News: Research

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

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.

Jackson School of Geosciences

New Study Shows How ‘Marine Revolution’ Shaped Ocean Life

As an undergraduate, Katherine Faulkner (B.S., Environmental Science, ’23) led a study that was just published.

A close-up of hundreds of tiny shells made possible by a light microscope study of calcareous foraminifera from from the South Atlantic Ocean.

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

UT Marine Science Institute

Heat Waves Hit Hard, as Specialist Butterfly Fish Fail to Adapt

Because butterfly fish do not shift their diets during coral bleaching events, they, like the coral, face threats.

A pair of butterfly fish and another fish feed on a coral reef.

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.