UW-Madison is one of the world's leading research universities. The following are some discoveries and innovations that have occurred at the university in the last month:
Avian Flu:
World-renowned avian flu researcher Yoshihiro Kawaoka discovered a difference in the cells of birds and humans that makes it more difficult for the disease to spread between people. Kawaoka found the type of cells that are susceptible to the virus are located deep inside a human's respiratory tract.
Physics Research:
A UW-Madison center for neutrino research located in the South Pole is a step closer to completion. The project, known as IceCube, studies the particles within a cubic kilometer of ice under the South Pole. Recently, researchers acquired a hot water drill to aid in the completion of the $272 million project.
Biological Research:
University scientists uncovered the secrets of how proteins form from amino acids. Dispelling a common science myth that only a protein's environment affects how it comes to be, researchers discovered several factors govern its formation.
Botox:
Scientists discovered how botulinum neurotoxin A, commonly known as botox, attacks cells. Botox is used for cosmetics but also as a deadly biological weapon. Researchers say it invades cells by attaching itself to a certain cellular protein, on which it sneaks\ into nerves.
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