Researchers have discovered a crucial mechanism behind the formation of sea urchin spicules, which can inform the development of new superhard materials and microelectronics. The study reveals how amorphous calcium carbonate transforms into calcite through an unusual process involving crystallinity propagation.
A study finds that many girls with exceptional math talent exist but are rarely identified due to a lack of respect for math and role models. The US pipeline for nurturing top math talent is badly broken, with 80% of female faculty hired at top research universities born in other countries.
A new study suggests that increased climate-related extreme rainfall events in the Great Lakes region will aggravate the risk for outbreaks of waterborne disease. The researchers found a potential 10 to 40% increase in extremely heavy precipitation events, leading to greater potential for flooding and sewage overflow into Lake Michigan.
A beetle uses a bacterium to protect its fungus from a competing mite, producing a novel antibiotic with potential for treating fungal diseases and cancer. The discovery highlights the importance of symbiotic relationships between insects and microbes in their survival.
A research team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified a brain pathway responsible for regulating food intake and body weight. The discovery, published in Cell, suggests that targeting this pathway could lead to new treatments for obesity and related disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Ancient lava flows from Tahiti and western Germany have provided insights into past patterns of the Earth's magnetic field. The study suggests that a second magnetic field source in the shallow core may play a role in determining how and whether the main field reverses direction.
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student Jenna Eun's accidental photo 'Polymazing' won second place in the Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, showcasing a surprising physical phenomenon that emerges in nature. The image, taken under a microscope, reveals how hydrogel absorbs water and causes a material to buckle.
Researchers analyzed oxygen isotope compositions of comet Wild 2's halo crystals, finding signatures similar to asteroids and the sun. This suggests heat-processed particles were transported outward in the young solar system, complicating theories on its early history.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a process to convert plant sugars into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The new process produces identical molecular compounds to traditional petroleum-based fuels, offering a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers estimate global sea level rise could be double or triple current predictions over the next century, with possible rises of up to a third of an inch per year. The study uses lessons learned from the demise of the last great North American ice sheet to inform its findings.
A team of Wisconsin scientists has discovered how a simple genetic switch controls decorative traits in male fruit flies, shedding light on the evolution of male lion manes, bull moose antlers and peacock tails.
Researchers develop self-assembling polymer arrays that improve data storage capacity and reduce manufacturing time. The technology uses block copolymers to create precise patterns, enabling higher-density arrays and faster production.
Researchers found hundreds of genes affected by bacterial partnership in a squid host, including those associated with human responses to bacteria. This discovery may change our understanding of the main purpose of the immune system.
A recent study published in Science challenges the notion that girls are less skilled at math than boys. Using data from over 7 million students, researchers found no significant differences in average math scores between genders. However, they did identify a lack of questions testing complex problem-solving skills on state assessments...
A team of scientists found that genes controlling heme synthesis in red blood cells also control a gene and protein causing Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that targeting the GATA-1 and GATA-2 proteins may lead to new treatments for the neurological disorder.
A new report by scientists shows that relationships between scientists and journalists are now smoother than previously thought. The study found that most scientists view their media interactions as mostly positive, with only 6% reporting an unfavorable experience.
Scientists have identified over 100 host genes required by the flu virus for successful infection using a modified flu virus in fly cells. The study reveals a powerful new way to search for antiviral pressure points, which could lead to the development of new drugs.
A study found that Ritalin works in the prefrontal cortex to enhance cognition and focus, while having limited effects elsewhere. The medication tunes neuron sensitivity to signals, leading to improved cognitive function and attention.
A new study suggests that changes in ocean environments related to sea level exert a driving influence on rates of extinction, leading to the loss of up to 75-95% of species. The research links mass extinctions over time, establishing a common link and providing insight into who survives and who doesn't across these boundaries.
Scientists analyzed ancient zircons to find evidence of heavy weathering by an acidic climate 4.3 billion years ago, suggesting the destruction of early rocks and possibly habitats for life. This discovery provides new insights into the Earth's habitability, contradicting previous theories on the formation and evolution of continents.
Public attitudes toward embryonic stem cell research are influenced more by religious values and deference to scientific authority than scientific knowledge. For highly religious audiences, understanding the science has no effect on their views, while for less religious individuals, it is linked to more positive attitudes.
Researchers found that low doses of resveratrol, a natural constituent in red wine, mimic the effects of caloric restriction on aging. The study shows that small doses can elicit many benefits as a reduced-calorie diet, including prevention of heart decline associated with aging.
Researchers identified a gene that controls the proper development of synapses in fruit flies, which may help explain how they go wrong in humans. The findings suggest that a protein complex helps regulate synaptic growth by decommissioning receptors that respond to pro-growth signals.
A sweeping analysis of 77 studies involving over 15,000 subjects found that media exposure to ultra-thin models significantly increased women's concerns about their bodies. The study suggests that the impact is growing stronger over time, contributing to health issues like low self-esteem and obesity.
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) uses a viral protein to modify tumor-suppressing proteins in human cells, evading cellular control and leading to uncontrolled cell growth. This discovery provides new insights into how viruses cause cancer and could lead to potential treatments.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a novel method for growing nanowires using spiral-shaped trees. By manipulating crystal defects, they create long, twisting trunks and spiraling branches. This discovery has significant implications for creating new materials with unique properties.
