Tag Research
Dieting meets DNA: Nutrition gets personal in new studies
Ushering nutritional science into the biotech age, UW–Madison researchers are exploring the complex interactions between food and genes to uncover new modes of disease prevention, drug development and, eventually, personalized diet advice tailored to one’s DNA.
New maps emphasize the human factor in wildfire management
As wildfires put more human lives and property at risk, people are looking to fire managers for protection.
Engineers develop more than tenfold improvement in measuring virus infectivity
A University of Wisconsin–Madison biological engineering team tweaked the standard system for measuring virus infectivity, digitized it, quantified it, analyzed it and discovered a method more than 10 times as sensitive.
Scientists find mutations that let bird flu adapt to humans
By comparing influenza viruses found in birds with those of the avian virus that have also infected human hosts, researchers have identified key genetic changes required for pandemic strains of bird flu.
Researcher: Red wine may not be so healthy
Most red wine may not be as good for the heart as media reports have suggested and may even be harmful, according to a review presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions.
On track to prevent Johne’s disease with drug or vaccine
To date, the only response to Johne’s disease, a debilitating wasting disease in dairy cattle, has been to eliminate affected cows from the herd. But School of Veterinary Medicine researchers are homing in on a way to save the cow by controlling the disease-causing bacteria instead.
Immune system, stem cells pique researcher’s interest
An established cardiovascular biomechanics researcher whose interests include studying stem cell differentiation for cardiovascular regenerative therapies, Brenda Ogle joined the Department of Biomedical Engineering in August.
University events forecast: Week of Nov. 19-Nov. 25
The following events for the week of Nov. 19, 2006 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison may be of interest to the general public and the media. All events are free and the public is welcome, except where noted.
Icelandic swarms may provide hints on ecosystems
Wisconsin ecologists have ventured into remote parts of Iceland to explore a startling phenomenon in which trillions of gnat-like bugs periodically rise up to form hovering swarms so thick they resemble waves of morning fog.
Researcher finds gene associated with sharp drop in dairy cow pregnancy rates
The new discovery of a lethal gene may explain why pregnancy rates in dairy cattle have dropped sharply in recent years, a UW–Madison researcher says.
Icelandic swarms of midges may provide hints on ecosystems
Wisconsin ecologists have ventured into remote parts of Iceland to explore a startling phenomenon in which trillions of gnat-like bugs periodically rise up to form hovering swarms so thick they resemble waves of morning fog.
Gubernatorial candidates respond to questions about UW–Madison, higher education
With Wisconsin’s general election just around the corner, on Tuesday, Nov. 7, Wisconsin Week asked the three candidates for governor — Jim Doyle, Nelson Eisman and Mark Green — a series of five questions related to UW–Madison and higher education. Here are their responses.
UW historian helps PBS paint vivid picture of the California Gold Rush
As an historian, Susan Lee Johnson finds few subjects of American history more irresistible than the California Gold Rush, a movement that unfolded so fast and furiously that it must seem like watching history get shot from a cannon.
Web’s ‘youth appeal’ lost on campaigns
While millions of young people use the Internet to build expansive social networks, most political campaigns never manage to take the training wheels off the technology, using it mainly for tightly controlled, one-way communication. Communication professor Michael Xenos is studying the disconnect between new media and old politics.
Cynthia Enloe to speak about women and the U.S. war in Iraq
Cynthia Enloe, one of America's pre-eminent theorists of gender and the military, and Research Professor of Women's Studies and International Development at Clark University, will speak at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Thursday, Nov. 9.
IPM program now includes berry growers, covers more parts of state
A University of Wisconsin–Madison program that has helped Wisconsin apple growers reduce pesticide use without sacrificing fruit quality has a new name and a broader mission.
Scientists find key to immune system’s ability to remember
A team of researchers led by a University of Wisconsin–Madison researcher have identified the role of a protein that is important in stimulating the cells of the immune system, whose role is to take quick and effective action when agents of disease reinvade the body.
Making more functional biopolymers
In response to increased environmental concerns and, more recently, skyrocketing oil prices, a University of Wisconsin–Madison research team is working to perfect bio-based plastics that hold up well in use, yet break down quickly in a landfill.
University Health Services builds medical staff with two new hires
University Health Services (UHS) recently hired two new doctors, Brent Nielsen and Jacob Prunuske. Jonathan Zarov of UHS sat down with the two to hear their thoughts on working in college health. An edited transcript of their recent conversation follows.
Commonplace sugar compound silences seizures
Though in clinical use for decades, a small, sweet-tasting compound is revealing a startling new face as a potential cure for epilepsy.