A new report emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to develop safer autonomous systems, engaging experts from humanities, social sciences, and engineering. The report recommends creating a network of institutes to share ideas and concerns, ultimately developing a regulatory framework.
A new analysis of Peekskill meteorites and others suggests that asteroids formed through violent bombardment and subsequent reassembly. This finding challenges the prevailing idea of a peaceful early solar system. The researchers propose the 'rubble pile hypothesis,' which supports this conclusion.
Researchers at UT Austin created the smallest memory device yet, shrinking its cross-sectional area to a single square nanometer. Defects in materials unlock dense memory storage capabilities, paving the way for ultra-dense storage, neuromorphic computing systems, and more.
Experts advocate for a new framework that embeds social factors, is guided by antiracist principles and considers contextual factors like race and ethnicity. The goal is to move beyond biological explanations and address structural racism and other societal issues.
Scientists have developed a new approach using nanosensors to detect trace amounts of biomarkers for early-disease diagnosis. The innovation increases detection speed by four times compared to common sensing techniques, enabling rapid disease tests that can be done at home or work.
A new disaster database, DesignSafe, is changing how planners prepare for and respond to natural disasters. The database features over 293 published data sets, including insights on earthquake impact, hurricane damage, and more.
A new device created by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin can overcome challenges like bad weather to deliver more secure, reliable communications. The chip operates in mid infrared light spectrum, allowing signal to penetrate through clouds, rain and other weather conditions without significant loss.
A new study by UT Austin found that temperature and humidity have no significant role in coronavirus transmission, while human behavior plays a major role. Travel habits and urban density are among the top contributing factors to COVID-19 growth.
A new species of ancient lizard, Kopidosaurus perplexus, has been discovered with a unique skull shape featuring curved teeth. The fossil's placement on the tree of life is uncertain, with three different evolutionary trees suggesting multiple possible positions.
A new type of soil created by engineers at the University of Texas at Austin can pull water from the air and distribute it to plants, potentially increasing crop yields in previously inhospitable areas. The hydrogel soil retained up to 40% of its initial water quantity, outperforming sandy soils in dry areas.
A study of over 5,000 COVID-19 patients in Houston found that the virus is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which, D614G, may have made it more contagious. This mutation was prevalent in 71% of initial cases and reached 99.9% prevalence during the second wave.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that construction workers are five times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than workers in other occupations. The researchers suggest that encouraging basic precautions, such as mask-wearing and physical distancing on work sites, can help mitigate risk.
New research reveals that coastal permafrost is largely absent in shallow seafloor areas, contrary to previous beliefs. This finding suggests that carbon can be released from coastline sources more easily, potentially exacerbating climate change.
The University of Texas at Austin has been selected by the Department of Energy to establish a Multidisciplinary Simulation Center, focusing on developing next-generation exascale predictive simulation capabilities. Researchers will combine computational simulations and physical experiments to improve predictive power.
Researchers found fossil evidence of ice age manatees in Texas, dating back to 11,000 to 240,000 years ago. The discovery suggests that manatees may have had a stable presence on the Texas coast during this time period.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have made a groundbreaking discovery about organoids, stem cell-based tissue surrogates that mimic organs. The team found that organoids on the edges of an extracellular matrix dome respond differently to stimuli compared to those in the center, potentially leading to misleading results.
Scientists at UT Austin identified a protein that promotes DNA damage in BRCA 1/2-mutated cancer cells, making them resistant to PARP inhibitors. The finding may help create more effective treatment plans for patients with these cancers.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a method to fabricate large quantities of Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) in a controlled and tunable dimension, making it an attractive material for water treatment and various applications. The process reduces production costs by 3,000 times compared to previous methods.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed an antibody test for COVID-19 that is highly accurate and can handle a large number of donor samples. The test measures antibodies against specific proteins on the virus's spike protein and has been shown to be comparable to the gold standard of antibody testing.
A study from the University of Texas at Austin found that people form a significantly stronger bond with others through voice-based media, rather than text-based communication. The research revealed that despite initial fears of awkwardness, phone calls actually took less time and produced more meaningful connections.
Researchers developed a new tool to guide scientists in choosing the best CRISPR enzyme for their high-stakes gene edits, making the technology safer, cheaper and more efficient. The tool helps identify where mistakes are most likely to occur for each enzyme, saving time and reducing risk.
A team of scientists is developing genetically engineered switchgrass types that can grow anywhere and maximize crop yield, stress tolerance, and carbon sequestration. The research aims to create a sustainable biofuel solution to meet domestic energy demands.
A team of researchers, led by the University of Texas at Austin, has cracked the code of a scientific anomaly that enables ultra-fast battery energy storage systems. They found metal compounds with up to three times the energy storage capability compared to common materials.
The University of Texas at Austin has been selected to lead the NSF AI Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning, aiming to develop new classes of algorithms for more sophisticated AI technologies. The institute will focus on addressing challenges such as noise and diffuseness in modern datasets.
The revised estimate of the inner core age is 1-1.3 billion years old, solving a paradox that arose from younger estimates. The researchers also found that the geodynamo was maintained by two different energy sources and mechanisms, providing new insights into the Earth's habitability.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that precipitation must have been between 13-520 feet to fill ancient lake beds and river valleys on Mars. This study helps scientists understand the planet's climate and provides a crucial reference for future Mars missions.
