Size doesn’t matter when it comes to genome sequencing in the animal kingdom, as a team of researchers at the Morgridge Institute for Research recently illustrated when assembling the sequences for two new reference genomes — one from the world’s largest mammal and one from one of the smallest.
research
Study identifies promising target for treating inflammatory bowel disease and colitis-induced colorectal cancers
Researchers uncovered a previously unknown function of a protein that is central to gut health and implicated in the development of colitis, a severe and chronic form of IBD.
Surprising contributions from UW–Madison’s overlooked scientists
While the scientists in this story aren’t household names, the research they did and the training they received from UW–Madison helped advance their fields of science and improve the world.
Mice eating less of specific amino acid — overrepresented in diet of obese people — live longer, healthier
A calorie may not be just a calorie according to new research from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Relieving stress in insulin-producing cells protects against Type 1 diabetes
Researchers hope that their findings, published today in the journal Cell Metabolism, may point to a potential new treatment that could be administered very early in the development of diabetes.
New study shows mRNA vaccine harnesses T-cell power to combat COVID-19 in lungs
The study sheds new light on the protective mechanisms mRNA vaccines use to lessen severe disease following breakthrough infections. It also raises important new questions about the role of memory T cells in limiting the spread of the virus, the frequency with which we get vaccinated and the most effective methods for vaccine delivery.
Conservation, community, and a love for big monkeys: Karen Strier celebrates 40-year study of Northern muriqui
Since 1982, University of Wisconsin–Madison professor Karen Strier has worked to study the muriqui monkeys of Brazil and protect their habitat, along with an ever-growing community of researchers and conservationists.
200-year-old DNA helps map tiny fly’s genetic course to new lands, modern times
The humble fruit fly is one of the most thoroughly studied animals on the planet and new insights continue to be revealed about the fly’s evolution thanks to centuries-old DNA.
Discovery reveals mitochondria as potential treatment target for fragile X syndrome
The results fundamentally change how scientists understand the developmental origins of fragile X syndrome and suggest a potential treatment for brain cells damaged by the dysfunction.
Pollutants are important to biodiversity’s role in spread of wildlife diseases
Researchers found that environmental pollutants like road salt influence whether increased biodiversity helps or hinders disease outbreaks in wildlife, which can complicate how we value protecting diverse animal communities.