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Tag Research

Project explores mechanics of major earthquake faults

February 15, 2009

CHICAGO - Deep-sea drilling into one of the most active earthquake zones on the planet is providing the first direct look at the geophysical fault properties underlying some of the world's largest earthquakes and tsunamis. The Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE) is the first geologic study of the underwater subduction zone faults that give rise to the massive earthquakes known to seismologists as mega-thrust earthquakes.

How do you mend a broken heart? Maybe someday with stem cells made from your skin

February 12, 2009

A little more than a year after University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists showed they could turn skin cells back into stem cells, they have pulsating proof that these "induced" stem cells can indeed form the specialized cells that make up heart muscle.

Psychoactive compound activates mysterious receptor

February 12, 2009

A hallucinogenic compound found in a plant indigenous to South America and used in shamanic rituals regulates a mysterious protein that is abundant throughout the body, University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers have discovered.

Sequences capture the code of the common cold

February 12, 2009

In an effort to confront our most familiar malady, scientists have deciphered the instruction manual for the common cold.

UW-Madison computer scientist named to national engineering academy

February 12, 2009

A University of Wisconsin–Madison professor is among 65 engineers and nine foreign associates elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 2009. Gurindar (Guri) Sohi, John P. Morgridge professor and E. David Cronon professor of computer sciences, has been ranked among the most distinguished engineers in the nation, peer-elected for their exceptional contributions to engineering research, practice or education.

Mouse study reveals genetic component of empathy

February 12, 2009

The ability to empathize with others is partially determined by genes, according to new research on mice from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).

Two-step chemical process turns raw biomass into biofuel

February 10, 2009

Taking a chemical approach, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a two-step method to convert the cellulose in raw biomass into a promising biofuel. The process, which is described in the Wednesday, Feb. 11 issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, is unprecedented in its use of untreated, inedible biomass as the starting material.

Mathematical models reveal how organisms transcend the sum of their genes

February 6, 2009

Molecular and cellular biologists have made tremendous scientific advances by dissecting apart the functions of individual genes, proteins, and pathways. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Engineering are looking to expand that understanding by putting the pieces back together, mathematically.

Genetic change prevents cell death in mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

February 2, 2009

By shifting a normal protective mechanism into overdrive, a University of Wisconsin–Madison scientist has completely shielded mice from a toxic chemical that would otherwise cause Parkinson's disease.

Single gene lets bacteria jump from host to host

February 1, 2009

All life - plants, animals, people - depends on peaceful coexistence with a swarm of microbial life that performs vital services from helping to convert food to energy to protection from disease.

Vet Medicine launches a new approach to E. coli food safety

January 30, 2009

Infection by Eschericia.coli O157:H7 from undercooked cattle meat proves deadly to about 60 people in the U.S. each year. While testing is available to detect the presence of the bacterium in raw meat, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison would prefer to address the problem before the meat is sent to market.

Research uncovers surprising lion stronghold in war-torn central Africa

January 29, 2009

Times are tough for wildlife living at the frontier between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Armies are reportedly encamped in a national park and wildlife preserve on the Congolese side, while displaced herders and their cattle have settled in an adjoining Ugandan park.

Study firms up idea that triceratops used horns in duels with rivals

January 28, 2009

Because nobody was around to witness their use, the functions of the impressive horns and frill of the familiar dinosaur triceratops have been a matter of speculation.

Early childhood stress has lingering effects on health

January 26, 2009

Stressful experiences in early childhood can have long-lasting impacts on kids' health that persist well beyond the resolution of the situation.

New program aims to enhance operations of Wisconsin biotech companies

January 22, 2009

The University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Engineering and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) have partnered to launch a biotechnology process improvement program, working with local firms NeoClone in Madison, Catalent in Middleton and Invitrogen in Milwaukee.

National magazine honors UW historian as an emerging scholar

January 21, 2009

Ned Blackhawk, a University of Wisconsin–Madison professor of history and American Indian Studies, has been recognized by "Diverse" magazine this month as one of ten emerging scholars nationally who are taking their disciplines in exciting new directions.

Cellartis, WARF sign license agreement for human embryonic stem cells

January 15, 2009

Cellartis AB, a premier provider of human embryonic stem cell (hES) derived products and technologies, and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), the private, nonprofit patenting and licensing organization for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, announced today (Jan. 15) that they have signed a license for hES patents that enables Cellartis to commercialize undifferentiated hES cell products in the U.S.

Large-scale nuclear materials study shapes national collaborations

January 15, 2009

In Kumar Sridharan's laboratory on the University of Wisconsin–Madison engineering campus, just one ill-timed sneeze might have catapulted his next three years' worth of nuclear reactor materials research into oblivion.

Common soil mineral degrades the nearly indestructible prion

January 14, 2009

In the rogues' gallery of microscopic infectious agents, the prion is the toughest hombre in town.

UW–Madison obtains Human Subjects Accreditation for research

January 14, 2009

The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), the not-for-profit entity that seeks to raise the level of protection for human research subjects, announced in December that UW–Madison is one of 21 newly accredited research organizations.