Category Health & Wellness
Early mutation in SARS-CoV-2 virus in Europe led to its domination worldwide
A study shows that the mutant virus is more easily transmitted and grows better within hosts, likely aiding its dominance. The mutation, researchers say, should not interfere with the effectiveness of vaccines against the virus.
‘Rewiring’ metabolism in insulin-producing cells may aid Type 2 diabetes treatment
Scientists point to an overlooked enzyme known as pyruvate kinase as the primary way pancreatic beta cells sense sugar levels and release the appropriate amount of insulin.
Tracking virus mutations reveals success of stay-at-home orders
A family tree of more than 200 variations in the virus that causes COVID-19 helps explain why two Wisconsin counties had such different early experiences with the pandemic.
UW–Madison to expand COVID-19 testing in spring
To accommodate more regular and frequent COVID-19 testing of all students and employees on campus in the spring semester, UW–Madison will partner with Shield T3, a subsidiary of the University of Illinois System.
‘All Ways Forward’ campaign extended
The multiyear campaign to raise much-needed funding for UW–Madison priorities has been extended until Dec. 31, 2021, Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced Thursday.
New NIH-funded initiative will examine Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome
Investigators at the Waisman Center, the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and several departments at UW–Madison are involved in the effort, which they say "has the potential to help everyone."
WARF announces annual grant for UW research
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, which obtains patents on UW inventions and licenses them to industry, has granted the university and the Morgridge Institute for Research a combined $100.3 million for 2020-21.
COVID-19 model quantifies impact of region-specific social distancing orders
A simulation using cellphone data shows social distancing measures had a major influence on case numbers, though the impact varied markedly in different areas, even within the same state.
Studies investigate need for and impact of culturally aware mentorship training
“Our study suggests that mentor training should include content targeting different experiences with and perceptions about racial/ethnic diversity," says Professor of Medicine Angela Byars-Winston.
Wisconsin Partnership Program announces $6 million in grants to health equity initiatives
Initiatives that address the health of Black men and women, prevent suicide among Wisconsin farmers and promote economic stability and restorative justice are among the six award recipients.
UW biochemist Scott Coyle awarded 2020 Packard Fellowship
Coyle's research could have far-reaching applications, from expanding the scope of cell-based therapies to fight disease to developing micro-technologies for bioremediation of damaged environmental sites.
Proven treatments and new methods crucial to fighting COVID-19
UW Health clinicians are using current respiratory treatments and are working with the School of Medicine and Public Health on several novel therapies.
First relatives of rubella virus discovered in bats in Uganda and mice in Germany
Neither of the new viruses is known to infect people, but the findings reinforce the important work scientists are undertaking to study the effects of a changing environment on human and animal diseases.
Virtual events explore science of well-being, feature new insights from Dalai Lama
“The World We Make 2020” is a weeklong series by UW–Madison's Center for Healthy Minds. Experts will discuss topics including the neuroscience of the mind-body connection, and workplace well-being for educators.
Explore over 100 virtual events at the 10th annual Wisconsin Science Festival
Activities will include experiments, live Q&A with scientists, demonstrations, performances, podcasts, behind-the-scenes tours and more — along with up-to-the-minute information on what researchers are learning about COVID-19.
UW–Madison partners with state and federal public health agencies on COVID-19
The UW, the CDC and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services are working together to better understand COVID-19 on college campuses, build upon knowledge about the virus that causes the disease, and contribute to improved local, state and national response to the pandemic.
UW Health’s Med Flight operates with all-female helicopter crew
The team is grateful for the opportunity to fly together, and hopes their story can show young people that your gender doesn't have to define your career.
Interview: Keys to a successful COVID-19 vaccine
The race to develop a vaccine for the virus that causes COVID-19 will represent the largest global vaccination effort since the fight against polio nearly 70 years ago. That historical perspective is important, says Morgridge Institute virology investigator Paul Ahlquist.
Stem cells can repair Parkinson’s-damaged circuits in mouse brains
UW neuroscientists led by Su-Chun Zhang found that neurons derived from stem cells can connect with native neurons and restore motor functions. But more research is needed to translate the findings from mice to people.
COVID Questions: Cold weather precautions; recovery time; future of work-at-home
"These precautions may not feel extra special if you have been doing them all along. But complacency can easily set in after a summer of being outdoors and recent surges are evidence of that," says Associate Professor Ajay Sethi.