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News: Integrative Biology

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

Research

So What Should We Call This – a Grue Jay?

September 18, 2025 • by Marc Airhart

The rare hybrid offspring of a blue jay and a green jay is likely a result of weather-related shifts in the range of two species.

Three birds are shown. On the left is a blue jay, which is primarily blue with some patches of white on wing tips, around the face and on the chest. On the right is a green jay, which is primarily green with a lighter colored chest and a mix of blue and black patches on the face. In the center is a hybrid bird, which is primarily blue and resembles a blue jay, but with a larger area of black on the face, more akin to a green jay.

Research

New DNA Evidence Reveals Origins of Finnish, Estonian and Hungarian Languages

July 10, 2025 • by Marc Airhart

The study identifies an ancestral population in Central Siberia linked to the origin of Uralic languages.

An archaeological dig reveals a burial site with human bones and a series of rectangular armor plates made from animal bone.

UT Bridging Disciplines Program

Abby Jones’ Multifaceted UT Journey

July 9, 2025 • by Staff Writer

A recent graduate of UT biology who studied ecology, evolution and behavior looks back on her undergraduate experience.

A young woman in burnt orange smiles while sitting in front of a microscope in a lab and collections space.

TACC

Evolutionary Bursts: AI-Driven Research Uncovering Rapid Genomic Shifts in Human Evolution

June 30, 2025 • by Jorge Salazar

Vagheesh Narasimhan, a biologist and data scientist, uses Frontera and Lonestar6 supercomputers to power discovery.

A pair of chimps seated on boulders rest near greenery and in tree shade.

Research

Nearly Half of Latin American Frogs and Toads Are at Risk

April 25, 2025 • by Gabriela Alves-Ferreira

A new study shows that nearly half of frog and toad species in Latin America may lose their habitat range by 2050.

A tropical frog ventures out on a stem.

Research

Big Brains and Big Ranges Might Not Save Birds from Climate Change

April 22, 2025 • by Marc Airhart

Global bird sightings from citizen scientists and a view into “climate niches” reveal unexpected risks for some birds.

Two birds perched on branches. The left bird has sleek brownish-gray feathers, a black eye mask, a crest on its head, and yellow-red wing markings. The right bird features speckled brown-gray plumage with bright yellow wing patches and a reddish-brown head.

Research

Genetic Match Between Mother and Child Reduces “Obstetrical Dilemma”

April 10, 2025 • by Marc Airhart

A common idea in evolutionary biology comes under new scrutiny with help from a big medical dataset and AI.

A small baby lies in a woman's lap

Features

How UT Students are Fueling Energy Research

April 3, 2025 • by Sowmya Sridhar

From advancing sustainability to enhancing efficiencies, student researchers are a part of UT’s energy story.

Collage imaging featuring solar panel cells, switchgrass bundles and test tube of dye.

UT News

UT Austin and MD Anderson Launch Joint Initiative to Advance Breakthroughs in Cancer Research

March 25, 2025 • by Staff Writer

Interdisciplinary research teams involve UT Austin faculty in the life sciences, computer science and chemistry.

Three people stand before a wall of screens displaying scientific images of cancer cells.

Texas Connect

Turtle pond serves as living lab for student researchers

March 24, 2025 • by Alistair Manliguez

Justin Havird is leading students in a research project on the ecology and evolution of UT Austin's beloved turtles.

A turtle sits on a log at the edge of a pond