Researchers are using multidisciplinary approaches, cutting-edge imaging technologies, and cyber resources to study synaptic weight and its effects on the brain. The team aims to determine what factors shape synaptic structures and function, shedding light on basic understanding of the brain.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin created a new tool to help Facebook users discern real from fake news. The study found that combining two simple interventions, including a stop sign icon and a strong statement, had a significant effect on helping people think critically. The researchers suggest that Facebook can improv...
A new study estimated that COVID-19 was widespread in Wuhan, China, and Seattle, Washington, weeks before lockdown measures were implemented. The researchers found that there could have been over 12,000 undetected symptomatic cases of COVID-19 in Wuhan.
Research predicts significant rise in East African rainfall due to climate change, with short rains expected to double by 2100. The region's long rains are less sensitive to greenhouse gas forcing and are expected to remain stable.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that common but invisible words like 'a', 'the', and 'it' follow a consistent pattern across most storylines, regardless of genre or format. The research team identified three stages: staging, plot progression, and cognitive tension, which reflect how humans optimally process information.
Researchers used computational modeling to visualize heart valve implant behavior for the first time, revealing that thinner biological tissues can induce leaflet flutter, compromising durability and causing blood cell damage. This study builds upon decades of research and showcases the importance of supercomputing power in improving s...
A carefully engineered spike protein stabilizer has aided in the development of a new COVID-19 vaccine. The stabilizer, known as S-2P protein, keeps infection from spreading and prompts a helpful immune response.
A new framework helps local entities determine when to tighten social distancing measures and relax restrictions based on hospital data, aiming to minimize economic impact. The model provides clear guidance for tracking hospital admissions data and acting on strict thresholds to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin developed a computer model that connects distinct patterns in sedimentary deposits to shifts in climate and tectonic activity. The model, which uses a 3D source-to-sink approach, allows scientists to simulate the world under different tectonics and climate conditions.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that articles published in journals accepting reprint fees are nearly three times more likely to be written by authors receiving industry payments. Journals with higher commercial practices have more author conflicts, suggesting a need for stricter open access publishing.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have successfully redesigned a key protein from the coronavirus, enabling faster and more stable vaccine production. The new design, called HexaPro, produces up to 10 times more protein than an earlier version, potentially reducing vaccine doses or speeding up production.
A rock core from Petrified Forest National Park has provided a continuous timeline of Earth's history from 225 million to 209 million years ago, shedding light on the Triassic dark ages. The analysis suggests two possible scenarios for the changes in the fossil record: gradual evolution or a powerful asteroid impact.
The research team created better climate model simulations that predict variation in monsoon rainfall the following season, with improved forecasts for the Indian subcontinent. The new model uses complementary satellite data to quantify the connection between snow pack characteristics and monsoon strength over the Asian monsoon region.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have developed a cobalt-free high-energy lithium-ion battery with improved energy density and reduced cycle life. The new cathode is anchored by 89% nickel, manganese, and aluminum, increasing energy storage and potentially boosting electric vehicle range.
Researchers discovered a new DNA storage technique that encodes and retrieves information with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. The method harnesses the capacity of intertwined DNA strands to store durable and compact data, outperforming current methods in information accuracy and efficiency.
A new analysis of Dilophosaurus fossils reveals the largest land animal of its time had much in common with modern birds, including powerful muscles and air-filled bones. The study also sheds light on how Dilophosaurus evolved and its place in the family tree.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a 'room-temperature all-liquid-metal battery' that combines the benefits of existing options. The battery can provide more energy, increased stability and flexibility without the limitations of solid-state batteries.
Researchers at UT Austin are developing a new sensor that can differentiate between COVID-19 and the flu, informing treatment decisions and infection control measures. The dual test is more convenient for patients and saves time for medical personnel, potentially reducing costs and workload.
Researchers found that having more information about existing drugs delays new drug approvals for the same conditions. Innovative drugs took an average of 20 months to win approval when there was less information available.
A giant, soft-shell egg from about 66 million years ago has been discovered in Antarctica, challenging prevailing thought that such creatures did not lay eggs. The egg is the largest soft-shell egg ever found and may have belonged to an extinct sea lizard or mosasaur.
New research reveals consistent patterns in permafrost soils across Alaska's North Slope, allowing scientists to predict how carbon and greenhouse gases are released. The findings will help improve climate models by providing direct permafrost soil information, filling a knowledge gap that has been around for 30 years.
A new method for creating digital replicas of rock samples is being developed by geoscience researchers at the University of Texas at Austin. This technique allows scientists to learn about rock samples without touching them and can be used to calculate important rock properties such as permeability and electrical conductivity.
Companies like Apple and pharmaceutical firms are struggling with disrupted supply chains due to pandemics. Researchers propose a strategy called branching to build multiple branches into value chains, increasing resilience.
Researchers are developing deep learning methods to dramatically reduce design computation time for complex energy systems. The project aims to execute design studies at near-interactive speeds, improving aerodynamic performance and efficiency in aircraft wings and other applications.