A new species of blind, subterranean ant, Martialis heureka, has been discovered in the Amazon rainforest and is believed to be a descendant of the first ants to evolve. The ant's unique characteristics, including lack of eyes and pale body color, suggest that it may have evolved adaptations over time to its subterranean habitat.
A new probe that uses light to detect skin cancer has received more funding for clinical trials. The device, called a 'clinical spectrometer,' can take measurements and identify cancerous cells within seconds.
Researchers at UT Austin create fruit fly model to study Angelman syndrome genetics, revealing behavioral dysfunctions similar to human cases. The UBE3A protein's role in degradation is linked to disease symptoms, with mutant flies displaying circadian rhythm irregularities and memory impairments.
A recent study by The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin found significant variations in green roof performance across six manufacturers. Green roofs were found to cool buildings' interiors by up to 21% and capture rainwater during downpours, but differences varied greatly among products.
A new study by Claus Wilke and D. Allan Drummond found that genetic evolution prioritizes minimizing errors in protein production to prevent misfolded proteins, which can cause neurodegenerative diseases. The research may lead to better detection of genes with mutations leading to toxic proteins.
A study led by Dr. Scott Solomon found that ice age climate change and ancient flooding contributed to the evolution of new insect species in the Amazon region. The researchers tested three hypotheses, concluding that riverine barriers cannot explain the region's high biodiversity.
A team of researchers has developed a chlorine-tolerant membrane that simplifies the water desalination process, increasing access to fresh water. The new membrane reduces the need for de-chlorination steps, leading to cost savings and potentially lowering carbon-dioxide emissions.
Conservation scientists propose assisted migration as a solution to prevent species from becoming extinct due to climate change. The authors argue that human-assisted translocation can help select species that are crucial for conservation efforts and have viable habitat options outside their current range.
A recent study published in The Southwestern Naturalist has shed light on the pollination habits of endangered Texas wild-rice (Zizania texana), revealing that pollen can only travel about 30 inches away from a parent plant. This information will be crucial for conservation efforts to reintroduce and propagate this rare aquatic grass.
Biological chemist Jason Shear and his team developed a way to alter the shape and size of microscopic hydrogel structures by changing their environment's chemistry. This allows for precise control over cells, which can be used to study disease, understand quorum sensing, and create micro-devices.
A University of Texas at Austin biomedical engineer has received a $1.5 million grant to develop molecular imaging technologies for cancer screening, diagnosis, and therapy using nanoparticles. The project aims to detect and treat cancer at the cellular level, targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that internal waves can generate intense currents when traveling along continental slopes, lifting sediments and contributing to ocean mixing. These currents, called boundary flows, also play a role in larger ocean currents by bringing cold water up from the deep ocean.
Mechanical engineering Professor Adela Ben-Yakar has developed a laser microscalpel that targets individual cancer cells in 3D without damaging surrounding cells. The device uses femtosecond lasers to sear targeted cells quickly and accurately, potentially revolutionizing surgeries for cancer, epilepsy, and other diseases.
As people age, they experience more feelings of ease and contentment than younger counterparts. The study found that aging is associated with more positive than negative emotions, and more passive than active emotions.
The study found that aging is associated with more positive than negative emotions, and more passive than active emotions. Women had more negative than positive emotions, and participants with higher income and education levels had significantly more positive emotions.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new source for biofuels in cyanobacteria, which can be grown on non-agricultural lands using salty water. The microbe produces cellulose and sugars that can be converted into ethanol, offering a potential alternative to traditional sources such as corn and sugarcane.
Researchers developed a nano-bio-chip device that analyzes saliva to detect proteins associated with heart attack, offering a non-invasive and rapid diagnostic tool. The test can identify current heart attacks and predict future risk, potentially saving lives and preventing damage from cardiac disease.
Researchers found that a geological province previously thought to prevent giant earthquakes broke through, potentially increasing the risk of more severe quakes like those occurring in Cascadia Subduction Zone. This discovery could have significant implications for earthquake preparedness and response worldwide.
A new study reveals that attractive women's preferences for partners are influenced by their own physical attractiveness, calibrating their standards across multiple characteristics. Women seek a balanced combination of good genes, resources, parenting proclivities, and emotional commitment in their partners.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new method to control fluid particle motion in tiny channels. By arranging particles in layers aligned with channel boundaries, they can promote faster particle transport and improve the efficiency of micro- and nano-scale technologies.
Researchers have developed techniques to control most atoms using atomic coilguns and lasers, enabling the determination of neutrino mass and potential applications in atomic physics. The breakthroughs use a combination of supersonic beam technology and single-photon cooling methods.
Researchers found that changes in dissolved organic matter affect coral bacterial communities, potentially leading to disease and reef deterioration. Shifts in microbial populations may be out-competed by problematic bacteria, exacerbated by rising temperatures.
A powerful new gene-networking model has been developed to identify disease-causing genes, allowing for faster and more efficient discovery. The technique was tested in nematode worms, where it identified new genes involved in tumor development and extended life span by 55 percent.
New seismic images of the Chicxulub crater suggest the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs landed in deeper water than previously thought. This led to a larger release of water vapor into the atmosphere, which could have exacerbated the effects of acid rain and climate change.
The Advanced Energy Consortium aims to improve oil and gas production by developing intelligent subsurface micro and nanosensors. The technology will help characterize reservoirs in three dimensions, increasing recovery rates of existing and new hydrocarbon resources.
