University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison

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So far lredeagle has created 67 blog entries.

Deciphering the Regulatory Network of a Pathogenic Fungus

2026-02-09T15:18:55-06:00

In a new study, researchers from the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) have created a software tool that can help reveal biological pathways of a notorious pathogenic fungus. Aspergillus fumigatus, which is found worldwide, can infiltrate a human body and quickly overwhelm the immune system. In immunocompromised individuals, this fungus can cause major damage and has a high mortality rate. The new tool may eventually help researchers address the problems caused by A. fumigatus. 

Deciphering the Regulatory Network of a Pathogenic Fungus2026-02-09T15:18:55-06:00

Researchers at UW–Madison Receive Major Grant to Study the Link Between Mental Health and the Microbiome

2025-12-18T14:24:22-06:00

Long before science caught up, Vincent Van Gogh sensed a connection between melancholy and microbes. Now, 135 years later, the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, the Center for Healthy Minds, PRECISE, and MIT have launched a project that investigates the microbiome’s central role in human well-being and the power of interdisciplinary research. Combining genomics, data science, behavioral health, and international collaboration, the research project is advancing a global understanding of how microbes shape the mind.

Researchers at UW–Madison Receive Major Grant to Study the Link Between Mental Health and the Microbiome2025-12-18T14:24:22-06:00

Wisconsin Science Festival makes curiosity to go with “Science in a Bag”

2025-10-14T13:31:42-05:00

The Wisconsin Science Festival (WSF), now in its 15th year, returns Oct. 16-26 with more than 600 events across 56 counties—breaking its previous record of 52 counties. What began in 2011 as a three-day, Madison-only gathering has grown into a 10-day, statewide celebration of science, technology, engineering, art and math for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. A centerpiece of this festival is Science in a Bag — an initiative that will deliver 3,000 drawstring backpacks, each filled with ten to twelve hands-on experiments and activities designed to spark curiosity, plus access to an online portal for more ways to engage with STEAM.

Wisconsin Science Festival makes curiosity to go with “Science in a Bag”2025-10-14T13:31:42-05:00

NIH Selects Wisconsin for Nathan Shock Center in Aging Biology; John Denu Co-directs

2025-09-18T15:24:23-05:00

At UW–Madison, the new center will support collaborative projects across campus and build connections that accelerate discovery in this fast-growing research area that has significant implications for health span and longevity.

NIH Selects Wisconsin for Nathan Shock Center in Aging Biology; John Denu Co-directs2025-09-18T15:24:23-05:00

LEAP Forward Internship Gives Madison High Schoolers an Inside Look Into Tiny Earth

2025-08-20T16:04:58-05:00

Headquartered at UW–Madison’s Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Tiny Earth combines undergraduate research with antibiotic discovery. This summer, three Madison-area high school students joined the Tiny Earth team through the six-week LEAP Forward Internship Program. Gyselle, Natania, and Neshia contributed to Tiny Earth databases, supported instructor trainings, and explored diverse research pathways. Since 2019, Tiny Earth has welcomed interns to learn about antibiotic discovery, science communication, and research administration. As one student shared, “Working with Tiny Earth was especially eye opening. Learning about how antibiotics are developed and how they affect bacterial growth was scientifically enriching.”

LEAP Forward Internship Gives Madison High Schoolers an Inside Look Into Tiny Earth2025-08-20T16:04:58-05:00

Tiny Earth Abroad: Citizen Science in Spain and Portugal

2025-08-19T14:47:54-05:00

The MicroMundo Project in Spain and Portugal is taking an innovative approach to addressing the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis through education and hands-on discovery. Adapted from Tiny Earth, the global antibiotic discovery initiative launched at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID), MicroMundo has become one of the most extensive international branches of the network. What makes this program unique is its community-centered model. University students partner with local secondary schools, serving as peer mentors who guide younger students through real scientific inquiry: collecting soil samples, culturing bacteria, and testing for antibiotic activity. Along the way, participants gain confidence in research while contributing to the worldwide fight against AMR. As Jo Handelsman’s vision for Tiny Earth continues to grow across hundreds of institutions worldwide, MicroMundo stands out as a vibrant example of how science education and discovery can work hand in hand to inspire the next generation.

Tiny Earth Abroad: Citizen Science in Spain and Portugal2025-08-19T14:47:54-05:00

A New Computational Tool Maps Genome Change, Helping Researchers See DNA in 3D

2025-08-26T08:58:31-05:00

How do genomes fit into the tiny confines of a cell nucleus? Genomes can be massive and making it more difficult, is that the genome may be repackaged across different biological dimensions and contexts such as cell types, developmental stages, disease states or points in time. Furthermore, it is not well understood which pieces of the genome control gene expression. Intrigued by this puzzle, researchers Sushmita Roy and recently graduated student, Da-Inn Lee introduce a powerful new computational tool in their latest study that could help systematically examine how DNA is arranged and how it changes across different dimensions.

