Researchers from UW-Madison reveal that protein stability under severe confinement is a delicate balance between energy and entropy. This finding has significant implications for numerous applications, including laundry detergent engineering where enzymes must withstand high temperatures.
A team of researchers has identified how botulinum toxin, commonly known as botox, enters and affects neurons. The study reveals that the toxin binds to a protein called SV2, allowing it to gain entry into nerve cells.
A team of astronomers reports the discovery of two young brown dwarfs in mutual orbit, allowing for the direct measurement of their radii and masses. The findings provide valuable insights into the physical properties of brown dwarfs, shedding light on their size, mass, and evolutionary pathways.
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have created a liquid crystal-based cell culture system to control the uncontrolled differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. The system uses mechanical strain to guide stem cells along well-defined lineages, enabling real-time monitoring and reducing the mixture of cells of little medic...
Researchers have found that mispaired nucleotides, also known as wobble pairs, increase transfer RNA's ability to build proteins. This increased reactivity enhances protein production and promotes the movement of DNA and RNA molecules.
A recent study published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research found a significant link between genetic variations in the PTC gene and smoking behavior. Smokers with reduced bitterness sensitivity were more likely to smoke for taste, while those with a specific less common genetic variant were 20% less likely to smoke.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists reports that the brain can be rewired in anticipation of sensory input to respond in prescribed ways. By manipulating expectancy, the brain code for tastes is activated less when a cue suggests a lesser taste, and the perception of the taste matches the prediction.
A panel of autism experts will assess widely held stereotypes about the developmental disability, including the notion that autistic individuals lack a theory of mind, vaccines cause autism, or are cognitively impaired. Experts aim to move beyond myths and misconceptions to set scientific reality straight.
Researchers propose that social systems arose as a group defense mechanism against predators, citing studies on male muriqui networks and affiliative hormones in primate species. Positive behaviors like grooming and physical touch increase levels of social bonding hormones.
A team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reports a breakthrough in making human collagen in the lab, opening doors for medical applications and nanotechnology. The new discovery enables the creation of synthetic collagen that can be tailored for specific uses, including wound healing and implantable sensors.
A team from University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that when the surface of nanoscale silicon is specially cleaned, it facilitates current flow in thin layers that ordinarily won't conduct. Conductivity at the nanoscale is independent of added impurities.
The study aims to explore how investors value the reporting of social, industry cohort and governance information. UW-Madison School of Business professor Holder-Webb will lead a team to investigate this issue.
African remains found in Campeche, Mexico, provide earliest physical link between the African Diaspora and the New World. The discovery, dating back to the late-16th century, sheds light on the early transatlantic slave trade.
In a study published in Biology Letters, researchers found that male monkeys of two species experience a 10% weight gain when their mates are pregnant. This gain is likely due to hormonal changes, including increased prolactin and estrogen levels. The study's findings could provide insights into human fathering behavior and motivate me...
Researchers have discovered a way to create complex 3D nanostructures using standard semiconductor tools, opening up new possibilities for device manufacturing and applications. The new structures are stable, well-defined, and nearly defect-free over large areas.
The Wisconsin Mentoring Seminar helps graduate researchers develop effective mentorship skills to improve student productivity and retention. The program has been successful in promoting good scientific teaching through its real-time discussions and collaborative efforts.
Researchers at UW-Madison have discovered a systematic mechanism for the influenza virus to package its genetic materials, enabling the development of new antiviral drugs and more efficient vaccine production. This finding has significant implications for addressing avian influenza pandemics.
A new method has been developed to identify secondary metabolites in fungi, which are compounds that can have medicinal properties. The technique, known as genomic mining, allows researchers to pinpoint the genes responsible for producing these compounds, offering a promising tool for finding new medicines.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in the calnexin gene that can lead to degenerative blindness, providing new insights into retinal degeneration. The study's findings may one day enable doctors to deliver tailored treatments to patients with specific calnexin mutations.
A recent study found that active participants in online breast cancer support groups reported more positive physical, psychological, and social status. They also experienced fewer concerns about breast cancer and higher perceptions of family support. The study suggests that women with closer relationships to their families are more inc...
A recent study reveals that ants house specific species of bacteria in highly adapted cavities and provide them with nourishment, indicating a long-standing co-evolutionary relationship between the two organisms. This phenomenon has potential implications for addressing antibiotic resistance and may shed light on other natural systems.
Researchers have discovered a new radiotherapy technique using gadolinium to treat glioblastoma (GBM) with minimal invasiveness. The therapy, called Gadolinium Synchrotron Stereotactic Radiotherapy (GdSSR), targets cancer cells while sparing normal brain tissue, offering a potential cure for this deadly disease.
Wisconsin scientists have developed a culture system free of animal cells, growing two new human embryonic stem cell lines. The new lines survive for over seven months in the defined medium, showing promise for therapeutic use. However, further work is needed to understand chromosome stability during long-term culture.
A new study suggests that the animal family tree looks fuzzy because early evolution occurred in clusters, making it difficult to reconstruct relationships. Scientists used DNA data to try to generate a clear picture of the tree, but instead found a bush with many branches sprouting close together.
A team of Canadian and American scientists reports the first-ever finding of elevated levels of creatine, a newly discovered agent of Alzheimer's, in brain tissue. The study used infrared spectroscopy to detect creatine directly in situ, revealing an overlooked aspect of energy disturbance in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UW-Madison report that transplanted stem cells can develop into heart muscle and blood vessels in damaged hearts, improving function. The study's results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of embryonic stem cells for treating heart disease.