A new study from The University of Texas at Austin found that creative activity is key to maintaining good health. Employees who enjoy their daily activities and have more control over their work experience tend to be healthier.
A study at the University of Texas at Austin found that human spines evolved differently in males and females due to back pressure from pregnancy. The adaptation, which first appeared at least two million years ago, includes larger joints and a more angled vertebrae curve in females.
New research brings scientists closer to exploring Jupiter's moon Europa, discovering potential for life in its ice-covered ocean. Refined methods and data analysis reveal a habitable environment, with improved measurements potentially detecting compounds indicative of life.
Researchers found a 500,000-year-old human fossil in Turkey with evidence of Leptomeningitis tuberculosa, a form of brain tuberculosis. The discovery suggests that dark-skinned people migrating from low latitudes may be more vulnerable to the disease due to vitamin D deficiency.
A computer model developed by Dr. David Morton is being expanded to prioritize radiation detector placement in high-risk areas, using data on smugglers' routes, materials, and methods. The goal is to detect nuclear smuggling attempts more effectively.
A new study reveals the evolutionary Tree of Life for flowering plants, with monocots and eudicots found to be more closely related than to other major lineages. The analysis of genomic data suggests a unique species called Amborella represents the earliest diverging lineage of flowering plants.
Research from the University of Texas at Austin found college students drink larger amounts of alcohol on football game days. Women, particularly lighter drinkers, were more likely to engage in risky behaviors after consuming alcohol. The study suggests that social context plays a significant role in increased drinking rates.
Scientists have identified a major fault and recent fault activity that contribute to massive tsunamis in the Nankai Trough. The research provides insights into the risk of giant tsunamis in other regions, allowing for better assessments and mitigation strategies.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that teaching white children about historical racism significantly improved their positive attitudes toward African Americans. In contrast, African-American children who learned about racism did not experience changes in their racial attitudes.
Researchers will collect data to verify water quality models and predict Dead Zone development, supporting resource managers in mitigating hypoxia impacts on commercially important fish and shellfish. The study complements existing research on the effects of hypoxia on aquatic life.
Researchers highlight the limitations of genetic ancestry tests, including their inability to identify all ancestral groups or locations, false positives and negatives, and lack of connection between DNA and racial identity. The tests are often used by consumers to validate genealogical records or search for specific ethnic affiliations.
Changes in gene expression may cause people to develop a tolerance to inhalants by altering the response of fruit flies to future doses through epigenetic modifications. The research lays groundwork for understanding mechanisms of inhalant addiction and developing treatment methods.
Wind power variability poses a challenge for grid systems. Researchers are developing methods to measure wind farm capacity contribution and establish energy storage systems to manage this variability. The goal is to enable more efficient integration of wind power into existing power systems.
A new modified plastic material, known as thermally rearranged (TR) plastic, has been developed to separate carbon dioxide from natural gas more effectively. The TR plastic works four times better than conventional membranes at separating out carbon dioxide through pores.
Hypoxia caused by low oxygen levels in coastal waters impairs fish reproduction by disrupting their hormones. Laboratory studies found that hypoxia decreases serotonin levels in the brain, leading to endocrine disruption.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a new tool to improve LASIK surgery outcomes by measuring eye tissue stiffness using tiny bubbles generated inside eye tissue. The technology could also provide a new treatment for presbyopia, a age-related difficulty focusing on close objects.
Researchers developed a single-particle technique to study small portions of semiconductor material at the nanoscale. The study found that 'deep traps' are formed in plastic semiconductors, which can decrease efficiency and cause defects. This breakthrough could lead to improved devices made from these materials.
A comprehensive study by University of Texas researchers reveals 237 complex motivations for human sex, including physical, emotional, and insecurity-based factors. The findings challenge common assumptions about the simplicity of human sexuality.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found obese girls are half as likely to attend college as non-obese girls. The study attributes this disparity to mental health and behavioral issues such as increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, and negative self-image.
A study published in Science debunks the popular stereotype that females use more words than men, revealing both sexes use an average of 16,000 words per day. The research used a digital voice recorder to track daily interactions over eight years and analyzed transcripts from nearly 400 university students.
A new model developed by Dr. Sam Brown recognizes the impact of durable goods on cooperation, showing that cheaters can increase without immediate consequences but ultimately face costs when others follow suit. This research has far-reaching implications for fields like ecology, economics, and medicine.
The ASCE panel's report confirms the city's vulnerability to hurricanes and recommends steps to reduce damage. The panel estimates that New Orleans residents' pre-Katrina risk was 1,000-fold higher than considered minimally acceptable.
The Deep Phreatic Thermal Explorer (DEPTHX) has successfully reached the bottom of Cenote Zacatón, the world's deepest known sinkhole. The robotic sub is designed to survey and explore extreme regions on Earth and potentially in outer space, advancing the search for life beyond our planet.
The TRIPS processor is a demonstration of Explicit Data Graph Execution (EDGE) technology, offering an alternative approach to multicore processing. It features two 16-wide processors per chip, capable of issuing 16 operations per cycle and sustaining high execution rates.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a faster approach to producing disease-fighting antibodies. This method can provide significant time savings and enable the isolation of therapeutic antibodies for human diseases that were previously unobtainable.