News: Research

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

Research

New Model Reveals How Chromosomes Get Packed Up

The first theoretical model of condensin, a molecular machine involved in packing and unpacking chromosomes, accurately reproduces all known experiments with just two parameters.

Illustrations of a molecule in two states, open and closed

Research

Like Their Domestic Cousins, Native Bees are Hurt by Pesticides

Numerous studies have found negative impacts of agrochemicals, such as neonicotinoids, on both honey bees and native bees, and researchers like Felicity Muth and her...

A purple bee

Research

Loss of Picky-Eating Fishes Threatens Coral Reef Food Webs

Delicate ecosystems become more precarious as specialized hunters disappear.

A school of red fish swim above a coral reef

Department of Computer Science

New Materials Could Lead to Computers That Work Like the Human Brain

An interdisciplinary team of researchers are working on a radically new kind of computer called a neuromorphic computer, inspired by the human brain.

Illustration of a computer chip

Research

Unlocking Secrets of Some of the World’s Smallest Viruses

Scientists finally get a good look at the tiniest viruses and discover a few of their unique tricks.

A green and blue model of a microvirus against a black background

Research

Finding the Goldilocks Zone for Fish at Oil Platforms

If you are an angler looking for the best place to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, the oil platforms offshore of Louisiana's Atchafalaya River...

Near an oil rig underwater, fish swarm

UT News

Black Families Are Combating the Effects of Discrimination on Their Children Through Talks

Conversations between parents and children have been shown to improve outcomes for the children.

A Black man, left sits beside a Black boy on a front porch as the two talk

UT News

Older Adults Are Happier When Space Matches Personality

People who have a match between personality and living space report better well-being.

Artist image of a living room with lasers and static superimposed over the top

Research

First Confirmed Detection of Neutron Stars Crashing into Black Holes

UT Austin scientists were involved in detecting two events, occurring 10 days apart in January 2020, in which black holes and neutron stars collided.

illustration - nsbh disruption

UT News

Evidence Against Physically Punishing Kids Is Clear, Researchers Say

Physical punishment is ineffective and predicts increases in behavior problems.

A tunnel looking out into a forested area. Two figures, one adult, one child, are silhouetted and holding hands