The Oden Institute and Alan Turing Institute have signed an MoU to deliver research advances in artificial intelligence, computational science, and data-centric engineering. The collaboration aims to address global challenges such as net zero greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
A new meta-analysis by Jeffrey Newport found no association between prenatal antidepressant use and autism in children, despite previous studies suggesting a potential link. Limited access to healthcare among ethnic minority and immigrant mothers was identified as the root cause of bias, leading to inaccurate study results.
Research suggests that global warming could disturb the Indian Ocean's surface temperatures, triggering an Indian Ocean El Niño similar to the Pacific Ocean phenomenon. This could lead to new climate extremes, including disruption of monsoons over East Africa and Asia.
Researchers linked two llama antibodies to create a new antibody that binds tightly to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, blocking viruses from infecting cells. The team aims to conduct preclinical studies and eventually test the treatment in humans to develop a potential COVID-19 therapy.
The University of Texas at Austin researchers aim to find the best mask-disinfectant combinations to reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals. The project uses thermal manikins and mass spectrometers to measure the effects of different disinfectants on masks.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a method to stabilize lithium-sulfur batteries, extending their cycle life by four times. This breakthrough enables more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective battery production, with potential applications in electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a new scientific machine learning method to reduce the time and cost of designing rocket engines. By creating reduced-order models that can run in seconds, rather than minutes or weeks, engineers can test performance in different conditions more quickly and safely. This br...
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a method to make big data processing more energy efficient using magnetic components. By leveraging lateral inhibition in artificial neurons, they achieved an energy reduction of 20-30 times compared to standard back-propagation algorithms.
A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers reveals that long-lived pioneer trees, which grow fast and live long lives, account for most of the biomass and carbon storage in some tropical rainforests. The finding improves climate models' accuracy by considering variations in tree species' growth, survival, and reproduction.
Research from a global team of scientists found that diverse rock types at New Zealand's largest fault contribute to varying earthquake types. Slow slip events and tsunami-generating tremors are linked to the unique properties of each rock type.
Researchers at six universities, including UT Austin, are launching a partnership to turn AI 'black boxes' into human-understandable computer code. This will enable solving hitherto unsolvable problems in fields like drug design and cognitive science.
Researchers found that groundwater flowing from frozen permafrost carries significant concentrations of carbon and nutrients to Arctic coastal food webs. The discovery suggests a new and potentially important source of fuel for local coastal ecosystems.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that Mexican women living in Texas breastfed longer than their counterparts born and educated in the US. The research showed that early formula use, returning to work, and smoking were risk factors for discontinuing breastfeeding earlier than intended.
Researchers developed a cancer-drug candidate called OxaliTEX that stops tumor growth entirely and delivers more cancer-busting power than many commonly used chemotherapy drugs. OxaliTEX has fewer toxic side effects and is more effective in overcoming resistance compared to existing platinum-based treatments like carboplatin.
Researchers found the average serial interval for COVID-19 in China to be approximately four days, indicating a short window for public health responders to identify and isolate cases. This study provides evidence of asymptomatic transmission, which may require more aggressive control measures to curb the spread of the disease.
A new computer model explains how gas bubbles form large methane hydrate deposits, advancing understanding of climate change and energy security. The model suggests that gas flowing through subsurface layers can accumulate into concentrated hydrate reservoirs suitable for future energy sources.
Researchers at UT Austin found a correlation between higher median incomes, urbanization, and lower vaccination rates among white, educated Texans. The study identified pockets of high-risk communities in Texas where outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases are more likely to occur.
A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that consumers derive more happiness from experiential purchases than material ones. The researchers recruited over 2,600 adults and monitored their emotions and purchasing behavior, discovering that happiness was higher for those who spent on experiences a...
A new study found that underwater mountains pulled into subduction zones can set the stage for powerful quakes and create conditions that end up dampening them. Researchers used a computer model to simulate the effects of seamounts on surrounding rock and sediment, finding that the brittle rock ahead of the seamount creates powerful ea...
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Mozilla developed a new sandboxing approach for web browsers using WebAssembly. This approach shifts some browser code into secure sandboxes, preventing malicious code from taking over users' computers.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that oil plays produce significantly more water than natural gas plays, posing a challenge for managing produced water. The studies project water demand and produced water volumes for eight major oil-producing areas in the US.
A breakthrough in coronavirus research has led to the creation of a 3D atomic scale map of the part of the virus that attaches to and infects human cells. This mapping is crucial for developing vaccines and antiviral drugs against the 2019 novel coronavirus.
A survey of institutional investors reveals a growing recognition of climate change among Wall Street executives. The survey found that over 97% believe global temperatures are rising, and more than half consider climate risks in investment decisions. Institutions are starting to take action by asking companies to disclose carbon emiss...
According to new research, Gulf coast mollusks were able to survive past periods of climate change, including the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), which warmed the planet by 9-14 degrees Fahrenheit. The study suggests that these resilient communities may adapt again to today's climate change.
Researchers used travel data to estimate that the virus was introduced to at least 128 cities in China before the Wuhan quarantine began. The study suggests that early travel during the Spring Festival season seeded cases far beyond the Wuhan region.
