Category Health & Wellness
Happy hormone’s calcium connection may make cows and humans healthier
Serotonin is best known for eliciting feelings of happiness in the human brain, but scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have found the hormone plays a role in milk production in dairy cows — and may have health implications for breastfeeding women.
Macular degeneration insight identifies promising drugs to prevent vision loss
In tests on mice, drugs that are already on the market prevented damage to the cells that sustain the light-sensitive cells in the eyes.
UW, Purdue scientists solve structure of cold virus linked to childhood asthma
The findings provide the foundation for future antiviral drug and vaccine development against rhinovirus C.
A new whey to manage PKU
Screening and management of PKU has a long and storied connection to Wisconsin. Harry Waisman was instrumental in initiating the testing of infants for PKU and treating individuals with the disorder throughout the state.
Professors named to American Academy of Nursing
Kristine Kwekkeboom researches non-drug therapies to relieve symptoms in cancer patients and serves as the faculty director of the nursing doctorate program. Karen Solheim, an expert in global health, is leading a sweeping curriculum redesign.
A taste of vision: Device translates from camera to brain, via the tongue
The device, patented almost 20 years ago by a visionary UW doctor, is now on the market after a long campaign by the company he founded.
UW connects caregivers with research, tools to help older adults
The School of Nursing is reaching out to share the latest research and best practices to promote health and well-being.
UW-Madison spinoff taking a big bite out of swallowing problems
Swallow Solutions' system sets up a customized therapy program so users can strengthen the tongue and associated swallowing muscles in the throat.
Monkey study shows Zika infection prolonged in pregnancy
Researchers have shown that one infection with Zika virus protects against future infection, though pregnancy may drastically increase the time the virus stays in the body.
Kawaoka to receive Japan Academy award, presented by Emperor and Empress
Yoshihiro Kawaoka was chosen for his fundamental studies of the influenza virus leading to improved vaccines and better understanding of pandemic flu.
UW biotech spinoff Mirus Bio celebrates two decades in business
The company makes cutting-edge products based on discoveries by three UW scientists for delivering DNA and RNA into cells.
Research may point to new ways to deliver drugs into bacteria
The results were surprising due to the breadth of the different proteins found to be involved, says biochemist Douglas Weibel.
Leadership institute aims to help researchers target health disparities
The week-long “research boot camp” is for investigators, particularly from underrepresented communities, doing research on health disparities and health equity.
Epigenetics researcher named Pew scholar in biomedical sciences
Peter Lewis is one of 22 biomedical scientists to win the award, meant for researchers with outstanding promise in science relevant to human health.
Cancer treatment spinoff takes top honor in life science at Governor’s Business Plan Contest
Lynx Biosciences is developing technology to choose the drug most likely to benefit a blood cancer patient by analyzing how the tumor cells respond.
Novel mouse model sheds new light on autism spectrum disorder
These sorts of studies cannot be performed in humans, hence the need to develop and study mouse models.
Benefits of dance for older adults with Parkinson’s to be highlighted
The Summer Institute on Mental Disorders and the Older Adult will offer new strategies for social workers, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists and physicians.
Milwaukee foundation supports early-career faculty’s innovative research
For their distinct and innovative molecular research, two University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists have earned Shaw Scientist Awards from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Feyza Engin, assistant professor of biomolecular chemistry, and Srivatsan Raman, assistant professor of biochemistry, will each receive $200,000 in seed funding to advance their work. For more than 30 years, the Shaw Scientist Program has supported early career investigators pursuing promising ideas in biochemistry, biological sciences and cancer research.
New strategy could yield more precise seasonal flu vaccine
The new approach would better forecast the naturally occurring mutations that help seasonal flu virus dodge vaccines.
Panda poop study provides insights into microbiome, reproductive troubles
Gastrointestinal diseases are a major cause of mortality in pandas but scientists understand little about their digestive process.