UW–Madison scientists with the Wisconsin Energy Institute have developed a quick and inexpensive technique for detecting toxins and other harmful substances by using proteins as a biochemical alert system.

Heat pumps are a climate-friendly technology that can reduce energy bills. But new research shows adoption is much lower in communities of color and with more renters.

WEI investigator Rebecca Smith joined the UW–Madison faculty in August 2024 as an assistant professor in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, where she is applying her knowledge of cell wall and lignin structures to challenges in dairy sustainability, including ways to improve plant digestibility, reduce methane emissions, and increase carbon sequestration.

An international team of researchers, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison biochemistry professor Rick Amasino, was awarded $1.47 million to enhance plants’ abilities to mine metals from naturally enriched soils.

Vatsan Raman, a researcher with the Wisconsin Energy Institute, has been named the first S.C. Fang Professor of biochemistry. 

In this series, we learn more about what inspired our talented graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, what brought them to their field of study, and the questions that drive their work as part of the Wisconsin Energy Institute and Great Lakes Bioenergy Researc

A UW–Madison graduate student had developed software to help millions of people who rely on prepaid electricity plans make better choices when rationing their energy use.