Tag Research
Thin is in: Engineering tool targets plastics, other slender parts
The world abounds with objects that are thin and lightweight, yet strong, including cell phone cases, car body panels, and aircraft hulls, just to name a few. But engineering these parts isn't as easy as their commonness might suggest, says UW–Madison mechanical engineering professor Krishnan Suresh. Read More
Scientists reveal how deadly toxin hijacks cells
Scientists have pinpointed exactly how botulinum neurotoxin A - a potential agent of biological warfare and one of the most lethal toxins known to humans - is able to sneak into cells. Read More
Linguists set sights on ‘Skahnsin’ English
For newcomers to Wisconsin, a humdrum visit to the corner store can turn into a startling cultural experience when after a purchase, the cashier politely asks: "do you wanna beg for that?" Read More
Researcher carves out role of champion of cheese
The most ironic thing about Mark Johnson, one of Wisconsin's leading experts on cheese, is that he spent the first half of his life simply hating the stuff. But the years can change a man and his taste buds. Now, as senior scientist at UW–Madison's Center for Dairy Research, Johnson has devoted his career to enhancing the quality of Wisconsin cheeses. Read More
UW-Madison to launch new influenza research institute
In an effort to bolster what is already recognized as one of the world's top programs of influenza research, UW–Madison announced today plans to launch a new Institute for Influenza Viral Research. Read More
Astronomers, at last, get a chance to size up a brown dwarf
Brown dwarfs - failed stars that fall somewhere between the smallest stars and the largest planets on the spectrum of heavenly objects - have always been viewed by astronomers as a critical link in the understanding of how both stars and planets form. Read More
New certificate program launched on global health issues
The UW–Madison Center for Global Health is formally launching this spring a certificate in global health, a collaborative offering of UW–Madison faculty from the schools of medicine and public health, nursing, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and international studies. Read More
Viewer beware: Study finds flaws in TV news coverage of health
Local television newscasts, where most Americans get most of their news, are packed with medical stories and health information. But the first-ever national study of that coverage finds many problems with it, and sees room for improvement by both TV stations and the health experts whose work fills the news. Read More
Spring Break and student safety
Regardless of whether students are traveling to a beach destination, staying in town, or heading home, university officials are encouraging members of the university community to exercise common sense and keep safety in mind during Spring Break 2006. Read More
Study advocates greater use of online banking security tools
Identity management (IdM) is rapidly developing as a dynamic electronic security tool to protect and control access to financial and personal information. However, it has yet to be fully implemented at many credit unions, according to a new research study titled, "Identity Management at Credit Unions." The study was produced by the UW–Madison E-Business Consortium (UWEBC) in collaboration with credit union industry leaders. Read More
Liquid crystals show promise in controlling embryonic stem cells
Liquid crystals, the same phase-shifting materials used to display information on cell phones, monitors and other electronic equipment, can also be used to report in real time on the differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Read More
Mispairs in genetic material make protein synthesis more efficient
A UW–Madison bacteriologist reveals that mispaired nucleotides in transfer RNA actually make the molecule more adroit, enhancing its ability to build proteins. The paper also illustrates the dynamic nature of genetic material, which is not flat, like an illustration in a textbook, but twists and bends as it interacts with cellular machinery. Read More
Technology advances from UW–Madison engineers
Scientists at UW–Madison are frequently developing new technologies that may have fruitful applications in areas such as health, manufacturing, computing and other sectors of the economy. Beginning with this tipsheet, UW–Madison research communicators will periodically bring you story ideas on interesting and promising technology in development. Read More
Recent sightings
Seeing double Video screens surrounding the ceiling-mounted scoreboard at the Kohl Center provide a double view of Badger fans nervously… Read More
Scholar to students: ‘We can’t have low expectations of blind people’
During a classroom presentation at the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, two guest speakers spoke to students about blindness and other physical impairments, and how children with disabilities can be accommodated in regular classrooms. Read More
Recent Advances of Physical-Chemical Phenomena of Pharmaceutical Interest: A Symposium Honoring George Zografi
An important element of the drug development process is the preformulation and formulation of drugs into stable and functioning pharmaceutical dosage forms. Consistent with… Read More
Taste gene may play role in smoking
Recent research on the genetics of smoking has focused on genes that are thought to be related to nicotine metabolism, personality traits, and regulation of emotions. According to a genetic study just published in "Nicotine and Tobacco Research," genes responsible for taste also may yield important information about who smokes and why they smoke. Read More
Rare alliance forged to protect Wisconsin waters
Conservation groups, regulatory agencies, farmers and UW–Madison scientists have banded together in an unprecedented effort to preserve the health of Wisconsin's lakes, rivers and streams. Read More
Great (taste) expectations: study shows brain can manipulate taste
A team of UW–Madison scientists tested the ability of the human brain to mitigate foul taste through a ruse of anticipation. The work, conducted at the UW–Madison Waisman Center using high-tech brain imaging techniques and distasteful concoctions of quinine on a cohort of college students, reveals in detail how the brain responds to a manipulation intended to mitigate an unpleasant experience. Read More
Scientists discuss evolutionary roots of social behavior
Researchers have long reflected on that most intriguing of evolutionary questions: what led to the emergence of social behavior? Following observations of primates, our nearest evolutionary kin, many scientists have proposed that social alliances may have evolved as a means to stave off competitors for resources or mates. Read More