Science

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Ask Ms. Scientists: Physical retina stimulation causes geometric hallucinations

Dear Ms. Scientist,

Bioenergy and birds can coexist

“What would it do for the birds?” This simple question spurred scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to investigate whether it’s possible to grow economically viable amounts of biomass to generate bioenergy and, at the same time, provide habitat for bird populations, including rare grassland birds.

Machine-learning program used 3-D tissue chip to distinguish neurotoxins

The United States has been one of the world’s leading countries in terms of scientific innovation throughout the past few decades. This would not be possible without the over $400 billion our government invested in research and development grants. It is no surprise that the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a major contender for this money as it is one of the nation’s top research universities with an over $2 billion endowment in the year of 2013.

UW alumnus fights to help disabled patients navigate healthcare

While searching for ways to fill a gap year before medical school, University of Wisconsin-Madison alumnus and aspiring physician Jeff Mahlum never imagined he'd find such a perfect fit in the Center for Patient Partnerships' patient advocacy program.

How can yoga help alleviate PTSD?

The field of mental health is as diverse and complex as the problems that are therein examined and treated. Researchers and doctors alike strive to provide the best results for those who suffer from disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Beetle study illuminates how changing wind speeds can impact an ecosystem

In dense field of soybean alfalfa plants, a lady beetle perches atop a plant, looking for aphids to prey on, unknowingly serving an indispensible role to the ecosystem and health of the plants. But just as in any other ecosystem, a host of factors compromise the lady beetle and its role­­­­­—some more unexpected than others.

Ask Ms. Scientist: Horrible Halitosis

Dear Ms. Scientist,

Feminist biology provides a new scientific perspective

Caroline VanSickle’s office was exactly what I would expect the office of an anthropologist to look like with a handkerchief-sized cloth printed with hominid skulls laying draped over a bookshelf and a tiny replica of a pelvis resting on top of the cloth. VanSickle herself sat in front of a computer that flicked through pictures of animals in their natural habitats. When I sat down and we started to chat, it was like I had known her for years, even though this was only the second time we had conversed.

Ask Ms. Scientist: yawns and star twinkles

Dear Ms. Scientist,

The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery hosts 4th Annual Wisconsin Science Festival

The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery will host the 4th annual Wisconsin Science Festival this year from October 16th to the 19th.

Flu shots give important protection

Just as Madison makes its annual seasonal transition from fall to winter it also enters a season of a different type; the flu season. Every year starting in early October and lasting until the end of May, the contagious seasonal influenza virus spreads across the United States causing widespread illness and sometimes severe, life-threatening complications. While regular hand washing, not sharing food and avoiding touching your hands to your face have been shown to decrease the likelihood of getting infected with the virus, the single most effective way to prevent getting the virus is to get the seasonal flu shot at the start of the flu season each year.

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Bacterial genomes reveal new fuel

Using bacterial genes, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison were able to identify furan containing fatty acids; compounds that could potentially be replacement components for oil in the fuel industry and chemicals in the pharmaceutical industry.

Climate change research considers land use an important variable of ecological impact

As climate change descends on the habitats of North America and the rest of the world, another force presses against ecosystems and forces them to adapt; the way we divide and use land also impacts ecosystems across the entire country.

Real-time interface for brain scans allows direct feedback during surgeries

   Conventionally, patients requiring neurosurgery will undergo a few protocols. After visiting a doctor with a specific brain-related problem, the doctor will send the patient to a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner, which will allow doctors to project the specific location of the brain that needs to be operated on.

Bucky Badger able to display over 30 emotions, scientists say

It seems Bucky Badger is a lot more human than we thought, at least according to a study released by the Francovis Institute of Science.

Mouse study expands tumor knowledge

When we think of ways to prevent or treat cancer, temperature control usually isn’t high on the list. But, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, led by Dr. Caroline Alexander at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, have made crucial progress in understanding a link between ambient temperature and how it may affect our ability to resist tumors.

Ask Ms. Scientist: annoying voices and sunsets

Dear Ms. Scientist,

Scientists authenticate human smile

A genuine smile can be a wonderful sight. It can energize us if we are feeling blue and encourage us when we are feeling troubled. It can give us strength, happiness, fortitude and peace. But all smiles are not created equal. There are kind smiles and cruel smiles, excited smiles and hopeless smiles. How is it that we are able to tell real smiles from false smiles?

UW research sparks cancer treatment innovations

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made an important advancement toward improved imaging and treatment of cancer. Over years of research, they have developed a class of molecules that accumulate in cancer cells—and not in other cells of the body—making it possible to specifically target cancerous growths.