News: Molecular Biosciences

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

Research

Alzheimer’s Drug Fermented With Help From AI and Bacteria Moves Closer to Reality

An innovative approach uses artificial intelligence and biosensors to pave the way for faster drug development.

Image of bacteria and biosensors

UT News

Cancer Prevention, Screening and Research Programs Expanding With CPRIT Support

Yi Lu and Lauren Ehrlich of the College of Natural Sciences are among the cancer researchers with exciting projects on the horizon.

Five head shots of scientists include two men and three women

Research

Scientists Uncover Technique to Cut Off Cancer’s Fuel Supply

The discovery could lead to better treatments for acute myeloid leukemia in vulnerable populations.

Two dark cancer cells surrounded by red blood cells

UT News

UT Austin’s Top Research Stories of 2023

From a brain decoder to a supermassive black hole to a cancer drug advance, College of Natural Sciences researchers made breakthroughs this year.

A dense field of galaxies set against a black background of space

Research

Bacteria Store Memories and Pass Them on for Generations

Bacteria use iron levels to store memories and pass them on to later generations, scientists have found.

Microscopic image of E.coli bacteria

Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost

Two Members of Natural Sciences Named to UT Austin’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers

Ruth Buskirk and Michael Marder are among the 2023 inductees to The University of Texas at Austin’s prestigious Academy of Distinguished Teachers.

Ruth Buskirk and Michael Marder

Research

Researchers Identify Potential New Target for Treating T Cell Leukemia

A team led by Lauren Ehrlich found a link between myeloid cells and the cancer that often strikes children.

Green and red cells under a microscope

Research

Cancer Drug Restores Immune System’s Ability to Fight Tumors

Drug candidate developed by Everett Stone and his team is effective in mice with cancers of skin, bladder, blood and colon.

Microscope image of cancer cell with immune cells attached

Research

How Breast Cancer Hijacks a Natural Enzyme to Boost Mutations

Kyle Miller and his team discovered a potential new target for drug therapies: structures in our DNA called R-loops.

Red dots under a microscope indicate the location and quantity of R-loops in cancer cells

Features

How to Extend the Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables with Science

Hong Qiao, a plant researcher, explains the science behind produce ripening, and how anyone can prolong shelf life.

The ethylene from bananas stored together can even cause each other to ripen faster.