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University of Wisconsin-Madison


Nasal spray flu vaccine candidate based on UW–Madison technology shows promise when administered alongside high dose annual shot

A nasal spray flu vaccine candidate developed by UW–Madison researchers has shown safety and potential to bolster protection against seasonal and pandemic influenza in vulnerable individuals. Administered alongside the annual flu shot, the vaccine may provide better protection for seniors.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 15, 2024

Wolves reintroduced to Isle Royale temporarily affect other carnivores, humans have influence as well

Researchers found that wolves on Isle Royale initially affected foxes and martens by altering their habitats and diets. However, as the wolves formed packs, the effects on these carnivores disappeared. Interestingly, human visitors had a more significant impact on these species interactions than the reintroduced wolves.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

Abandoned farmlands could play a role in fighting climate change. A new study shows exactly where they are

A new study reveals that nearly 30 million acres of abandoned US cropland could be used to grow crops and trap carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The researchers mapped the lands at field-level resolution, providing valuable insights into their potential for sustainable energy production.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

New research finds boreal arctic wetlands are producing more methane over time

Scientists have developed a new model to accurately understand methane emissions in the region, finding that wetlands are producing more methane over time. This is due to the warming of these biomes, causing the stored carbon to be released into the atmosphere as methane, contributing to global warming.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2024

UW researchers uncover news clues about the cause of common birth defects

A recent study from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine has uncovered new information about orofacial development in mice that researchers believe could one day help reduce the risk of these birth defects in humans. DNA methylation is a process where molecules are added to DNA that change gene expression without a...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

UW–Madison scientists reveal the inner workings of an essential protein trafficking complex

Researchers used cell imaging and genome editing technology to study the Coat Protein Complex II, a critical group of proteins that transport proteins within cells. They discovered that Sec23 helps restore COPII's function after disruption, with potential implications for diseases like cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Antarctica's ancient ice sheets foreshadow dynamic changes in Earth’s future

Researchers analyzed Antarctic sediment records to understand past ice sheet behavior, finding frequent and rapid growth and recession cycles over thousands of years. The study suggests that climate factors beyond Earth's orbit may trigger these changes, potentially leading to unexpected ice sheet dynamics in the coming centuries.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2023

Study: Spike in premature births caused by COVID, halted by vaccines

A new study found that COVID-19 caused a significant spike in premature births, but vaccines played a crucial role in reducing the risk of preterm birth to pre-pandemic levels. The research analyzed California birth records and found that maternal COVID infection increased the risk of preterm births by 1.2 percentage points.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 27, 2023

Kids who feel their parents are less reliable take fewer risks vital to learning and growth

A study found that children with unpredictable parental support tend to avoid exploratory risks, even in games designed to encourage them. This self-imposed limit on risk is not related to stress or anxiety levels, but rather a brain response to uncertainty, where familiar options are preferred over potentially uncertain outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Scientists produce human norepinephrine neurons from stem cells, with significant implications for researching diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully generated human norepinephrine neurons from stem cells using a key protein called ACTIVIN-A. These LC-NE neurons may serve as models for disease in humans, enabling scientists to screen drugs and answer questions about neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 17, 2023

Combining cell types may lead to improved cardiac cell therapy following heart attack

A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Academia Sinica of Taiwan has successfully combined lab-grown cardiomyocytes with stem-cell-derived endothelial cells to regenerate damaged heart muscle after a heart attack. This combination therapy holds promise for tackling arrhythmia and could lead to improved clinical applications.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCirculation·DateOct 31, 2023

Machine learning analysis of research citations highlights importance of federal funding for basic scientific research

A machine learning algorithm identified patterns in citations to prioritize important contributions, revealing NIH-funded basic science accounts for 30% of substantive research. Federal funding for basic research is crucial for stimulating clinical research, according to the analysis.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2023

Mixing donor and recipient immune systems creates tolerance of transplanted kidneys

Researchers at UW–Madison and Stanford University developed a new approach to increase donor and recipient biocompatibility, inducing tolerance in transplanted kidneys. Two monkeys with just one match among key protein strings maintained chimeric immune systems for over four years without rejection or graft-versus-host disease.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalTransplant International·DateSep 13, 2023