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UW scientist awarded for stem cell research By Kayla Johnson The Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison researcher James Thomson has been named co-winner of the King Faisal International Prize for Medicine for his continuing work to advance stem-cell research. Thomson will receive the award, along with $200,000 and a 24-carat, 200-gram gold medal, from the king of Saudi Arabia in the capital city, Riyadh, in March. Thomson, the director of regenerative biology at the Morgridge Institute for Research, was the first to culture primate embryonic stem cells in 1995 and human embryonic stem cells in 1998. In 2007, Thomson succeeded in genetically reprogramming adult skin cells to an embryonic state. His dis-
GO PACK GO
covery renewed interest in the possible use of stem cells to treat human disease, because if adult cells turn out to be capable as embryonic stem cells, much of the controversy surrounding stem cell research would be removed. Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and former UW-Madison Chancellor John Wiley said Thomson brings not just scientific brilliance, but also strong personal morals to his research and the university as a whole. “[Thomson] thought long and hard about all the issues involved. He consulted widely,” Wiley said. “He’s conducted himself with the greatest personal integrity and I think the whole world is lucky that discovery thomson page 3
USDA grant UW researchers $4.7 million A group of UW-Madison researchers received approximately $4.7 million from the United States Department of Agriculture to educate regional K-16 students in energy and ecosystem concepts as well as oversee the students in leading their own bioenergy research. The five-year grant, which is funded through the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, will target the development of sustainable bioenergy that will contribute to reducing the dependence on foreign oil. The project, which would tar-
Monday, January 24, 2011
get underserved schools, will focus on sustainable energy and how it is attainable through the use of renewable biofuels such as wood or switchgrass. The College of Menominee Nation and Michigan State University partnered in obtaining the grant. The grant “will help jumpstart the U.S. education system towards ensuring that we have enough workers with the multi-disciplinary and problemsolving skill sets to help America address its energy challenges,” said Roger Beachy, director of the NIFA, in a statement.
AWFULLY ‘ICE’ DAY FOR FISHING
Ben Pierson/the daily cardinal
Local Green Bay Packers fans cheer the team to a glorious win against the Chicago Bears Sunday. The Packers will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV Feb. 6.
Presidential news in brief Obama’s Manitowoc visit will focus on economy President Obama will discuss economic solutions with workers during his tour of Orion Industries, a power technology company, in Manitowoc Wednesday as part of his national “White House to Main Street” campaign. The tour kicked off in Pennsylvania Dec. 2009, and since then the president has visited key swing states including Ohio, Iowa and Missouri. The visit comes one day after the president’s State of the Union address, to which congressman
Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has been chosen by his party to respond. Gov. Scott Walker congratulated Ryan on the honor and said he is receptive to Obama’s visit. “I welcome the president’s visit to our state and the attention it will bring,” Walker said in a statement. “I appreciate the fact that he will come regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s game and encourage Packers fans not to gloat too much when he is here.”
Obama honors UW professor for mentoring efforts President Obama named UW-Madison professor Douglass Henderson a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Henderson, an engineering professor, was one of 11 people and four organizations that President Obama honored. In addition to receiving $10,000, Henderson will be honored at a White House ceremony next week. The award recognizes the role mentoring plays in academic and personal development of students, especially underrepresented students, in
the fields of science or engineering, according to a White House press release. Henderson, who received his Ph.D. from UW-Madison in 1987, is a nuclear engineer. “These individuals and organizations have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the United States remains on the cutting edge of science and engineering for years to come,” President Obama said in a statement. “Their devotion to the educational enrichment and personal growth of their students is remarkable, and these awards represent just a small token of our enormous gratitude.”
Walker named head of NGA’s Health Care Committee
Kathryn Weenig/the daily cardinal
Students enjoy winter activities like ice fishing and cross country skiing on Lake Mendota over the weekend.
Gov. Scott Walker was appointed to the head of the National Governors Association’s Health and Human Services Committee Friday. The committee, which will be vice-chaired by Gov. John Kitzhaber, D-Ore., will discuss health-care and Medicaid issues. According to its website, “NGA policies are the formal positions taken collectively by the governors to influence action
by the federal government and to inform national debate on critical issues.” Walker has repeatedly said he wants to repeal Obama’s federal health-care plan in the state, and Wisconsin joined the lawsuit against the new health-care law earlier this month. The state Legislature passed a bill championed by Walker Thursday granting tax credits for contributions to health savings
accounts. Walker is expected to sign the legislation Monday. “The passage of a tax deduction for HSAs is an important step to saving taxpayers’ money and making health care more affordable for employees and small businesses,” Walker said in a statement. “Lowering costs and increasing flexibility for employers will help create an environment where the private sector can create 250,000 jobs.”
“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”