Researchers from the UW-Madison’s School of Human Ecology co-authored a study finding that cold plunge elicits a natural rush of dopamine, similar to what people experience using social media.
Sauna studios gain steam in Madison area
Isthmus
Category: Health
Wisconsin researchers sound alarm after US Supreme Court upholds DEI-related research cuts
Wisconsin Public Radio
In a statement, a spokesperson for UW-Madison said the university “does not yet have clarity on the full impacts of” the ruling, but that it “puts at risk” more than $14 million for biomedical research.
“This figure represents the remaining money on 22 grants that were already approved and underway, which also means the time and money already spent on these projects will potentially go to waste, in addition to the money that will not be recovered,” said UW-Madison spokesperson Victoria Comella.
UW-Madison health expert explains benefits for first at-home flu vaccine
WMTV - Channel 15
UW-Madison professor at the School of Pharmacy Mary Hayney praised the vaccine and said it is very safe.
“We have a long history of using it,” said Hayney. “It will be great to have that convenience to be able to administer the vaccine to yourself in the comfort of your own home
Wisconsin scientists are leaders in testing psilocybin treatments for mental health
Wisconsin Public Radio
“A lot of the participants in our trials have tried one or more different types of either behavioral treatments or pharmacological treatments,” Christopher Nicholas said. “They’re looking for another option.”
He’s optimistic psychedelics paired with therapy will give patients a new tool. He worked on a 2023 study that found participants’ depression scores improved about six weeks after a single dose of psilocybin.
UW-Madison loses federal grant to train psychologists in city schools
The Cap Times
“Our hope is that some of them will choose to remain here in Madison and work in Madison schools, where they have had a shortage of school psychologists,” said Katie Eklund, a professor in UW-Madison’s School Psychology program who led the project.
UW-Madison researchers find automation apps can enable dating abuse
WKOW - Channel 27
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that automation apps, like iPhone’s ‘shortcuts’, can be a vehicle potential abusers use to control their partner’s activities on their mobile device.
Rahul Chatterjee, an assistant professor of computer science at UW and founder of the Madison Tech Clinic, said Madison Tech Clinic helps individuals who have been virtually stalked or harassed by their partners.
Bipartisan bill pushes adoption for cats and dogs used by Wisconsin researchers
Wisconsin State Journal
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is proposing a bill to require UW-Madison and state private animal researchers who use cats and dogs to make an active effort over a three-week period to rehome or transfer them to an area humane society.
UW-Madison’s food pantry ‘Open Seat’ prepares for increased demand this fall semester
WMTV - Channel 15
University of Wisconsin-Madison students are heading back to campus and getting ready for the upcoming fall semester. Meanwhile, the campus food pantry, Open Seat, is preparing for an increased demand this school year.
China tech CEO reveals plans for humanoid ‘pregnancy robot’
Newsweek
“Pregnancy is an extremely complex process, with each step being extremely delicate and critical,” said Yi Fuxian, an obstetrician at the University of Wisconsin–Madison who conducts demographic research,
He told Newsweek the robot is “likely just a gimmick” and warned of “many health and ethical risks” even if it could ultimately bring a child to term.
Lifelong Learner: Lifelong learning helps seniors age joyfully
Wisconsin State Journal
Embracing an attitude of lifelong learning can help seniors combat the effects of aging and find meaning in every day. In a study by Scientific American, seniors who regularly engaged in learning over three months performed similarly to adults 30 years younger on cognitive tests.
Whether it’s online learning, art classes or stargazing in Wisconsin state parks, educational opportunities can help make your golden years shine.
Bill Gates meets Willy Wonka: How Epic’s 82-year-old billionaire CEO, Judy Faulkner, built her software factory
CNBC
At UW–Madison, Faulkner took a course about computing in medicine that was taught by a pioneering physician, Dr. Warner Slack, one of the first people to recognize the promise of the technology within health care.
Golden oyster mushrooms escaped captivity. Now, they’re spreading across Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Public Radio
A new report published by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers in the journal Current Biology may hold clues to an unfolding mushroom mystery: the origins and possible consequences of the invasive golden oyster mushroom.
