Tag Research
Researchers find clues to nerve cell development
Similar to an insect's antennae, filopodia are finger-like projections on the tips of developing nerve cells that extend out to detect environmental clues and help direct axons to their proper destinations. Until now, scientists didn't know what kind of signals filopodia sent back to the cell tip, called a growth cone, or how they controlled movement.
Superconducting material shows promise
The jolt of excitement from the January discovery of a new high-temperature superconducting metal, magnesium diboride, may get another voltage boost this week with evidence that the material can carry electrical currents at high density.
Deer feeding trend may pose environmental, health risks
Increased winter feeding of deer in Wisconsin and other states may pose significant risks to the environment and to animal and human health, according to a university biologist.
Federal aid to support lake research
The UW Sea Grant Institute will receive $1.83 million in federal support for the second year of its 2000-02 program.
Genetic libraries unearthed from the soil
A team of scientists from the university has patented a means of bypassing the untamable soil microbe by tapping directly into the genes responsible for producing chemicals of value to medicine such as antibiotics and growth inhibitors.
Zapping food pathogens at the source
Work to control pathogens in kitchens and food processing centers is getting an assist from cold plasma engineers, who are making appliance surfaces too slick for bugs to stick.
NIH funding plan would bolster research
The 13.8 percent funding increase for the National Institutes of Health proposed Tuesday by President George W. Bush represents a wise investment in scientific and medical research, says Chancellor John Wiley.
Catch of the day — fish diapers
Srinivasan Damodaran has a whopper of a fish story. The UW–Madison food scientist has patented a biochemical process that could turn carp into a cash crop and, at the same time, reduce a swelling environmental problem.
Under human pressure, Africa’s Lake Chad disappearing
Because of unrelenting human demand for water, Africa's Lake Chad, once one of the continent's largest bodies of fresh water, has shriveled to a ghost of a great lake.
Scientists share in Great Lakes project
Two university scientists will contribute to a $6 million research project that will take a comprehensive look at the environmental health of coastal and near-shore regions of the Great Lakes.
Advances
(Advances gives a glimpse of the many significant research projects at the university. Tell us about your discoveries by e-mailing: wisweek@news.wisc.edu.)…
Tongue seen as portal to the brain
The tongue, asserts Paul Bach-y-Rita, is a terrific portal to the brain. The UW–Madison physician and inventor says the tongue might serve as the ideal tactile environment to help blind people navigate, give Navy Seals directions in dim underwater environments and guide urban search-and-rescue teams as they comb the confusion of smoke-filled buildings for people to rescue.
UW surgeons test computer-assisted surgical equipment
For years, medical experts have anticipated that computer and robotics technology would revolutionize the hospital operating room. At UW Hospital and Clinics, that prediction is taking a giant step forward.
Cold researchers seek study participants
That achy, sneezy, itchy, stuffy and simply miserable feeling that is the result of having a common cold may not have to be so miserable in the future. A new cold treatment being studied at the UW Medical School, if proven effective, may revolutionize how we treat the common cold.
Labeling GM food may benefit farmers
As the rest of the world continues to reject genetically modified (GM) foods, American farmers might look to government-mandated labels as their ticket back into the global market.
Genomics portends next revolution in agriculture
As science begins to accumulate and explore plant and animal genomes - the entire set of genetic instructions for a particular organism - a new revolution in agriculture is in the offing and, according to university biologist Robert Goodman, promises a long-lasting and favorable impact on agriculture worldwide.
Born with the perfect pitch?
The ability to identify a note on the musical scale without a single reference point - known as absolute or perfect pitch - is a rarity even among musicians, but new studies with infants suggest that everyone may begin life with this remarkable talent.
Program lends new precision to ‘gamma knife’
In a promising new research effort, a mathematical program is helping automate and fine-tune the arduous process of radiation surgery.
Teaching Enhancement Grants announced
Nine teaching and learning projects have been awarded 2001-02 Teaching Enhancement Grants.
Chemical flame retardant found in salmon
University scientists have found high levels of a common chemical flame retardant in Lake Michigan salmon.