Tag Research
Researchers underscore limitations of genetic ancestry tests
Although many people rely on commercially available genetic tests for insights into their ancestry, consumers should be aware of significant limitations in such testing, according to a group of researchers commenting in today's issue of the journal Science.
Study of bacterial communities may provide climate-change clues
A multidisciplinary group of UW–Madison and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers is studying the composition of bacterial communities in humic lakes (bodies of water containing high levels of decaying organic matter) and how these microorganisms respond to changes in their environment.
A gene divided reveals details of natural selection
In a molecular tour de force, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have provided an exquisitely detailed picture of natural selection as it occurs at the genetic level.
Primate study shows excess vitamin A can be stored during fetal development
A new University of Wisconsin–Madison study suggests that pregnant women who take some types of vitamin supplements or eat fortified foods may be passing excess vitamin A to their developing fetuses. Reported in the October issue of the Journal of Comparative Medicine, the finding could guide efforts to develop future formulations of vitamins.
Researchers identify key step bird flu virus takes to spread readily in humans
Since it first appeared in Hong Kong in 1997, the H5N1 avian flu virus has been slowly evolving into a pathogen better equipped to infect humans. The final form of the virus, biomedical researchers fear, will be a highly pathogenic strain of influenza that spreads easily among humans.
Recent sightings: Research model
Photo: Bryce Richter Faculty and staff members view three-dimensional models of the latest building plans for the…
Bioenergy research center gets early boost from U.S. Department of Energy
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) has received $6.67 million in start-up funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that will allow researchers to get to work on promising new sources of energy that may someday power our cars, homes, and businesses.
‘Jumping genes’ could make for safer gene delivery system
A new nonviral gene delivery system using transposons, or “jumping genes,” provides a safer alternative to previous options, according to a publication by a UW–Madison molecular biologist and biological safety expert.
Doping technique brings nanomechanical devices into the semiconductor world
With the help of a device capable of depositing metals an atom at a time in the materials used in computer chips, a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers has successfully blended modern semiconductor technology and nanomachines.
Study shows autism symptoms can improve into adulthood
Hallmarks of autism are characteristic behaviors - repetitive motions, problems interacting with others, impaired communication abilities - that occur in widely different combinations and degrees of severity among those who have the condition.
Hormone-driven effects on eating, stress mediated by same brain region
A hormone system linked to reducing food consumption appears to do so by increasing stress-related behaviors, according to a new study.
Study reveals possible genetic risk for fetal alcohol disorders
New research in primates suggests that infants and children who carry a certain gene variant may be more vulnerable to the ill effects of fetal alcohol exposure.
$7.2 million grant to aid search for ALS stem cell therapy
With the help of a $7.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers will explore the potential of stem cells and natural growth factors to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
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.
Microbial Sciences Building designed for discovery, collaboration
As the doors swung open at the new Microbial Sciences Building at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, students and researchers found a facility designed to spark exchanges of ideas aimed at answering biological questions of unprecedented complexity and importance.