Scientists have engineered human brain progenitor cells to produce a growth factor that has shown clinical promise for treating Parkinson's disease. The cells were transplanted into rats and monkeys, delivering the drug where it is needed, promoting nerve fiber growth and improving survival of defective cells.
A UW-Madison study finds that defective cells can be reinvigorated by replacing a missing enzyme, allowing the healthy maintenance of myelin. The research provides proof of principle for a new therapeutic strategy to treat Krabbe's disease and other inherited demyelinating diseases.
Agricultural activity dominates over a third of the Earth's landscape, posing environmental challenges such as deforestation and water pollution. New maps track changing agricultural land use patterns worldwide, highlighting emerging trends like soybean production in Argentina and Brazil driven by China's demand.
Clouds play a crucial role in shaping weather forecasts and longer-term climate predictions due to their patterns and formations. However, the issue of how to define a cloud remains unresolved as various satellite observations and instruments produce inconsistent results, leading to fuzzy measurements of planetary cloud cover.
A climate modeling specialist found that without snow cover, global temperatures could rise by as much as a third due to increased greenhouse gas levels. In contrast, total regions of permafrost are likely to expand in area, leading to potential health risks for ecosystems and construction decisions.
Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that children who experienced early neglect have lower levels of vasopressin, a hormone essential for recognizing familiar individuals. This hormonal imbalance may contribute to difficulties in forming secure relationships later in life.
Researchers have obtained the crystal structure of phytochrome, a protein that regulates plant growth and development in response to light. The discovery may lead to precise control over flowering events and improved crop yields.
A synthesis report reveals climate change's growing health impacts vary by region, with coastlines and sub-Saharan Africa particularly at risk. The report highlights the need for global leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable energy policies.
A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Tokyo report a new way to generate genetically altered influenza virus. This technique improves upon a previous reverse genetics method by significantly reducing the number of plasmid vectors required, increasing the efficiency of virus production.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that white-tailed deer in the chronic wasting disease (CWD) zone use very small home ranges, typically half a square mile in size. This suggests that deer may not be spreading CWD through long-distance travel, contradicting previous assumptions.
A fatty acid found in milk, CLA, has been shown to inhibit the COX-2 protein, playing a significant role in many inflammatory diseases. Researchers believe that consuming dairy products daily may elicit an effect due to the small amount of anti-inflammatory CLA present.
Health officials should consider alternative options due to high flu virus resistance to Tamiflu, a key drug in pandemic preparedness. The discovery raises concerns about the effectiveness of stockpiled doses and may require reevaluation of global strategies.
A recent DNA study has identified a single origin for domesticated potatoes, tracing them back to a broad area of southern Peru. This finding contradicts prior hypotheses of multiple origins and sheds new light on the evolutionary history of one of the world's most widely cultivated crops.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new lithium battery technology that can make batteries smaller, last longer, and accept external charging without surgery. This breakthrough technology uses organosilicon compounds to improve battery lifespan, enabling implantable devices such as pacemakers and microst...
The National Stem Cell Bank (NSCB) will provide comprehensive characterization of human embryonic stem cell lines and distribute them to investigators at a lower cost. This move aims to increase the use of stem cells in research and potentially lead to therapies for diseases, with WiCell handling technical support and training.
Researchers studied iron-sulfur proteins called rubredoxin, which play a crucial role in processes like photosynthesis and respiration. By analyzing the strength of hydrogen bonds in different variants of the protein, they were able to explain changes in protein function and predict its behavior.
The UW-Madison MRSEC center will focus on designing materials with controlled chemical functionality and physical properties, enabling new sensors and cell differentiation capabilities. The center's interdisciplinary approach brings together experts from various departments to advance nanotechnology research and technology transfer.
Scientists used transcranial magnetic stimulation to study brain activity during deep sleep, finding that regions of the cerebral cortex become functionally disconnected. This suggests that consciousness depends on the integration of information across different brain areas.
Researchers found that pomegranate extract killed more cells at higher doses, and mice treated with pomegranate extract showed slowing of cancer progression and reduced PSA levels. The study adds to growing evidence that pomegranates have powerful agents against cancer.
Researchers have defined the structure of marine toxins and found they interact with actin, a key protein responsible for cellular growth. The toxins can disrupt actin's activity, leading to cancer cell death, offering new hope for targeted cancer treatments.
Researchers found that abused children exhibited prolonged attention to angry voices and didn't break focus even after the argument ended. This reaction may be linked to their brain's ongoing attempt to cope with past trauma, making them more prone to interpersonal problems.
A study found that fetal alcohol exposure can alter the dopamine system in monkeys, affecting cognition and behavior. The timing of exposure during gestation varies the impact, with early exposure blunting the system and later exposure leading to supersensitive receptors.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Tropical Cyclones group is using its specialized tools to help forecasters track Hurricane Ophelia. The tools provide critical information on the storm's trajectory and intensity, enabling more accurate forecasts and helping to save lives.
A comprehensive tobacco cessation plan could help 33 million smokers quit, adding years of life to former smokers and reducing health care costs for all Americans. The plan, which includes free medications and counseling, is based on scientific evidence and has the potential to dramatically reduce the human and financial tolls of tobacco.