Science

Series: The Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 And Wisconsin: January 2020

The Novel Coronavirus And Public Health Preparations In Wisconsin

Video:

PBS Wisconsin

Shared via

PBS Wisconsin

The novel coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China, but as anxieties rise around the world, communities are working to prevent its spread. Wisconsin state epidemiologist Ryan Westergaard details the status of preparations for a potential outbreak in Wisconsin.

Series: Drinking Water Quality

PFAS 'Forever Chemicals,' Explained

Audio:

Rob Ferrett

Wisconsin Public Radio

Shared via

WPR

PFAS "forever chemicals" have become a fixture of public attention and policymakers are taking steps to address their use. UW-Madison civil and environmental engineering professor Christy Remucal discusses what is known about PFAS and the risks associated with them.

Series: Renewable Energy In Wisconsin

The Circuitous Path Toward Affordable Solar Energy

Will Cushman

WisContext

Solar energy is cheaper, more efficient and more widely available than ever, but its viability was never assured. Technologies that enable the conversion of sunlight into usable electricity are the products of an uncoordinated, decades-long series of events that followed a circuitous and halting path

Series: Drinking Water Quality

What Are PFAS And Why Are They A Problem?

Christy Remucal

UW-Madison

A group of chemicals known as PFAS are prompting increasing attention and concern across Wisconsin. What are these chemicals and why are they such a big deal?

Series: Chronic Wasting Disease In Wisconsin's Deer

For The First Time, Chronic Wasting Disease Proteins Found In Deer Semen

Audio:

Miranda Suarez

Wisconsin Public Radio

Shared via

WPR

For the first time, the proteins that cause chronic wasting disease have been detected in white-tailed deer semen — which is a commodity for deer farmers, who sell it for breeding purposes.

Series: Extreme Precipitation And Wisconsin's Climate

As Rains Intensify, Sewage Surges Into Wisconsin Waters

Audio:

Danielle Kaeding

Wisconsin Public Radio

Shared via

WPR

Wisconsin in 2018 saw its most sewer overflow events since 2010, with increasing volumes of discharged waste. Experts say the problem plagues communities across the Great Lakes. Driving the spike: intensifying rainfall due to climate change.

1 In 3 Wisconsinites Is Obese, But The Keto Diet Likely Won't Reduce That Rate

Beth Olson

UW-Madison

Elizabeth Chitwood

UW-Madison

While the ketogenic diet may be trendy, it’s important to know what it is before jumping onto another health bandwagon.

Healthy Fats And Where They Fit In A Balanced Diet

Beth Olson

UW-Madison

Elizabeth Chitwood

UW-Madison

Although humans need to consume a certain amount of fat, not all fats are created equally.

Series: CAFOs, Manure And Water

Untangling The Science Of Smell In The Debate Over Livestock Siting Rules

Audio:

Kealey Bultena

Wisconsin Public Radio

Shared via

WPR

The state is moving forward with its process to revisit some of the regulations that govern Wisconsin's livestock siting rules. With the smell of large-scale farms a source of debate, Iowa State University agriculture and biosystems engineering professor Jacek Kozel discusses the science of smell.

Series: Health In Rural Wisconsin

CDC: Leading Causes Of Preventable Death Impact Rural Residents More

Audio:

Shamane Mills

Wisconsin Public Radio

Shared via

WPR

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study underscores a longstanding problem in Wisconsin: Rural residents are more likely to die from preventable causes like cancer and heart disease.