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Tag Research

Neurons from stem cells could replace mice in botulinum test

February 3, 2012

Using lab-grown human neurons, researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison have devised an effective assay for detecting botulinum neurotoxin, the agent widely used to cosmetically smooth the wrinkles of age and, increasingly, for an array of medical disorders ranging from muscle spasticity to loss of bladder control. Read More

Roundabouts emerging as the ideal intersection between driver safety and efficiency

February 1, 2012

They've become the subject of myriad YouTube "how-to" videos. Entire department of transportation websites explain how to navigate them. And, they elicit more than a little anxiety and confusion in the minds of drivers entering, circling and exiting them. Read More

How does the compassionate brain, measured in the lab, predict what occurs in real life?

February 1, 2012

University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers are launching a new series of studies to understand how laboratory measures of virtuous qualities such as compassion relate to their behavior in the real world. Read More

Nature: Kawaoka authors commentary on flu research

January 25, 2012

The author of an upcoming Nature paper about H5N1 argues in a Nature Comment article today that research into deadly pathogenic viruses must continue if pandemics are to be prevented. Read More

Suomi remembered for problem-solving ability, drive

January 25, 2012

Verner Suomi’s career — even his life — may not have been as long and illustrious had he not been an inveterate problem solver. Read More

Contest seeks amazing science images

January 24, 2012

Imaging has brought a revolution to science. Read More

Studies show insomnia is a major health problem

January 23, 2012

Insomnia is a serious medical condition that should be treated with evidence-based medicine because it is linked to depression, diabetes, hypertension, drug abuse and even death, according to a review of recent research co-authored by a leading University of Wisconsin–Madison sleep researcher. Read More

Researcher find gene critical to sense of smell in fruit fly

January 20, 2012

UW-Madison researchers have discovered that a gene called distal-less is critical to the fly's ability to receive, process and respond to smells. Read More

New approach to combat intractable bacterial infections

January 20, 2012

Bacteriologist Marcin Filutowicz specializes in developing antimicrobial technologies that one day may help replace antibiotics—and save lives—as the power of our antibiotics arsenal wanes. Read More

UW geneticist James Crow passes away

January 6, 2012

The UW–Madison community is mourning the loss of a legend: James F. Crow, professor emeritus of genetics, who passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 4, two weeks shy of his 96th birthday. Read More

Study pinpoints Ritalin’s influence

January 5, 2012

Millions of individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are helped by methylphenidate, the stimulant better known as Ritalin. Now researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have pinpointed the area of the brain in which Ritalin does its work. Read More

Discharge summaries play key role in keeping nursing home patients safe

December 21, 2011

Sending thorough and timely reports to nursing homes when a patient is discharged from the hospital could help promote patient safety during the early days after a hospitalization. Read More

Hold that thought? Scientists find sensor that may explain working memory

December 20, 2011

University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers believe they now understand on the cellular level how working memory holds a piece of information — or thoughts linger. Read More

Study challenges conventional wisdom about gender and math performance

December 12, 2011

A major study of recent international data on school mathematics performance casts doubt on some common assumptions about gender and math achievement - in particular, the idea that girls and women have less ability due to a difference in biology. Read More

Research may yield more compact antennas for military use

December 9, 2011

While tall, bulky antennas seem like relics in an era of sleek, modern smartphones, they're still an unfortunate necessity for American soldiers. Read More