Category Science & Technology
With a jolt, ‘nanonails’ go from repellant to wettable
Sculpting a surface composed of tightly packed nanostructures that resemble tiny nails, University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers and their colleagues from Bell Laboratories have created a material that can repel almost any liquid.
New Antarctic ice core to provide clearest climate record yet
Ice Coring and Drilling Services at UW–Madison built and is operating a state-of-the-art, deep ice-coring drill that is the engine behind an unprecedented Antarctic research project to record greenhouse gas levels over the last 100,000 years. The project completed its first year at the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide.
Professor helps schools meet the demands of high-stakes accountability
Richard Halverson, an education leadership and policy analysis professor, is focusing his research on examining how schools are approaching the tough standards established by the federal No Child Left Behind law.
Campus learns about building plans at town hall meetings
Throughout the month of October, the UW–Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation hosted a series of town hall meetings on campus to inform the university community about the latest building plans for the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.
Bioethicist Fost debates use of steroids in sports
Norman Fost, professor in the departments of pediatrics and medical history and bioethics, and director of the Program in Bioethics, particpiated recently in an Intelligence Squared U.S. debate as an advocate for the motion “Should We Accept Steroid Use in Sports?”
Low vaccination rate of U.S. puppies and kittens poses larger risks
It's hard to believe that in an advanced country like the United States, fewer than half of all puppies and kittens are being vaccinated. Yet that's exactly what was found in a study recently completed by UW–Madison and Dane County veterinarians.
Ebola virus disarmed by excising a single gene
The deadly Ebola virus, an emerging public health concern in Africa and a potential biological weapon, ranks among the most feared of exotic pathogens.
In diatom, scientists find genes that may level engineering hurdle
Denizens of oceans, lakes and even wet soil, diatoms are unicellular algae that encase themselves in intricately patterned, glass-like shells. Curiously, these tiny phytoplankton could be harboring the next big breakthrough in computer chips.
Curiosities: How can a tornado occur in January?
Tornadoes can happen whenever atmospheric conditions are suitable, says Steve Ackerman, professor of atmospheric science at UW–Madison. Over the years, Wisconsin has had…
Study: Brain connections strengthen during waking hours, weaken during sleep
Most people know it from experience: After so many hours of being awake, your brain feels unable to absorb any more-and several hours of sleep will refresh it.
Planning for interaction at Institutes for Discovery
As a first-generation college student at a small liberal arts school on the East Coast, Gwen Drury was struck by how physical space influenced the way people interact.
Wisconsin Idea grants bring a community focus to current affairs
The 2008 Ira and Ineva Reilly Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Endowment will provide more than $900,000 in support for 15 projects targeting issues related to education, health, the economy and the environment.
Professor to be featured on ABC’s 20/20 tonight, Jan. 11
Richard Davidson, the Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, will be featured on ABC’s 20/20 program tonight, Jan. 11, 2008.