Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have designed a new tin-based perovskite with built-in protection against air and moisture, addressing one of the biggest challenges facing tin-based perovskite solar cells. The new material achieved 16.2% efficiency and remained stable during extended testing.
A meta-analysis of 9 studies on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) found no evidence of symptom worsening in patients with recurrent depression. In contrast, MBCT was shown to decrease the risk of symptom worsening compared to other treatments, including antidepressants.
Researchers discovered 'bypasses' in grass plants that allow for efficient synthesis of lignin and starch, enabling rapid growth and competitive advantage. This metabolic trait also benefits agriculture and opens doors for future improvements in plant biotechnology.
A team of University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers has developed an implantable, battery-free pacemaker that's charged by a patient's heartbeat. The device has the potential to last an entire lifetime, reducing the risks and costs associated with replacing the devices when their batteries fail.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a new species of endangered baobab tree, Adansonia bozy, unique to Madagascar. The discovery was made possible through genetic analysis and highlights the importance of conservation efforts for this charismatic tree species.
Researchers developed a platform to screen nearly all human genome genes, linking disruption of individual genes to improved genetic outcomes in human cells. The top two genes, GJB2 and BET1L, were found to improve editing efficiency by more than six times when knocked out.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison and Princeton University has identified large quantities of undeclared uranium extracted, concentrated and exported from the DRC over the past 20 years. The researchers estimate that 2,000 to 5,000 metric tons of natural uranium were exported, posing significant environmental and health risks.
Researchers at UW-Madison have found a novel strategy for designing reactions that can access previously inaccessible molecule couplings. This new approach allows for the creation of strong reductants and aggressive sources of electrons, facilitating electron transfer selectivity and opening up new possibilities for synthetic chemistry.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers suggests that reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century will substantially improve public health in the US. The study found that climate strategies relying less on carbon dioxide removal lead to better air quality and lower premature deaths.
A new study reveals that early signs of neurodegeneration in individuals with Down syndrome can be detected as early as birth. Researchers found widespread dysregulation of genes and pro-inflammatory patterns in glial cells, suggesting a critical role for chronic inflammation and cell death in the development of the condition.
A new study reveals that 3.4 billion years ago, life on Earth used biochemical processes reliant on the metal molybdenum, which is scarce in its environment. Molybdenum speeds up chemical reactions essential for life, enabling organisms to survive without it, but at a slower rate.
A new study published in BMJ Open suggests that US states have experienced universal gains in cohort life expectancy between 1941 and 2000, with a two-phase pattern of rapid convergence followed by stagnation. This challenges previous estimates suggesting stark disparities across states, particularly in the South.
Researchers at UW–Madison identified a way to program longer-lasting T cells, which can recognize more stable parts of viruses and offer a path to broader protection. The new strategy has the potential to provide longer-lasting immunity against respiratory infections like the flu and COVID-19.
Researchers found that the 40,000-year obliquity cycle influenced ocean productivity in subtropical latitudes about 34 million years ago. The study used chemical signals preserved in ocean sediment to reconstruct past biological productivity and showed a strong influence of the Antarctic ice sheet on subtropical marine ecosystems.
New research suggests that parts of ancient Earth formed continents and recycled crust through subduction over 4 billion years ago. The study of zircons found in Western Australia challenges models that considered early Earth as a stagnant, unmoving 'lid' with no continental crust.
Cells move in groups during biological processes, but researchers have made a surprising discovery that upends understanding of how cells move. Negative viscosity, which propels cells forward, has been found to increase metabolic activity in affected regions.
Researchers at UW-Madison have resurrected a 3.2-billion-year-old nitrogenase enzyme to improve our understanding of the origins of life on Earth and potentially recognize signs of life elsewhere.
A team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified a new mechanism to describe the generation of large-scale magnetic fields. They found that steady velocity gradients are key to creating ordered, large-scale field structures, resolving a long-standing issue in understanding how these fields are generated.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has identified a previously unknown gravitropism pathway in plants, which helps them orient their growth direction. This new pathway, controlled by the SLQ1 gene, works independently of the LAZY genes and may provide a backup mechanism for detecting gravity.
Researchers have identified replication protein A (RPA) as an essential protein for maintaining telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and treating diseases caused by shortened telomeres, such as aplastic anemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers has developed a versatile new electrolyte that can work with dissimilar battery components, enabling more efficient and energy-dense batteries. The breakthrough could lead to the development of next-generation batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage.
Researchers create novel design framework to accelerate improvements in shock-absorbing foam materials. The framework allows designers to customize the material's geometry for optimal performance without adding weight or volume, challenging conventional wisdom.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that life expectancy gains made in high-income countries have slowed significantly since the first half of the 20th century. As a result, none of the generations born after 1939 will reach 100 years of age on average.
Researchers found that Earth's gravity pulls down on sand more strongly than previously thought, making it more rigid and reducing the likelihood of getting stuck. This discovery highlights the importance of physics-based simulation in analyzing rover mobility on granular soil.
Researchers used satellite data and AI methods to assess industrial fishing activity in MPAs, finding that strongly protected areas had significantly less fishing activity than surrounding waters. In some cases, no vessels were detected at all.
