News: Molecular Biosciences
Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
Department of Molecular Biosciences
Our Immune Systems Blanket the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein with Antibodies
Most antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the blood target areas of the viral spike protein outside the receptor binding domain, or RBD
![A spike protein from the virus SARS-CoV-2 with antibodies attached](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/antibodies-and-spike-white1400.jpg)
Department of Molecular Biosciences
Hepatitis C Drugs Boost Remdesivir’s Antiviral Activity Against COVID-19
Four drugs used to treat hepatitis C render remdesivir 10 times better at inhibiting the coronavirus in cell cultures.
![A hand holds a pill against a backdrop of other medical interventions such as shots and IV bags](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/5_pills_1400x840.jpg)
Department of Molecular Biosciences
Human Trials Begin for a Low-Cost COVID-19 Vaccine to Extend Global Access
A COVID-19 vaccine in human trials in Vietnam, Thailand and Brazil, holds promise for affordable vaccine manufacturing in countries currently dependent on imported vaccines.
![A masked person holds a glass vial of vaccine](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/gpo-75571_v2.jpg)
UT News
Accurately Editing Genes in Living Cells Means Grappling with Knots in DNA
Gene editing inside living cells could become more effective and accurate after researchers unveiled how inner workings can help or hinder the process.
![A man in a lab coat and goggles watches from the background as a woman in lab coat and goggles handles a pipette at a lab bench](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/20180911-russell_lab-0243_-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
Department of Molecular Biosciences
Finkelstein Receives Welch Foundation’s Norman Hackerman Award
The Welch Foundation announced that Ilya J. Finkelstein who has been researching the coronavirus and the gene-editing tool CRISPR, will receive the 2021 Norman Hackerman Award...
![Portrait of a man](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/finkelstein_ilya_2400x1800_0.jpg)
Four Natural Sciences Faculty Receive Sloan Research Fellowships
Carlos Baiz, Caroline Morley, Andrew Potter and Urbain Weyemi are among the 128 scholars from across the country selected by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to receive the 2021 Sloan...
![Headshots of four scientists](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/2021_sloan_fellow_composite_01b_2400x1600.jpg)
Undergraduate Research Aims to Harness the Power of Mealworms to Degrade Plastic
Undergraduates at the UT Austin Inventors Program are exploring how mealworms, and the microbes in their guts, can naturally degrade household plastics.
![Meal worms and plastic](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/img_6287_2400x1600.jpg)
Department of Molecular Biosciences
Scientists Discover How Remdesivir Works to Inhibit Coronavirus
For the first time, scientists identified a critical mechanism that remdesivir uses against SARS-CoV-2 and unearthed information that drug companies can use to develop new...
![A pair of gloved hands holds a vial of clear liquid](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/remdesivir-gilead1660.jpg)
The College Welcomed New Faculty in 2020
See the new faces at the College of Natural Sciences.
![Seal of the university of texas with an orange filter](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/my_project-1_2.jpg)