A New Computational Tool Maps Genome Change, Helping Researchers See DNA in 3D2025-08-26T08:58:31-05:00

Student Profile: Meet Nan Jiang

2025-07-14T16:41:03-05:00

This summer, graduate student Nan Jiang of the Yin Lab will complete her PhD from UW–Madison’s Biophysics program. In her time at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery she has built a strong foundation of innovation and interdisciplinary excellence for her future research. "This collaborative environment inspired me to integrate computational and experimental methods in my own work and strengthened my belief in the power of interdisciplinary science to drive discovery,” says Nan.

Student Profile: Meet Nan Jiang2025-07-14T16:41:03-05:00

Tiny Earth In Action

2025-06-19T14:30:12-05:00

The Tiny Earth Summer Symposium 2025, held June 11 and 12, brought together a record-breaking group of student researchers and instructors for two days of science, storytelling, and community. This year’s symposium featured 96 students and 26 instructors from 27 institutions across 11 U.S. states and 2 countries, reflecting the growing reach of the Tiny Earth network.

Tiny Earth In Action2025-06-19T14:30:12-05:00

Sustainability Study in Italy Makes Impact on Rising Senior

2025-06-19T13:21:13-05:00

Even a short trip can make a big impact. UW–Madison senior Morgan Ramsey, a communications intern at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, spent two weeks studying abroad in Italy and calls it one of her most immersive experiences. The jam-packed program, UW Sustainable Food Systems in Italy and the World, is a 2-credit field experience through CALS and IAP. Open to all students who complete a 1-credit prep course, it draws majors from global health to psychology.

Sustainability Study in Italy Makes Impact on Rising Senior2025-06-19T13:21:13-05:00

UW Tech Exploration Lab Student Projects Highlight Innovation, Emerging Technologies

2025-07-02T15:36:03-05:00

At a recent open house for the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Tech Exploration Lab at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) a partnership between the Wisconsin School of Business  bold ideas and community impact come to life through the Tech Exploration Lab. Kevin Ponto and Jon Eckhardt, brought deep expertise in design thinking and entrepreneurship to support students in turning innovative ideas into real-world solutions.

UW Tech Exploration Lab Student Projects Highlight Innovation, Emerging Technologies2025-07-02T15:36:03-05:00

UW Researchers Developing App to Easily Assess Home for Accessibility Improvements

2025-05-15T10:43:11-05:00

Wisconsin Institute for Discovery researcher Kevin Ponto was featured on Channel3000 to discuss the development of an app designed to easily assess homes for accessibility improvements. Along with Professor Jung-Hye Shin, chair of UW’s Design Studies Department, they developed the Augmented Reality Home Assessment Tool, or ARHAT. The app aims to make it easier to identify accessibility enhancements using mobile devices.

UW Researchers Developing App to Easily Assess Home for Accessibility Improvements2025-05-15T10:43:11-05:00

Wisconsin Science Festival Rolls Out 2025 Feature: “Rock and Roll”

2025-05-05T10:59:58-05:00

The 15th annual Wisconsin Science Festival, set to take place October 16–26, 2025, has announced its theme: Rock and Roll. “It’s a play on words—not just about sound and music, but also the geology that shapes Wisconsin, the physics of motion, and the creative energy that drives discovery,” says Sam Mulrooney, Director of the Wisconsin Science Festival. Host registration is now open for those interested in submitting an event for this year’s festival.

Wisconsin Science Festival Rolls Out 2025 Feature: “Rock and Roll”2025-05-05T10:59:58-05:00

App under development at UW could make it easier, more affordable to ‘age in place’

2025-04-30T11:19:17-05:00

Researchers are using augmented reality to help make homes safer for older adults through a tool called ARHAT—the Augmented Reality Home Assessment Tool. ARHAT guides users through a process to measure key features of a living space and suggests accessibility improvements. By streamlining what can be a clunky and expensive process, the tool supports a more affordable, community-based approach to home safety. The project is led by Jung-hye Shin and Kevin Ponto from the Department of Design Studies and the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, alongside occupational therapist and kinesiology professor Beth Fields.

App under development at UW could make it easier, more affordable to ‘age in place’2025-04-30T11:19:17-05:00

The Future Is Multidisciplinary: Inside the UW Tech Exploration Lab

2025-04-15T08:40:23-05:00

The new UW Tech Exploration Lab is a partnership between the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and the Wisconsin School of Business, and provides a unique space for students to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual and augmented reality, and Internet of Things (IoT).

