Tag Research
New nanogenerator harvests power from rolling tires
A group of University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers and a collaborator from China have developed a nanogenerator that harvests energy from a car's rolling tire friction. Read More
One hot idea: Thermal spray makes metal better
A company spawned by an experiment on lawn mower blades has mushroomed into a national leader in high-temperature coatings that alter the surface properties of metal. Read More
Neutron star’s echoes give astronomers a new measuring stick
In late 2013, when the neutron star at the heart of one of our galaxy’s oddest supernovae gave off a massive burst of X-rays, the resulting echoes — created when the X-rays bounced off clouds of dust in interstellar space — yielded a surprising new measuring stick for astronomers. Read More
Stem cell expert: Bart Starr treatment shows need for rigorous trials in U.S.
The news that legendary Green Bay Packer quarterback Bart Starr has undergone stem cell therapy to recover from a stroke has raised the profile for a promising but unproven regenerative treatment intended to replace dead neurons with live ones. Read More
Collaboration with Wisconsin plastics manufacturer yields industry and research advances
For University of Wisconsin–Madison plastics engineer Tim Osswald, the Wisconsin Idea is about taking the extra step: taking research out of the lab. Read More
Fragile X proteins involved in proper neuron development
Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited intellectual disability and the greatest single genetic contributor to autism. Unlocking the mechanisms behind fragile X could make important revelations about the brain. Read More
Study finds private prisons keep inmates longer, without reducing future crime
A new study finds that inmates in private prisons are likely to serve as many as two to three more months behind bars than those assigned to public prisons and are equally likely to commit more crimes after release, despite industry claims to lower recidivism rates through high-quality and innovative rehabilitation programs. Read More
Drinkwater, Greenberg to fill research leadership posts
Norman Drinkwater, a UW–Madison professor of oncology, and Jan Greenberg, a UW–Madison professor of social work, have been named associate vice chancellors in the Office of Research and Graduate Education. Greenberg will lead the area of social studies while Drinkwater will lead the biological sciences. Read More
Study redefines role of estrogen in cervical cancer
Scientists have prior evidence that the hormone estrogen is a major driver in the growth of cervical cancer, but a new study examining genetic profiles of 128 clinical cases reached a surprising conclusion: Estrogen receptors all but vanish in cervical cancer tumors. Read More
Navigating multiple myeloma with ‘Google Maps’ for the cancer genome
In some ways, studying the genetics of cancer has been like examining the individual tiles on a mosaic, says David C. Schwartz, a professor of genetics and chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. To make his point, he brings his face close to the table where he sits - his mosaic for the purpose of illustration - and describes the details of each imaginary tile. Read More
Get to know William Karpus, new Graduate School dean
In August, William Karpus will become the Graduate School’s dean — the first since a restructuring last year to enhance UW–Madison’s role in graduate education and research. He is tasked with serving more than 9,000 students across 150 departments. He will also work closely with Marsha Mailick, vice chancellor for research and graduate education, in developing a distinct Graduate School. Read More
UW-Madison startup offers antibiotic alternative to animal producers
A University of Wisconsin–Madison animal scientist has developed an antibiotic-free method to protect animals raised for food against common infections. Read More
A new kind of wood chip: collaboration could lead to biodegradable computer chips
In an effort to alleviate the environmental burden of electronic devices, a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers has collaborated with researchers in the Madison-based U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) to develop a surprising solution: a semiconductor chip made almost entirely of wood. Read More
Rewriting the history of the Boaz mastodon
Carrie Eaton, curator of collections at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Geology Museum, displays a bone that revealed the true history of the museum’s… Read More
Genetic approaches to cancer, neural development lead to honor for UW–Madison scientists
Two University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers - one investigating the genetic basis of cancer growth and the other, the role of genes in neural development and learning - have earned funding and a prestigious honor from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Read More
Brief alcohol screening misses mark for people who most need help, study says
As screening for alcohol problems during doctor visits has become more mainstream, a new study published in the journal Addiction finds that the technique does not increase successful referrals to alcohol counseling and treatment. Read More
Expert in computer science drives computer-security spinoff
One illustrious career in computer science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison can be traced to an anxious mother, a cocktail party conversation, and a "dead boring" job - plus a fascination with low-level machine code, a subject that many computer scientists disdain. Read More
Giving freight rail tracks a boost
The big chunks of rock - crushed limestone or dolomite that engineers call ballast - that keep railroad tracks in place look like a solid footing even as freight cars rumble overhead. Read More
Survey finds UW–Madison alumni starting companies across the state
A survey just completed by the Wisconsin Alumni Association shows a substantial level of business startups among graduates of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Read More
Brazilian beef industry moves to reduce its destruction of rain forests
Expansion of cattle pastures has led to the destruction of huge swaths of rain forest in Brazil, home to the world's largest herd of commercial beef cattle. But a new study led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Holly Gibbs shows that market-driven "zero deforestation agreements" have dramatically influenced the behavior of ranchers and the slaughterhouses to which they sell. Read More