As an undergraduate student majoring in physics at Illinois Wesleyan University, William Murphy took exactly one biology course: Biology 101. Two decades later, he’s built a career around creating what he calls “bio-inspired” materials such as tissues …
BTP News
Biomanufacturing projects stepping out at UW-Madison
A series of projects aimed at advancing the human-health and economic impact of biomanufacturing is already benefiting from a new University of Wisconsin–Madison institute aimed at making the state a Midwestern hub of the ongoing …
Stem Cells @ 20: Students find inspiration, support in UW–Madison’s stem cell community
When Kaivalya Molugu was considering graduate schools, she knew she was interested in stem cell research, but she had to decide where to apply. The answer soon became clear: the place where it all began. …
Red-hued yeasts hold clues to producing better biofuels
A compound that has scientists seeing red may hold the key to engineering yeasts that produce better biofuels. A red pigment called pulcherrimin, naturally produced by several strains of wild yeasts, is synthesized in part …
Initiative focuses on advanced technology innovations in biomanufacturing
A $750,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. announced Sept. 6 establishes the Forward BIO Initiative, a collaborative effort to make Wisconsin a recognized center of excellence for biomanufacturing. The new initiative “leverages one …
Reading the signals: NIH award helps McClean decode cellular responses
When a stimulus descends upon a cell, it sets off a flurry of activity. Sensors on the surface take in information and relay it inside to other proteins, which perform computations and transmit their findings. …
Nanoparticles improve tumor treatment in mice
In the treatment of cancer, chemotherapy is a cleaver, not a scalpel. By attacking rapidly dividing cells, chemotherapy effectively fights tumors, but it also ravages healthy cells in the gut, bone marrow, the scalp and …
Lipids in blood and liver offer insights into metabolic health
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, and high levels of fats such as triglycerides or cholesterol in the blood are cited as just one of several risk factors. Millions of …
Sussman to lead Genome Center of Wisconsin
Mike Sussman, longtime director of the UW–Madison Biotechnology Center and BTP trainer, has announced that he is stepping down from that position to serve as director of the Genome Center of Wisconsin, located within the Biotechnology Center. “With …
BTP trainers earn Vilas Professorships
Three University of Wisconsin–Madison Biotechnology Training Program (BTP) faculty trainers have been honored with Vilas professorships. The professorships, totaling 40 this year, honor extraordinary members of the UW–Madison faculty with awards supported by the estate …