The new Center for Equity in Engineering aims to change the culture in the Cockrell School of Engineering by making diversity, equity and inclusion work a collective charge. The center will share best practices with others via presentations, workshops and publications to apply elsewhere in the university and beyond.
Research by a University of Texas at Austin doctoral candidate reveals that some American parrot remains may have been captured locally rather than imported from Mexico. The study suggests that the ecology of the past can be different from today's, and natural history collections are essential for research.
Researchers found that climate change is closing the daily temperature range, with increased cloud cover being a key factor. The study used high-resolution modeling to simulate clouds and their impact on diurnal temperature variation, shedding light on how this will affect society and the environment.
The University of Texas at Austin will launch a five-year study on human-robot interactions in public spaces, with the goal of improving safety and communication between robots and pedestrians. The research project will deploy robotic delivery networks on campus, allowing for extensive data collection on human-robot encounters.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a semicrystalline polymer that combines strength and flexibility, overcoming challenges of mixed materials in robotics and electronics. The new material is 10 times as tough as natural rubber and can be controlled with light.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a stable EEG electrode that can be worn for up to four weeks without maintenance, enabling long-term monitoring of brain activity. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize non-invasive brain-computer interfaces and improve treatment outcomes for stroke patients.
Researchers at UT Austin fabricated a new type of electrode using magnets to create vertical alignment, enabling faster charging and potentially doubling range on single charge. The vertically assembled nanosheet networks show superior electrochemical performance due to high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.
A new study finds that air pollution can worsen the social costs of carbon emissions, affecting human health, economies, and agriculture differently depending on where the pollutants are emitted. The research highlights how aerosol pollutants can increase climate change impacts by as much as 66% in some regions.
A new study found that the newer clot-busting drug tenecteplase outperforms traditional treatment for ischemic strokes in several key areas, including better health outcomes and lower costs. The shorter preparation and injection time with tenecteplase eliminated dosing errors and initiated transfers to advanced care sooner.
Scientists have found that the tectonic stress in Japan's Nankai subduction zone is less than expected, contradicting predictions of a major buildup of pent-up energy. The research suggests that the fault may not be as unstable as thought, but still requires further investigation and long-term monitoring.
A study of 389 Fortune 500 organizations found that female leaders prioritize customer relationships, driving long-term financial performance. Female executives are especially valuable in stable environments with a high degree of control over customer strategy.
Researchers found that mixed-gender coalitions perform better than single-gender groups in advocating for gender equity issues. Adding men to the coalition makes the message appear more legitimate and signals that it matters to a wider range of stakeholders.
Scientists at University of Texas at Austin and NC State University have discovered anelasticity, a phenomenon where materials react to stresses over time, allowing for energy dissipation. This property could lead to the development of lightweight shock absorbers for electronics.
A new study finds that neon goby parents help their offspring develop by pushing them out the door at the right time. Offspring hatched by parents are larger and more developed than those that hatch on their own, suggesting a complex parenting behavior. This discovery highlights the surprising complexities of fish parenting behavior.
A study from researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that social media sharers believe they are knowledgeable about the content they share, even if they have not read it. This rise in confidence is due to the public commitment to an expert identity through sharing.
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin are developing controllable synthetic cells with the goal of improving cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. By controlling these cells, they aim to eliminate exhaustion and targeting errors, making them more effective.
Researchers found that givers underestimate the positive impact of their actions on recipients, while receivers focus on feelings of warmth. In experiments, random acts of kindness increased happiness and led to more generous behavior.
Researchers found that a five-day delay in identifying cases and isolating contacts hindered contact tracing programs' effectiveness. Reducing this delay can prevent 26.6% more infections under certain conditions.
A new study suggests Europa's ice shell could be orders of magnitude purer than previously thought due to the formation of frazil ice, which keeps salt in seawater. This could affect the ice's strength and heat transfer, making it crucial for understanding Europa's habitability.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed synaptic transistors using graphene that mimic brain synapses, enabling devices to learn on the fly and improve performance over time. The new material is also biocompatible, paving the way for potential medical applications.
A recent study by the University of Texas at Austin found that C-level executives who regularly promote their knowledge and expertise on Twitter are 32% more likely to land high-paying job offers. This type of personal branding has tangible effects in the form of better job opportunities and higher overall earnings.
The New Mexico site provides conclusive evidence for early human settlement in North America, dating back to 36,250-38,900 years ago. The site's fossil record includes blunt-force fractures, bone flake knives, and signs of controlled fire, which were not typical of earlier archaeological sites.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a unique mattress system that manipulates internal body temperature to facilitate sleep onset. The system, which combines warming and cooling functions, helps people fall asleep approximately 58% faster and improves the quality of sleep.
A study by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that the scaly-breasted wren's song consistently kept time for its duration, even as pauses increased in length. The results suggest that birds can track time more accurately than expected, challenging conventional wisdom on animal cognition.
Researchers developed a methodology to attribute coastal glacier retreat to human-caused climate change, revealing that even modest global warming causes most glaciers to melt or retreat. The approach simulates the behavior of real ice sheets like Greenland's, helping predict major ice loss and informing decision-making for policymakers.
