News: Biodiversity and Sustainability
Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
Female Butterflies See UV Light Thanks to a Gene Hiding in an Unusual Place
In some species, female and male butterflies apparently perceive colors differently.
![A butterfly with black and white striped wings](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/heliconius-1200x800.jpg)
Some Frogs Use Toxins to Deter Predators, but Evolution Doesn’t Supply Free Lunch
Poison frogs are able to withstand a toxin which they use to deter predators, but not without a cost.
![Anthony’s poison frog (Epipedobates anthonyi). CREDIT: David Cannatella](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/poison_frog_teaser_image.jpeg)
UT Austin Ranks among Top U.S. Universities in Nature Index
Among U.S. universities, UT ranks 17th in natural sciences, 8th in physical sciences and 7th in chemistry.
![UT is spelled in flowers south of the main mall with the UT Tower in the distance](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/3-2-tower-university-ave.-orange-flowers-ut-2022139208-copy-2400x1600-b6b12ebe-5022-4038-83d1-95b78c2b17dc.jpg)
UT News
Integrative Biology Professor Studies Critical Link between Plants and Pollinators
University of Texas at Austin integrative biology professor Shalene Jha studies critical link in the web of life: plants and pollinators.
![A woman stands opens a drawer of preserved insects labeled "Texas Native Bees" while standing in front of a poster about polllinators](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/jha-shalene-2023-3-2.jpg)
UT News
Invasive Grass in Texas Uses Chemical Warfare to Crowd Out Native Species
An invasive grass causing havoc in Texas and contributing to wildfires packs a one-two wallop against native plants. Guinea grass uses a combination of crowding...
![Researchers in the field examine Guinea grass](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/grass1-thumbnail-2400x1600.jpg)
Texas Science Festival Inspires Texans to Delve into Discovery
Go deep in the heart of science this month and next.
![A space telescope, two girls, a planet, a bird and a robot represent science festival events](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/3-2-texas-science-festival-2023-blog.jpg)
Urban Gardens Are Good for Ecosystems and Humans
Traditionally, it has been assumed that cultivating food leads to a loss of biodiversity and negative impacts on an ecosystem.
![urban garden featuring plants and raised beds](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/2-feature-16x9-2400x1440-1-1200x800-c-default_0.png)
Loss of Reptiles Poses Threat for Small Islands Where Humans May Have Caused Extinctions
A new study has startling conclusions about how, on smaller islands in the Caribbean where human impact was greatest, extinctions have led to the loss...
![Stylized image showing a lesser antillian iguana vs. an invasive mongoose](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/iguanavsmongoose-1200x800-c-default.png)
Moran to Receive Waksman Award in Microbiology from NAS
Nancy Moran receives the Selman A. Waksman Award in Microbiology from the National Academy of Sciences.
![Portrait of a woman in a blue shirt and glasses](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/moran_3x2.png)
Oh Bee-have! UT Scientist’s Book for Children Highlights the Many Facets of Bees
Felicity Muth's fascination with insects from a young age has led her to a career of researching bee cognition and sharing her knowledge with others.
![A woman looks at a bee on her finger](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/muth2400x1600.jpg)