A new study by the University of Texas at Austin found that acknowledging employees' efforts, rather than their abilities, boosts overall productivity in companies with remote workers. Praising effort-focused messages, especially those that are personally identifiable, can have a significant impact on employee motivation and performance.
Researchers have discovered a new class of natural antimicrobials called microcins that can target specific strains of bacteria causing cholera, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. Microcins are highly selective and can potentially remove unwanted bacteria without disrupting the human gut microbiome.
A global study published in PNAS found that most cities (over 60%) receive more rainfall than their surrounding rural areas, leading to worsened flash flooding. This is due to the convergence of air toward city centers caused by tall buildings and population density.
Researchers at UT Austin have developed a broadly neutralizing plasma antibody called SC27 that can neutralize all known COVID-19 variants. This discovery was made possible by the technology of Ig-Seq, which provides a closer look at the antibody response to infection and vaccination.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that more frequent financial reporting aids investors in predicting future earnings. Quarterly reports lead to better-correlated returns with long-term future earnings, making it easier for investors to forecast and incorporate them into current stock prices.
A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that in-person contact is crucial for reducing loneliness in older adults, while phone and digital contact are less effective. The study revealed that even weak social ties can benefit from in-person visits, leading to lower levels of reported loneliness.
A new study from Texas McCombs finds that accumulating 'likes' can lead to fewer clicks for assertive CTA ads, but more clicks for informational ads. The researchers discovered that users respond positively to 'likes' from friends with similar interests, while those with dissimilar interests have a negative effect.
Researchers questioned the Cascadia subduction zone's earthquake record, finding that turbidite layers showed no better correlation than random chance. The study suggests a need for further research on turbidite layers and their connection to past earthquakes.
Researchers led by Katherine Chworowsky found that early galaxies were not as massive as initially thought due to black holes' influence. The study suggests that these black holes consume gas, emitting heat and light that makes the galaxies appear brighter than they really are.
New research from the University of Texas at Austin finds that metro areas with more separate jurisdictions have higher wages and home values. Jurisdictional competition drives municipalities to choose better policies, leading to a 12% higher economic freedom index and more workers in higher-paying industries.
Two proteins, viperins and argonautes, play important roles in human immunity, originating from Asgard archaea. These defense systems have been passed down for billions of years, providing a crucial line of defense against viruses.
A new study found that auditors are more likely to give in to companies' requests for lenient financial reports when they have already been involved in ESG audits. This can lead to inflated numbers and misrepresentation of a company's value to investors and shareholders.
New research finds that AI explanations can fuel a perception of fairness without being grounded in accuracy or equity. Humans were more likely to override AI recommendations when explanations highlighted gender rather than task-relevance, but this did not improve decision-making accuracy.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a way to fingerprint organofluorine compounds, also known as 'forever chemicals', allowing them to be traced back to their source. The new technique uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computational tools to identify unique carbon isotope patterns in each molec...
Results of a Phase 2 clinical trial show that nipocalimab can delay or prevent anemia and intrauterine blood transfusions in babies at high risk for Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN). The study involved 13 pregnant women who received intravenous nipocalimab between 14 and 35 weeks of gestation.
Researchers found that including corporate earnings growth in state budgets improves accuracy, explaining up to 86% of variation in actual revenue collections. This tool is particularly useful for states with diverse industries, and can help avoid midyear cuts and slashing programs later in the year.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have leveraged AI to develop a new, safer antibiotic that targets specific bacterial membranes while minimizing harm to human cells. The AI-powered approach has identified a promising lead compound with potential for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
The UT Austin expedition aims to investigate how sediments control glacial melt and the future of the Greenland ice sheet. A robotic submersible will gather measurements of the glaciers' underwater walls and sediment-laden meltwater, while surveys and sediment cores will reveal past climate change impacts.
A new study suggests that using a combination of smaller impermeable barriers, known as a 'composite confining system,' can effectively trap CO2 for long-term storage. This approach is considered more efficient than traditional caprock-sealed reservoirs, which can be prone to leaks.
A new study by Kishore Gawande finds that China's nationwide protection of private property rights in 2007 turbocharged its business climate. However, the country is now reversing course, with potential investors pulling back due to weakening property rights. This could lead to lower economic output and tax revenues for local governments.
A newly engineered hydrogel-infused soil system has been developed to capture water from the air and release nutrients, resulting in larger, healthier plants using less water and fertilizer. The technology has shown promising results in experiments, with a 138% increase in stem length compared to regular soil.
The layered multiferroic material nickel iodide (NiI2) has been found to have greater magnetoelectric coupling than any known material of its kind, making it a prime candidate for technology advances. This property could enable the creation of magnetic computer memories that are compact, energy-efficient and can be stored and retrieved...
New research from Texas McCombs suggests that small sellers have more options than previously thought. The study modeled the interactions between companies and consumers, considering factors like other channels, number of players, and substitutability. Sellers can choose to retain control over their prices or sell to Amazon, weighing t...
A new study from University of Texas at Austin researchers found that poor execution of promotional displays in retail stores can deprive brands of up to 2.3% more sales. The study used IoT technology to track display installations and found that busy managers often view displays as a nuisance, leading to missed sales opportunities.
