Daniel Amador-Noguez is learning how living organisms transform nutrients into energy and other useful chemicals. Among a cadre of scientists looking at the biological underpinnings of metabolism, Amador-Noguez knows firsthand the links between the fuel that makes our bodies go and the biofuels that propel our machines. Because he studies both.

With a Grand Challenges Explorations grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists Ophelia Venturelli and Brian Pfleger are working to further research on how to use human-associated intestinal microbes to combat malnutrition in developing countries.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Collegiate Wind Competition (CWC) is an incredible learning opportunity for its college-age participants.

Three startup companies led by College of Engineering faculty members have received funding from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Discovery to Product (D2P) unit as part of the state of Wisconsin’s State Economic Engagement and Development Research Program.

Solar energy, an intriguing novelty 15 years ago, has become a substantial global industry, exceeding expectations of even the most optimistic experts. How did this happen? And why did it take so long?

Sometimes, flaws are what makes a thing special. That’s the case for a type of material called optical quantum emitters, which send out light in an exceptionally precise manner, one photon at a time, often due to tiny imperfections in a crystal’s structure. The ability to emit light one photon at a time could allow optical quantum emitters to become the backbones of ultrafast computers, super high-resolution sensors and uncrackable long-range secure communication technologies.

A promising alternative to conventional power plants, solid oxide fuel cells use electrochemical methods that can generate power more efficiently than existing combustion-based generators. But current fuel cell technologies tend to degrade too quickly, eating up any efficiency gains through increased cost. Now, in an advance that could help lead the way toward longer-lived green energy devices, engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have revealed new insight about the chemical reactions that power fuel cells.