The Affordable Care Act significantly reduced the number of people with diabetes without health insurance. Among those with undiagnosed diabetes, coverage increased from approximately one in four to just eight percent. This shift has substantial implications for the health and economic outcomes of these individuals.
Researchers have created a low-cost, noninvasive hair-growth-stimulating technology that uses gentle electric pulses to reactivate dormant follicles. The devices are powered by the wearer's day-to-day motion and show promise in stimulating hair growth with minimal side effects.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed tiny customizable nanocapsules to deliver gene-editing payloads, reducing the risk of unintended genetic edits. The nanocapsules are expected to improve the efficiency and safety of gene therapies, potentially treating inherited diseases and stubborn viral infections.
The study reveals that complexin cannot be the fusion clamp in mammals, but syt-1 is, preventing errant signals across synapses. The discovery highlights the importance of fusion clamps in the nervous system's speed and accuracy, with implications for neurological diseases.
A study published in Science Advances found that individuals carrying the FMR1 gene premutation are at risk for a wide range of health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea. The research analyzed electronic health records of nearly 20,000 individuals and identified an astonishing range of symptoms affecting FMR1 ca...
A single protein, syt-17, is crucial for axon growth and regulation of synaptic communication. Removing the protein blocks axon development, while overproducing it accelerates growth.
Scientists found that certain materials can bend without dislocations, allowing for stronger and more durable materials. This discovery challenges traditional methods of increasing metal strength and flexibility.
Scientists have discovered that Earth's magnetic field reversal took at least 22,000 years to complete, contradicting previous estimates of up to 9,000 years. The new analysis provides a detailed look at the turbulent time when the field weakened and partially shifted before finally reversing.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Universidad de Zaragoza have successfully developed a method to image complex hidden scenes using a projected virtual camera. This technology can overcome current limitations in non-line-of-sight imaging, including varying material qualities and large variations in brightness. Th...
A study of 21 macaque monkeys found that primary and secondary infections with Zika virus did not amplify symptoms, contradicting previous tissue culture and mouse findings. The study suggests that combining a Zika vaccine with a dengue vaccine may be necessary to prevent enhancement of either virus.
Researchers have successfully created stable, cancer-like cells in the lab by simultaneously infecting white blood cells with two viruses, Epstein-Barr Virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for understanding the progression of this rare blood cancer and developing treatments.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison successfully recreated the sun's solar wind and 'plasma burps' in a laboratory setting, confirming their development and providing an Earth-bound model for future study. The experiment used a three-meter-wide hollow sphere to mimic the sun's plasma and electromagnetic fields.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers finds that proactively addressing students' anxieties with reassuring classroom activities can lead to higher grades, better attendance, and fewer behavioral problems. The intervention boosts students' sense of belonging and reduces fears about fitting in.
The IceCube neutrino detector is receiving a $37 million upgrade to expand its scientific capabilities. The new strings will enable more precise studies of neutrino oscillation properties and better characterization of the ice around detectors, helping to reveal additional sources of high-energy neutrinos.
A new study identifies a genetic vulnerability in Hmong people that makes them more susceptible to blastomycosis. The research found that Hmong individuals produce less interleukin-6 (IL-6), an essential immune response, leading to reduced Type 17 cytokine T helper cells and increased disease severity.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a method to create pieces of 'smart' glass that can recognize images using optics and artificial intelligence. The glass uses tiny bubbles and impurities to bend light in specific ways, enabling real-time image recognition without power or sensors.
Research by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists found that irrigated farms in the region lower maximum temperatures by one to three degrees Fahrenheit on average, while increasing minimum temperatures up to four degrees. This cooling effect can significantly impact local climate, plant growth, and human health.
Research finds that wood products globally mitigate only 1% of annual carbon emissions, but countries with large timber industries like Sweden can offset up to 9%. Wood product carbon sequestration is sensitive to economic conditions, and the current UN guidelines create a gap in accounting for uncounted carbon.
Researchers discovered that lung macrophages in mice act as 'Trojan horses' carrying fungal spores into the bloodstream. The study sheds light on why certain strains of a fungus are deadly while others are harmless.
A recent study found that US hospitals typically wait over a year to prescribe new antibiotics, hindering the market for needed drugs. The delay is attributed to factors such as cost, lack of clear patient guidelines, and inadequate testing for candidate patients.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit kill invasive jumping worm cocoons, potentially limiting their spread. This finding could inform strategies to slow or stop the worms' invasion through heat-treated compost and potted plants.
Research by University of Wisconsin-Madison sociologist Nathan Seltzer found a strong link between the share of goods-producing industries and fertility rates. His analysis showed that metropolitan areas with steeper declines in manufacturing businesses experienced steeper declines in fertility rates.
A new method allows researchers to map magnetic field orientations in space using ground-based telescopes, revolutionizing studies of star formation and cosmic rays. The 'Wisconsin technique' generates high-resolution maps comparable to those obtained with the Planck mission.
A recent study found that Yellowstone's re-burned forests have a six-fold decline in lodgepole pine tree seedlings and lost significant carbon storage capacity after experiencing two consecutive fires within fewer than 30 years. The researchers estimate it would take over 150 years for the forest to recover its lost carbon.