A global research team has developed a way to break down plastics using lasers and 2D materials, creating a potential solution for the world's plastic problem. The process involves laying plastics on top of transition metal dichalcogenides and then lighting them up, resulting in the breakdown of molecules into their smallest parts.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a technique for ultrafast formation of carbon dioxide hydrates, which can store carbon in the ocean and prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. This breakthrough could make carbon storage more accessible and feasible on a global scale.
A new imaging technique allows scientists to visualize the Earth's rocky interior using GPS data, revealing details about the planet's crust and mantle. This method has the potential to improve earthquake predictions by combining it with other techniques.
Researchers found that companies in strategic alliances can access more favorable loan rates and terms through the financial networks of their partners. This is because banks with existing relationships with an alliance partner offer lower interest rates to a company entering the alliance.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered topological vortices in polaron quasiparticles that contribute to generating electricity from sunlight. The discovery can help develop new solar cells and LED lighting with exceptional energy conversion efficiency.
A new study finds that pediatric readiness in emergency departments can significantly reduce mortality by up to 76% while requiring a low annual cost of implementation, ranging from $23,775 to $145,521. Hospitals with high pediatric readiness can improve survival rates without breaking the bank.
Research from Texas McCombs finds that developers who multihome their software attract more users to the original product, improving its performance and standing out in the market. The study also shows that multihoming can lead to a 5.3% increase in average monthly usage for similar products.
A 6-centimeter-wide fossil of a large cat species, Homotherium, was discovered on the Texas coast. The fossil provided key evidence for the cat's expansion across habitats in Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas.
Researchers create standard yardstick to measure value in accountable care organizations (ACOs), finding average improvement potential of 24%. The proposed approach can also be applied to individual hospitals and other health care providers, pinningpointing areas for improvement.
A study found that consumers prefer products with interrelated features, which are easier to use and perform well. Companies can increase sales by highlighting these connections, while reducing dissimilar features. Product developers should focus on adding value through functional connectivity rather than numerous new features.
Studies led by the University of Texas at Austin researchers found that bird song and human voice share a common genetic link, with the syrinx and larynx having similar developmental programming. This discovery highlights the shared ancestry between birds and humans in terms of vocal organ structure.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin discovered distinct molecular differences in brains of people with PTSD and depression compared to neurotypical controls. The study's findings may lead to novel therapeutics and biomarkers.
A longitudinal study of LGBTQ+ youths found that transitioning gender identities is not associated with depression. Instead, higher rates of depression were linked to bullying and victimization. The study followed 366 young people ages 15-21 and measured depressive symptoms periodically over three years.
A new study found that spending money on experiences, such as concerts, restaurants, or travel, increases feelings of social connection and similarity with others. In contrast, buying material goods has a lesser effect on these connections. The research suggests that this could lead to improved health and happiness.
A study found that tool use among sea otters allows access to larger prey, reducing tooth damage. Female otters, which are more likely to use tools, can consume prey up to 35% harder than males.
The SEC experiences a surge in enforcement cases in September due to a reporting deadline, resulting in lower fines. Researchers suggest this may impact the agency's ability to deter bad behavior and maintain overall effectiveness.
A study found that trees along UT's Waller Creek flourish during droughts due to wastewater from leaky city pipes, which also affects tree growth patterns. The research highlights the unintended positive consequences of urbanization on climate-resilience of stream ecosystems.
Researchers identified a unique two-part defense system that destroys plasmids, protecting the bacterial strain from evolution and contributing to its longevity. This discovery could lead to new treatments or prevention strategies against severe symptoms.
Researchers used supercomputer simulations and machine learning to map diamond's phonon stability boundary in six dimensional strain space. This framework guides the engineering of materials through elastic strain engineering, enabling the development of new devices such as computer chips and quantum sensors.
Researchers found that free-delivery subscription plans offer financial benefits to everyone involved, including retailers and customers. They do this by increasing average annual purchases, locking in customers, and adding value through perks such as exclusive sales and online entertainment.
Researchers find that rocks' permeability affects slow slip events, potentially leading to a better model for predicting earthquakes. The study's findings provide new insights into the role of fluid cycling in subduction zones.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a first-ever stretchy electronic skin that can equip robots with human-level touch sensitivity. The new technology overcomes existing limitations in sensing accuracy as the material stretches, allowing for precise control and force manipulation.
A new study models the impact of high thermal conductivity paper on power transformer performance and life. The research aims to improve transformer efficiency by reducing hotspot temperatures, potentially doubling or tripling lifespan. Researchers used Stampede2 supercomputer simulations to test the effectiveness of engineered paper.
By replicating nature's swarm behavior, researchers have created 'smart swarms' of microscopic robots that can adapt to changing environments, leading to improved task performance. This breakthrough enables potential applications in autonomous drone fleets, efficient drug delivery, and cleaning contaminated water.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin propose a new step in the tectonic process that raises seafloors into mountains, involving oceanic crust influencing magma chamber formation. This discovery has implications for understanding back arc basins and their role in regulating the planet's climate.
A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin has developed a calibration-free brain-computer interface that allows users to control games and devices using only their thoughts. The device uses machine learning capabilities to self-calibrate, making it faster and more accessible for people with motor disabilities.