Category Science & Technology
Supernova remnant is source of extreme cosmic particles
Astronomers have long sought the launch sites for some of the highest energy protons in our galaxy. Now, a study using 12 years of data from NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope confirms that a remnant of a supernova, or star explosion, is just such a place, solving a decade-long cosmic mystery.
See-through zebrafish, new imaging method put blood stem cells in high-resolution spotlight
This new technique will aid researchers as they develop therapies for blood diseases and cancers.
Enzyme, proteins work together to tidy up tail ends of DNA in dividing cells
The research provides insight into how a human cell preserves the integrity of its DNA through repeated cell division.
Brain imaging reveals how mindfulness program boosts pain regulation
A study by the Center for Healthy Minds at UW–Madison is the first to demonstrate pain-related brain changes from a standardized mindfulness course that is widely offered in clinical settings.
New understanding of ‘superantigens’ could lead to improved staph infection treatments
Researchers at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine explain that the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus not only causes illness, but undermines the body’s ability to heal — a finding that could point toward new approaches to fighting infection.
‘Were U Wondering’ … how math can tame traffic?
Laura Albert, professor of industrial and systems engineering, uses math and science to explain traffic congestion — and what can be done to alleviate it.
Evolving to outpace climate change, tiny marine animal provides new evidence of long-theorized genetic mechanism
The evolution experiment is new evidence of a genetic mechanism called positive epistasis, in which the positive effect of a variant of a gene is amplified when working in combination with other key genes.
Research Cores Initiative helps replace equipment and enhance services
Cores are unique spaces where researchers can consult with technical experts. But the shared instruments, equipment and other resources they depend on have a limited lifespan.
Were U Wondering … how vaccines work?
Ann Palmenberg, professor of virology and biochemistry, explains how vaccines trick your immune system into thinking you've had an infection so you'll be protected when a real virus comes along.
Underground search for dark matter in the universe relies on UW expertise
UW–Madison physicists and the Physical Sciences Lab have been working on the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment, which just started up a new detector at least 100 times more sensitive than its predecessor.
Nuclear war would turn oceans upside down, crash food web
It would result in cooling so strong it would extend sea ice and render impassable major seaports that are now open year-round, and would likely cause significant damage to much of the ocean food web.
Unexpected link between most common cancer drivers may yield more effective drugs
A UW–Madison research team has discovered a direct link between cellular pathways that make promising targets for new cancer treatments.
Chemist Randall Goldsmith named a Schmidt Science Polymath
The UW–Madison professor's multidisciplinary approach to studying chemical and biophysical systems earned a $2.5 million award from the philanthropic organization founded by the former CEO of Google.
New study allows researchers to more efficiently form human heart cells from stem cells
The heart muscle cells, according to the UW–Madison Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center, could be useful for cardiac repair, regeneration and cell therapy.
Erin Silva named endowed chair in organic agriculture and outreach
The new chair, established through a $1 million endowment from Clif Bar & Company, was created to support the advancement of organic agriculture through dedicated research and outreach programs.
UW scientist wins Blue Planet Prize
Steve Carpenter, one of the world’s foremost lake ecologists, has been awarded an international prize for scientific research that has helped provide solutions to global environmental problems.
A Juneteenth celebration of science
Outreach teams from UW–Madison brought the "Kitchen Chemist," hands-on exploration stations, and a chance to chat with scientists to the Kujichagulia Center for Self-Determination Juneteenth celebration at Penn Park Saturday.
New cryo-electron microscopy centers help UW researchers uncover mysteries of life
The technology allows scientists to capture detailed information about the smallest components of living cells to understand everything from more effective drug development to how viruses infect cells.
PhD student researches the chemical origins of life
In 2019, Lena Vincent led a study that has become an essential guide for other astrobiology researchers trying to understand how, from a complex mix of chemicals, life could emerge anywhere that basic building blocks exist.
Altered gene helps plants absorb more carbon dioxide, produce more useful compounds
If scientists could add a trait like this to crops or drug-producing plants, it could help them produce more chemicals naturally while reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.