Researchers developed molecules from the immune system of a parasitic sea lamprey that can deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to brain tumors. The matrix-targeting strategy allows drugs to accumulate in the extracellular matrix, sidestepping cell membrane problems and potentially increasing therapeutic doses.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison find pIC accelerates cellular maturation, leading to more mature and functional cardiac muscle cells. The compound activates epigenetic changes, including increased expression of the JAG1 gene, resulting in improved contractility and electrical efficiency.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a new approach to induce pluripotent stem cell generation, increasing efficiency from 5% to 40% and shortening the process. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in regenerative therapies and precision medicine.
A team of researchers at UW-Madison has developed a new process for producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from plant sugars, which is a versatile chemical crucial for building a renewable economy. The process uses an inexpensive solvent system and can be integrated into existing industrial systems.
Researchers found that specific strains of Staphylococcus aureus delay healing and that some bacteria can even improve wound outcomes. Monitoring microbiomes may help doctors tailor treatments to enhance healing and prevent amputations.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy has designed new small molecules that can stop the replication of equine encephalitis viruses in the brain. These compounds have shown a high survival rate in mice, even when delayed treatment is administered.
Scientists have developed a novel strategy to extract and analyze membrane proteins, which are critical targets for therapy. Azo, a photocleavable surfactant, enables effective mass spectrometry analysis of whole proteins, opening up new opportunities to study membrane proteins.
Engineers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have revealed new insights about the chemical reactions that power fuel cells, shedding light on their degradation issues. The study found that the rate-limiting step in fuel cell efficiency is not oxygen splitting, but rather how oxygen atoms find and enter vacancies at the surface.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a compact spectrometer that can integrate with smartphone cameras, enabling real-time chemical identification. The device boasts high resolution and low fabrication costs, paving the way for enhanced sensors in various fields.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists has identified four blood-based fingerprints associated with pre-cancerous forms of colon cancer. The findings may lead to a minimally-invasive blood test to increase screening rates and reduce overtreatment.
A recent study suggests that trees are essential for mitigating the urban heat island effect, with 40% canopy cover required to trigger significant cooling effects. The research found that even small increases in tree density can lead to substantial reductions in temperatures, making tree planting a key strategy for city planners.
Agricultural pesticide fludioxonil kills fungi by delivering a metabolic shock through the formation of reactive stress molecules, which triggers a biochemical cascade leading to cell death. The researchers discovered that fludioxonil produces methylglyoxal, a highly reactive chemical, which activates the lethal HHK cascade.
A new UW-Madison study reveals that saving energy by reducing energy consumption can lead to improved health outcomes and cost savings. The research found that a 12% increase in summertime energy efficiency could reduce exposure to air pollution, resulting in the avoidance of 475 human lives annually, worth an estimated $4 billion.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered an unexpected regulator of the p53 protein, which plays a crucial role in cancer development. The research team found that an enzyme called PIPK1-alpha and its lipid messenger, PIP2, drive the stability of mutant p53, leading to cancer progression.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a novel 3D printer that uses patterns of visible and ultraviolet light to dictate which monomers are polymerized, yielding multi-material parts. Researchers can now control the material properties by designing digital images that guide the light direction.
A new model microbiome community, THOR, has been developed by researchers to improve human health and soil productivity. The community of bacteria produced complex traits such as biofilms, which could lead to the development of new antibiotics and improved crop yields.
A recent study published in Systematic Biology confirms horseshoe crabs belong to the arachnid family tree, challenging previous hypotheses. By analyzing genetic data and considering multiple analysis methods, researchers found a high degree of confidence that horseshoe crabs are part of the arachnid radiation.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop engineered microbe that can efficiently convert lignin from woody plants into a valuable aromatic compound. This conversion potential transforms the use of wood waste and unlocks a new industry for producing bioplastics.
Researchers found that tiny swimmers can form large flocks swimming in the same direction, resulting in huge effects and unexpected behavior. The movement of microorganisms is crucial to research in materials science, engineering, and biochemistry.
Researchers created a lab-grown population of E. coli bacteria that became resistant to ionizing radiation through genetic mutations and enhanced DNA repair mechanisms. This breakthrough could lead to the development of radiation-resistant bacteria for environmental clean-up, cancer therapy protection, and astronaut protection in space.
A new study suggests climate change played a role in the decline of Cahokia, a prehistoric city near St. Louis. Researchers analyzed fecal records and lake sediment cores to find correlations between population size and environmental conditions.
Researchers found seven bacterial genes in yeast that enable iron-scavenging molecules production. The genes originated from bacteria and were transferred horizontally to yeast through a process called operon acquisition.
A new study published in Nature Human Behavior found no evidence of racial or gender bias in the initial review phase of National Institutes of Health grants. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison analyzed over 400 reviewer responses and found that reviewers were focused on the grant applications themselves, rather than ...
A recent study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals that mitochondrial dysfunction caused by a single mutation may be responsible for fragile X syndrome, autism, and other neural disorders. Researchers successfully reversed behavioral deficits in mice using a chemical treatment that restored mitochondria fusion.
Researchers found that insect-borne microbes often outperformed soil bacteria in stopping antibiotic-resistant pathogens, including MRSA. A new antibiotic, cyphomycin, was discovered from a Brazilian fungus-farming ant and showed effective antimicrobial action without toxic side effects.
Researchers have identified the genetic underpinnings of lager yeast's ability to ferment at cold temperatures and consume all sugars in wort. This discovery could lead to the development of new, cost-effective brewing strains with novel properties.