Research by Brandon Barton suggests that slower natural wind speeds could reduce the number of soybean aphids on plants, allowing lady beetles to hunt more effectively. This could lead to a decrease in pesticide required for crop protection.
Researchers studied adults with Down syndrome to understand the role of amyloid-β protein in memory and cognitive function. Contrary to expectations, many individuals with elevated amyloid-β levels did not exhibit negative consequences, highlighting the complexity of Alzheimer's disease.
The project aims to digitize images and data on aquatic and wetland plants, mollusks, and fish from the Great Lakes basin, targeting 2,550 species. The goal is to document species invasions and eventually prevent them.
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison finds that yogic breathing can effectively reduce symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety and hyperarousal. The practice has been shown to lower respiration rates and reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison found that the stiffness of surfaces on which stem cells are grown influences cell fate. A soft, brain tissue-like surface directed cells to become neurons, while stiffer surfaces favored the stem cell state.
New research reveals that plants use mechanical stimulation to respond to beneficial fungi and bacteria, enabling mutual exchanges of signals. This mechanism is essential for the symbiotic relationships between plants and mycorrhizal fungi, as well as legumes with rhizobia.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has been selected to participate in the National Science Foundation-funded CloudLab project, which aims to develop cloud infrastructure and support high-level research. The $2.3 million grant will enable researchers to evaluate novel cloud technologies in a realistic environment.
Researchers estimate potential combined impacts of climate and land-use change on biodiversity and ecosystems nationwide. The study reveals varying regional priorities for policy efforts based on unique climate and land-use patterns.
Researchers link tree height to climate conditions, finding hydraulic limitation constrains maximum tree height under drier conditions, while resource allocation constrains it in moist areas. The study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Thomas Givnish, examined Eucalyptus species in Victoria state, Australia.
Scientists have found a discrepancy between global temperature trends over the last 10,000 years, with some data suggesting cooling and climate models predicting warming. The Holocene temperature conundrum has important implications for understanding climate change and evaluating climate models.
A multi-institutional team has resolved a long-unanswered question about how water interacts with metal oxides. The study reveals two dramatically different pictures of water-metal oxide reactions, one forming amorphous networks on smooth surfaces and the other creating structured domains on hydroxylated surfaces.
Researchers have identified two groups of ancient bacteria as the source of a critical amino acid pathway used by plants to create essential compounds. This breakthrough sheds light on the complex evolution of plant chemical pathways and may lead to increased production of valuable nutrients and medicinal compounds.
A team of researchers from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center has identified genes and enzymes that produce a promising compound, the 19 carbon furan-containing fatty acid. This compound has various potential uses as a biological alternative to compounds derived from fossil fuels. The discovery was published in Proceedings of th...
The discovery of the plant phytochrome's three-dimensional structure may enable the development of technologies to grow plants at higher densities, increasing crop yields and reducing resource usage. By manipulating the light sensor, researchers can alter the conditions under which plants grow and develop.
A study by conservation biologists highlights the lack of accessible information on fracking fluid chemistry and spill data, raising concerns about chemical contamination and its impact on plants and wildlife. The authors call for increased transparency and cooperation to minimize environmental damage.
A new study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that nearly 70% of social sharing took place via media, with participants preferring texting and Twitter for positive events. However, sharing negative news led to increased feelings of sadness and anxiety, highlighting the importance of considering emotional well-being when sh...
A new imaging agent has been developed for functional imaging of the intestine, potentially leading to better diagnosis and treatment of gut diseases. The agent uses a combination of photoacoustic imaging and positron emission tomography to provide high-definition images of the intestine in relation to the entire body.
Wisconsin scientists have identified two genetic programs that can turn blank-slate stem cells into red and white blood cells. The discovery gives scientists the tools to make blood products, investigate cell development and production of clinically relevant blood products.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that socioeconomic status can impact scientific knowledge and perception. Higher socioeconomic participants felt more informed about nanotechnology after reading science news, but their factual knowledge was lower than frequent newspaper readers in low socioeconomic groups.
Researchers found that early life stress can alter brain structures involved in learning, memory, and emotion processing. Children who experienced physical abuse or neglect had smaller amygdalas and hippocampal volumes, linked to behavioral problems and cumulative life stress.
Researchers identify regulatory molecules involved in creating powerful electrical fields in electric fish, found only in fish and evolved independently half a dozen times. The study reveals a common genetic basis for the electric organ across six diverse species, highlighting convergent evolution in these fascinating creatures.
Researchers at UW–Madison have built a version of a parathyroid hormone that can stay around longer and at higher concentrations. This breakthrough could lead to better drugs for osteoporosis and diabetes by protecting peptide hormones from degrading enzymes.
A new class of tumor-targeting agents can seek out and find dozens of solid tumors, even illuminating brain cancer stem cells that resist current treatments. The agents deliver two types of payloads directly to cancer cells, resulting in direct imaging or treatment.
A team of researchers has identified eight genes from influenza viruses isolated from wild ducks that possess genetic similarities to the 1918 pandemic flu virus. The new study shows that these gene pools have the potential to cause a severe pandemic in the future if combined with other viral components.
