For the first time, researchers have observed a powerful 'galactic wind' of molecules in a galaxy 12 billion light-years away, providing insights into how early galaxies regulated their growth. The wind was detected in a galaxy called SPT2319-55, which is more than 1 billion years old.
A new study reveals that genetic factors explain around two-thirds of individual differences in school achievement and 70% of the stability of educational achievement throughout schooling. Genetic influences also persist even after accounting for intelligence and noncognitive traits.
A new diagnostic tool has been developed to identify the species of mosquitoes that carry diseases such as Zika virus and dengue. The tool uses a smartphone camera and detects the presence of biopesticide Wolbachia, which helps curb disease transmission. With high accuracy of over 97%, this innovative technology represents a significan...
A newly discovered mammal fossil contains fossils of 38 babies, providing insight into the evolution of mammals' reproductive strategies. The discovery suggests that a key development in mammalian evolution was trading brood power for brain power.
Biological anthropologists from the University of Texas at Austin have discovered three previously unknown ancient primates in San Diego County. The fossils date back 42 million to 46 million years, with estimated weights ranging from 113 to 796 grams.
Researchers at UT Austin have developed a new approach to treating cancer using enzyme therapy, which boosts the immune system by degrading kynurenine, a metabolite that suppresses the immune system. The treatment could prove effective in treating various types of cancers and is expected to initiate clinical trials soon.
A study found that people's likelihood of expressing gratitude is driven by predictions of recipient reactions, highlighting the importance of overcoming fear to write sincere thank-you notes. The research suggests that writing gratitude letters can improve well-being for both writers and recipients at little cost.
A new cancer drug lead, C1, has shown promise in reducing tumor size by forcing tumors back to normal metabolism. The approach combines two existing drugs, doxorubicin and dichloroacetic acid, to deliver a potent toxin and prevent tumor growth.
A new study found that air pollution shortens human lives by over a year globally, with better air quality potentially extending lifespans. The researchers analyzed data from 185 countries and quantified the national impact of PM2.5 air pollution on life expectancy.
A video-based behavioral ethics curriculum called Ethics Unwrapped has been shown to increase student understanding of ethics and human behavior. The program, which uses open-access videos, improves comprehension of complex moral concepts such as conflict of interest and relativism.
Researchers found that Cas12a is a more choosier enzyme than Cas9 due to its binding mechanism, making it less likely to edit the wrong part of the genome. This discovery could lead to improved gene editing in plants and animals with increased safety for human applications.
Researchers found that students with a fixed mindset experienced higher levels of stress and reported feeling
Researchers found that people in the US seek abortion medications online due to barriers to clinical care, such as high costs and restrictive laws. The study also highlights the need for trusted online options to provide safe and effective medication abortion.
Climate change is projected to severely hinder conservation efforts for the Nassau grouper and other Caribbean Reef fish. Breeding habitats are expected to decline by 82% by 2100 if no action is taken to mitigate climate change.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that empathetic police officers who feel undervalued perform poorly in their duties. In contrast, conservative officers with punitive approaches to justice tend to maintain high performance levels despite public criticism. Policymakers are urged to address the issue by implementi...
Researchers at UT Austin designed a new nerve gas detector combining chemical sensors and photography, identifying different nerve agents through color and brightness variations. The device is portable, inexpensive, and adjustable, providing critical information for first responders and scientists in the field.
Scientists have discovered that fish use brief electrical pulses to communicate without being detected by predators. This adaptation may hold clues for treatments of conditions such as epilepsy and cardiac diseases. The research also provides insights into the genetic basis of unique abilities in animals.
A pilot study found crystalline particles of titanium dioxide in pancreas specimens with Type 2 diabetes, suggesting a possible link between the white pigment and the disease. The study suggests that increased use of titanium dioxide may contribute to the global rise in T2D cases.
Researchers developed a new error-correction method for DNA barcodes, reducing errors from 10% to 0.5%, allowing for more ambitious medical research and larger-scale experiments. The FREE method enables accurate tracking of biological molecules, including cancerous tumors and drug candidates.
A new study challenges the classic image of dinosaurs, revealing that they couldn't stick out their tongues. Researchers compared hyoid bones of modern birds and crocodiles with those of extinct dinosaur relatives, finding that most dinosaurs had short, simple tongue bones anchored to the floor of their mouth.
A team of scientists has discovered that warm ocean water and surface meltwater are destabilizing Antarctic ice shelves, increasing the chances of catastrophic ice loss events. This finding is concerning as ice shelves slow down ice flow into the ocean and control sea level rise.
The Blausen Medical Library, valued at $25 million, has been made freely available to the University of Texas at Austin. The library features over 28,000 3D animations and illustrations detailing various biomedical topics, including human anatomy and physiology.
By replacing cysteine with selenocysteine, researchers have created biologically stable proteins that can survive longer in the human body. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, less frequent doses of medicine, lower healthcare costs, and fewer side effects for patients with cancer and other diseases.
New research found life in the crater within a few years of impact, contrary to predictions. A thriving ecosystem developed within 30,000 years, influenced primarily by local factors such as water circulation and ecological niches.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that combining clopidogrel and aspirin reduces the risk of major stroke within 90 days after a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) by 25%. However, this combination also increases the risk of bleeding complications.
