News: Research

Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin

Research

UT Scientists Spied a Skyrmion. What is That?

This, and six other questions about a recent first in physics, answered.

A 3D vector field plot illustrating the direction and magnitude of vectors in a plane. Arrows are color-coded: blue arrows point towards a spot below the left side, red arrows point towards a point above the right side, and green arrows indicate intermediate directions and magnitudes.

Research

Physicists Reveal Muscles’ Molecular Secret to Balancing Strength and Stamina

The findings could have implications for robotics, prosthetics and energy efficient machines.

John McGrath at a lab bench with machinery

Research

University of Texas-led Team Solves a Big Problem for Fusion Energy

Their method to speed up the design of “magnetic bottles” offers an answer to a complex 70-year-old challenge.

An abstract, colorful pattern resembling topographic maps. The design features concentric, oval-shaped rings in vibrant shades of blue, green, red and orange. The background is filled with intricate textures and speckles in lighter blue tones.

McDonald Observatory

Vast Molecular Cloud Discovered Near Our Solar System

One of the largest single structures in the sky, the cloud is about 40 moons across, but not visible to the unaided eye.

A city skyline at night is illuminated by countless lights reflecting off the water in the foreground. Above the city, a full moon glows brightly against a star-studded sky. Dominating the night sky is a large, ethereal purple cloud, adding a surreal and cosmic element to the urban landscape.

Research

Nearly Half of Latin American Frogs and Toads Are at Risk

A new study shows that nearly half of frog and toad species in Latin America may lose their habitat range by 2050.

A tropical frog ventures out on a stem.

Research

New Sequencing Method Brings New Possibilities in Protein Research

UT researchers have developed the first viable alternative to a 75-year-old method for sequencing proteins.

Blue and green spirals of amino acids against a dark blue background

Research

Big Brains and Big Ranges Might Not Save Birds from Climate Change

Global bird sightings from citizen scientists and a view into “climate niches” reveal unexpected risks for some birds.

Two birds perched on branches. The left bird has sleek brownish-gray feathers, a black eye mask, a crest on its head, and yellow-red wing markings. The right bird features speckled brown-gray plumage with bright yellow wing patches and a reddish-brown head.

Research

Genetic Match Between Mother and Child Reduces “Obstetrical Dilemma”

A common idea in evolutionary biology comes under new scrutiny with help from a big medical dataset and AI.

A small baby lies in a woman's lap

Cockrell School of Engineering

New Research Boosts Future Whooping Cough Vaccines

Molecular biosciences faculty contributed to advances that could lead to more effective, longer lasting vaccines.

Pertussis bacteria

UT Biodiversity Center

Prickly Pear Cactus Moth Invasion Expands in Texas

Researchers have a key update on work to fight invasive moths capable of decimating native Texas prickly pear.

A montage of three photos depict a brown moth with its wings folded, cobwebs filled with caterpillars and a blighted prickly pear cactus.