Category Science & Technology

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.

Microbial ‘blueprint’ may unlock mysteries of wastewater treatment

October 11, 2006

A University of Wisconsin–Madison environmental engineer and her graduate student are among researchers on a multi-institutional team who have mapped the metagenome of elusive phosphorous-eating organisms key to thousands of wastewater treatment processes in the developed world.

Study: Dust may dampen hurricane fury

October 10, 2006

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have put forward an intriguing theory that introduces a whole new dimension to the debate on what might be causing stronger and more frequent storms.

New drug blocks influenza, including bird flu virus

October 4, 2006

Opening a new front in the war against flu, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have reported the discovery of a novel compound that confers broad protection against influenza viruses, including deadly avian influenza.

Zinn to receive Havens Center award

October 4, 2006

Acclaimed historian, playwright and social activist Howard Zinn will receive the A.E. Havens Center's Award for Lifetime Contribution to Critical Scholarship on Thursday, Oct. 5.

Study: Earlier crop plantings may curb future yields

October 4, 2006

In an ongoing bid to grow more corn, farmers in the U.S. Corn Belt are planting seeds much earlier today than they did 30 years ago, a new study has found. Poring over three decades of agricultural records, Christopher Kucharik, an associate scientist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, discovered that farmers in 12 U.S. states now put corn in the ground around two weeks earlier than they did during the late 1970s.

Intersection of business and research explored at CEO Summit

October 3, 2006

Three distinguished University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists will meet with corporate chief executives who graduated from the university to brief them on the business applications and marketability of their research on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Stem Cells 101: Meet Wisconsin’s research leaders

October 3, 2006

Southeastern Wisconsin residents will have a unique opportunity on Oct. 10 to hear about the promises and limitations of stem cell research directly from the Wisconsin professors and researchers working in the field.

‘Failed’ experiment produces a bacterial Trojan horse

October 3, 2006

A failed experiment turned out to be anything but for bacteriologist Marcin Filutowicz. As he was puzzling out why what should have been a routine procedure wouldn't work, he made a discovery that led to the creation of a new biological tool for destroying bacterial pathogens - one that doesn't appear to trigger antibiotic resistance.

Open house to showcase Science Hall’s past and present

October 2, 2006

An open house from noon-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, will highlight the history of Science Hall and the work of its current occupants.

New angiogenesis finding may help fight cancer growth

September 28, 2006

A researcher at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health has discovered a new part of the complicated mechanism that governs the formation of blood vessels, or angiogenesis.

Computer scientist spearheads $30 million ‘Open Science Grid’

September 25, 2006

University of Wisconsin–Madison computer scientists will play a central role in the expansion of a national "Open Science Grid" (OSG), an interconnected computing infrastructure that provides scientists with a massive infusion of computing power and storage capacity to solve large, data-intensive challenges in science.