Researchers propose a link between the dawn of plate tectonics and the 'Snowball Earth' period, which sent the planet into a deep freeze lasting millions of years. The hypothesis suggests that the drastic climate change could be a consequence of the Earth's transition from single lid to plate tectonic activity.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new drug, JVW-1034, that targets the sigma 2 receptor to block alcohol withdrawal symptoms and cravings. In animal models, the drug has shown no obvious side effects and has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption in rats.
A growing financial disparity occurs in couples' financial literacy over time, driven by relationship roles and responsibilities. This can lead to difficulties in managing finances post-divorce or widowhood, as individuals struggle with unfamiliar financial tasks.
Researchers used new technologies to study how vision guides foot placement, revealing distinct patterns between vision and locomotion in different terrain types. They found that participants consistently looked 1.5 seconds ahead of their current location, suggesting a global locomotor strategy.
Researchers found that Great Barrier Reef corals have enough genetic variation to adapt to rising ocean temperatures, allowing them to potentially survive for at least another century. This offers a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts, but also highlights the need to take action against global warming.
Researchers have found two new subglacial lakes in the Canadian Arctic, which are thought to be similar to potential habitats for microbial life on other moons in our solar system. The discovery could help scientists prepare for future missions, such as NASA's Europa Clipper mission.
A new study reveals that HIV-infected patients experience dysfunction in follicular helper T cells, which typically help fight off infection. The researchers found that these cells are not playing their usual role to defend against viral infections.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new technology using combined gel-polymer hybrid materials to produce clean drinking water from any source. The system uses ambient solar energy to power evaporation, reducing energy consumption and increasing water volume.
A proposed Texas border wall would threaten endangered species, cause habitat destruction, and disrupt the region's growing ecotourism industry. The construction of the wall and associated roads could also damage valuable riparian forest ecosystems and harm pollinators.
Researchers found that allowing transgender youths to use their chosen name in various settings significantly reduced symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, and attempts. The study revealed a 71% decrease in severe depression, 34% decrease in suicidal thoughts, and 65% decrease in suicidal attempts.
Researchers have developed opto-thermoelectric nanotweezers that can control particles at the nanoscale and analyze them in-situ. This technology has the potential to lead to new discoveries in nanotechnology, individual health monitoring, and biological systems.
A recent study has found that a layer of weathered bedrock can store significant amounts of water that may sustain trees during droughts. Researchers discovered that up to 27% of annual rainfall was stored as 'rock moisture' in the field site, allowing trees to survive severe droughts.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a cost-effective method to produce triacetic acid lactone, a biorenewable platform chemical, by engineering yeast Y. lipolytica to increase TAL production tenfold. This breakthrough enables mass production of polyketides for various industrial applications.
A University of Texas at Austin professor and his team have discovered a new, efficient way to extract lithium and other metals from water using metal-organic-framework membranes. This process has the potential to revolutionize industries such as water desalination and power electric cars.
A study published in Nature Communications finds a correlation between Atlantic Ocean surface currents and rainfall patterns in the Western Hemisphere, both in the past and present. The research suggests that changes in ocean currents can influence global climate and may have far-reaching impacts on future climate change.
Research found discrepancies between satellite and global model estimates of land water storage in 186 river basins worldwide. GRACE satellites measured changes in water storage, which differed from simulations made by seven commonly used models. The study highlights the need for improved regional assessments to ensure accurate water a...
Researchers developed ultra-thin memory storage device combining nanoscale memory and transistors, paving the way for advanced computing systems.
A newly discovered dinosaur fossil from China contains evidence that a tiny bird-like dinosaur may have used its flashy neck feathers and a bony crest on its snout to attract mates. The discovery provides the earliest evidence of iridescence in dinosaurs, which is similar to that found in hummingbird species today.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a novel method called SLAY to screen hundreds of thousands of potential antibiotics. The method involves genetically engineering bacteria to produce and test molecules that are potentially toxic to themselves, allowing for rapid screening and efficient testing.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a first-of-its-kind chemical oscillator using DNA molecules, enabling precise molecular control and complex behaviors. The discovery opens doors to creating molecular machines that can perform sophisticated tasks such as communication and signal processing.
Researchers found that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet has a history of expanding and shrinking, indicating it could contribute to global sea level rise. The study used geophysical and geological data to reconstruct how glaciers on the Sabrina Coast have advanced and retreated over 50 million years.
Geologists can improve estimates of landscape erosion and sediment dispersal by accounting for factors like bedrock material erosion rates, zircon fertility, and sediment recycling. Researchers collected zircon grain samples from modern river watersheds in the Andes Mountains to test these assumptions.
Scientists propose that molten metal percolates downward through tiny channels in rocks to form a planet's core. This 'trickle-down' theory contradicts earlier experiments suggesting most metals stay trapped in isolated pores.
Researchers at UT Austin uncover a previously unknown Greek copy of the First Apocalypse of James, a heretical Christian text describing Jesus' secret teachings to his brother. The discovery sheds light on the forbidden writings that were thought to be lost until now.
A research team recreated the lunar surface's formation and found that the Moon's crust initially formed from rock floating to the surface of a magma ocean. However, secondary processes resurfaced the Moon, exposing a younger, purer layer of plagioclase crust.