A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that golden oyster mushroom invasions decrease fungal community richness and native species numbers. The research, published in Current Biology, used data from tree trunks and community scientist observations to determine the impact on ecosystems.
Researchers aim to create automated tools to safely translate legacy C codebases into memory-safe Rust without sacrificing performance or functionality. The project, backed by DARPA, uses formal methods and AI techniques to develop accurate translations of complex C code.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison achieved the shortest hard X-ray pulses to date through strong lasing phenomena. The resulting pulses can be used for visualizing electron motion inside molecules and have potential applications in quantum X-ray optics.
Engineers at UW–Madison created a twisty high-temperature heat exchanger that maximizes heat transfer using topology optimization and additive manufacturing. The optimized design achieved a 27% higher power density than the traditional heat exchanger, enabling a more compact and lighter design suitable for aerospace applications.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new approach to restore stainless steel's corrosion resistance using ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification. By equalizing chromium concentration in depleted regions, the treatment restored corrosion resistance without heat treatment. This breakthrough could lead to m...
A computational model developed by Weiyu Li explains the phenomenon of lithium plating in fast-charging lithium-ion batteries, which causes degradation or fire. The model provides physics-based guidance on strategies to mitigate plating and optimize charging protocols.
Researchers at UW–Madison have discovered that the arthritis drug tofacitinib can halt brain-damaging seizures in mice, restore short-term memory, and reduce inflammation. The drug has shown promising results in preventing seizures even after treatment is stopped, offering a potential new approach for treating epilepsy.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a technique using therapeutic blood clots activated by messenger RNA to treat osteoarthritis. This approach could potentially offer a more effective option than existing treatments like steroid injections or joint replacement surgeries, with the possibility of being an i...
Researchers analyzed over 100,000 audio recordings from around the world to understand the factors that contribute to the diversity of bird sounds. The study found that larger birds tend to call at lower frequencies, which can indicate hunting pressure in landscapes.
Researchers have discovered a new dinosaur species in present-day Wyoming that challenges the mainstream view on dinosaur emergence and spread. The 230-million-year-old fossil remains suggest dinosaurs were present in the northern hemisphere millions of years earlier than previously known.
A new study suggests that the northern muriqui monkey population remains at risk despite being almost four times larger than it was in 1982. Habitat disturbances are thought to be a contributing factor to the population decline, with predation and environmental stressors such as climate change also playing a role.
Researchers at UW-Madison found two microbial bile acids that affect colon cancer risk in opposite ways, with one slowing growth and the other fueling tumors. The study provides a roadmap for new cancer detection methods and treatments.
Researchers develop gene therapy to improve placental function, which can lead to healthier babies and adults. The treatment involves nanoparticles loaded with DNA that encodes for a human protein, and has shown promise in short-term studies with monkeys.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a new method called Sensor-seq to identify small molecules in samples quickly and inexpensively. This can help detect pollutants and environmental toxins, improve first-response and emergency medicine, and enable at-home health monitoring.
Researchers at UW–Madison developed an approach to simultaneously mitigate three types of defects – pores, rough surfaces, and large spatters – in metal parts produced using laser powder bed fusion. This breakthrough enables the production of high-quality parts with increased manufacturing productivity.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have invented a water-soluble chemical additive that improves the performance of bromide aqueous flow batteries, making them more efficient and long-lasting. The additive solves issues such as ion leakage and gas formation, enabling the use of these batteries for grid-scale storage.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human stem cell-derived heart cells into monkeys with a rare heart condition, offering a potential treatment for congenital heart defects. The study demonstrated the safety and integration of these cells into the host myocardium, paving the way for future clinical applications.
Researchers found that AI tools can link genetic variations with diseases like diabetes without considering the complexity of genetics. A new statistical method can reduce false positives, but proxy information studies also introduce misleading correlations, warns Qiongshi Lu.
Researchers found a highly pathogenic H5N1 strain isolated from a dairy worker that killed all infected ferrets, but the worker experienced mild symptoms and recovered. The study suggests that this particular strain may have died out and has not been detected in nature since.
Researchers have used AI to analyze digital images of pathology slides and identified risk factors for aggressive brain tumors that differ between men and women. These findings could lead to more individualized care and improved treatment outcomes for glioblastoma patients.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have imaged the structure of RSV proteins, which are crucial for the virus's interaction with host cells. The images reveal that pairs of F proteins may be a key target for destabilizing the virus and preventing infection.
A comprehensive analysis found that reservation lands are less likely to host wind farms and solar farms due to regulatory barriers. The study predicts tribes would forego over $19 billion in lease and tax earnings by 2050 if the disparity persists.
Researchers found that existing estimates of invasive species in Wisconsin lakes were off by 500%, with some populations present for decades before impacting the ecosystem. Long-term research has provided valuable insights into the effects of invasive species and how to mitigate their impacts.
A new study by UW–Madison and NYU found that transgender students are 74% less likely than their cisgender peers to seek help from parents, but 48% more likely to seek support from adults in schools. The study also highlights the urgent need for adequate training for school staff on supporting transgender youth.
A recent study found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the gap in life expectancies between Black and white men, with homicide rates contributing significantly to this disparity. The analysis revealed that homicides carried a disproportionate impact on life expectancy among young men, particularly Black men.