Category Science & Technology

Scientists find potential weapon against tuberculosis infection

December 13, 2006

The discovery of a unique copper-repressing protein in the bacterium that causes tuberculosis in humans may pave the way toward new strategies for halting tuberculosis infection.

Brain’s ‘fear center’ may underlie autistic behaviors

December 12, 2006

The brain's emotional center is unusually small in autistic males with the most severe behavioral impairments, University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers reported this month.

Prestigious fellowship awarded to scientist

December 11, 2006

A postdoctoral researcher in the University of Wisconsin–Madison biochemistry department has been selected as a recipient of a prestigious new fellowship.

Controlling confusion: Researchers make insight into memory, forgetting

December 4, 2006

Why do we forget? Do memories decay on their own, or are they harmed by interference from similar memories? Using a technique called "transcranial magnetic stimulation," brain researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison may have found the answer.

Combustible Christmas special coming to public television

November 29, 2006

Chemistry is still a hot ticket in town. As in past years, the popular holiday lectures by University of Wisconsin–Madison chemistry professor Bassam Shakhashiri, scheduled for Dec. 2-3, are sold out, according to organizers.

Five UW–Madison faculty named AAAS fellows

November 24, 2006

Five University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty members are among the 449 scientists and engineers to be awarded fellowships from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which were announced this week (Nov. 23).

Good sports: Hamstring findings may help injured athletes stay healthy

November 21, 2006

Athletes who strain a hamstring could avoid re-injuring the muscle by participating in targeted physical therapies and improving their running mechanics, according to University of Wisconsin–Madison research.

UW-Madison researchers develop novel method to find new antibiotics

November 20, 2006

A University of Wisconsin–Madison bacteriologist plans to search for new antibiotics that render virulent bacteria harmless without killing them.

Lakeshore Nature Preserve comes to life online

November 20, 2006

A digital trove brimming with cutting-edge maps, evocative photos, ecological information and the rich history of the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Lakeshore Nature Preserve has been assembled on a Web site that debuted today.

New maps emphasize the human factor in wildfire management

November 16, 2006

To help fire managers identify the best locations for site treatments in one particularly fire-prone region in Southern California, a University of Wisconsin–Madison team developed a map that incorporates both environmental and human factors to pinpoint where the most devastating wildfires are likely to start in the Santa Monica Mountains, located just north of Los Angeles.

Dieting meets DNA: Nutrition gets personal in new studies

November 15, 2006

Ushering nutritional science into the biotech age, UW–Madison researchers are exploring the complex interactions between food and genes to uncover new modes of disease prevention, drug development and, eventually, personalized diet advice tailored to one’s DNA.

Scientists find mutations that let bird flu adapt to humans

November 15, 2006

By comparing influenza viruses found in birds with those of the avian virus that have also infected human hosts, researchers have identified key genetic changes required for pandemic strains of bird flu.

Space Place unveils nifty new exhibits

November 8, 2006

On Friday, Nov. 10, the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Space Place will unveil three new exhibits about Wisconsin astronomers' explorations of the heavens.

Icelandic swarms may provide hints on ecosystems

November 2, 2006

Wisconsin ecologists have ventured into remote parts of Iceland to explore a startling phenomenon in which trillions of gnat-like bugs periodically rise up to form hovering swarms so thick they resemble waves of morning fog.

Researcher finds gene associated with sharp drop in dairy cow pregnancy rates

November 1, 2006

The new discovery of a lethal gene may explain why pregnancy rates in dairy cattle have dropped sharply in recent years, a UW–Madison researcher says.

Scientists find key to immune system’s ability to remember

October 23, 2006

A team of researchers led by a University of Wisconsin–Madison researcher have identified the role of a protein that is important in stimulating the cells of the immune system, whose role is to take quick and effective action when agents of disease reinvade the body.

Future of conservation pondered in Oct. 26 lecture

October 20, 2006

"The Future of Conservation" will be the topic of a free public lecture by Steven Sanderson at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Wisconsin Historical Society Auditorium, 816 State Street.

Local events mark National Chemistry Week on Oct. 22-28

October 18, 2006

The Wisconsin local section of the American Chemical Society, together with the chemistry department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Institute for Chemical Education, will celebrate National Chemistry Week, Oct. 22-28, with several interactive events highlighting the theme "Your Home: It's All Built on Chemistry."

Commonplace sugar compound silences seizures

October 16, 2006

Though in clinical use for decades, a small, sweet-tasting compound is revealing a startling new face as a potential cure for epilepsy.

Nova producer to delve into the art of science television

October 11, 2006

Paula S. Apsell, the executive producer for public television's science series Nova, has been named University of Wisconsin–Madison Science Writer in Residence for the fall of 2006.