Listeria makes about 1,600 Americans sick each year — a relatively small number, but a group heavy on newborn babies and older adults with undeveloped or weak immune systems.
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From mice, clues to microbiome’s influence on metabolic disease
The microorganisms that reside in the gut work in tandem with the genes of a host organism to regulate insulin secretion, a key variable in the onset of diabetes.
UW–Madison statement on USDA online records access
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to ethical and humane animal research as scientific knowledge and discoveries improve the health and well-being of human and nonhuman animals. Federal regulation and the oversight of agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Institutes of Health are crucial to the careful conduct of that research. USDA has removed inspection and enforcement documents previously publicly available on the agency’s website. UW–Madison recognizes the privacy concerns that spurred the changes, and that freely available information can be used to mischaracterize animal research and the people who conduct that research. However, the university also sees transparency as an important aspect of the public trust that makes this vital research possible. UW–Madison remains committed to openness in animal research, to providing the public with information about animal care and the research process on our campus. At this time, we will continue to …
UW scientists find key cues to regulate bone-building cells
The prospect of regenerating bone lost to cancer or trauma is a step closer to the clinic.
Calorie restriction lets monkeys live long and prosper
Settling a persistent scientific controversy, a long-awaited report shows that restricting calories does indeed help rhesus monkeys live longer, healthier lives.
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.
UW–Madison statement on animal care records
In December, the University of Wisconsin–Madison provided a set of records to Michael Budkie, an Ohio-based animal rights advocate, in accordance with Wisconsin public records law. Budkie requested all “reports of adverse events or unforeseen outcomes” involving animals in research reported to UW–Madison committees that oversee the care of animals in research and teaching from the beginning of 2015 to late August 2016. The university responded by providing relevant minutes from the committees’ meetings. As required by the federal law, UW–Madison has institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs) that include university veterinarians and researchers, as well as non-scientist members and people who are not affiliated with the university. IACUCs meet regularly to evaluate proposed research, review animal care, inspect housing and research facilities, and perform other oversight duties. The minutes of these committee meetings demonstrate the university’s robust system for monitoring and oversight of animal research — including reports …
UW Shelter Medicine, WVDL assist with cases of influenza in shelter cats
Thirteen cats in a New York City shelter have tested positive for influenza A. One of them has died.
Gut’s microbial community shown to influence host gene expression
The upshot of the study is another indictment of the so-called Western diet, high in saturated fats, sugar and red meat.
Morgridge–UW project investigates tissue-engineered arteries for transplant
The prospect of creating artery “banks” could transform treatment of many common heart and vascular ailments. But it’s a big leap from concept to reality.