Researchers have discovered that soil microbes use chemical signals to defend against each other and devastating crop diseases. The study found that certain bacteria can induce fungi to produce protective compounds, while the fungus's own defense mechanisms are triggered by the bacterial invasion.
A recent study found that yogurt consumption can improve the integrity of the intestinal lining and reduce pro-inflammatory molecules, thereby reducing chronic inflammation. The study enrolled 120 premenopausal women who consumed either low-fat yogurt or non-dairy pudding for nine weeks, showing significant improvements in certain key ...
Researchers have identified a key protein, MIP-1β, that enables ovarian cancer cells to spread through the peritoneal cavity by making mesothelial cells sticky. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting this protein and its related adhesion protein P-selectin.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have detected CWD prions in soil and water samples from sites where deer congregate. The study suggests that environmental reservoirs of prions could serve as an additional transmission route for CWD, highlighting the need for further research on the disease's spread and persistence.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a new approach to noninvasively measure tendon tension while a person is engaging in activities like walking or running. The technology uses vibrational characteristics to assess tendon force, providing insights into motor control and mechanics of human movement.
A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists describes a method using cloud characteristics to quantify snowfall on the Greenland Ice Sheet. The research found two distinct cloud types producing snow at Summit Station, with mixed-phase clouds accounting for 51% of snow accumulation.
Researchers propose that Venus' cloudy atmosphere could be a niche for extraterrestrial microbial life due to its highly acidic conditions and presence of sulfuric acid. The atmosphere's unique properties, such as the dark patches composed of concentrated sulfuric acid, have sparked interest in exploring this possibility.
Researchers Emily Setton and Prashant Sharma discovered that spiders and scorpions co-opted leg genes to build their heads. This genetic adaptation allows scientists to trace the evolutionary history of these animals, revealing a complex web of genetic mechanisms underlying their diversity.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison used Hubble Space Telescope to analyze Leading Arm of Magellanic Stream, identifying it as coming from Small Magellanic Cloud. The study helps refine models of galaxy orbit and formation, shedding light on mysterious gas clouds surrounding Milky Way.
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding how atoms rearrange at different temperatures during the glass transition process. The team found that the time it takes for atoms to lock into place varies widely, with some regions 'sticking' first and holding on to their neighbors for a long time.
Improved methods for capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood have been developed, enabling the accurate tracking of treatment response and potential screening for cancer. Researchers were able to identify large numbers of CTCs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that homebuilding near wild areas since 1990 has greatly increased homes at risk from wildfires, leading to higher costs in fighting fires. The study found that the wildland-urban interface, where homes and wild vegetation meet, has grown rapidly across the US.
A study by Carly Ziter found that urban green spaces provide significant ecosystem services such as carbon storage, water quality regulation, and flood mitigation. These services can be fostered through small interactions like gardening or walking in nature, promoting physical health and mental well-being.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that NIH grant reviewers cannot consistently differentiate between great and good proposals, despite initial agreement. The study suggests that the current peer review process may not be effective in funding high-quality research.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that smiles meant to convey dominance are associated with a spike in stress hormones, while reward smiles appear to physically buffer recipients against stress. This suggests that subtle differences in facial expressions can fundamentally change our experience and physiological response.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers has discovered new materials that could enable solid oxide fuel cells to operate at lower temperatures, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. The researchers used quantum mechanics-based computational techniques to screen over 2,000 candidate materials, yielding a list of 52 poten...
The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center aims to design advanced biofuels, such as isobutanol, that can replace gasoline without engine modification. The center is also developing new methods to extract valuable products from plant biomass, including gamma valerolactone and aromatics.
A four-year study published in Science found that sleep leads to a 20% decrease in synapse size, allowing for more growth and learning the next day. The discovery supports the synaptic homeostasis hypothesis, suggesting that sleep is essential for brain plasticity.
Recent research in neuroscience suggests that our experiences shape our perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. Studies using imaging tools like fMRI and EEG have identified neural networks involved in well-being and mental health disorders when considering individual experience.
A team led by Chang-Beom Eom at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has directly observed a two-dimensional hole gas, a counterpart to the two-dimensional electron gas. The discovery is crucial for advancing oxide electronics materials, which could enable new concepts and applications in fields like computing and communication.
Research reveals fusion pores in cells have dynamic behavior, opening and closing rapidly, contrary to conventional wisdom. The number of SNARE proteins affects the pore's state, with more proteins leading to a mostly open state.
The Colorado potato beetle's genome provides insights into its ability to rapidly develop resistance to insecticides and spread to new climates. Researchers have discovered genes that enable the beetle to thrive on different plant hosts and tolerate toxins, but not new genes explaining rapid pesticide evolution.
Researchers studied spacecraft data to understand magnetic reconnection, a phenomenon that breaks standard laws governing charged particles. The study confirmed theoretical descriptions of magnetic reconnection, which is linked to celestial events such as black holes, pulsars, and supernovas.
In a recent study, red foxes and coyotes were found to coexist in the urban environment of Madison, Wisconsin, due to abundant food resources. The animals' home ranges were classified into five categories based on human development, with coyotes preferring natural spaces and red foxes opting for developed areas.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an economical and high-yielding way to produce furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a critical chemical for making renewable plastics.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an improved gene delivery tactic for treating glaucoma, a leading blinding disease. The new method doubles the transfer of genes entering target cells and spreads them more uniformly across the trabecular meshwork tissue.
