News: Molecular Biosciences

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

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.

Research

New Technique Reveals Protein Production in Early Embryos

The earliest stages of developing life have been, in many ways, a black box for researchers before now.

Microscope image of a blastoid, a model of an early embryo

Features

FDA-Approved RSV Vaccine Enabled by Work of UT Molecular Biologist

Every year, millions of people become sickened by RSV, and more than 100,000 die. New vaccines with a connection to UT Austin may help turn...

A child gets a bandage after receiving a vaccination

Accolades

Hear from Three Seniors Among This Year’s Graduates of Distinction

Several graduating seniors from CNS have been recognized for their distinctive accomplishments, including the three individuals highlighted here.

Three student headshots

Accolades

Two College Faculty Receive Dads’ Association Centennial Teaching Fellowships

Two faculty members in the life sciences received the honor for excellence in teaching.

Tim Riedel (left) examines a wiring circuit with a student. Anita Latham (right) writes on a chalkboard.

Accolades

Jason McLellan Receives Inaugural Award To Recognize Research Impact

A biologist at UT Austin who played a key role in the development of COVID-19 and RSV vaccines has received honors for the far-reaching impact...

Jason McLellan stands with hands in pockets in front of Norman Hackerman Building's glass walls as other campus buildings and foliage appear in the reflection behind him

Accolades

NSF Awards Graduate Research Fellowships to 23 UT Natural Sciences Students

Dozens of graduate and undergraduate students of UT Austin's College of Natural Sciences were honored this year by the National Science Foundation.

Graduate students sit and stand in rows in a library setting

Research

The Achilles Heel That Could Lead to Universal Coronavirus Treatments

Alone, this target might not be strong enough to directly block infection, but might be used to jump-start or boost an immune response.

A man in white lab coat holds a three dimensional model of a viral protein and an antibody attached

Features

UT Austin a Key Player in Science’s Hottest Research Areas for 2023

Researchers at UT Austin are involved in some of the most exciting areas of science and driving groundbreaking discoveries and technologies that impact our world.

Individuals looking at a display of outer space

Research

How Amphibious Plants Rewired a Gas Exchange Pathway to Survive in Water

Just as humans cannot breathe underwater, the tiny pores of plants can't exchange air underwater.

When grown on land, the amphibious plant Rorippa aquatica produces pores called stomata (left); but grown in water, it does not. Credit: Shuka Ikematsu.