Discovery Seed Grant Projects
A campuswide competition for $3 million in Discovery Seed Grants concluded in February 2007, with the naming of eight winning projects involving more than 60 faculty and staff researchers from 25 UW-Madison departments. The scientific studies now under way are addressing some of the thorniest problems facing human health and welfare.
Early detection of disease
Scientists are devising the first diagnostic test for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Their method models the dynamics of certain molecules within the body’s total pool of metabolites that are early, reliable indicators of PCOS. Read more
Safer treatments for attention deficit disorder
Going straight to the source of behavior, scientists are recording the activity of neurons in an effort to better characterize how drugs like Ritalin work in the brain. They expect their findings will lead to safer treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. Read more
Large-scale production of human embryonic stem cells
Noted stem cell researchers are devising techniques for mass-producing human embryonic stem cells that will consistently meet strict quality standards. The current lack of such a system is a major obstacle to using the cells in clinical applications and drug testing. Read more
Searching for drugs that affect migrating cells
Although migrating cells play a central role in injury and disease, including inflammation and cancer metastasis, drugs that stifle cells’ nomadic tendencies are rare. To fill this gap, researchers are developing a drug discovery process that combines advanced microfluidic devices with a zebrafish model. Read more
Micro-optical systems inspired by biology
A team of eight researchers is developing tunable, liquid “microlenses” for use in familiar surgical tools, microscopes and eye surgeries. The technology is inspired by the lenses of animal eyes, but the microlenses are also expected to surpass their natural counterparts in performance. Read more
Healing of chronic wounds
A seven-member team is studying ways to influence the behavior of cells as they heal, with the goal of developing better treatments for diabetic ulcers and other chronic wounds. Their strategy involves “engineering” the wound bed to promote cellular processes that hasten healing. Read more
Nanotech tool aids drug discovery
By deploying a nanotechnology tool called an atomic force microscope, scientists are creating a new approach to finding potential medicines. The technique will screen for drugs capable of affecting critical cell receptors and the cell portals, known as ion channels, they control. Read more
Boosting school performance
Researchers aim to help African American children from low-income families understand and cope with differences between the dialect of English they learn at home and the one used in school. The overall goal is to increase school achievement, especially reading proficiency, among those children. Read more