Category Science & Technology
Lava flows reveal clues to magnetic field reversals
Ancient lava flows are guiding a better understanding of what generates and controls the Earth's magnetic field - and what may drive it to occasionally reverse direction.
Science photo takes second in national contest
With a photograph that embodies the unexpected - and sometimes breathtaking - outcomes of science, University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate student Jenna Eun has won second place in the 2008 Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and Science magazine.
Professor brings sight to people around the world
If you’ve met Suresh Chandra, you’ve likely been enlisted in his crusade to end blindness.
Global population lecture opens Nelson Institute series
Joel Cohen will give a free public lecture, “Global Population and the Global Environment to 2050,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, in 165 Bascom Hall. The event opens the fourth year of the Gaylord Nelson Lecture Series, hosted by the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. “Population and Resources” is the theme for 2008–09.
Canadian science radio producer named Science Writer in Residence
Jim Handman, executive producer of the highly acclaimed Canadian Broadcasting Corp. science radio show “Quirks & Quarks,” will spend the week of Oct. 6–10 on campus as the fall Science Writer in Residence.
Family medicine increases visibility through YouTube channel
The Department of Family Medicine (DFM) has further broadened its online presence by launching an expanded channel, http://www.youtube.com/WIFamilyMedicine.
Conference targets solutions for lakes
People who care about Dane County’s tainted lakes will consider the options in a daylong conference on Friday, Oct. 10, at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
Q&A: A broad vision for cross-college biology education
As one who balances scientific interests in microbes and climate change with a passion for human development, associate soil science professor Teri Balser knows a thing or two about bridging diverse disciplines and perspectives. Who better, then, to lead the Institute for Cross-College Biology Education?
Study works to improve pain relief in pets
A new, injectable pain-relieving drug formulation for animals might eliminate more than pain.
Comet dust reveals unexpected mixing of solar system
Chemical clues from a comet's halo are challenging common views about the history and evolution of the solar system and showing it may be more mixed-up than previously thought.
Reseachers derive ‘green gasoline’ from plant sugars
Alternative energy doesn't always mean solar or wind power. In fact, the alternative fuels developed by University of Wisconsin–Madison chemical and biological engineering professor James Dumesic look a lot like the gasoline and diesel fuel used in vehicles today.
Feyzi named new director of Physical Sciences Laboratory
Farshid Feyzi takes over this week as director of the Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL), the University of Wisconsin–Madison's in-house engineering, manufacturing and project consultation center.
Engineered stem cells carry promising ALS therapy
Using adult stem cells from bone marrow as "Trojan horses" to deliver a nurturing growth factor to atrophied muscles, Wisconsin scientists have successfully slowed the progression of ALS in rats.
Heart of the Matter
Underground in Europe, thousands of scientists — using the largest accelerator ever built — are conducting a thrilling hunt. They’re looking for tiny particles that are the source of all matter’s mass, hoping to solve some of the biggest mysteries in physics. And UW–Madison researchers are right at the center of the action.
World’s biggest particle accelerator begins operation
After more than 15 years of planning and preparation, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's most powerful particle accelerator, started operating this morning (Sept. 10).