Tag Research
UW-Madison experiments lost aboard space shuttle
Along with the seven crewmembers aboard the space shuttle Columbia, which disintegrated upon re-entry Saturday, Feb. 1, were two experiments led by UW–Madison's Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics. Both projects investigated the biological changes of plants in a weightless environment.
Saffran audio test
Embedded in page – user activates clip Link triggers popup window and autoplay synthesis.wav…
Latest new-age, health supplements: Garlic, kale and beets?
With so many people using over- the-counter herbal supplements as a means to promote health, one UW–Madison researcher is wondering why we don't hunt for health-promoting properties among the ordinary plants we grow for food.
Scientists solve puzzle of how influenza builds its infectious seeds
By solving a long-standing puzzle about how the influenza virus assembles its genetic contents into infectious particles that enable the virus to spread from cell to cell, scientists have opened a new gateway to a better understanding of one of the world's most virulent diseases.
Study shows preschool can prevent child abuse
According to a new study by researchers at UW–Madison, educational intervention programs for young children that also involve the parents help cut the rate at which enrolled children will be abused or neglected by their caregivers. The findings, published in the current issue of the journal Child Development, provide new evidence that preschool programs can impact not just school readiness, but long-term family outcomes.
Researchers track clarity of Wisconsin lakes from space
Assisted by hundreds of volunteers around the state, UW researchers and their partners have developed a method of assessing the water quality of Wisconsin's lakes from space. Using images captured 438 miles above the earth, they have completed the first satellite-based inventory of the clarity of the largest 8,000 lakes in the state.
Ongoing study checks in on ‘Happy Days’ cohort
For 45 years, the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study has provided policy makers and social-science researchers with an unparalleled look at how education, career and family affect adult life. Now, as those one-time high school seniors ÷ known as the "Happy Days" cohort after the popular television sitcom about Milwaukee's class of 1957 ÷ become senior citizens, a new survey will seek to understand more specifically how a person's entire life influences, and can improve, the aging process.
International Institute, Borders Books partner on book series
Beginning this month, the International Institute and Borders Books will partner on an international book series, entitled "The World Beyond Our Borders." The six-month series will feature UW–Madison faculty discussing their recent books on a variety of international subjects.
Technique improves yogurt’s consistency
Tearing off the foil lid from a cup of yogurt sometimes reveals more than you want to eat — a pool of murky liquid floating above the fruitful treat. New manufacturing techniques developed by CALS food scientist John Lucey could keep this watery substance — called surface whey — beneath the surface without adding extra ingredients.
Sludge cleanup creates park
With the help of civil and environmental engineers, lagoons that once stored wastewater sludge are now part of Wisconsin's newest state park.
Looking inside infection
Adel Talaat, once a poultry veterinarian in Cairo, Egypt and now part of the School of Veterinary Medicine, is studying gene expression of infectious agents from the inside.
Obesity, smoking and inactivity top health concerns
In a recent informal poll of UW Health primary care experts, obesity, smoking and inactivity were ranked the health problems most patients need to take seriously. Depression, diabetes and hypertension were not far behind. The good news: tackling even one of these problems will likely improve your health in several areas.
Newly identified enzyme reduces bitterness in cheese
A UW–Madison food scientist is using new technology to tackle an old problem in cheesemaking - and the solution could mean both a bigger market for the state's dairy producers and reduced costs for cheesemakers.
Researchers explain how we detect the location of sound
The slightest turn of the head can significantly change the way a person or animal detects sound. A subtle tilt alters the angle at which high-frequency sound waves hit the ear, providing cues to localize the sound. To use those cues, the brain must put what it hears into the context of the position of the head. Until recently, scientists were not sure how this was done.
Mammoth hose reel slides toward completion
It's big. It's on runners. It will soon be painted bright red. And it's headed for the Pole. But it's not loaded with toys, and instead of being drawn by eight tiny reindeer to the North Pole, this sled -- which carries a mammoth hose reel as part of a unique cold-climate drilling rig -- is destined for the South Pole via Air Force C-130 where it will help lay the groundwork for a novel telescope.
Advances
Advances gives a glimpse of the many significant research projects at the university. Tell us about your discoveries. E-mail: wisweek@news.wisc.edu. Report:…
Athletics duties reassigned
Four UW Athletics administrators have been given new titles and additional duties now that Al Fish, associate athletics director, has been named associate vice chancellor for facilities planning and management effective Jan. 6.
Professor upbeat about unappreciated root crop
Irwin Goldman, an affable associate professor of horticulture knows a lot about beets. As part of his faculty research, he grows beets, breeds beets and studies beets.
Burning the fats
As we exercise to keep the holiday trimmings from garnishing our waistlines, we're more likely to burn one type of fat, according to a new study by researchers in nutritional sciences.
Beet pigments may help prevent cancer
Nothing conveys the hue of extreme anger or embarrassment like the red of beets. Now, a new finding suggests beet red may signify something else: cancer protection.