New mouth-watering blob aims to banish dry mouth
New Atlas
Lack of saliva also affects the digestive process, which normally begins as food is first chewed and saliva begins to break it down. If chewing is affected, this too can impact digestion and nutrition.
Researchers from Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin believe they have come up with a potential cure. They engineered a hydrogel reservoir and loaded it up with artificial saliva, which consists of mostly water and mucins, antimicrobial substances that lubricate the mouth. Hydrogels are water-based substances that can also hold a large quantity of liquids. They’ve been studied for use as everything from a bone-mending solution to an atmospheric water harvester.
How oceans support life; keeping space rovers unstuck; and the scourge of blue-green algae
Wisconsin Public Radio
Oceanography has much to tell us about the health of planet Earth – as well as far-flung exoplanets. Then, we learn why space rovers get stuck on Mars and the moon. Then, an up-to-date report on another summer of blue-green algal booms on Wisconsin waterways.
UW-Madison responds to being named among buyers from embattled beagle breeder
Channel 3000
UW-Madison confirmed that Ridglan supplied the school with animals in the past. According to the school, dogs are used in research studies of cancer prevention, organ transplants, vaccines and other medical breakthroughs.
“Those studies have been supported by grants from federal agencies, nonprofit foundations and patient groups, and health care companies,” a university spokesperson said.
Dispelling the myths about MRNA
WORT FM
On Aug. 5, U.S.Health and Human Services Secretary and vaccine skeptic Robert Kennedy, Jr. announced the elimination of five hundred million dollars of federal funding for research on messenger RNA vaccines. Interview with Aaron Hoskins, the Wasson Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His lab focuses on understanding the role of messenger RNA in human cells.
US has slashed global vaccine funding – if philanthropy fills the gap, there could be some trade-offs
The Conversation
Written by rofessor of cultural anthropology and international studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
How Dane County, UW-Madison have prepared for potential measles outbreak
Wisconsin State Journal
Jake Baggott, UW-Madison associate vice chancellor and executive director of University Health Services, said in a statement that UW-Madison as a campus has been actively preparing over the last year for a potential measles case.
University Health Services led and coordinated a walkthrough exercise with campus, local and state public health officials to simulate their preparedness during a measles outbreak, Baggott said
How helping others helps ourselves: Ripples of power
LA Progressive
This positive behavior can be taught. “It’s kind of like weight training,” says researcher Helen Weng from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “We found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.”
Why a UW-Madison ‘treasure trove’ of health data could go away
The Cap Times
Fifteen years ago, the Population Health Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison launched the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. The resource provides a “treasure trove” of public data and offers a snapshot on the health of nearly every county in the nation, said Sheri Johnson, the institute’s director.
While more than 700,000 people use the resource each year, Johnson said, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps will soon lose its primary funder. The New Jersey-based Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is set to end its support after 2026.
The quest to create gene-edited babies gets a reboot
NPR
“You’ve got a convergence of people who are thinking that they can improve their children — whether it’s their children’s health, or their children’s appearance, or their children’s intelligence, along with people who are comfortable using the newest technologies and people who have the money and the chutzpah — the daring — to try and do this,” said R. Alta Charo, a University of Wisconsin professor emerita, lawyer and bioethicist, who’s now consulting with government agencies and private companies.
Depression, suicides, overdoses: broad impacts of US wildfires revealed in study
The Guardian
Dr. Jonathan Patz, a University of Wisconsin environmental public health researcher who was not involved with the research, said the studies add “a really important piece to the understanding of the true health risks from these extreme climatic events.”
UW Health allergist treats patients impacted by wildfire smoke
WMTV - Channel 15
UW Health Allergist Dr. Mark Moss suggests wearing an N95 mask when conditions are unhealthy.
“The best thing to do is limit your time outdoors,” Dr. Moss said. “Spend time indoors, preferably in air conditioning to give yourself a break to recover from some of the irritation that your airway is experiencing when you’re out in the poor air quality.”
