New Insights Into Self-replicating Molecules

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.

Postdoc Highlight: Combining computation and gene therapy for Alzheimer’s treatments

Postdoc Highlight: Kirstan Gimse has taken her passion for investigating neurodegenerative diseases and pushed it into a new area by working as a Genomic Sciences Training Program (GSTP) Postdoctoral trainee with Drs. Sushmita Roy and Krishanu Saha.

Researchers Develop Advanced Gene Editing Techniques to Boost T Cells in Cancer Treatment 

A new study from the Krishanu Saha lab suggests using CRISPR technology to optimize natural immune responses by bioengineering and remodeling T cells. Using a multiplexing technique, the team addresses key challenges in current cancer therapies that could significantly improve treatment outcomes. “We have developed a new way to engineer immune cells to fight cancer more safely and effectively. Think of it as reprogramming the body’s own soldiers (T cells) to recognize and attack cancer cells,” says Cappabianca.

Call for Artists: Spirits of Renewal – The Artistic Alchemy of Women in Distilling and Regenerative Agriculture

Science to Street Art is pleased to announce that the Call for Mural Artists is now open until July 7th. The themes for the murals are Regenerative Agriculture, Chemistry of Distilling, and Women in Distilling. They are offering a compensation of $20,000.

Ponto Awarded American Family Insurance Research Funding

Kevin Ponto and Ross Tredinnick have received funding to develop a method for detecting vehicular hail damage using consumer device sensors, enabling remote and asynchronous documentation without in-person assessments.

Seeking Applications for Art and Science Collaborations

The Marie Christine Kohler Fellows @ WID program, hosted by the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery at UW–Madison, is currently open for application submissions. This unique fellowship fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing together graduate students in the arts and sciences. Participants will work in pairs to develop and showcase a art-science …

Melissa Schoenlein recognized for excellence with 2023-24 Teaching Assistant Awards

The Capstone Teaching Award recognizes dissertators at the end of their graduate program with an outstanding teaching record over the course of their UW–Madison tenure, WID is proud to have our own Melissa Schoenlein be one of the honored recipients.