Researchers at UW-Madison identified a unique process for building structural carbohydrates in tuberculosis bacteria, offering insight into controlling carbohydrate polymers' length. This discovery may lead to developing new therapeutics against TB and has broader applications in designing vaccines and producing fuels.
Research by Suzanne Peyer reveals that zebra mussels' ability to produce strong 'byssal threads' enables them to attach securely in fast-moving waters, outperforming quagga mussels. This adaptation allows zebra mussels to thrive in rivers and streams, whereas quagga mussels are more commonly found in calm lake waters.
A new study reveals that decades of fragmentation have taken a toll on the sustainability of Wisconsin's forests, reducing native plant abundance and diversity. The effects of urbanization and agricultural dominance are now determining which species can survive in isolated forest patches.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered that certain squids can perceive light through a light-emitting organ beyond their eyes. This finding may lead to new insights into controlling and perceiving light. The study suggests that the squid's light organ, which is also involved in camouflage, uses the same pro...
Researchers from University of Wisconsin-Madison report that culture, not biology, underpins the math gender gap. Girls are now performing on par with boys in standardized mathematics tests and taking calculus at the same rate. The study challenges the validity of the greater male variability hypothesis, suggesting that providing femal...
Researchers discover synaptotagmin-IV (Syt-IV) regulates synaptic plasticity, keeping connections between nerve cells optimal for learning and memory. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
A new study suggests that early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease can lead to significant cost savings and improved quality of life for patients and their families. The research estimates that earlier intervention could save billions of dollars in long-term care costs, while also providing positive social benefits.
Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface system that allows people with locked-in syndrome or spinal cord injuries to send tweets using only their thoughts. The system uses EEG technology to detect brain activity and translate it into physical actions, such as typing on a keyboard.
Researchers found that temperate forests in eastern North America can store more carbon than previously believed, with potential to accumulate up to two-fold higher than current estimates. The study suggests that forest management practices may be more important than intrinsic limits on carbon storage.
A study published in Science has provided molecular evidence for the theory of synaptic homeostasis, which suggests that sleep refreshes the brain by downscaling synapses. This process saves energy, space, and material, clearing away unnecessary proteins and 'noise' from the previous day.
Scientists studying a mysterious neurological affliction in cats discovered a key ability of the central nervous system to repair itself. Recovery was achieved through remyelination, where previously demyelinated axons became restored with thin but functional myelin sheaths.
Researchers at UW-Madison have found a safe and acceptable protein option for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), allowing them to liberalize their diet. The GMP protein derived from whey has been shown to improve protein metabolism and lower blood phenylalanine levels.
A new study reveals that dust storms and volcanic eruptions have a significant impact on the Atlantic Ocean's temperature. The researchers used satellite data and climate models to find that changes in African dust storm and tropical volcano activity account for about two-thirds of the upward trend in recent decades.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a new method to generate induced human pluripotent stem cells (iPS) without using viral vectors or exotic genes. This breakthrough removes key safety concerns and genetic artifacts that could compromise therapeutic safety or skew research results.
A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution shows that human running efficiency changes with speed and has an optimal pace for covering distance with least effort. The most efficient running speed averaged around 8.3 miles per hour for males and 6.5 miles per hour for females.
Research suggests that ecological and evolutionary factors can buffer some species against climate change, with rapid adaptation playing a critical role. The study of the pea aphid shows that bacteria living symbiotically within the aphids can confer heat tolerance, influencing population responses to environmental changes.
A team of engineers from University of Wisconsin-Madison has created a new view of nanoscale friction by demonstrating that friction at the atomic level behaves similarly to friction generated between large objects. The researchers found that friction is proportional to the number of atoms that interact between two nanoscale surfaces.
Researchers have developed a computer model that replicates the growth of snow crystals in rich three-dimensional detail. The model, which can generate all types of snowflakes, is significant because it helps scientists better understand and predict how snowflakes form in clouds.
A model predicting warfarin doses based on genetic information and clinical factors shows improved results, particularly for patients at high risk of bleeding or clotting. The study suggests personalized medicine holds promise in optimizing medication treatment.
Deep-sea drilling reveals extensive rock deformation and concentrated slip zones in shallow regions, contradicting long-held assumptions. The discovery sheds light on the complex mechanics of faulting and tsunamis, highlighting the megasplay fault as a key contributor to largest tsunami-generating plate slips.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made a breakthrough in growing functional heart cells from induced pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for potential therapies for heart failure patients. The discovery uses a virus to reprogram skin cells into embryo-like states and could potentially lead to new treatments.
The AAAS plenary lecture explores the origins of evolutionary thought through the adventures of intrepid scientists Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, and Henry W. Bates. The talk will be presented by Sean Carroll, a leading evolutionary biologist and author, who will share the stories of these pioneers who changed our view of life.
Researchers sequence genomes of 99 known cold virus strains, exposing vulnerabilities that could lead to effective remedies. The study's findings also shed light on the genetic composition of rhinovirus A and B, as well as emerging species C, which is more virulent.
A hallucinogenic compound found in a plant indigenous to South America has been discovered to activate the sigma-1 receptor, a protein abundant throughout the body. This finding may have implications for treating drug abuse and depression, with potential applications for developing new, highly selective drugs to inhibit the receptor.
