The Colorado potato beetle has evolved rapid resistance to insecticides by leveraging its existing genetic diversity, allowing different populations to quickly adapt and overcome new chemicals. This wealth of diversity will likely make the pest difficult to control in the future.
Researchers develop multiplexed optical lattice atomic clock, achieving unprecedented precision and enabling new physics discoveries, including testing gravitational waves and detecting dark matter. The clock's performance surpasses expectations, allowing for longer experiments and potential applications in real-world settings.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers finds that corn ethanol's environmental impacts are worse than expected, with carbon emissions potentially negating any climate advantages. The analysis suggests a shift towards next-generation biofuels made from perennial plants could be necessary.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that the environmental impacts of corn ethanol far outweigh its benefits, with carbon emissions potentially negating any climate advantages. The research highlights the need to shift towards next-generation biofuels and improve efficiency, electrification, and policy-making.
Researchers found that coral species with faster skeletal crystallization rates are more resilient to ocean acidification. A team of UW-Madison students contributed to the analysis and were co-authors on the study. The findings have significant implications for developing mitigation strategies against ocean acidification.
A new study reveals that microbes in the guts of hibernating ground squirrels play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and maintaining muscle mass. The discovery could have significant implications for humans with muscle-wasting disorders and astronauts on extended space voyages.
Lab tests show current anti-COVID pills remain effective against omicron, but available antibody therapies are substantially less effective. Researchers tested various treatments and found that some antibodies have lost their ability to neutralize omicron at realistic dosages.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that increasing Nrf2 gene expression in astrocytes protects neurons from Alzheimer's disease progression. Boosting Nrf2 slowed cognitive and physical decline, reduced beta-amyloid accumulation, and reversed genetic changes in mouse models.
A new study reveals that flexibility in peptides used to treat Type 2 diabetes may be key to their effectiveness. The research found that a peptide called GLP-1 can switch between two shapes, maximizing its potency and activating insulin release from the pancreas.
Researchers have discovered unique antibody-like proteins from sharks that can prevent the COVID-19 virus and its variants from infecting human cells. These shark-derived protein 'VNARs' are a promising new tool in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, with potential applications for future coronavirus outbreaks.
Researchers found damage to a brain part that regulates hyperactivity contributes to both memory issues and seizures in the most common form of epilepsy. This discovery may lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatments for epilepsy and related disorders.
New astronomical models suggest the Magellanic Stream could be just 20 kiloparsecs from Earth, potentially colliding with the Milky Way and fueling new star formation. The revised distance may also affect estimates of the stream's mass and density, which could require revision.
A new study provides preliminary data for a human clinical trial of a treatment that targets the root cause of Alexander disease. The treatment has shown promising results in halting the progression of the disease and even reversing some symptoms in rat models, which better represent the human condition.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers identified key proteins in fungal biofilms that control resistance to antifungal drugs and dispersal throughout the body. These proteins provide potential drug targets to impair a pathogen's antimicrobial defenses, including the fungus Candida albicans.
A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers reveals that fasting is essential for mice to derive full benefit from calorie restriction. Fasting alone improves insulin sensitivity and reprograms metabolism, reducing frailty in old age and extending lifespan.
Marine plankton emit sulfur that can form clouds, but existing clouds absorb most of it, reducing cloud formation. The discovery challenges current understanding and may impact climate change predictions.
Researchers identified two subtypes of metastatic prostate cancer that respond differently to hormone treatment. Luminal tumors responded better to testosterone-blocking treatments, while basal tumors did not benefit as much from this hormone treatment.
A decade-long study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers shows how aspen stands change their genetic structure over time, adapting to environmental fluctuations. The findings suggest that exposure to various environmental changes can maintain diverse forests capable of responding to different stresses.
Researchers have discovered a new carnivorous plant, Triantha occidentalis, that traps insects near its insect-pollinated flowers, avoiding the death of potential pollinators. The plant's sticky hairs only entrap small midges and insects, allowing larger bees and butterflies to act as pollinators.
A new study estimates that Wisconsin's wolf population declined between 27-33% between April 2020 and April 2021, with a majority of additional deaths attributed to cryptic poaching. The researchers estimate the current wolf population is between 695-751, which may represent the maximum due to optimistic assumptions about growth.
Researchers found that counties hosting prisons experienced higher rates of COVID-19 cases due to spillover from prisons into surrounding communities. The study emphasizes the need for prioritizing prison health and public health policies to address this vulnerability.
Researchers found that vaccination with an mRNA vaccine induces antibody responses that would protect humans from infection with the gamma/P.1 variant, while hamsters previously infected with earlier strains were also protected nine months later. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines based on earlier strains still provide protecti...
Correlated errors in quantum computers indicate a problem that must be acknowledged and addressed for fault-tolerant development. The study suggests that simple design changes can mitigate local effects, but the bigger concern is what could happen next.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers investigated mining-related deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon to see if formalizing and legalizing these operations could reduce their negative effects. The study found that while formalization has potential, it needs enforcement and regulations to match the local context.
Researchers found that individual bird species respond uniquely to extreme winter weather events, with some experiencing population changes after polar vortexes. Winter heat waves also led to increased bird abundance and occurrence in affected regions.
