Category Science & Technology
UW–Madison to expand COVID-19 testing in spring
To accommodate more regular and frequent COVID-19 testing of all students and employees on campus in the spring semester, UW–Madison will partner with Shield T3, a subsidiary of the University of Illinois System.
Thesis-writing program shares joy of scientific research
The Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy Thesis Award Program’s mission is to both promote science literacy among the public and recruit future generations to careers in scientific research with an approachable look at the latest findings.
‘All Ways Forward’ campaign extended
The multiyear campaign to raise much-needed funding for UW–Madison priorities has been extended until Dec. 31, 2021, Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced Thursday.
New NIH-funded initiative will examine Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome
Investigators at the Waisman Center, the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and several departments at UW–Madison are involved in the effort, which they say "has the potential to help everyone."
Research highlights need for grassland conservation, agriculture support
In a new study, researchers show that newly added croplands converted from grasslands important to wildlife generated less yield than existing cropland.
WARF announces annual grant for UW research
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, which obtains patents on UW inventions and licenses them to industry, has granted the university and the Morgridge Institute for Research a combined $100.3 million for 2020-21.
Cellular networks vulnerable to wildfires across U.S.
More than 430,000 cell network transceivers covering approximately 85 million people are in areas the U.S. Forest Service considers at moderate or high wildfire risk.
COVID-19 model quantifies impact of region-specific social distancing orders
A simulation using cellphone data shows social distancing measures had a major influence on case numbers, though the impact varied markedly in different areas, even within the same state.
Surprising communication between atoms could improve quantum computing
A group of UW physicists has identified conditions under which relatively distant atoms communicate with each other in ways that had previously only been seen in atoms closer together.
Do the twist: Making two-dimensional quantum materials using curved surfaces
The continuously twisting stacks of 2D materials create new properties that scientists can exploit to study quantum physics on the nanoscale.
‘Grassland 2.0’ seeks to transform Upper Midwest agriculture through perennial grasslands
With chronically low and erratic milk prices, some dairy farmers have controlled their production costs with managed grazing.
Gimlet’s Kendra Pierre-Louis to visit virtually as Science Writer in Residence
As a climate reporter on the new podcast "How to Save a Planet," Pierre-Louis discusses everything from the surprising benefits of trees to why everyone needs a “go bag” — and friendly neighbors — in a disaster.
American Physical Society bestows top honors on two UW scientists
Physics professor Vernon Barger won the J.J. Sakurai Prize for Theoretical Particle Physics, and chemistry professor Martin Zanni was the recipient of the Earle K. Plyler Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy & Dynamics.
UW grad student shares hands-on physics, art lessons with local fifth graders
Students took breaks from all-electronic assignments to work with take-home kits that let them explore the physics of light while creating art.
UW–Madison supports largest solar development in Dane County
The university will purchase half of the energy produced by a 20-megawatt solar array that Madison Gas and Electric plans to build south of Madison.
UW biochemist Scott Coyle awarded 2020 Packard Fellowship
Coyle's research could have far-reaching applications, from expanding the scope of cell-based therapies to fight disease to developing micro-technologies for bioremediation of damaged environmental sites.
Proven treatments and new methods crucial to fighting COVID-19
UW Health clinicians are using current respiratory treatments and are working with the School of Medicine and Public Health on several novel therapies.
First relatives of rubella virus discovered in bats in Uganda and mice in Germany
Neither of the new viruses is known to infect people, but the findings reinforce the important work scientists are undertaking to study the effects of a changing environment on human and animal diseases.
UW Arboretum enhances sustainability with solar panel upgrade
The new system will include an array of 66 photovoltaic modules that are projected to produce 32,300 kilowatt-hours in the first year of operation.
COVID questions: aerosol transmission, small business, managing stress
What is aerosol transmission? How has the pandemic affected small businesses? How can I manage stress?