News: Molecular Biosciences

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

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

Podcast

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

Research

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.

Research

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

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

Department of Molecular Biosciences

COVID-19 Vaccine Innovation Could Dramatically Speed Up Worldwide Production

A redesigned version of the coronavirus spike protein called HexaPro might speed up vaccine production and yield a more effective immune response to SARS-CoV-2.

A professor and graduate student working in lab

Research

Discovery about Hep C Drug Offers Insights for Coronavirus Treatments

Finding offers important clues to developing drugs to stop other RNA viruses, such as SARS-COV-2.

  An artist rendering of the Hepatitis C virus.

Department of Molecular Biosciences

COVID-19 Vaccines with UT Ties Arrived Quickly After Years in the Making

The COVID-19 vaccine was only possible because a group of scientists and their partners in industry had already invested years in laying the groundwork.

Thee men in lab coats in a laboratory

UT News

Power of DNA to Store Information Gets an Upgrade

Researchers stored a copy of the Wizard of Oz - in Esperanto - in DNA using a revolutionary new technique.

Artists image of DNA helix in purple, yellow and green with letters GTAC and 01 binary in the background

Accolades

Lulu Cambronne Named 2020 Pew Biomedical Scholar

Xiaolu 'Lulu' Cambronne was one of 22 early career scientists selected to join the 2020 class of Pew Biomedical Scholars.

Profile pic of Lulu Cambrone