The Wisconsin Week Wire — Dec. 12, 2007
Top News
Wiley to step down in September
Chancellor John Wiley announced Dec. 7 that he would step down as UW–Madison’s chief executive in September.
Genome study places modern humans in the evolutionary fast lane
Countering a common theory that human evolution has slowed to a crawl or even stopped in modern humans, a new UW–Madison study describes the past 40,000 years as a time of supercharged evolutionary change.
Research
Arsenic contamination lacks one-size-fits-all remedy
Recent work by UW–Madison researchers on arsenic-tainted wells shows that appropriate treatment of drinking water varies depending on the source of contamination.
Stem cells show power to predict disease, drug toxicity
For the first time, scientists have used human embryonic stem cells to predict the toxic effects of drugs and provide chemical clues to diagnosing disease.
Waterborne carbon increases threat of environmental mercury
UW–Madison researchers have found that the presence of dissolved organic material increases the biological risk of aqueous mercury and may even serve as an environmental mercury source.
On Campus
Events calendar
Student-staff collaboration addresses campus safety
A group of students and staff has spent the fall semester working on improving campus safety.
Arts Institute call for proposals
Due to the unexpected postponement of the Fred Ho residency in the spring semester, the Arts Institute is seeking proposals for short-term (three to five days) interdisciplinary arts residencies for the spring semester only. Proposals will be due to interim Executive Director Norma Saldivar (5542 Humanities) by or before noon on Wednesday, Jan. 23. The institute plans to fund two to three residencies, including artist fee, transportation, lodging, event space and supplies, and publicity related to each residency. Arts Residency staff will also be available to assist in developing selected proposals and to plan and manage all residency logistics. For further information on proposal guidelines, visit interdisciplinary artists in residence or contact Kate Hewson, Arts Residency manager, at 263-9290.
Milestones
UW Hospital and Clinics names CEO
Donna Katen-Bahensky, CEO at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, was named president and CEO of UW Hospital and Clinics.
Community
City snow emergency changes parking restrictions
The city of Madison has declared a snow emergency, and alternate-side parking restrictions are in effect throughout the area.