News: Molecular Biosciences
Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
UT News
Texas Coronavirus Scientists Win Award for Research with ‘Great Societal Benefit’
The world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society has announced that Jason McLellan, a University of Texas at Austin associate professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences...
![Jason McLellan peers at lab work underway by grad student Daniel Wrapp](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/mclellan_wrapp_-2400x1350.jpg)
Faculty Members Named to Professorships and Endowed Chairs
Several College of Natural Sciences faculty members have been newly appointed to special professorships and endowed chairs at The University of Texas at Austin.
![Seal of the University of Texas at Austin with a burnt orange filter on the image](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/seal_1400.jpeg)
UT News
Coronavirus Mutation May Have Made It More Contagious
The virus that causes the coronavirus disease COVID-19 is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which may have made it more contagious.
![Map of Houston representing COVID-19 trends in each zip code](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/map-houston-1400px.jpeg)
UT News
Why Some Cancers May Respond Poorly to Key Drugs Discovered
Scientists have identified a driver of drug resistance that can make a life or death difference for patients with some cancers.
![Artist composite image of a medical patient with an intravenous line in the hand and an IV drip](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/intravenous-therapy-1400px-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
Researchers Discover Key Mechanism Cells Use to Harness Energy
New study finds how cells use important nutrient.
![Microscopic image of mitochondria in a cell](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/hela-si-a51-purple_90deg.png)
UT News
Matching CRISPR to the Job Improves the Safety, Efficiency of the Gene-Editing Tool
A new tool helps scientists choose the best available gene-editing option for a given job.
![Artist image shows a tangle of DNA helixes](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/crispr-1400px-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
Ask the COVID-19 Experts
An epidemiologist and two molecular bioscientists get to the bottom of your burning COVID-19 questions.
![Illustration of a physician in a white lab coat](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/covid_researcher_2400x1350.jpg)
Some Bacteria Sacrifice Themselves to Protect their Brethren from Antibiotics
Discovery may aid the fight against antibiotic resistance.
![Bacterial cells in microscopic image. Some are stained green and others bright orange on a black background.](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/bacteria1.jpg)
Tiny Insects Provide Inspiration for New Biomaterials
They may be tiny, but leafhoppers have a super power: they secrete a substance that makes their bodies water-repellant and anti-reflective.
![Oncometopia hamiltoni leafhopper insect](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/o.ham_cro_20200809-191122_1.jpg)
Department of Molecular Biosciences
Locking Down Shape-Shifting Spike Protein Aids Development of COVID-19 Vaccine
An experimental COVID-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 elicits neutralizing antibodies and a helpful T-cell response with the aid of a carefully engineered spike protein.
![A medical professional vaccinates a patient](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/b2ap3_large_vaccination-1400px.jpeg)