The Future Is Multidisciplinary: Inside the UW Tech Exploration Lab2025-04-15T08:40:23-05:00

WID Faculty Claudia Solis-Lemus Recognized for Excellence in Outreach with Bassam Z. Shakhashiri Public Science Engagement Award

2025-03-06T15:47:50-06:00

Plant Pathology professor Claudia Solís-Lemus received the Bassam Z. Shakhashiri Public Science Engagement Award for her impactful outreach, advancing Latinx representation in STEM, data science, and science communication through art and public engagement.

WID Faculty Claudia Solis-Lemus Recognized for Excellence in Outreach with Bassam Z. Shakhashiri Public Science Engagement Award2025-03-06T15:47:50-06:00

Honoring a Legacy: Morgan Ramsey Receives the Brian Howell Memorial Scholarship

2025-03-04T17:24:45-06:00

Morgan Ramsey, a Wisconsin Institute for Discovery intern for Communications and Multimedia, was awarded the Brian Howell Memorial Scholarship at Madison Magazine’s Best of Business Awards Luncheon on February 20, 2025. This award, established in honor of Madison Magazine Editor Brian Howell, recognizes outstanding students in Life Sciences Communication.

Honoring a Legacy: Morgan Ramsey Receives the Brian Howell Memorial Scholarship2025-03-04T17:24:45-06:00

Co-Zorbing: The New Frontier in Bacterial Cooperation

2025-03-11T14:50:45-05:00

In a recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), researchers discovered that biofilms made of a specific type of bacterium, Flavobacterium johnsoniae, can form 3-D structures called Zorbs that are capable of moving. Not only do these structures move, but researcher, Shruthi Magesh, from the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery have also found that they can transport other species of bacteria by forming tri-zorbs.

Co-Zorbing: The New Frontier in Bacterial Cooperation2025-03-11T14:50:45-05:00

Jo Handelsman Shared Insights on Federal Research Funding Cuts in Wisconsin

2025-02-25T15:55:10-06:00

Last Friday morning on Wisconsin Today, a program on Wisconsin Public Radio, Jo Handelsman, Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID), examined the potential impact of proposed federal research cuts. In this 13-minute talk, Handelsman discussed how the National Institutes of Health (NIH) had been considering a directive to cap overhead costs at 15 percent, a move that could cost the University of Wisconsin–Madison at least $62 million annually. Her remarks provide valuable insight into how the Trump Administration’s plan to reduce federal funding for medical research could affect UW–Madison laboratories and the broader scientific community.

Jo Handelsman Shared Insights on Federal Research Funding Cuts in Wisconsin2025-02-25T15:55:10-06:00

Exploring the Wonders of Science with Leah Elson at the Wisconsin Science Festival

2025-03-11T14:50:00-05:00

The Wisconsin Science Festival welcomes renowned science influencer and author Leah Elson to engage with audiences of all ages. “I got to take the stage with colleagues from drastically different areas of science and community outreach, joining forces to educate (and entertain) an adult audience–interdisciplinary collaboration at its finest (and most impactful!)," says Elson.

Exploring the Wonders of Science with Leah Elson at the Wisconsin Science Festival2025-03-11T14:50:00-05:00

WID Welcomes New Kohler Fellows: Exploring Art, Science, and Interdisciplinary Expression

2025-02-18T14:54:07-06:00

WID welcomes the newest Marie Christine Kohler Fellows, an interdisciplinary program uniting science and the humanities. Fellows collaborate on research, outreach, and creative projects. Originally a residential program, it evolved into a WID-Graduate School partnership. Each year, artist-scientist pairs receive stipends to foster innovation.

WID Welcomes New Kohler Fellows: Exploring Art, Science, and Interdisciplinary Expression2025-02-18T14:54:07-06:00

Guest column: “The war on discovery” is antithesis of campaign pledge to make America great again

2025-02-17T15:46:52-06:00

"Make America Great Again. Make America Healthy Again. These were promises made by candidate Trump in his campaign to be president of the United States of America. What in this campaign platform should have prepared us for a war on discovery?" Read WID director, Dr. Jo Handelsman's Wisconsin Technology Council's guest column.

Guest column: “The war on discovery” is antithesis of campaign pledge to make America great again2025-02-17T15:46:52-06:00

New Insights Into Self-replicating Molecules

2025-01-27T08:59:06-06:00

New research from the David Baum Lab at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery sheds light on how autocatalysis, a key process, played a role in the origins and evolution of life on Earth. The study introduces a new mathematical tool that makes it easier to identify Minimal Autocatalytic Sets (MASs) in Chemical Reaction Networks (CRNs), representing a big step forward in understanding this complex process.

New Insights Into Self-replicating Molecules2025-01-27T08:59:06-06:00

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