A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has captured the most detailed images yet of spliceosomes, which help make proteins in our bodies. The images reveal new details about how these cellular machines work and provide insight into the relationship between RNA and protein.
Deeply buried fossil soils in the Great Plains have been found to be rich in carbon, potentially grossly underestimating carbon storage capacity. The study's findings suggest that these ancient soils could contribute significantly to global climate change as they are disturbed.
The Hawaiian bobtail squid recruits and sustains a symbiotic association with Vibrio fischeri by utilizing the antimicrobial properties of its hemocyanin blood pigment. The protein also enables the squid to modulate oxygen levels, creating an environment conducive to the bacterium's growth.
Research documents a poleward migration of storm intensity in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres over 30 years of global historical tropical cyclone data, highlighting changes in risk for densely populated coastal cities and potential water shortages in equatorial regions.
A recent study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that chronic marital stress can make people more vulnerable to depression. Participants who reported higher marital stress had shorter-lived responses to positive images than those reporting more satisfaction in their unions.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a dual-catalyst technique using sunlight to control the 'handedness' of product molecules, overcoming UV's limitations. This breakthrough enables easier synthesis of complex chemicals with well-defined chirality.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has developed a faster, cheaper and more accurate tool for diagnosing even mild cases of asthma. The handheld technology uses neutrophil cell function in a single drop of blood to diagnose asthma.
A study using infant hair from rhesus monkeys found higher levels of cortisone and estrone in babies born to young mothers, suggesting a link between prenatal hormones and development. The findings raise questions about the impact on gender differences and chronic disease risk.
A new collaborative study by University of Wisconsin-Madison and Cornell University found that single mothers do not delay marriage to boost their tax credit. Instead, they focus on maximizing their refunds through tax filing status changes, such as claiming zero dependents.
Researchers have identified a native Patagonian yeast as the source of hybrid lager yeast, used in brewing. The discovery provides insights into industrial fermentation and biodiversity.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that calcium waves can transmit information in plant cells, allowing them to respond quickly to environmental stressors. The team found that these waves are involved in processing information and sending rapid signals to help plants adapt to changing conditions.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher has pinpointed an error in protein formation that could be the root of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Motor neurons that control foot muscles are affected due to a shortage of one of three proteins in neurofilaments, leading to tangles and nerve fiber malfunction.
A 25-year study of 76 rhesus monkeys found that those with calorie-restricted diets experienced a significant reduction in mortality and age-associated diseases. The study contradicts an earlier report on monkeys, which suggested no differences in survival rates between caloric restriction and control groups.
Researchers have developed a new technique to generate large concentrations of skeletal muscle cells and muscle progenitors directly from human pluripotent stem cells. This method, described in Stem Cells Translational Medicine, uses growth factors to guide the stem cells towards a muscle fate, avoiding genetic modification.
Researchers found that just a handful of genetic mutations give E. coli the capacity to withstand ionizing radiation, making them similar to Deinococcus radiodurans. The study demonstrates active DNA repair mechanisms that allow organisms to resist radiation damage.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher has detected a potential association between soy formula and seizures in children with autism. The study found excess seizures among girls and in the total sample of 1,949 children who consumed soy-based infant formula.
Researchers found that blocking a specific immune cell mediator can greatly reduce brain damage after a stroke. The study showed that treating mice with a compound that blocks IL-21 significantly reduced stroke damage and improved outcomes.
A study reveals that military fathers returning from combat deployment struggle to reconnect with their young children, who may not remember them. The researchers emphasize the need for support and resources to help these families rebuild their relationships.
A team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison identified a new species of tapeworm in Mahal, an orangutan that died at age 5 due to a rare infection. The tapeworm, belonging to the Versteria genus, was found to be in its larval stage and infected nearly every organ in Mahal's body.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a sustainable aerogel material that can absorb oil and chemicals without absorbing water. The cellulose-based aerogel, made using an environmentally friendly process, has superior absorbing ability for organic solvents and metal ions.
Researchers created 'habitat corridors' in South Carolina to test how wind moves seeds. They found that corridors increase seed movement and promote plant diversity when aligned with prevailing winds. The study has implications for conservation efforts in Midwestern ecosystems.
A new study using a tiny fragment of zircon extracted from Australia's Jack Hills region confirms the Earth's crust formed at least 4.4 billion years ago, providing evidence for a 'cool early Earth' theory. The findings suggest temperatures were low enough for liquid water and oceans to form.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison developed new, oxide-based materials to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases using solar energy. The dual-layer catalyst design enabled a record high efficiency of 1.7%, making it possible to produce fuel at a price competitive with gasoline.
Researchers have developed a nanogenerator that can harness and convert vibration energy from surfaces like car seats into power for smartphones. The device uses piezoelectric materials to generate electricity from mechanical forces, enabling self-charged personal electronics.
A new study examining the issue to date found no conclusive evidence that single-sex classrooms offer educational or social benefits. The analysis of 184 studies representing 1.6 million students worldwide found no advantage in science and math performance, self-concept, or gender stereotyping.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a hormone and receptor that control cell expansion in plants. This finding reveals the molecular mechanisms behind plant growth, which is crucial for developing new technologies to manipulate crops for food, fuel, fiber, and medicines.