Category Health & Wellness
Five questions with Su-Chun Zhang, forger of brain cells
In light of the 20th anniversary of James Thomson’s derivation of human embryonic stem cells, we had some questions for one of the founders of stem cell neuroscience.
Discovery opens new opportunities to slow or reverse MS
Nerve cells stripped of their insulation can no longer carry vital information, leading to the numbness, weakness and vision problems often associated with multiple sclerosis. A new study shows an overlooked source may be able to replace that lost insulation.
Beneficial gut bacteria metabolize fiber to improve heart health in mice
In support of a microbial connection between fiber and heart health, UW–Madison researchers have identified a particular fatty acid as the mechanism behind certain protective effects of a high-fiber diet in a mouse model.
Nursing pioneer Signe Skott Cooper: From the farm to the battlefield
Cooper devoted more than 60 years to nursing education at UW–Madison and within the UW System. Her wartime service shaped her life, personally and professionally.
Randolph Ashton named SCRMC associate director
Ashton, a leading UW–Madison stem cell scientist whose lab develops novel tissue engineering methods to derive brain and spinal cord tissues from human pluripotent stem cells, will assume a leadership position with the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center.
Study shows movement, evolutionary history of TB in China
A genetic scan of a massive number of samples taken from tuberculosis patients across China has shown a surprising genetic uniformity: just two “strains” of the tuberculosis bacterium account for 99.4 percent of all cases.
Stem Cells @ 20: Students find inspiration, support in UW–Madison’s stem cell community
When Kaivalya Molugu was considering graduate schools, she knew she was interested in stem cell research, but she had to decide where to apply. The answer soon became clear: the place where it all began.
Wisconsin Partnership Program awards $4 million to health equity initiatives
The new awards address a diverse range of issues including the health impacts of racism, tackling the social determinants of health in Milwaukee’s Latino community, preventing early childhood expulsion and strengthening support systems for citizens returning from incarceration.
Mutation in common protein triggers tangles, chaos inside brain cells
Growing human brain cells in lab dishes was key to the findings. Researcher Su-Chun Zhang was the first scientist to convert all-purpose human stem cells into neural cells.
CALS professor uses diagnostic imaging to enhance understanding of muscles
Former college wrestler develops imaging techniques to more accurately evaluate muscle as it responds to aging and disease and how to best treat muscle wasting.
Washington Post’s Helmuth is UW Science Writer in Residence
Laura Helmuth, the newspaper's health, science and environment editor, will spend a week visiting classes, working with students and faculty, and exploring the UW–Madison research landscape.
Recovering from a heart attack? Hold the antibiotics
An international team of researchers has shown in mice that a healthy gut microbiome is important for recovery after a heart attack.
Breast cancer researcher named to post at Big Ten consortium
As chief scientific officer of the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium, Dr. Ruth O'Regan will guide the research and scientific mission of the consortium, including the most promising clinical trials.
$19M grant to aid research on early signs of Alzheimer’s
The Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention has received a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health for an in-depth study of molecular signs of the disease in brain and spinal fluid.
Breaking ground with Grace
Grace Wahba, who retired in August, was the first female faculty member in the Department of Statistics at UW–Madison. Her work centered on the extraction of information from large data sets, particularly in the medical field.
Clinical prospects for stem cells begin to emerge
Responsible science is almost always a slow, grueling process, but 20 years after James Thomson derived the first human embryonic stem cell lines, experts in the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine feel more optimistic than ever.
Fletcher’s research sheds light on lowering drinking age
Research by University of Wisconsin–Madison Professor Jason Fletcher provides new information about the effects of legal alcohol access at age 21 on previously unexplored or underexplored risky behaviors.
A starring role for nonhuman primates in the stem cell story
“If UW–Madison is the birthplace of human embryonic stem cells, then the Primate Research Center is the cradle,” says Marina Emborg, director of the center's Preclinical Parkinson's Research Program.
Inflammation biomarker in blood may help predict effectiveness of depression drugs
A simple blood test could help doctors understand what medication might work best for patients at the start of their treatment, according to new UW–Madison research.
UW–Madison center takes lead in improving mental health services in Great Lakes region
A new UW–Madison tech transfer center funded by a $3.7 million federal grant will provide training and technical assistance to support the region’s mental health workforce, covering treatment and recovery services.