Category Health & Wellness
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
Fitter increases the benefits of wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic
A team of UW–Madison engineers has developed a simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself fitter that ensures a tighter mask seal around the wearer’s nose, mouth and face. Read More
New vaccine strategy harnesses ‘foot soldier’ T-cells to provide protection against influenza
Researchers believe the same approach can be applied to several other respiratory pathogens, including the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Read More
Dane County Health Council and partners announce Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance to lead local birth equity efforts
The group will be co-chaired by Tiffany Green, assistant professor in the departments of Population Health Sciences and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Read More
COVID questions: gyms, placebos, vaccine proof
Is it safe to work out in a public gym? If I'm in a vaccine trial and get the placebo, will I be told so I can get the vaccine? How will people have proof they had the vaccine? Read More
F.H. King group provides students, local community with fresh produce despite pandemic
The student organization's goal is to connect students with the land they live on and the food they eat, including combating food insecurity and fighting against social injustice in the food system. Read More
UW–Madison teams top national competition to help middle class
Connect Rx will help families get the economic support they need to reduce financial stress and achieve better health. Opportunity Calculator plans to develop a mobile platform to tell workers how career and training opportunities could affect their income. Read More
UW Health’s anti-racism strategy to promote health equity
UW Health's ambitious diversity, equity and inclusion vision is to be a leader in dismantling racism in ourselves as individuals, our system and our community. Read More
Everybody poops, some shed the virus that causes COVID-19. Wisconsin’s wastewater surveillance is looking for it.
Detecting and measuring how much virus is in wastewater is may provide an early warning signal that cases of COVID-19 may soon rise and provide a readout of how levels of virus change in a population over time. Read More
UW Health and UW focus on diversity for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial
As UW Health begins scheduling participants for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine study, experts are focused on equity and inclusion to ensure a diverse population takes part. "People of color are a vital population to making this study a success." Read More
COVID questions: Dog park safety, antibody testing
Is it safe to go to dog parks again? What is antibody testing for? Does a positive antibody test mean I don't need to follow distancing requirements? Read More
UW–Madison and UW Health selected as sites to test new COVID-19 vaccine
They are among the first sites in the country to study whether an investigational vaccine developed by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca can prevent the disease. Read More
Diversity officer at UW Health named vice president
Shiva Bidar-Sielaff was named the first chief diversity officer for UW Health in 2016. "Elevating this position ... acknowledges the importance as well as the foundational nature of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UW Health," says CEO Alan Kaplan. Read More