News: Research

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

UT News

Repeated Testing for COVID-19 is Vital, Economic and Public Health Analysis Shows

Having all people in the U.S. tested on a regular, rotating basis can likely slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and the loss of...

Photo shows a woman in lab protective equipment and mask and goggles handling pipette at a lab bench

UT News

School Gardens Linked With Kids Eating More Vegetables

School vegetable gardens and classes about nutrition and gardening increased vegetable consumption among children.

Photo shows children holding beets, turnips and radishes they harvested

Department of Molecular Biosciences

Scientists Discover How Remdesivir Works to Inhibit Coronavirus

For the first time, scientists identified a critical mechanism that remdesivir uses against SARS-CoV-2 and unearthed information that drug companies can use to develop new...

A pair of gloved hands holds a vial of clear liquid

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

Research

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

Research

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

Research

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

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

Research

Coronavirus Mutation May Have Made It More Contagious

The virus that causes 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

Research

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