Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully characterized a highly pathogenic avian virus that is both lethal and transmissible in ferrets. The study suggests that this virus strain could become a potential public health threat if it undergoes further mutations, making it resistant to existing treatments.
A new study found that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder due to limited access to healthcare providers. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million children across the US and suggests that advances in screening techniques may not be the primary reason for the ...
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has been awarded $12.5 million to develop a new laboratory that will research fundamental properties of plasma to better understand the universe. The lab, known as WiPPL, will combine expertise and equipment from two existing projects to simulate astrophysical phenomena on Earth.
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have discovered an ancient loosening of a biochemical pathway that led to the evolution of characteristic red pigment in beets. The discovery sheds new light on how plants can produce various compounds and has implications for beet breeding programs.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will study how legumes evolved to cooperate with bacteria for nitrogen fixation. The goal is to recreate this ability in other crops like poplar and cereals, reducing fertilizer use and environmental pollution.
Astronomers have measured large, well-ordered magnetic fields in a galaxy 4.6 billion light-years away, providing clues about how magnetic fields formed and evolved over cosmic time. The new observations offer insights into the structure of galactic-sized magnetic fields since the beginning of the universe.
New research suggests that corals build their hard, calcium carbonate skeletons faster and in bigger pieces than previously thought. This active construction method helps them grow much faster and with greater control.
A recent study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Federico Rey group found that high levels of microbes consuming choline lead to nutrient deprivation in mice. The results showed increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases, altered epigenetic patterns, and changes in behavior in the offspring.
A new study found that water quality of lakes in the Midwest and Northeast US has not overwhelmingly degraded or improved over recent decades, with only a small percentage experiencing clearer conditions. The researchers suggest that management practices are holding the line, but large-scale problems require a bigger picture approach.
A recent survey reveals that air pollution has a significant impact on bird health, reproductive success, and diversity. Only two field studies have been conducted since 1950 on the topic, highlighting the need for further research.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a public divided on the use of human genome editing, with some supporting its therapeutic applications and others opposing enhancement. However, most respondents agreed that conversations about the technology are necessary to address its moral and regulatory implications.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new measurement for the volume and activity of beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. The new test uses PET scanning to detect minute levels of a radioactive chemical in the mouse pancreas, providing a more accurate assessment of insulin production.
Research by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists reveals that Zika virus transmission is unlikely through casual contact like kissing or sharing utensils. The study found that the virus can survive in bodily fluids for extended periods but remains inactive in saliva, which may play a role in preventing infection.
Research finds that meiosis, a key process in sexual reproduction, takes a heavy toll on offspring viability, affecting various organisms including humans and non-human animals. The study suggests that the advantages of sex must outweigh its drawbacks to be advantageous for evolution.
Researchers found a 1% increase in undocumented immigration is associated with 22 fewer drug arrests and 42 fewer drunken driving arrests. The frequency of drunken driving fatalities was unaffected by unauthorized immigration rates.
Research shows that gift recipients are happier with a present when the giver also received the same present. This phenomenon is called companionizing, where the act of sharing the gift creates togetherness and increases liking for the gift.
Scientists identified three distinct smile types: reward, affiliation, and dominance, with specific facial muscle combinations. The research provides precise physical descriptions of smile subtypes, enabling better classification and study of smiles in pivotal human interactions.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an automated screening test to create all-chemical replacements for traditional stem cell growth materials. This innovation enables wider use of stem cells in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and testing environmental chemicals for vascular toxicity.
Researchers studied the relationship between an African forest bat, a novel virus, and a parasite, identifying all three as potentially new species. The study found that the parasite plays a crucial role in transmitting the virus, with the fly serving as a 'chauffeur' to help the virus spread.
According to a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, plants produce defensive chemicals like methyl jasmonate that deter herbivores. When these chemicals are present, caterpillars become more likely to turn to cannibalism, benefiting the plant by reducing herbivore populations.
A team of engineers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University at Buffalo has developed a powerful new photodetector that combines unique fabrication methods and light-trapping structures. The device increases light absorption in thin materials, enabling smaller optoelectronic devices with improved performance.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new way that legumes, including peanuts, produce an essential amino acid called tyrosine. The team found that a single mutation in a plant enzyme is responsible for this unique pathway, which could lead to increased production of morphine and other valuable chemicals.
Researchers tracked 35 years of speaker rosters from four prominent virology meetings and found that men were overwhelmingly represented. In contrast, parity among invited speakers lists has improved across all four meetings, with women making up an average of 53% of speakers in 2017.
A new study by UW-Madison undergraduate Ben Hoscheit confirms the idea that our galaxy lives in an enormous void, seven times larger than average. The findings help ease tension between different measurements of the Hubble Constant, resolving a long-standing discrepancy among cosmologists.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a gene called RVR1 that represses VRN1 prior to winter, allowing grasses to wait for the right conditions to flower. This discovery may help improve yields in important food and energy crops such as corn, wheat, and oats.
Researchers have identified a community of bacteria in wastewater treatment plants that breaks down toxic substances and produces valuable resources. These 'anammox bacteria' can save energy by removing oxygen from the process, making wastewater treatment more efficient and sustainable.