A new mouse study has identified a genetic component to empathy, showing that certain mouse strains can learn to associate another's distress with a cue. The findings have implications for understanding social interaction deficits in humans and may lead to important discoveries about psychosocial disorders. The researchers hope to deco...
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a two-step method to convert cellulose in raw biomass into a promising biofuel. The new process simultaneously bypasses lignin and produces a high yield, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
Computer models reveal that shuffling gene order has a huge impact on virus growth and interaction with host cells. The study aims to understand how an organism's genome guides its growth and development.
Researchers discovered that adding extra copies of a gene makes a protective protein neutralize toxic chemicals in the brain, preventing cell death. This breakthrough could offer profound protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
A team of scientists found that a single gene is enough for bacteria to switch from one host animal to another. The study, published in Nature, reveals the genetic pressure point that could be manipulated to thwart germs that make us sick.
A recent study suggests that the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda could support a large lion population, with estimates suggesting up to 905 individuals. The research, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Adrian Treves, used aerial surveys and prey data to predict lion abundance.
Climate change and mosquito adaptation could lead to the expansion of dengue fever vectors in Australia, increasing disease transmission risk. The researchers' Niche Mapper software predicts suitable habitats for the mosquitoes will increase across the continent by 2050.
A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that early childhood stress can have long-lasting effects on kids' health, including impaired immune function. Adolescents who experienced physical abuse or time in an orphanage showed higher levels of antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1.
A team of Wisconsin researchers has discovered that birnessite, a common soil mineral, can penetrate and degrade the prion's armor. This finding may provide new methods for decontaminating soil and other environments where prions reside.
A study led by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found global yields of biofuels crops to be overestimated by 100-150%, highlighting the need for more realistic expectations. This information can empower countries to make informed decisions about agricultural biofuels.
Researchers have developed a flexible light-sensitive material that can revolutionize photography and other imaging technologies by eliminating image distortion. Inspired by the human eye, the curved photodetector can correct distortion and produce sharper images.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has identified a protein that regulates hormone release in the brain, with implications for women's reproductive health. The protein, Syt IV, tunes the release of hormones oxytocin and vasopressin, which control reproductive functions and fluid balance.
Researchers found that key ecological threats can be detected in advance, allowing for swift policy change. Monitoring and analysis of ecosystem data are crucial to preventing regime shifts and averting ecological harm. The study's findings offer a new approach to predicting environmental disaster and informing conservation efforts.
High levels of amygdala activity predict hypersensitivity to anticipation, while anterior cingulate cortex activity predicts response to antidepressant medication. These findings have important implications for treating anxiety disorders and may lead to personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers have identified three genes from the 1918 flu virus that enabled it to replicate in lung tissue, a key factor in its lethality. The discovery could help identify potential virulence factors in new pandemic strains and inform the development of new antiviral drugs.
Scientists have successfully recreated the hallmarks of a genetic disorder in a lab dish using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, which can now be used to study and develop new therapies for genetic diseases. The disease-specific cells retain the same traits as those affected in patients with spinal muscular atrophy, allow...
Thomson's discovery of human embryonic stem cells and development of induced pluripotent stem cells launched the field of stem cell science. His work has the potential to help find the root cause of disease, test new drugs at the human cellular level, and offer regenerative therapies.
Researchers found evidence of increased greenhouse gases in ancient ice core records, suggesting that human influence on climate started with large-scale agriculture and deforestation. The study challenges the traditional view that the Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of human-induced climate change.
Researchers have identified a key molecule involved in controlling excessive scar tissue formation after a heart attack. Stopping the scarring improved heart function in mice, offering hope for people with poor heart function due to heart attacks.
A genetic modification has prolonged the life of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by boosting antioxidant production. The discovery offers new hope for treating ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study reveals that nanotechnology is perceived as less morally acceptable in the United States and certain European countries with stronger religious traditions. The survey found that levels of religiosity are a strong predictor of views on nanotechnology, highlighting a paradox in a country known for its technological advancements.
A team of geologists analyzed a cave stalagmite and found that the Eastern Mediterranean became drier between 100 A.D. and 700 A.D., coinciding with the fall of Roman and Byzantine rule in the region. The high-resolution climate record shows sharp drops in precipitation around 100 A.D. and 400 A.D., which may have weakened these empires.
Scientists at UW-Madison examine the role of soil patterns in dam restoration, discovering superimposed patterns that chronicle the basin's history. The researchers found fundamental differences in nutrient levels and physical structure between sediments deposited over the dam's lifetime and buried soils.
The team, led by Assistant Professor Dan Negrut, is working on detecting collisions between particles and predicting frictional contact forces using GPU computation. This technology has the potential to improve vehicle design, particularly for construction equipment and tire treads.
Fast molecular rearrangements in plastics allow them to absorb energy and change shape without breaking, enabling properties like plastic flow. This quality enables plastics to bend rather than break under stress, as observed in bulletproof glass that flows around bullets.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed a scientifically-led training program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to learn effective teaching methods. The approach focuses on fostering scientific inquiry, diverse learning styles, and rigorous self-evaluation.