Tag Research

Wisconsin engineer, entrepreneur move ‘green’ diesel engine closer to market

September 19, 2011

A University of Wisconsin–Madison engineer is collaborating with a Wisconsin entrepreneur to produce a diesel engine that could be a quieter, more efficient power source for a variety of household and industrial applications, including lawn equipment and electric generators. Read More

Mouse genome sequences reveal variability, complex evolutionary history

September 15, 2011

The genome of even a single organism is packed with information. A new paper, building on recent advances in sequencing capability, now reports the complete genomes of 17 different strains of mice, creating an unparalleled genetic resource that will aid studies ranging from human disease to evolution. Read More

Interim chancellor’s memo to lawmakers regarding proposed fetal tissue ban

September 14, 2011

Here is the text of a memo sent by UW–Madison Interim Chancellor David Ward to all members of the state Legislature regarding a bill that would ban the acquisition and use of fetal tissue in scientific research. Read More

Study: Wisconsinites have mixed views on ethanol

September 12, 2011

A majority of Wisconsinites support the use of ethanol blends if it keeps dollars and jobs in the United States and reduces air pollution, according to a new study by University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers. Read More

Study reveals critical similarity between two types of do-it-all stem cells

September 11, 2011

Ever since human induced pluripotent stem cells were first derived in 2007, scientists have wondered whether they were functionally equivalent to embryonic stem cells, which are sourced in early stage embryos. Read More

NSF renews, expands mission of UW–Madison materials research center

September 9, 2011

With $18 million over six years, the National Science Foundation is expanding the mission of one of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s most prolific and prestigious interdisciplinary research centers. Read More

Parents’ stress leaves mark on the DNA of children

August 30, 2011

Parents who are stressed during their children's early years can leave an imprint on their sons' or daughters' genes - an imprint that lasts into adolescence and may affect how these genes are expressed later in life, according to a study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin and the University of British Columbia. Read More

In cell culture, like real estate, the neighborhood matters

August 28, 2011

Ever since scientists first began growing human cells in lab dishes in 1952, they have focused on improving the chemical soup that feeds the cells and helps regulate their growth. But surfaces also matter, says Laura Kiessling, a professor of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, who observes that living cells are normally in contact with each other and with a structure called the extracellular matrix, not just with the dissolved chemicals in their surroundings. Read More

New study will explore impact of exercise on pulmonary hypertension

August 26, 2011

For sufferers of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), maintaining healthy heart function isn't as simple as going for a jog every morning. Patients need to do all they can to slow damage to their heart, and exercise can improve potentially improve their quality of life. Read More

Irrigation’s impacts on global carbon uptake

August 25, 2011

Globally, irrigation increases agricultural productivity by an amount roughly equivalent to the entire agricultural output of the U.S., according to a new University of Wisconsin–Madison study. Read More

Human gait could soon power portable electronics

August 23, 2011

If the vision of Tom Krupenkin and J. Ashley Taylor comes to fruition, one day soon your cellphone - or just about any other portable electronic device - could be powered by simply taking a walk. Read More

Poverty and national parks: Decade-long study finds surprising relationship

August 22, 2011

If so many poor people live around national parks in developing countries, does that mean that these parks are contributing to their poverty? Yes, according to the conventional wisdom, but no, according to a 10-year study of people living around Kibale National Park in Uganda that was published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Read More

500 years ago, yeast’s epic journey gave rise to lager beer

August 22, 2011

In the 15th century, when Europeans first began moving people and goods across the Atlantic, a microscopic stowaway somehow made its way to the caves and monasteries of Bavaria. Read More

Sweet insight: Discovery could speed drug development

August 21, 2011

The surface of cells and many biologically active molecules are studded with sugar structures that are not used to store energy, but rather are involved in communication, immunity and inflammation. In a similar manner, sugars attached to drugs can enhance, change or neutralize their effects, says Jon Thorson, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy. Read More

UW-Madison expert: Cancer rates show it’s time for a global asbestos ban

August 18, 2011

The use of asbestos building materials in developing countries results in millions of preventable cancer cases, a University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health epidemiologist reports in the coming issue of Annals of Epidemiology. Read More