Category Health & Wellness
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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?
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.
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.
UW experts design masks for campus from scratch
The masks were designed by the university’s experts in textiles, filtration and infectious disease, and manufactured by one of Wisconsin’s oldest companies.
Opening dates set for Shell, NTS, Nicholas Recreation Center
The Shell and Nielsen Tennis Stadium (NTS) reopened to students, faculty, and staff on Monday, August 17. The Nicholas Recreation Center is expected to open in a limited capacity on Monday, September 14.
Hand-sanitizer stations installed on campus
Hand-sanitizer pump and refill stations are being installed at key locations across campus as part of the Smart Restart initiative.
At University Hospital, damage and shock in aftermath of 1970 Sterling Hall bombing
The blast shattered most of the hospital's east-facing windows, including those in the intensive care unit. “Our assignment was to pick glass off of patients,” remembers a nursing student.
Chancellor, other top campus leaders to conduct Smart Restart YouTube events
A pair of Smart Restart updates, one focused on graduate students and the second for the full campus community, are set for Aug. 19 and Aug. 21. Panelists will include Chancellor Rebecca Blank and a group of vice chancellors and other officials.