UW exhibit asks ‘What If Everything Turns Out OK?’
WORT FM
The world is a terrible mess right now. Climate change, government upheaval, warfare have many of us on edge and filled with anxiety about the future. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture asked its Design and Innovation graduate students to contemplate the question, “what if everything turns out OK?”
‘I would never wish it on anyone:’ Measles resurgence spurs memories of past toll in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Watch
“For example, if you’ve been immunized for polio, and then you get a measles infection, the immunity you had to polio could be wiped out or reduced,” said Malia Jones, a University of Wisconsin-Madison assistant professor in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology. “You wouldn’t even know that you’re susceptible to some of this stuff.”
Measles has made it to Wisconsin. Here’s what to know about the virus.
Wisconsin Watch
Wisconsin Watch spoke with two University of Wisconsin-Madison experts: Dr. Jim Conway, a professor in the Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Global Pediatrics; and Malia Jones, an assistant professor in the Department of Community and Environmental Health.
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic could have additional health benefit
Newsweek
Dr. Ahmed Elbayomy, a research fellow in neurological surgery at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and lead author on two of the studies said in a statement: “More research is certainly needed, but seeing the potential protection offered by these medications is a fascinating finding.”
My client was too insane to execute – but not to leave death row
USA Today
Written by Greg Wiercioch, a member of the clinical faculty at the Frank J. Remington Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School.
Student loan changes will be ‘barriers’ to lower income Wisconsin medical students
Wisconsin Public Radio
New changes from the Trump administration set stricter borrowing limits on students in professional programs like medical school. The head of one of Wisconsin’s medical colleges expects the change will add new barriers for people training to become doctors.
UW Health pediatric gynecologist connects with patients through social media
Channel 3000
Dr. Katie O’Brien, an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been leveraging social media to bridge the gap between doctor and patient, fostering a more familiar and approachable relationship.
As one of only two specialty-trained pediatric adolescent gynecologists in Wisconsin, Dr. O’Brien dedicates her career to diagnosing and treating common female pelvic conditions. She practices at the Teenage and Young Adult Clinic in Middleton and the UW Health Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic in Madison.
New CDC director grew up on Wisconsin dairy farm, has two degrees from UW-Madison
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Susan Monarez, who was confirmed to the role by the U.S. Senate on July 30, grew up on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin and holds bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in microbiology and immunology from UW-Madison. She has drawn some attention as the first person to take on the job without a medical degree in more than 70 years, but she has spent her career in the health field.
The gave long-term effects of the Gaza malnutrition crisis
Wired
In pregnant women, the effects are particularly impactful, as such DNA changes not only play out in the mother, but in the developing fetus and also the germ cells within the fetus, the precursors to sperm and eggs.
“This means that malnutrition has the potential to influence three generations—the mother, her child, and her grandchild,” says Hasan Khatib, a professor of genetics and epigenetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Such effects have been seen in the descendants of both the Great Chinese Famine and the Dutch Hunger Winter during World War II, where the children of babies starved in the womb carry genetic alterations that have placed them at higher risk of diabetes, as well as addiction and even schizophrenia in adulthood.
Are we ready for the health problems that come with extreme heat changes? In a word, no.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The connection between mental health and extreme heat is relatively new, but it’s a big one, said Jonathan Patz, a professor at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Department of Population Health Science at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The ‘Love Island’ drama, allegations and when a friend group implodes
USA Today
We don’t always see this level of direct confrontation when a group member is accused of being dangerous, according to Jessica Calarco, a sociologist at the University of Wisconsin.
“Most will tend to continue the friendship,” Calarco said. “This is because when someone close to us – or even similar to us – engages in violent or toxic behavior, we’re less likely to blame them for their actions than we would be if we saw the same behavior from someone to whom we’re not close.”
What’s your favorite farmers market?
CBS News
A recent survey by UW-Madison shows that 80% of Americans say they go to a farmers market at least once a year.
