News: Research
Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
UT Scientists Spied a Skyrmion. What is That?
This, and six other questions about a recent first in physics, answered.

Physicists Reveal Muscles’ Molecular Secret to Balancing Strength and Stamina
The findings could have implications for robotics, prosthetics and energy efficient machines.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
