The Wisconsin Week Wire — July 5, 2006
Top News
Morgridge discovery grants spark creative, collaborative research proposals
Response to the effort by John and Tashia Morgridge to jump-start the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery by providing $3 million in seed grants for research has exceeded expectations, generating more than 220 initial proposals.
Research
Study: Body image is not just white woman’s burden
UW–Madison scientists have reported in the journal Psychological Bulletin that the bulk of body dissatisfaction research has focused on white women in western societies. Such a bias, they say, could have implications for women of color with eating disorders or depression who might be receiving treatments originally designed for white populations.
Study of urban roadside dirt reveals potentially toxic mix of metals
UW–Madison scientists have learned that there’s more to that cloud of roadway dirt than meets the eye: What looks like ordinary dirt actually is a potentially toxic mixture of non-tailpipe vehicle emissions, including microscopic metal particles from brake and tire wear.
New process makes diesel fuel, industrial chemicals from simple sugar
James Dumesic, a chemical and biological engineering professor, reports in the June 30 issue of the journal Science on a better way to make a chemical intermediate called hydroxymethylfurfural from fructose: fruit sugar. Chemical intermediates are compounds that are the raw material for many modern plastics, drugs and fuels.
On Campus
Events calendar
Provost’s statement regarding lecturer Kevin Barrett
Provost Patrick Farrell recently released a statement in regard to radio talk show statements made June 28 by Kevin Barrett, who is scheduled to teach a class this fall in the Department of Languages and Cultures of Asia.
Community
GLBT group honors education leaders
Citing leadership in educational work, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Alumni Council will honor two Madison-area advocates and an Alabama professor during its 15th annual brunch on Sunday, July 9.