Budget agreement includes funding for virtual mental health services on smaller UW campuses
The Daily Cardinal
The 2025-27 Capitol Budget passed at the beginning of July includes $7 million for virtual mental health services to University of Wisconsin students at all campuses apart from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The inclusion of the funding follows a bill introduced by Sen. Jesse James, R-Thorp, and Senate Republicans on June 2 to address mental health issues among UW System students.
UW-Madison professor grades the state’s nearly 600 water utilities
Spectrum News
University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor of Public Affairs Manual Teodoro has issued report cards for nearly every water utility around the state as part of his Wisconsin Waterworks Excellence Project.
“The idea here with the report card is to signal to the public where utilities are doing well, and where they are doing poorly in a way that is easily accessible,” said Teodoro.
‘Hard to Plan’: Wisconsin pharmacist, expert react to Trump’s EU drug tariff
WMTV - Channel 15
David Kreling, an emeritus professor at the UW-Madison School of Pharmacy, said he’s never seen this level of tariffs in his 40-year career.
“We in the U.S. are very dependent on international producers,” Kreling said.
UW Hospitals ranked #1 for 14th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report says
WMTV - Channel 15
University of Wisconsin Hospitals ranked #1 on the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals list for the 14th year in a row, UW Health announced Tuesday.
West Nile virus detected in Wisconsin mosquitos
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin is coming out of a drought, which can mean more mosquitos, said PJ Liesch, an extension entomologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“We finally hit the point where no parts of Wisconsin are experiencing drought anymore. That’s a good thing for plants and crops, but … that can mean more mosquitoes out and about.” Liesch said. “So recent reports that I’ve had at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab do suggest that there’s quite a bit of mosquito activity out there in Wisconsin, although it can vary from location to location.”
Madison lacks cultural nuance in mental health care. Latino leaders have an answer.
The Cap Times
The program began in 2019 as part of a certificate partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education and Centro Hispano, funded through a five-year grant by the Wisconsin Partnership Program.
What UW-Madison can learn about food pantries from a Big Ten rival
The Cap Times
This year, Rutgers University-New Brunswick launched a center offering students a food pantry, a free textbook rental program, a clothing closet, a lounge and more. The pantry is designed to feel like a mini Trader Joe’s with baskets and rows of shelves filled with fresh produce, frozen meat and non-perishable goods.
How to support Madison’s student food pantries
The Cap Times
Students at Madison’s largest college campuses are increasingly turning to school food pantries to feed themselves and their families.
As the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Madison College work to meet students’ needs, here’s how community members can support local efforts.
Fastest X-ray laser created; and the Weather Guys return
Wisconsin Public Radio
Advancements in x-ray lasers have potential for research in many fields. We talk to a UW-Madison physics professor about his work. Then, the Weather Guys are back to explain what we’ve been experiencing climatewise.
UW-Madison, Madison College see growing need for student food pantries
The Cap Times
As college students locally and nationally struggle to feed themselves due to rising costs and other challenges, schools have tried to find ways to address the growing needs. UW-Madison and Madison College recently expanded their pantries and offerings, and UW-Madison hired a full-time employee just to concentrate on students’ basic needs.
As Gaza starves, the next generation may also endure the consequences
NPR
“We inherit the memory of trauma on a molecular basis,” said Hasan Khatib, a professor of genetics and epigenetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
UW Extension’s FoodWIse nutrition education program shutting down after federal funds eliminated
Wisconsin Public Radio
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension is ending its 30-year-old FoodWIse nutrition education program and laying off more than 90 people after losing a federal grant.
Wisconsin researchers modify immune system to accept kidney transplant
Wisconsin Public Radio
The study was a nationwide Phase 3 trial led by UW-Madison surgery professor Dixon Kaufman. The goal was to test a new stem cell infusion treatment for safety and efficacy.
“There are many benefits to them (immunosuppressive drugs),” said Kaufman, the medical director of the UW Health Transplant Center. “But of course, there are side effects and downsides.”
Wisconsin science camps for kids with autism face uncertain future after federal funding cuts
Channel 3000
Michael Notaro, director of UW–Madison’s Center for Climatic Research launched STEM camps in Beloit, Wisconsin Dells and at Madison’s Henry Vilas Zoo with a simple mission: make science accessible to all children with neurodivergences – but the camps are at risk.
