Category Science & Technology
Wild Wisconsin yeast find their way into bread, beer, and class
A Sheboygan strain of yeast is being tried in both bread and beer, through the work of UW–Madison and its industry partners. One question to be answered: How does it taste?
Training compassion ‘muscle’ may boost brain’s resilience to others’ suffering
A new study suggests that compassion meditation training may reduce the distress a person feels when witnessing another’s suffering. It may also improve their ability and likelihood to respond with compassion.
Study bolsters bats’ reputation as mosquito devourers
New UW–Madison research conducted throughout Wisconsin suggests that bats may indeed be effective exterminators of mosquitoes.
A hidden world of communication, chemical warfare, beneath the soil
New research from the University of Wisconsin–Madison shows how some harmful microbes have to contend not just with a farmer’s chemical attacks, but also with their microscopic neighbors — and themselves turn to chemical warfare to ward off threats.
Ultralight science: Boundary layer measurements from low-flying source
A professor is using an ultralight aircraft to conduct a research project aimed at better understanding the Earth’s atmosphere. Instruments strapped to the wings and the cockpit of the aircraft collect atmospheric data while it is airborne.
Homo naledi had a tiny brain but it looked a lot like ours
Scientists and nonscientists alike have often associated larger brains with greater intelligence, but a new study may challenge that notion. “Maybe brain size isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” says John Hawks, one of the study’s corresponding authors.
Study shows yogurt may dampen chronic inflammation linked to multiple diseases
New UW–Madison research indicates that ongoing consumption of yogurt may have a general anti-inflammatory effect.
UW-Madison biomanufacturer offers essential gene-transfer capacity
A UW–Madison lab that makes proteins, antibodies and viruses has begun manufacturing a virus critical to experimental treatments for many genetic conditions.
Liquid crystals self-regulate the release of drugs in precise, repeating doses with simple nudge from their environment
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed liquid crystal films and droplets that can hold a wide range of “micro-cargo” until their release is cued by body heat or a beam of light or even the wake of swimming microorganisms.
For scientist studying turbulence, the sky is the limit
Michael Graham, a professor of chemical and biological engineering, is a leader in the field, and a recently awarded Department of Defense Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship is enabling his potentially transformative research on turbulence.
Prototype camera set for integration into novel gamma-ray telescope
A unique high-speed camera, designed to capture the fleeting effects of gamma rays crashing into the Earth’s atmosphere, will soon be on its way from the University of Wisconsin–Madison to Arizona’s Mount Hopkins.
CWD prions discovered in soil near Wisconsin mineral licks for the first time
New research out of the UW–Madison has, for the first time, detected prions responsible for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in samples taken from sites where deer congregate.
UW–Madison archaeologist elected to National Academy of Sciences
T. Douglas Price is an emeritus professor of anthropology, an expert on prehistoric agriculture in Europe, and a pioneer in the use of chemical isotopes to assess mobility in ancient peoples.
‘Origins’ scientists to take your questions Thursday during Reddit AMA
Ever wondered what it’s like to unearth a long-buried human ancestor? Or to peer into the night sky to discover the mysteries of galaxy evolution? Find out Thursday.
UW researcher to send cotton into space to improve its growth on Earth
Botanist Simon Gilroy will study cotton seedlings grown on the International Space Station in a project that could help researchers understand how to develop plants that use water more efficiently.
Bird observing course an experience in finding passion for nature
In the Birds of Southern Wisconsin course, students must sometimes brave the elements to collect observations of Wisconsin’s overwintering and migratory birds.
Future wearable device could tell how we power human movement
Tested initially on a person's Achilles tendon, the new approach being developed by UW engineering researchers could apply to fields ranging from orthopedics, rehabilitation, ergonomics and sports.
In ‘Origins,’ UW–Madison and South African scientists tackle mysteries of our shared beginnings
The quest to understand our beginnings — of our universe, of life on Earth, of our species — inspires people all over the world. At UW–Madison, researchers have forged partnerships with colleagues in South Africa and are uncovering answers and opening new scientific frontiers.
Newest Badgerloop Pod unveiled
The UW–Madison Badgerloop team Thursday revealed Badgerloop Pod III — its latest entry into the 2018 SpaceX Hyperloop Competition, an event designed to spur new ideas about an ultrafast, futuristic form of transportation.
Curious Madisonian still innovating, designing, improving 35 years after UW–Madison graduation
Bruce Winkler has invented, designed or facilitated an amazing range of devices since he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UW–Madison in 1983.