A team of chemical engineers has developed a new way to produce medicines and chemicals on demand using portable biofactories embedded in water-based gels. The approach could help people in remote villages or on military missions access critical medicines and daily use chemicals.
The UT-designed board game, 'Taphonomy: Dead and Fossilized,' teaches key concepts about how fossils form through a fun, interactive experience. The study found that 71% of students thought the game helped them learn about fossilization, and it was preferred to regular lab work by many.
Scientists develop genetically engineered bacteria to target Varroa mites and deformed wing virus, increasing survival rates by up to 70%. The approach could one day scale up for agricultural use, improving bee health and food production.
A multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists has developed high-performance filtration membranes that demonstrate higher density of pores than commercial membranes and can be produced much faster.
Researchers have discovered a unique CO2 hotspot in the ocean, with readings of up to 95,000 parts per million. The site, known as Soda Springs, is being studied for its potential to understand how coral reefs cope with climate change.
Researchers found that Western sign languages have DNA traces from 5 European locations, including Austrian, British, French, Spanish, and Swedish. The study used genetic techniques to analyze data from dozens of sign languages, revealing a clearer picture of their evolution and historical development.
A new study finds that seven percent of Texas abortion patients attempted self-managed abortion due to lack of affordable clinic options, local closure, or friend/family recommendation. Most women who used misoprostol were successful, while those using home remedies sought clinic care after unsuccessful attempts.
Researchers studied male chimpanzees' social relationships, finding strong bonds with maternal brothers and old males, including biological fathers. This challenges the idea that pair bonds evolved first in humans, suggesting elements of fatherhood may have arisen earlier in a similar social system.
Research finds impaired motor skills in preschoolers and lower IQ in middle childhood for boys whose mothers were severely overweight during pregnancy. A nurturing home environment can lessen the negative effects of obesity on child development.
Researchers propose a new theory that iron particles fall from the molten outer core and accumulate on the inner core, creating piles up to 200 miles thick. This phenomenon could help explain seismic wave anomalies and provide insights into the Earth's interior composition and behavior.
A new study suggests that lowering exposure to mouse allergens can lead to improved lung growth in asthmatic children living in low-income neighborhoods. The research found a strong association between mouse allergen exposure and lung function growth, with potential implications for long-term lung health and even longevity.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed a novel water filtration process that mimics the human body's efficient water transport system. The new membrane technology shows impressive desalination properties, exhibiting selective salt removal with higher efficiency than current processes.
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports suggests that increasing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology could play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research estimates that there is enough space in the world's nearshore continental margins to store 6-7 gigatons of CO2 annually by 2050, and tha...
The University of Texas at Austin is launching a unique initiative to make itself a national hub for geothermal energy expertise and startups. The new Geothermal Entrepreneurship Organization will leverage existing expertise in geosystems and drilling engineering to develop technologies and launch companies.
Successful tech entrepreneurs prefer cities with a strong social support network and modest funding opportunities. The study reveals that social connections play a significant role in attracting and retaining talent, with young entrepreneurs aged early 30s being the most successful.
Scientists have found a way to pair silicon with organic molecules to transfer energy between them, improving efficiency in converting light into electricity. This breakthrough has implications for information storage, solar energy conversion and medical imaging applications.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin propose a chemical perspective to understand fracture patterns, which can influence oil and gas production. By analyzing mineral coatings and fluid reactions, scientists may be able to tease out processes that drove fracture formation.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered that the Nile river is approximately 30 million years old, contradicting previous estimates. The team linked the river's flow to mantle movement in the Earth's deep mantle, revealing a steady northward path that has shaped human civilization.
Research by The University of Texas at Austin found that the presence of oxygen is necessary for fossilization, not its absence. Low-oxygen environments helped set the stage for fossilization once oxygen became available, preserving delicate marine specimens from the Early Jurassic period.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that Facebook users can't accurately discern fake news due to their own biases. Participants were asked to assess credibility, but they overwhelmingly chose headlines aligned with their beliefs as true, regardless of flagging.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new material, 2D antimony, which holds promise for manufacturing even smaller computer chips. The material has high charge mobility, making it a suitable alternative to silicon, and its properties could lead to the discovery of even better materials.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin and University of Minnesota debunked the myth of a correlation between Super Bowls and sex trafficking, citing empirical evidence that shows no causal link. A study found that online ads for sex may temporarily increase during large public events, but this is not the same as trafficking.
A new study reveals twisted bilayer graphene can exhibit superconducting and insulating regions, increasing its usefulness for electronic devices. The discovery is a significant advance in the emerging field of Twistronics, enabling the creation of materials with high-temperature superconductivity.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that successful startups require leaders who both seek input and set boundaries with their team members. The researchers call this 'territorial-marking' behavior beneficial for startups. Leaders who establish limits signal their psychological investment, encouraging team members to inv...
A University of Texas at Austin team developed an AI system named Fashion++ that analyzes outfits and suggests tweaks for a more fashionable look. The tool uses visual recognition systems to consider color, pattern, texture, and shape, offering alternative outfits to users.