A global survey of fossil pollen reveals Earth's plant communities are changing at least as quickly today as they did when the last ice sheets retreated around 10,000 years ago. Human influence on ecosystems began with early civilizations and agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization.
Researchers have improved a method to prevent human parainfluenza virus attachment to cells, leading to 30% to 40% of childhood respiratory illnesses. The new peptide is more effective and persistent in rodent models.
Researchers have developed graphene nanoribbons that interact with light at lightning-fast speeds, opening up new possibilities for high-speed telecommunications. The ribbons' performance is further enhanced by tuning their electric field to interact with multiple light energies.
The use of CRISPR technology demands more robust public engagement to harness its benefits without crossing ethical lines. Effective communication that incorporates social science research can facilitate nuanced debates about the societal implications of genetic editing.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a micro-molded scaffolding photoreceptor patch to deliver new photoreceptors to damaged or diseased retinas. The 'ice cube tray' scaffold can hold three times as many cells while reducing biomaterial usage.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered a disrupted Akt protein pathway in men with bipolar disorder, leading to memory problems and weakened brain connections. The findings offer a new target for treating bipolar disorder's often-overlooked cognitive impairments.
A new technique, hyperspectral interference tomography, has been developed to study the structure of nacre, a biomineral found in mother-of-pearl. This nondestructive method allows for the assessment of nacre layer thickness, which records temperature and can be used to analyze fossil mollusk shells and learn about past climates.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new technique to target and destroy disease-causing proteins, which could lead to new drug treatments. By utilizing the cell's own recycling machinery, they aim to restore a healthy balance in cells.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze brain activity in monkeys and found that complexity is key to indicating consciousness, shifting the focus from frontal cortex to back of the head for electrode placement.
Research found that Mexican wolves were 121% more likely to disappear when legal protections were weakened, contrary to theories that lethal removal would reduce poaching. The disappearances were likely caused by poachers hiding evidence of their activities, leading to underreported poaching.
Scientists confirm detection of high-energy antineutrino event by IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a phenomenon predicted by Nobel laureate physicist Sheldon Glashow in 1960. The discovery provides evidence for the Standard Model of particle physics and sheds light on extreme cosmic events.
Grafting neurons from monkeys' own cells into their brains relieved debilitating movement and depression symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. The autologous transplants showed significant improvements within six months, with dopamine levels doubling and tripled within a year.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a tool to help prioritize vaccine distribution among people who share similar risks due to their jobs. The algorithm considers both age and socioeconomic status to identify those at greater risk of severe COVID-19 complications.
Researchers found higher population densities linked to faster SARS-CoV-2 spread, while specific viral strains like G614 contributed to increased transmission rates. Vaccination campaigns can target densely populated areas and monitor regional strain variations to control disease spread.
A new study found that subscriptions to satellite alerts from Global Forest Watch resulted in a 18% decrease in deforestation in African countries. The carbon emissions avoided were worth between $149 million and $696 million, highlighting the potential of automated alerts in reducing forest loss.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison psychologists shows that children can accurately identify emotions from faces covered by masks, suggesting they will adapt to real-life situations. The researchers found that even with parts of the face obscured, kids correctly identified emotions at a rate better than chance.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison introduce a new framework for emotional well-being, focusing on specific skills that can be learned. The framework emphasizes four pillars: awareness, connection, insight, and purpose, which have been studied in the lab and shown to improve well-being.
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison analyzed Texas arrest data and found that undocumented immigrants were significantly less likely to be arrested for various felony offenses compared to U.S. citizens. The researchers believe that first-generation immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, tend to have lower crime...
Engineers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a method for reclaiming polymers in multilayer plastics using solvents. The STRAP process uses thermodynamic calculations to separate polymers and has the potential to close the recycling loop.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered a new antifungal compound, turbinmicin, in the microbiome of a sea squirt from the Florida Keys. Turbinmicin efficiently targets multi-drug resistant strains of deadly fungi without toxic side effects in mice.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown way that pancreatic cells decide how much insulin to secrete, pointing to an overlooked enzyme known as pyruvate kinase. Stimulating pyruvate kinase not only increases the secretion of insulin but also has other metabolically protective effects in the liver, muscle and red blood cells.
A new study has identified the coral skeleton growth mechanism, revealing that controlling water temperature is crucial for restoring reefs. The research suggests that corals regulate their internal ion concentrations by pumping calcium and carbonate ions from seawater through coral tissue.
Researchers found that small tributaries to Lake Michigan play a big role in feeding algae blooms and impacting coastal waters. Small streams often had high nutrient loads and contained higher percentages of soluble reactive phosphorus, making them significant contributors to water quality concerns.
Researchers at UW-Madison develop a method to control the growth of twisting, microscopic spirals of two-dimensional materials. By utilizing screw dislocations and curved surfaces, they create new properties that can be exploited to study quantum physics on the nanoscale.
A study found that carnivores near people consume over half of their diets from human food sources, disrupting ecosystems. This reliance increases competition among predators, potentially leading to conflicts and detrimental ecological consequences.