Stories

  • Photo of a trizorb by Sruthi Magesh

Co-Zorbing: The New Frontier in Bacterial Cooperation

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.

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

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.

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24 Hours with WID

Landing page for 24 hours with wid showing all the different times on a digital clockThe Wisconsin Institute for Discovery is abuzz 24 hours per day. From “eureka” moments in the middle of the night to methodical pipetting in the middle of the day, to gathering diverse ideas from across the globe in the early evening, something is always happening in our interdisciplinary sphere. Enjoy a sampling of the important work we do in each of these 24 hours and please come back periodically as we refresh with new profiles.

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