Researchers identify the developmental pathway of human vasculature and discover cell markers to distinguish between different types of vascular cells. This breakthrough provides a blueprint for engineering blood vessels in the lab for disease modeling, drug screening, and therapeutic purposes.
A new study finds that private land conservation data is often inaccessible, hindering effective conservation efforts and taxpayer investments. The researchers suggest addressing capacity shortfalls in federal agencies and revising policies to improve transparency and accountability.
Researchers found Zika-infected monkey fetuses showed unusual inflammation in the eyes, retina, and optic nerves, suggesting a wider threat in human pregnancies than previously thought. The study used animal models to study the progression of infection and associated health problems, opening doors for studying other infections and pote...
A study from researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison and UCSF found that mindfulness training during pregnancy can reduce depression symptoms in new mothers. The study showed a decrease in opioid-based pain medication use during labor among the mindfulness group, suggesting a potential benefit for infant health.
University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers developed a new process to convert non-edible biomass into three high-value products, tripling the fraction converted and increasing return on investment. The technology uses gamma valerolactone as a solvent, minimizing waste and having a high solvent-recycling rate.
Researchers have developed a laboratory model for Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, a rare psychomotor disease that affects brain development. The study uses induced pluripotent stem cell technology to replicate the patient's blood-brain barrier, providing new insights into the disease and potential therapies.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology shows that air conditioning increases air pollution by hundreds to thousands of metric tons, particularly sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide, with a 3-4% increase per degree Celsius rise in temperature
Geologists used radioactive elements trapped in calcite crystals to create a 'clock' that measured the age of each event, revealing 13 distinct seismic events over 400,000 years. The study sheds light on the mechanics of earthquakes in intraplate faults and their relationship with human activities.
A new analysis found that gender differences in depression symptoms and diagnoses emerge at age 12, with women disproportionately affected. Puberty and social changes may contribute to the onset of depression in girls during this age range.
A team of researchers has identified a rare human mutation that causes a devastating neurological disease, similar to conditions affecting the production and maintenance of myelin in rats. The discovery provides a new model for understanding and treating these diseases.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study reveals that certain amoebas called dictyostelids can penetrate biofilms and devour bacteria, including multi-drug resistant species. This finding has potential applications in combating antibiotic-resistant infections, such as bacterial keratitis and fire blight.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that termite gut efficiently breaks down lignin, a hard-to-degrade polymer. The termites' symbiotic system with fungus breaks down biomass in just 3.5 hours, holding a key to improving biofuel and paper production.
Researchers have discovered a defined architecture of the bacterial expressome, allowing for a better understanding of how bacteria impact human health. This finding may lead to the development of new antibiotics that target bacteria but leave human cells unharmed.
Researchers found that Pokemon Go users were more likely to be physically active, experience positive emotions, and make new social connections. The study, published in Media Psychology, suggests that augmented reality games can have a positive impact on players' emotional and social lives.
A study in Limnology & Oceanography Letters reveals that biological organisms achieve high population extremes in Midwestern lakes, defying expectations. Researchers found frequent records being set across variables like fish populations, plant growth, and plankton numbers, indicating a need to reassess ecological limits.
A new study using a digital library and machine reading system has unraveled the mystery of ancient stromatolite formation. Stromatolites, contorted layers formed by microbes, are rare in modern oceans due to changes in seawater chemistry.
Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison solved the structure of an enzyme that attacks toluene, a chemical derived from wood and oil. The study reveals a less reactive form of iron-oxygen intermediate that avoids side reactions, offering insights for synthetic chemists.
A new study by Waisman Center researchers provides a detailed picture of the daily experiences of couples raising a child with ASD, revealing both challenges and strengths. Despite lower closeness to partners, parents of children with ASD reported no increase in negative interactions or feeling unsupported.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a novel technology using decellularized plant husks to create three-dimensional scaffolds for human stem cells. The scaffolds are made from cellulose and exhibit properties such as strength, rigidity, porosity, and surface area that are ideal for biomedical applications.
Researchers have discovered a critical finding about Alexander disease, a rare and fatal neurological disorder. Using mouse models, they found that the GFAP protein behind the symptoms is broken down more rapidly than previously thought.
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals that abundant soil phosphorus in the Yahara watershed has a direct and long-lasting impact on water quality. Eliminating overabundance of phosphorus could improve lake and river quality by reducing summertime phosphorus concentrations.
Researchers found a 87 million-year-old signature of resonance transition between Mars and Earth in Colorado rocks, confirming the 'chaotic solar system' theory. This discovery provides a new understanding of the mechanics of the solar system and its impact on climate change over geologic time scales.
Researchers found that listeria causes inflammation and collateral damage to the placenta, allowing bacteria to invade the fetus. The study suggests that listeria may be a culprit in some miscarriages without diagnosed cause. Effective antibiotics are available to treat the infection.
Science communications expert Dominique Brossard discusses the challenges of combating fake news in science, particularly on social media. She advocates for improved communication between scientists and journalists, as well as quality control measures to prevent misinterpretation of studies.