A study found that warm waters and algae growth are associated with an increase in botulism-related bird deaths on Lake Michigan. The researchers used satellite data to monitor environmental conditions and found a correlation between warmer waters and higher levels of algae, which can lead to the growth of toxin-producing bacteria.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that protecting bald eagle nests from human disturbance increased breeding activity and led to a 37% rise in breeding pairs. The research, conducted at Voyageurs National Park, used a modeling framework to analyze data on nest occupancy, success, and reproductive output.
Scientists have made breakthroughs in understanding the early stages of CAVD by studying pig valves and creating a lab model. They found that certain sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) can increase blood vessel growth, but also trap low-density lipoprotein (LDL) molecules.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison identified the structural basis for how tightly bound protein complexes are broken apart to become inactivated. The structure shows that TIRPL can attack active PP2A complexes, changing their conformation and making them fall apart robustly.
The discovery of microscopic fossils in a 3.5-billion-year-old rock piece in Western Australia confirms life on Earth began before this date. The study identified 11 microbial specimens from five separate taxa, linking their morphologies to chemical signatures characteristic of life.
A Brazilian-American research group has published a comprehensive study on monitoring the survival of muriquis, two critically endangered primate species. The study highlights key factors such as population trends, conservation priorities, and feasibility, providing a roadmap for preserving these unique animals.
Researchers infect rhesus macaques with Zika virus through mosquito bites, revealing similar infection patterns to human cases. The study helps understand Zika transmission routes and may aid in prevention and severity of disease.
A human common cold virus known as rhinovirus C was found to be killing healthy chimps in Uganda's Kibale National Park, with five chimps dying from the outbreak. The virus is notably more severe than its relatives and affects young children most severely.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discover estrogen produced in brain is necessary for ovulation in monkeys, potentially revealing cause of infertility problems and pointing to new methods of birth control. The discovery challenges traditional understanding of hormonal cascade leading to egg release from ovaries.
New research shows that decades-old logging restrictions have failed to reverse population declines of spotted owls in US national forests due to a 'tree deficit', requiring longer-term restoration efforts. The study found stable owl populations in nearby national parks with intact habitats.
Researchers found that adults who experienced high stress in childhood have difficulty attending to cues that indicate a potential loss or punishment, leading to poor decision-making. This biological response may be linked to an underactive brain region responsible for processing risk and reward.
A study found that most VR users don't perceive a virtual world like the real one without training. When given visual feedback, success rates doubled, highlighting the importance of teaching users to use binocular cues and head movements. The results aim to improve VR uptake by encouraging interactive experiences.
Scientists at UW-Madison create novel molecular treatment for Friedreich's ataxia, a rare genetic disorder caused by DNA repeats. The 'molecular prosthesis' helps cellular machinery overcome the blockade posed by repeats, restoring expression of the frataxin protein.
Researchers have developed a high-quality magnetoelectric material that can store information using both electric and magnetic fields. The material enables the creation of low-power devices with multifunctional capabilities, paving the way for more efficient electronics.
The IceCube Collaboration reports a critical measurement that shows energized neutrinos can be stopped cold as they pass through the Earth, exceeding previous expectations. The new study confirms the Standard Model of particle physics but also suggests potential for new physics beyond previously unknown spatial dimensions.
A new video game-based training program has shown significant improvements in balance and posture for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. The six-week program, which rewards participants for holding 'ninja' poses, also improved in-game performance outside the gaming environment.
A research team led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified 11 biomarkers that distinguish fatal Ebola infections from nonfatal ones. These biomarkers may aid in future treatment efforts and help clinicians prioritize scarce resources for the sickest patients.
Researchers have created a molecule that harnesses the power of unpaired electrons to create permanent magnetism. The 'messenger electron' plays a crucial role in controlling the spins of these electrons, resulting in added strength and durability.
Researchers found that selective breeding for high yield reduced the flexibility of corn varieties to respond to variable environments. This reduction in plasticity comes at the cost of maximum productivity.
Researchers from UW-Madison detail a defined process to make an exact mimic of the human blood-brain barrier in a laboratory dish. This breakthrough allows for more robust exploration of cells and their properties, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers have discovered that a cellular pump can move drugs like antibiotics into E. coli bacteria, contradicting the long-held assumption of strict proton and drug movement in opposite directions. This finding opens up new avenues for exploring antibiotic entry mechanisms to combat bacterial resistance.
A team of researchers has found that the magma body at Long Valley was much cooler before the eruption than previously thought. The discovery challenges the traditional view of a long period with a big tank of molten rock in the crust, instead suggesting that magma is stored for a short period in a cool, crystalline state.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a critical step in how cancer cells shift their metabolism, leading them down a cancerous path. By inhibiting a specific protein modification, the study reveals a potential therapeutic target to reverse several hallmarks of cancer.
A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reports that in long-lived animals, renewed but thin myelin sheaths are enough to restore the impaired nervous system. The findings confirm that thin myelin sheaths support nerve fiber function and survival, providing a potential marker for remyelination.