be a quieter, more efficient power source for a variety of household and industrial applications, including lawn equipment and electric generators.
Mouse genome sequences reveal variability, complex evolutionary history
The genome of even a single organism is packed with information. A new paper, building on recent advances in sequencing capability, now reports the complete genomes of 17 different strains of mice, creating an unparalleled genetic resource that will aid studies ranging from human disease to evolution.
Interim chancellor’s memo to lawmakers regarding proposed fetal tissue ban
Here is the text of a memo sent by UW–Madison Interim Chancellor David Ward to all members of the state Legislature regarding a bill that would ban the acquisition and use of fetal tissue in scientific research.
Study: Wisconsinites have mixed views on ethanol
A majority of Wisconsinites support the use of ethanol blends if it keeps dollars and jobs in the United States and reduces air pollution, according to a new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers.
Study reveals critical similarity between two types of do-it-all stem cells
Ever since human induced pluripotent stem cells were first derived in 2007, scientists have wondered whether they were functionally equivalent to embryonic stem cells, which are sourced in early stage embryos.
NSF renews, expands mission of UW–Madison materials research center
With $18 million over six years, the National Science Foundation is expanding the mission of one of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s most prolific and prestigious interdisciplinary research centers.
Parents’ stress leaves mark on the DNA of children
Parents who are stressed during their children’s early years can leave an imprint on their sons’ or daughters’ genes – an imprint that lasts into adolescence and may affect how these genes are expressed later in life, according to a study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin and the University of British Columbia.
In cell culture, like real estate, the neighborhood matters
Ever since scientists first began growing human cells in lab dishes in 1952, they have focused on improving the chemical soup that feeds the cells and helps regulate their growth. But surfaces also matter, says Laura Kiessling, a professor of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who observes that living cells are normally in contact with each other and with a structure called the extracellular matrix, not just with the dissolved chemicals in their surroundings.
New study will explore impact of exercise on pulmonary hypertension
For sufferers of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), maintaining healthy heart function isn’t as simple as going for a jog every morning. Patients need to do all they can to slow damage to their heart, and exercise can improve potentially improve their quality of life.
Irrigation’s impacts on global carbon uptake
Globally, irrigation increases agricultural productivity by an amount roughly equivalent to the entire agricultural output of the U.S., according to a new University of Wisconsin-Madison study.
Human gait could soon power portable electronics
If the vision of Tom Krupenkin and J. Ashley Taylor comes to fruition, one day soon your cellphone – or just about any other portable electronic device – could be powered by simply taking a walk.
Poverty and national parks: Decade-long study finds surprising relationship
If so many poor people live around national parks in developing countries, does that mean that these parks are contributing to their poverty? Yes, according to the conventional wisdom, but no, according to a 10-year study of people living around Kibale National Park in Uganda that was published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
500 years ago, yeast’s epic journey gave rise to lager beer
In the 15th century, when Europeans first began moving people and goods across the Atlantic, a microscopic stowaway somehow made its way to the caves and monasteries of Bavaria.
Sweet insight: Discovery could speed drug development
The surface of cells and many biologically active molecules are studded with sugar structures that are not used to store energy, but rather are involved in communication, immunity and inflammation. In a similar manner, sugars attached to drugs can enhance, change or neutralize their effects, says Jon Thorson, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy.
UW-Madison expert: Cancer rates show it’s time for a global asbestos ban
The use of asbestos building materials in developing countries results in millions of preventable cancer cases, a University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health epidemiologist reports in the coming issue of Annals of Epidemiology.
UW team part of IBM ‘cognitive’ computing chip project
Climate change could drive native fish out of Wisconsin waters
The cisco, a key forage fish found in Wisconsin’s deepest and coldest bodies of water, could become a climate change casualty and disappear from most of the Wisconsin lakes it now inhabits by the year 2100, according to a new study.
Surgeon to be next UW-Madison vet research dean
Longtime professor Dale Bjorling has been named associate dean for research and graduate training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. Bjorling, professor of small animal surgery and member of the Department of Surgical Sciences since 1985, has a strong background in both facets of his new role, according to Daryl Buss, dean …
DOE awards UW-Madison spinoff $1.5 million for dual-fuel engine optimization
A spinoff company created by two University of Wisconsin-Madison Engine Research Center (ERC) faculty members was awarded $1.5 million from the US Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Wednesday.