News: Features
Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
How to Extend the Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables with Science
Hong Qiao, a plant researcher, explains the science behind produce ripening, and how anyone can prolong shelf life.
![The ethylene from bananas stored together can even cause each other to ripen faster.](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/fruits-thumbnail.jpg)
Innovative Program Gives Students with Disabilities University Experience
An idea that started with a neuroscientist’s personal experience morphed into a lifelong continuing education program for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
![A student from the program partaking in hands on activities.](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/llwf-thumb.jpg)
FDA-Approved RSV Vaccine Enabled by Work of UT Molecular Biologist
Every year, millions of people become sickened by RSV, and more than 100,000 die. New vaccines with a connection to UT Austin may help turn...
![A child gets a bandage after receiving a vaccination](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/3-2-rsv-fda.jpg)
Dell Medical School
Marissa Burgermaster: Breaking Down Your ‘Gut’ Feelings on Nutrition
Food is one of many factors impacting health, but it can be one of the most difficult to solve for — requiring understanding of nutrition...
![A woman sits in a chair, leaning forward with her hands clasped](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/burgermaster_voicesfeature_2400x1600.jpg)
Food for Thought: Nutrition Researcher Embraces the Toughest Subjects
Beth Widen, a nutrition researcher at The University of Texas at Austin, is seeking to untangle the complex relationship between nutrition in pregnancy and infancy...
![Beth Widen, a dark haired woman in a white coat, leans over an infant lying on a table. She smiles down at the infant.](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/widen-thumbnail.jpg)
UT News
Integrative Biology Professor Studies Critical Link between Plants and Pollinators
University of Texas at Austin integrative biology professor Shalene Jha studies critical link in the web of life: plants and pollinators.
![A woman stands opens a drawer of preserved insects labeled "Texas Native Bees" while standing in front of a poster about polllinators](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/jha-shalene-2023-3-2.jpg)
New Department Chair Aims to Improve Youth Mental Health Through Research
Gabriela Livas Stein hopes to build on research strengths in UT Austin’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences.
![Profile image of Gabriela Livas Stein](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/1.jpg)
UT News
Award-winning Math Faculty Member Bill Wolesensky is Outstanding in his Field
The lifelong farmer and award-winning math teacher discusses how math changed him and how it can change the world.
![A man in a collared shirt is shown in black and white against a burnt orange designed backdrop](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/wolesensky-william-3-2.jpg)
Eyes on the Next Pandemic
Lauren Ancel Meyers leads a National Science Foundation-funded pilot grant to establish the UT Center for Pandemic Decision Science.
![A medical doctor and a scientist stand together against a backdrop](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/mike-and-lauren-900x600.jpg)
For LGBTQ Texans, Closing the Health Disparity Gap
Phillip Schnarrs & Stephen T. Russell are collaborating with others to make Austin an epicenter of community-driven LGBTQ+ research.
![Portrait of two men](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/russell-schnarrs2400x1350.png)