“The main goals of the camps is to support the kind of interest and pursuit of science, degrees and careers, to foster and support neurodiversity and to celebrate it,” Notaro said.
UW-Madison Extension to wind down FoodWIse programming after federal funding cuts
Channel 3000
UW-Madison Extension will wind down its FoodWIse programming following federal funding cuts, administrators announced Friday.
The move comes after the passage of President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminated funding for the National Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program (SNAP-Ed). The funding cuts go into effect on Sept. 30.
Henry Vilas Zoo host STEM camp for neurodivergent kids
WKOW - Channel 27
The camp is organized in collaboration with Dr. Michael Notaro, director of the Center for Climatic Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With prior funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Notaro and his team have led similar camps in Beloit, Madison, and Wisconsin Dells.
However, future programming is uncertain. Federal support for the camps ended earlier this year when NSF grants were discontinued. While funding remains in place for this summer’s sessions, organizers are seeking alternative sources to continue beyond 2025.
UW Health app provides urgent care wait times, clinic navigations
WMTV - Channel 15
If you are not feeling well and need an urgent care appointment, UW Health has an app letting you know the wait times at each clinic.
90+ FoodWIse educators laid off as UW Extension program loses federal funding
WMTV - Channel 15
FoodWIse, a statewide program providing nutrition education to low-income families and community organizations, announced on Friday that its federal funding is being eliminated.
Madison STEM camp for neurodivergent kids could see final year after funding loss
WMTV - Channel 15
Dr. Michael Notaro, director of the Center for Climatic Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, launched the program several years ago.
“I think that’s inspired by my son Hayden,” Notaro said. “He’s autistic and a wonderful boy. My wife is also autistic. And based on my desire to support and foster neurodiversity, we created three STEM camps.”
Lifesaving science at UW-Madison depends on patent rights
Wisconsin State Journal
Written by James Dahlberg, a professor emeritus in the department of biomolecular chemistry at UW-Madison.
Wisconsin nutrition education program, jobs in jeopardy after Congress cuts funding
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Most of the money goes to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, which offers programming in 70 of the state’s 72 counties. While UW Extension is exploring ways to sustain some SNAP-Ed capacity through alternative funding sources, it has already begun winding down operations. Layoff notices went out to 92 SNAP-Ed educators, UW Extension director Karl Martin said.
Some kids need more protection from ultra-processed food. Here’s why
NPR
You don’t want to forbid these foods entirely, says psychologist Katherine Schaumberg at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. That strategy could backfire. “In our culture, food is connection. Having these foods in social settings can facilitate emotional health,” she says. “That can outweigh the physical cost of them.”
How a Madison doctor is trying to help others find affordable housing
The Cap Times
Henderson brushed off the experience, hoping it was a fluke. But after matching into residency at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, she overheard a medical student lamenting about their housing struggles and something clicked.
“The lightbulb went off in my head,” Henderson said. “I realized I think this is a nationwide issue and then really started to look into it from there.”
Fear led former Wisconsin runners to wait to speak out about former coach, athletes say
Wisconsin State Journal
The team’s strong performance “stemmed a lot from us being fearful of her and if we had done bad, and also the culture that was created at practice, which honestly was a pretty high-anxiety culture,” Badgers runner Victoria Heiligenthal said. “I think it motivated people but obviously from a bad place of motivation.”
Former Badgers athletes say 2 coaches created a toxic culture, and Wisconsin knew about it
Wisconsin State Journal
On the same day in January 2022 that Mackenzie Wartenberger told her runners that she was resigning for family reasons, the University of Wisconsin sang the praises of the women’s cross country coach in a tweet.
Some members of that team said they couldn’t believe their coach was being celebrated. Five women who ran for Wartenberger told the Wisconsin State Journal in interviews that they experienced mental abuse and a toxic culture on her team. One former runner, Brogan MacDougall, and her mother reported the abuse to athletics officials and the academic side of the university.