Student NewsLink
April 22, 2009
The News
Researchers use brain interface to post to Twitter
In early April, Adam Wilson posted a status update on the social networking Web site Twitter -- just by thinking about it. A biomedical engineering doctoral student, Wilson is among a growing group of researchers worldwide who aim to perfect a communication system for users whose bodies do not work but whose brains function normally.
Study: Family income does not dictate UW-Madison admission
New research from the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs shows that UW-Madison is not letting a family's income determine whether the campus admits a freshman.
'Motorized' DNA opens door to autonomous molecular experiments
Using the same protein molecule that scientists have used for decades to copy genetic material, researchers led by chemistry and genetics professor David C. Schwartz have developed a molecular motor for propelling DNA. The new technology described by Schwartz and his colleagues could conceivably replace the armies of robots engaged in mundane and arduous lab work, but that are now essential for big science projects such as genome sequencing and analysis.
Living & Learning
UW-Madison announces Brazil Initiative
The UW-Madison Brazil Initiative will bring faculty and alumni together with private foundations, Wisconsin businesses and state agencies to help the state better understand and engage with this emerging global economy.
Students strive to improve medical care around the world
Hoping to use their engineering knowledge to help improve medical care -- and access to that care -- around the world, several biomechanical engineering students recently formed a student chapter of Engineering World Health. Their initiatives could benefit residents in faraway countries such as Honduras and Mongolia, yet inspire students and teachers right here in Wisconsin.
Ideology, religion trump other factors in gay-marriage opinions
According to a new study led by Dietram Scheufele, life sciences communication, the two main factors in determining opinions of gay marriage are ideology and religiosity, a duo that overpowers the influences of other important factors such as knowledge, tolerance and media consumption.
For professor, chemistry and composition make music together
On any other chemistry professor's desk, the thick musical score would seem out of place amid the mid-semester clutter of undergraduate lab manuals, hand-scribbled notes and research grants-in-progress. But for John Berry, the sheaf of music simply represents a different outlet for the same creative forces that guide his scientific research.
Around Campus
All-Campus Party features free concert by OK Go
The Wisconsin Alumni Student Board (WASB) welcomes the energetic and electric stylings of OK Go for the 2009 Badger Blowout Concert. The concert will be held on Friday, April 24, at the Overture Center for the Arts. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the first performance begins at 8 p.m. Supporting acts include We The Living, The Nod and the 2009 All-Campus Idol Winner. Free ticket vouchers are available to UW-Madison students on a first-come, first-served basis at the UW Credit Union on State Street. One voucher will be distributed per valid UW-Madison ID, which students may then redeem for reserved tickets at the Overture Center on April 24 starting at 4 p.m.
Battle of the Bands overtakes the Terrace
Six bands will battle for a chance to win an opening spot on the Terrace this summer and airtime on WSUM radio station. 8-11:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, Terrace, Memorial Union (rain location: Rathskeller).
Lecture explores 'The Passions of the Unnatural'
Lorraine Daston, Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, examines passionate responses to the unnatural in its many forms as part of the Humanities Without Boundaries Lecture Series, "What Is Human?" 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24, Pyle Center.
Recital features winners of young artists competition
Enjoy the best new Wisconsin musicians in a concert broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio. The performers are winners of the Neale-Silva Young Artists Competition, which recognizes outstanding classical performers aged 17-26. 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, Wisconsin Union Theater.
Art of the very, very small to debut at Dane County Airport
Artful images of the very, very small -- cells, molecules and nanoscale structures -- will be on display beginning Friday, April 24, at the Art Court of the Dane County Regional Airport. The show, "Tiny: Art From Microscopes at UW-Madison," will be open through September and features the beautiful images generated in the course of research by UW-Madison biologists, engineers and physical scientists.
Aldo Leopold Lecture Series talk addresses forests, carbon and climate change
Laurie Wayburn, co-founder and president of the Pacific Forest Trust, delivers this talk about forests, carbon and climate change. Refreshments at 3:30 p.m. precede the lecture at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 23, Auditorium, Biotech Center.
Notable
Tornado Awareness Week to be held April 20-24
Gov. Jim Doyle has declared this week as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
French professor named Knight in Order of the Academic Palms
Aliko Songolo, professor of French and African languages and literature, has been named Chavalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Knight in the Order of the Academic Palms) by the French Minister of National Education.
Engineering student picked for entrepreneurs' program
Steven Skroch, a graduate student in biomedical engineering, is one of five students nationwide chosen to help inaugurate an international program in entrepreneurship by the Kansas City-based Kauffman Foundation.
Muir Knoll facelift to build its storyteller's tradition
Thanks to gifts, including one from a foundation named for one of Wisconsin's great storytellers, the university's scenic Muir Knoll will revive its historic tradition as "Story-Teller's Hill." The Robert E. Gard Foundation, in partnership with other private funders, is providing resources for a renovation of Muir Knoll, the tree-shaded knob of land on the northern edge of Bascom Hill overlooking Lake Mendota.
Opportunities
Contest: What does a new student need to know?
UW-Madison is again asking students to write an essay about the things they've learned about life at the university. The winner will be given the honor of addressing 5,500 new students from the floor of the Kohl Center at the Chancellor's Convocation for New Students on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The winner will also receive a $100 gift certificate to University Book Store. The submission deadline is Friday, May 8.
Students invited to take the 'Community Plunge'
In honor of Global Youth Service Day, students are invited to take part in volunteer opportunities at many nonprofit and community organizations in the Madison Area. Learn more and register online. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. The group convenes at the Red Gym before moving to various locations.
Veterinary Care to hold open house
The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital will hold its first open house in more than six years to introduce the public to the many services available through UW-Madison Veterinary Care. Listen to a cow's heart, meet unusual animals and learn what it takes to get into veterinary medical school from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, 2015 Linden Drive.
WASB spring membership drive in full swing
The Wisconsin Alumni Student Board (WASB) is looking for fun-loving, enthusiastic Badgers to join during its spring membership drive. Students who want to develop their leadership skills and make long-lasting friendships can find out more and fill out an application online. Applications must be submitted by 7:46 a.m. on Thursday, April 26.