News: Research
Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
UT News
Key Switchgrass Genes Identified, Which Could Mean Better Biofuels Ahead
Biologists are one step closer to the goal of making a cheap, widely available plant a source for energy and fuel.
![Image shows bundles of switchgrass in a field ready for harvest](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/20171023_144743-1-scaled-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
Adapting the Frequency of COVID-19 Testing
Transmission rates and community immunity can determine when and whether to scale back testing frequency
![An illustration of a group of people standing between two graphs showing peaks of viral spread and valleys](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/15_humansandstats2_1400x840.jpeg)
Elders Who Live Alone See Benefits in Interacting with Others
Older adults living alone during the pandemic saw distinct benefit from in-person visits when compared to electronic communications.
![Illustration of an older man sitting in front of a laptop computer at a dining room table](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/hdfs-age-pandemic-1400px.jpeg)
Texas Astronomers Revive Idea for ‘Ultimately Large Telescope’ on the Moon
A group of astronomers from The University of Texas at Austin has found that a telescope idea shelved by NASA a decade ago can solve...
![A cylinder-shaped telescope on the surface of the moon](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/llmt_731x593.jpeg)
UT News
COVID-19 Pandemic is Having Little to No Effect on Intimate Relationships
People’s overall satisfaction levels with their relationships changed little during the pandemic, even amid significant stressors, from job losses to health concerns.
![Artist rendering showing couples and families in soap bubbles](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/hdfs-pandemic-couples-families-1400px-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
UT News
Coronavirus Mutation May Have Made It More Contagious
The virus that causes the coronavirus disease COVID-19 is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which may have made it more contagious.
![Map of Houston representing COVID-19 trends in each zip code](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/map-houston-1400px.jpeg)
UT News
Curbing COVID-19 Hospitalizations Requires Attention to Construction Workers
A new study shows how much more likely construction workers are to get diagnosed with COVID-19 compared to non-construction workers
![Construction workers at a plant](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/b2ap3_large_construction-1400px.jpeg)
UT News
Invasive Cactus Moth Likely to Spread and Destroy Native Prickly Pear
A tiny invasive insect has the potential to cause huge ecological and agricultural damage in Texas and beyond.
![Photo shows a closeup of a brown and grey moth on a prickly pear pad](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/cactoblastis_cactorum_moth_femal_20200330-161027_1-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
UT News
Two Pesticides Approved for Use in U.S. Found to Harm Bees
Pesticides were found to kill some bees and damage the health of others.
![Photo shows a close up of a honey bee with it's head stuck into a honeycomb](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/bee-research-1400px-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
3D Printing with Visible Light Gets a Speed Boost
A team of University of Texas at Austin researchers led by chemistry assistant professor Zachariah Page demonstrated a fast and precise way to 3D print...
![3D printed objects made (from left) with blue, green and red light. Photo courtesy Lynn Stevens.](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/longhorn_cropped_highre_20200923-134101_1.jpeg)