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University of Texas at Austin


Forever chemical pollution can now be tracked

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...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 7, 2024

AI opens door to safe, effective new antibiotics to combat resistant bacteria

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2024

In China, property rights take wrong turn

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Law and Economics·DateJul 18, 2024

Smart soil can water and feed itself

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateJul 17, 2024

When to let Amazon sell for you

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...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJul 15, 2024

IoT sensors tattle on stores that neglect promo displays

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalManufacturing and Service Operations Management·DateJul 11, 2024

For better loan terms, find a partner

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateJun 25, 2024

Ensuring ‘pediatric readiness’ in emergency departments costs little and saves lives

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open·DateJun 17, 2024

Apps get better when developers diversify

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJun 11, 2024

Marketers can manage 'feature creep'

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

To combat loneliness, buy experiences, not things

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·DateMay 21, 2024

Diamond heat

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2024

Cooler transformers could help electric grid

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalHeliyon·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 16, 2024

To keep volunteers, connect them

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that fostering social connections among volunteers can help organizations recruit and retain scarce volunteers. Researchers analyzed data from a Chinese crowdsourcing platform and found that social connections were a powerful predictor of volunteer behavior, with findings appl...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2024

Corporations use government grants to lighten debt load

A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers finds that government cash grants help companies lighten their debt load, with corporations enjoying a 2-3% lower debt-to-equity ratio. However, the grants are often not publicly disclosed, making it difficult for investors and stakeholders to effectively value the benefit.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAccounting Horizons·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2024

How to make the right impression online

A literature review of 124 studies on virtual impressions offers research-based suggestions on how to make a digital best foot forward. Researchers found that timely responses matter and using emoticons and emojis can increase feelings of warmth and likeability but risk making others seem less intelligent.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Management·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 21, 2024