News Highlights

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

McDonald Observatory

Astronomers Thought the Early Universe Was Full of Hydrogen. Now They’ve Found It.

Astronomers using data from the Hobby–Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) based at UT made the discovery.

A globular heat map of galaxies is juxtaposed beneath a measure of 100,000 light years

Research

New Model Shows How Behavioral Flexibility Affects Animal Evolution

Animals able to change behaviors but slow to evolve might fare better than previously thought amid climate change.

A squirrel leans over a natural pool of water to take a sip

Research

A Secret Weapon from Salmonella Could Help Us Maintain Healthier Microbiomes

The discovery could also lend itself to the development of future antibacterial therapies.

An illustration of pink, rod-shaped bacteria connected by filaments

Research

Experimental Chemo Drug May Trick the Immune System Into Fighting Cancer

The finding suggests other chemo drugs, too, may be making cancer cells cause a surprising immune-system reaction.

A microscope image of round cells that resemble lemon slices, but stained purple.

Features

Visualizing Science Contest Winners for 2026 Span Disciplines

Top-prize image highlights a vital player in the central nervous system.

Shapes and colors like swirls of paint occupy a star-shaped cell found in the brain and spinal cord

Announcements

UT Austin Launches New School of Computing

New school will unite key strengths to establish a center of excellence, strengthening interdisciplinary research and preparing talent for a rapidly changing economy.

Two students view the UT campus out an upper-floor, burnt orange oriel while another student ascends stairs

UT News

Texas Science Festival Invites Community to Partake in the Joys of Discovery

From a talk-show themed night with science comedy to a campus-wide day for hands-on STEM exploration, the 2026 Texas Science Festival offers something for everyone.

Texas Science Festival 2026 Feb. 18-March 5 appears alongside graphics of different shapes

Accolades

Allan MacDonald Wins Frontiers of Knowledge Award

The UT Austin physicist was one of two scientists to win the international prize in the category of basic sciences.

A man in a collared shirt and glasses smiles, standing before a chalkboard with equations.

Features

UT Undergrad Uncovers Country-Specific Factors Linked to Improved Cancer Outcomes

UT biochemistry major Milit Patel collaborated with researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on research published in a top cancer journal.

Portrait of a male student with short dark hair standing in a large atrium with natural light

Research

Mental Health Intervention Reduces Severe Depression, Anxiety for Vulnerable Groups

The study highlights the importance of tailoring care to the needs of communities with service-access barriers.

A collage of multi-colored silhouettes of different people