News

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

Research

Big Brains and Big Ranges Might Not Save Birds from Climate Change

April 22, 2025 • by Marc Airhart

Global bird sightings from citizen scientists and a view into “climate niches” reveal unexpected risks for some birds.

Two birds perched on branches. The left bird has sleek brownish-gray feathers, a black eye mask, a crest on its head, and yellow-red wing markings. The right bird features speckled brown-gray plumage with bright yellow wing patches and a reddish-brown head.

Accolades

Meet Three Exceptional Seniors Among our 2025 Graduates of Distinction

April 21, 2025 • by Esther Robards-Forbes

More than 150 top CNS students have been selected and celebrated for their distinctive contributions.

2025 Graduates of Distinction. From left: Sanjaya Kumar, Hayden Stegall and Miriam Yampuler

Accolades

Guggenheim Foundation Names 3 at UT in 100th Class of Fellows

April 16, 2025 • by Sowmya Sridhar

Swarat Chaudhuri, a computer scientist, and Feliciano Giustino, a physicist, are among this year’s fellows.

Three headshots are surrounded by graphics representing the Guggenheim Foundation and UT Austin.

Undergraduate College

College of Natural Sciences Student Awarded Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

April 15, 2025 • by Staff Writer

Biochemistry junior Mrigayu Ghosh plans to conduct pioneering research in stem cells and mechanobiology for tissue engineering.

A young man in glasses smiles in an area in front of a brick wall and archway.

Announcements

Science and STEM Camps at UT Austin this Summer

April 11, 2025 • by Sarah Melendez

UT Austin has a wide range of offerings for young people interested in exploring technology and science learning this summer.

A group of children and college students wearing aprons pose for a group photo behind a table with freshly chopped peppers along with other fruits and vegetables.

Research

Genetic Match Between Mother and Child Reduces “Obstetrical Dilemma”

April 10, 2025 • by Marc Airhart

A common idea in evolutionary biology comes under new scrutiny with help from a big medical dataset and AI.

The Graduate School

Graduate Students Win at 2025 Empower Your Pitch Competition

April 10, 2025 • by Staff Writer

Neuroscience Ph.D. student Cole Maguire and cell and molecular biology Ph.D. student Lisa Wang won prizes for research talks.

A juxtaposition of two head shots of a young woman and young man, against a burnt orange backdrop.

UT News

TAU Systems’ Laser Driven Particle Accelerator Receives UT Investment

April 8, 2025 • by Nicole Pampe

Founded by UT physics professor Björn Manuel Hegelich, TAU Systems is developing TAU Labs, an R&D center and radiation testing facility.

A modern office building surrounded by palm trees has the word TAU over an entryway.

McDonald Observatory

JWST Awards UT Astronomers 10% of Its Coveted Observing Time

April 7, 2025 • by Emily Howard

Steve Finkelstein, Danielle Berg, Adam Kraus, Stella Offner and John Chisholm are among UT Austin astronomers leading new James Webb Space Telescope projects.

An artist's illustration of the James Webb Space Telescope

Cockrell School of Engineering

New Research Boosts Future Whooping Cough Vaccines

April 7, 2025 • by Esther Robards-Forbes

Molecular biosciences faculty contributed to advances that could lead to more effective, longer lasting vaccines.