Category Science & Technology
The search for how life on Earth transformed from simple to complex
A new NASA collaboration of astrobiology researchers co-led by a UW–Madison professor will spend the next five years dedicating their efforts to understanding how life evolved on earth, and how it possibly could evolve on other worlds.
Cutting air pollution emissions would save 50,000 U.S. lives, $600 billion each year
Eliminating air pollution emissions from energy-related activities in the United States would prevent more than 50,000 premature deaths each year and provide more than $600…
Madison-based computing power makes it possible to see our black hole for the first time
A team of scientists and the National Science Foundation shared images of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy.
Detailed analysis of old star provides template for heavy element formation
In a new study, astronomers identified the elemental composition of HD 222925, a Milky Way star located over 1400 lightyears from earth.
UW mourns an important mathematician and beloved mentor
Georgia Benkart, emeritus professor of mathematics, died unexpectedly on April 29. “Each of her papers was a polished gem,” a colleague says of Benkart. Among many professional distinctions, she served as president of the Association for Women in Mathematics in 2009–11.
Drone-delivered defibrillators could save lives
The new research details the framework for designing a network of AED-outfitted, autonomous flying drones, which could allow the life-saving devices to more quickly reach people experiencing cardiac arrest.
Report: Scales tipping against walleye; time to get hooked on new fish
Wisconsin spends millions each year to keep the walleye fishery running. But researchers say it is time to shift the emphasis from restoring struggling species to adapting to new conditions that favor different species.
UW School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences adds three degree programs
The new degree programs, which will launch in the fall, are designed to increase skills that are in high demand, preparing a talent pipeline that will drive economic growth in the region and beyond.
UW Veterinary Care offers rabbit vaccine against highly contagious, fatal disease
The clinic is one of about a dozen animal hospitals in the state to offer the vaccine and part of a growing effort nationally to encourage rabbit owners to seek vaccination.
Study finds 63% of teens have healthy relationship with digital technology
Researchers in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health say family rules on the amount of screen time teens are allowed are less effective in fostering good digital practices than focusing on the content of what they are viewing.
UW–Madison again scores high in world university rankings
The Center for World University Rankings placed UW at No. 27 among nearly 20,000 institutions ranked on the basis of education, employability, faculty and research.
Shifting food choices reducing climate impact of American diet
Lower consumption of beef, dairy, chicken, pork, and eggs accounted for more than 75% of the observed diet-related carbon dioxide savings during the study period.
UW–Madison’s ultra-efficient carbon capture tech earns top 60 spot in global XPRIZE challenge
Team members are forming a company and actively seeking additional funding from venture capitalists and other sources.
UW–Madison, industry partners run quantum algorithm on neutral atom quantum computer for the first time
The achievement suggests quantum computers that outcompete traditional ones are on the horizon, with potential uses in logistics, drug discovery and computational modeling.
Chemical reaction: ‘a huge upgrade’
The recently opened addition to the Chemistry Building on University Avenue is a nine-story tower housing lecture halls, an information commons, offices, teaching laboratories, and group write-up spaces for undergraduate teaching labs.
UW hurricane application gets upgrade in time for 2022 hurricane season
Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center will have access to the most advanced storm measurement software yet to help them save lives and property with timely warnings.
A penetrating gaze: System allows world’s first X-ray look at electron-beam 3D-printing process
A team of UW–Madison mechanical engineers have pioneered the integration of several imaging technologies into a system that can study the fundamental mechanics of electron beam powder bed fusion in real time.
Federal lawmakers visit UW–Madison units in south, west Madison
Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Mark Pocan showed their support of UW–Madison on April 15 during stops at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station and the UW Odyssey Project in the UW South Madison Partnership office.
Space telescope ‘a little like a time machine’
Assistant professor Michael Maseda was one of many who contributed to development of the James Webb Space Telescope. He looks forward to using the instrument to take “baby pictures of galaxies” — potentially looking as far back into the history of the universe as the Big Bang itself.
You’re muted — or are you? Videoconferencing apps may listen even when mic is off
Not only did researchers find that the apps gather audio data while "mute" is activated; they could identify activities picked up when microphones weren't believed to be on, such as eating, playing music, typing and cleaning.