Campus news Latest News
Scientists isolate genes that made 1918 flu lethal
By mixing and matching a contemporary flu virus with the "Spanish flu" - a virus that killed between 20 and 50 million people 90 years ago in history's most devastating outbreak of infectious disease - researchers have identified a set of three genes that helped underpin the extraordinary virulence of the 1918 virus.
Dawn Crim named new special assistant for community relations
Dawn Crim has been selected from a national search process to lead community relations initiatives for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, effective Jan. 1, 2009, Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin announced today.
Photo essay: Cold digger
Fifty years ago, UW scientist Charlie Bentley made his maiden voyage to a frigid, faraway land – and he’s been returning ever since.
Moments in time: 2008 photographers’ choice
This collection of photographs, captured by University Communications photographers, provides just a sampling of what goes on in classrooms, laboratories, offices, outdoor venues and quiet spots on a thriving university campus.
Patient-derived induced stem cells retain disease traits
When neurons started dying in Clive Svendsen's lab dishes, he couldn't have been more pleased. The dying cells - the same type lost in patients with the devastating neurological disease spinal muscular atrophy - confirmed that the University of Wisconsin–Madison stem cell biologist had recreated the hallmarks of a genetic disorder in the lab, using stem cells derived from a patient.
VistaGen, WARF sign license agreement for human embryonic stem cell technology
VistaGen Therapeutics and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) have signed a license for human embryonic stem cell patents for the development and commercialization of stem cell-based research tools.
Author examines relationship between Enlightenment, religion
In researching the relationship between Judaism and Enlightenment thought, David Sorkin found significant misunderstanding about the relationship between the Enlightenment and religion in general.
Bringing modern roots to a traditional collection
Ken Cameron joined the faculty earlier this year as an associate professor of botany and director of the Wisconsin State Herbarium. He cites the botany department — one of a relative few remaining university botany departments, most having folded into larger biology departments — as a strong draw, along with the mix of teaching, research and administrative duties offered by his joint appointment.
Cognitive computing: Building a machine that can learn from experience
A UW–Madison researcher says the goal of building a computer as quick and flexible as a small mammalian brain is more daunting than it sounds.
Study: Did early climate impact divert a new glacial age?
The common wisdom is that the invention of the steam engine and the advent of the coal-fueled industrial age marked the beginning of human influence on global climate.
Recent sightings: It’s that time of year…
A variety of decorative items, including a fake laptop, a Santa hat, an orange T-shirt and a sign wishing students good luck on finals,…