The Wisconsin Week Wire — May 2, 2007
Top News
Survey examines Americans’ trust in science
When it comes to forming opinions on controversial science issues, Americans show a strong deference to the views of the scientific community, according to a study co-authored by a UW–Madison researcher.
Greek life turns 150
The Greek community at UW–Madison celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
Research
Study puts us one step closer to understanding sleep’s function
A UW–Madison psychiatry professor has discovered how to stimulate brain waves that characterize the deepest stage of sleep — which could open a new window into the role of sleep in keeping humans healthy, happy and able to learn.
Arming the fight against resistant bacteria
A UW–Madison research team has devised a new method that addresses resistance to commonly used antibiotics.
Study tests topical honey as treatment for diabetic ulcers
A UW–Madison researcher is conducting the first randomized, double-blind controlled trial of honey as a treatment for diabetic ulcers.
On Campus
Events calendar
Students flex entrepreneurial muscle in competition
A home reservoir system that stores rainwater and pumps it into gardens and lawns and a hand-cranking portable power generator are among the winners of UW–Madison’s first-ever 100-hour Wiscontrepreneur Challenge.
New Web site of K–12 resources launched
More than 250 campus resources for educators, parents and students are accessible on a new School of Education Web site.
National nutrition expert to speak on diet
Walter Willett, best-selling author and an expert on diet and nutrition, will speak on “Optimal Diets: A Progress Report” at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, in Room 1325 of the Health Sciences Learning Center. Willett’s work has focused on developing methods to study the effects of diet on the occurrence of major diseases. He also is collaborating with the Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention on research about smoking and diet. As part of a National Institutes of Health-funded grant, Willett and other UW–Madison scientists will examine the relationship between diet and smoking, both while an individual is smoking and after that individual quits smoking. Willett is a professor of epidemiology and nutrition and chair of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. To learn more, call 262-8673 or e-mail ch3@medicine.wisc.edu.
Milestones
Two faculty named American Academy fellows
Two faculty members at UW–Madison have been elected fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
International Studies names associate dean
Guido Podesta, a professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, was named associate dean in the Division of International Studies.
Community
Hearing aid recycling campaign planned for May
The Department of Communicative Disorders and the Sertoma Club of Madison will conduct a hearing aid recycling campaign during May, which is Better Hearing and Speech Month. Collection points for the Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling program will include audiology clinics, stores, funeral homes, nursing homes and religious institutions. The hearing aid parts will be reconditioned and provided at limited cost to people who have no other means of obtaining a hearing aid. Anyone without access to a drop-off point may donate by calling 890-1504. For more information on the program, contact Kim Smuda at 890-1504 or smuda@wisc.edu.