Researchers have identified two strains of mice that exhibit high rates of maternal neglect, which reflects disrupted reward-seeking behavior and abnormal dopamine signaling. The study provides a valuable opportunity to investigate the biological and behavioral bases of naturally occurring maternal neglect.
A new project uses street theater to teach young children about the basics of science, including chemistry and the scientific method. The 'Science-In-A-Box' initiative has shown significant improvements in kids' understanding of science concepts and their appreciation for science.
A study found that compassion meditation changes the brain's structure, making individuals more empathetic to others' mental states. The research suggests that long-term meditators show increased activity in areas linked to emotion detection and sharing, supporting the development of skills promoting happiness and compassion.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studied embryonic chick feet to understand digit growth. They found that phalanges form from mesenchymal cells, not cartilage, and are shaped by complex signals from genes. This discovery may help explain bradydactyly conditions in humans.
A new study reveals that the slightest environmental perturbation can tip an ecosystem's balance, with unpredictable and irreversible consequences. Icelandic midges provide a unique model to assess these dynamics, highlighting the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of understanding their responses to human-induced changes.
In a study published in the Agronomy Journal, Chris Kucharik found that earlier planting dates have contributed significantly to yield gains in the northern Corn Belt states. The study suggests that this land management change has played a major role in increasing production, accounting for 20-50% of the gains since 1979.
Scientists have discovered a gene expression pathway that exerts a sweeping influence over the process of oxidative stress. This pathway could potentially be manipulated to mitigate damage caused by oxygen and prevent diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and aging.
A recent US survey found that only 29.5% of respondents believed nanotechnology was morally acceptable, while European nations had significantly higher acceptance rates. The study suggests that religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping public views on the technology, with Americans more likely to oppose it due to concerns ab...
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discover a unique protein in whey that supports growth and reduces phenylalanine levels in mice with PKU, opening possibilities for dietary liberalization.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that administering interleukin-7 during a specific stage of infection can increase the number of killer cells capable of destroying virus-infected cells, enhancing immune memory. This discovery may lead to improved vaccine efficacy against HIV and cancer.
Researchers from University of Wisconsin-Madison and UC-Berkeley say that exotic particles may distinguish between possible shapes of extra dimensions predicted by string theory. The shape of the dimensions determines the properties and behavior of our four-dimensional universe.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that Andean potatoes were introduced to Europe around 1700, while Chilean potatoes became popular 34 years earlier, contradicting previous theories about their origins.
Scientists have created a new material featuring 'nanonails' that can repel almost any liquid, but become wettable when an electric charge is applied. This innovative surface has potential applications in biomedical technology and battery life extension.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a system to genetically disarm the Ebola virus by removing its VP30 gene. This allows for safe study of the pathogen in specialized cells, enabling the development of countermeasures such as vaccines and antiviral compounds.
Researchers have identified 75 genes involved in silica bioprocessing in diatoms, which could lead to more efficient and smaller-scale nanofabrication for computer chips. The discovery could increase chip speed and address the current limitation of photolithographic techniques.
New research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that synapses, nerve cell connections central to brain plasticity, are strong when awake and weak when asleep. This challenges the widely-held idea that sleep is essential for consolidating information through synaptic strengthening.
Researchers have successfully drilled four boreholes into the ocean floor near a major earthquake fault zone in Japan. The team collected geophysical information about the rock layers while drilling, revealing unexpected differences in physical stress conditions between active and inactive parts of the plate boundary.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that dissolved organic material in water increases the biological risk of mercury and may serve as an environmental source. The study's findings suggest that understanding the factors controlling methylation is critical for developing ecosystem-level management strategies.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that arsenic-tainted wells require tailored treatment approaches, depending on their source and geology. Chlorine disinfection can effectively control pathogenic bacteria but may not address all types of arsenic contamination.
A recent genome study found that positive selection has occurred at a rate roughly 100 times higher in the past 5,000 years compared to other periods of human evolution. The study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison anthropologist John Hawks, identified 1,800 genes with recent genetic changes, driven by major cultural shifts such a...
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study reveals a genetic basis for why high-carb diets lead to weight gain. The SCD-1 gene in the liver is responsible for synthesizing fatty acids, and when this gene is active, mice on high-carb diets store excess energy as fat.
University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists have found that a basin-wide circulation pattern drives Atlantic hurricane activity. The study reveals that Atlantic hurricanes will be more sensitive to climate changes than storms in other ocean basins, with warmer oceans indicating ideal conditions for development. Understanding this relati...
Scientists are uncertain about nanotechnology's health and environmental implications, with concerns about pollution, new health problems, and job losses outweighing benefits. The disconnect between scientific understanding and public perception hinders informed discussion and policy.
Researchers at UW-Madison have successfully reprogrammed skin cells into embryonic stem cells, potentially resolving the ethical controversy surrounding human embryonic stem cell research. This breakthrough could lead to a shift in government funding policies and pave the way for non-embryonic stem cell research.