Tag Genetics
An Achilles heel discovered in viruses could fuel new antiviral approaches
Scientists at the Morgridge Institute for Research have discovered a promising new target to fight a class of viruses responsible for health threats such as Zika, polio, dengue, SARS and hepatitis C.
Study advances gene therapy for glaucoma
A new study shows an improved tactic for delivering new genes into the eye's drain, called the trabecular meshwork, offering a promising treatment for glaucoma.
Designer molecule points to treatment for diseases caused by DNA repeats
“Most young people with Friedreich’s ataxia develop severe heart problems and are wheelchair-bound," says researcher Aseem Ansari, "but the disease is so rare that few drug companies invest in it."
All-in-one repair kit makes CRISPR gene editing more precise
Error rates as high as 50 percent are a problem when the goal is to correct typos in the DNA that cause genetic disease. Now, a team of researchers has made the fix less mistake-prone.
Scientists explore national security implications of gene editing
Experts from the United States and across Europe, China and India, including UW and Morgridge Institute researchers, shared ideas for harmonizing genome editing policies across borders.
Microbes compete for nutrients, affect metabolism, development in mice
While research suggests that the complex link between nutrition, gut microbes, and host metabolism is vital for health, many questions remain about how to improve outcomes, either in mice or in humans.
Course explores new field at intersection of genomics and society
Jason Fletcher is researching how public policy intersects with genetic data, what our genes can predict about how society functions, and how we should use this data responsibly — an area of study dubbed "social genomics."
Reflective art installation displays beauty, intrigue of genetics
Pictures obtained from Ahna Skop’s exploration of the cell — as well as striking images from other UW–Madison research projects — will serve as a basis for a traveling art exhibit, “Genetic Reflections.”
Taking the genomic revolution to corn fields to improve crops
By bringing the genomic revolution into corn fields, Genomes2Fields aims to improve the nation’s corn crop by uncovering how genomes — the blueprints for plants — are turned into yield, stress resistance, and all manner of different traits.
Newly identified gene helps time spring flowering in vital grass crops
The discovery may help plant breeders and engineers get more from food and energy crops.
Genetics and stress interact to shape human health and well-being
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Waisman Center have shown one way in which human genetics and chronic stress interact to shape health and well-being later in life.
Bacterial supermachine reveals streamlined protein assembly line
Biochemists from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Biophysical Chemistry in Germany have revealed the defined architecture of what is called the “expressome.”
Two from UW–Madison contribute to human gene editing report
The National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine issued a 258-page report Tuesday (Feb. 14) focused on human genome editing. It lays out…
Former UW geneticist, Nobel laureate Smithies dies
Much of the work for which Oliver Smithies shared the Nobel Prize was performed at UW–Madison, where he was a professor from 1960 to 1988.
Fred Blattner: genetics pioneer, entrepreneurial success, and all that jazz
Fred Blattner has been doing DNA research for more than 50 years, and he founded or co-founded three successful companies all focused on DNA: DNASTAR, Nimblegen and Scarab Genomics.
Fast Plants Program’s new varieties are tailored for classroom use
A UW–Madison program built around plants that mature quickly enough to engage the scientific curiosity of elementary through college students is releasing two new varieties that make the popular plants even better suited to classrooms.
Food scientist aiding fuel ethanol with new engineered bacteria
James Steele’s new company, Lactic Solutions, is advancing a judo-like remedy: using genetic engineering to transform enemy into friend.
UW–Madison researchers study plant aging, gain insights into crop yields
New insights into the mechanism behind how plants age may help scientists better understand crop yields, nutrient allocation, and even the timing and duration of fall leaf color.
A vision for genes: One-of-a-kind geneticist snags Ph.D.
Drew Hasley became the first legally blind person with a UW–Madison doctorate in genetics — and possibly only the second blind UW–Madison Ph.D. in biological sciences.
WARF Innovation Award winners take on Zika outbreak, airway obstruction
A potential vaccine for a worrisome virus and a real-time method to monitor sedated patients have taken top honors from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). The winning teams are led by UW–Madison's Jorge Osorio and Guelay Bilen-Rosas.