Researchers have successfully created the first solid-state optical nanomotor, overcoming previous limitations in real-world applications. The new motor can rotate on a solid substrate under light illumination, enabling it to serve as a fuel-free engine for various micro-/nano-electro-mechanical systems.
Researchers at UT Austin create biosensors that can detect therapeutic compounds in bacteria, enabling faster and more accurate analysis. This technology has the potential to revolutionize drug production by providing a sustainable alternative to current processes.
A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that 68% of earthquakes above magnitude 1.5 are associated with oil and gas production activities such as hydraulic fracturing or wastewater disposal. The study used statistical analysis and physics-based modeling to identify the causal factors of induced seismicity in the Dela...
Researchers discovered new viruses infecting Asgard archaea, which may hold clues to the origin of complex life. The viruses share features with both prokaryotic and eukaryotic viruses, offering a new perspective on viral eukaryogenesis.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M have developed an electronic tattoo that can deliver continuous blood pressure measurements with accuracy exceeding most available options. The device uses graphene bioimpedance analysis to take precise readings, promising a significant improvement in mobile health monitoring.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that companies with high levels of inventor collaboration are better off when collaborating with universities, as it creates a knowledge protection effect. This strategy helps organizations hedge against rivals discovering company secrets while still benefiting from academic part...
Researchers at UT Austin discovered a rule connecting channel belts to river patterns, finding that channels in ancient rivers lead to narrower belts. Multichannel rivers take up more space on the belt and are closer to the floodplain, influencing landscape shaping.
A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has developed a new therapeutic that uses transmembrane stem cell factor to treat ischemia and stroke without causing allergic reactions. The therapeutic, delivered in engineered lipid nanocarriers, shows promise in enhancing revascularization in ischemic tissues.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that countries with strong rule of law have less economic volatility and higher productivity. Weak rule of law leads to poor contract enforcement, causing employee morale to suffer, ultimately sparking churn and economic instability.
Researchers created a new fiber that performs like a muscle actuator, outperforming existing options in efficiency, flexibility, and strain handling. The fibers can be easily made and recycled, opening up potential applications in prosthetic limbs, robotic arms, and self-closing bandages.
A team of researchers at The University of Texas at Austin has developed components that will allow future devices to achieve increased speeds necessary for 6G. The new radio frequency switches are made of two-dimensional materials, taking significantly less energy to operate, and can provide low-energy, high-speed functions.
Researchers discovered how electric fish evolved electric organs by modifying a sodium channel gene. The finding highlights the potential for this genetic mechanism to contribute to human diseases. By studying electric fish, scientists can gain a better understanding of evolutionary processes and their applications in human health.
Research by University of Texas Institute for Geophysics reveals how ancient global warming affected the Gulf of Mexico's marine life and chemistry. The study found that radiolarians thrived in the Gulf due to nutrient-rich river sediments, providing valuable lessons about current climate change.
A new study from researchers at Dell Medical School found that providing caregivers with four weeks of free tastings of produce and grocery gift cards can lead to improvements in kids' diets. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that children ate healthier foods two additional times per day compared to the control group.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a low-cost gel film that can pull water from the air in dry climates, producing up to 6 liters of water per day. The film uses renewable cellulose and konjac gum, making it an affordable solution for communities struggling with water shortages.
Researchers have discovered a 30-mile-long, 9-mile-wide subglacial lake in East Antarctica that may hold the key to understanding the continent's glaciation history. The sediments at the bottom of Lake Snow Eagle could provide valuable insights into climate change and the ice sheet's possible demise.
Researchers developed an enzyme that can break down plastic waste in hours, making it a promising solution for the world's plastic problem. The enzyme, called FAST-PETase, has the potential to revolutionize recycling and reduce global landfill waste by billions of tons.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that asking a single question about article truthfulness can activate the brain's critical thinking centers, challenging biases and encouraging more critical evaluation of content. This finding has implications for social media companies looking to curb the spread of misinformation.
Astronomers have used observations from the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to better understand how massive stars live and die. The study of supernova 2014C revealed a unique process where the hydrogen envelopes of two stars merged, forming a common-envelope configuration that shed light on the stellar explosion.
Researchers found that flash droughts are happening more quickly, with the fastest ones occurring within five days, affecting areas like South Asia, Southeast Asia, and central North America. The study highlights the importance of understanding and preparing for these events.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have found a natural fungus that can kill off local populations of tawny crazy ants, with 62% of infected populations disappearing entirely. The fungus is specific to crazy ants and has no effect on native species, making it a promising biocontrol agent for protecting sensitive habitats.
Researchers propose that chaos terrains on Europa's surface could shuttle oxygen to the moon's subsurface ocean, where it could sustain life. The computer model showed that 86% of oxygen is transported through the ice via a 'porosity wave', potentially raising hopes for finding life in Europa's ocean.
A study analyzing 9,000 years of Earth's history found that strong El Niño events intensified over time but with a small change due to global warming. Researchers used ancient coral data and powerful supercomputers to conduct their research, calling for further investigations into earlier climate periods.
Researchers found exceptionally preserved fossils from different locations, suggesting that rising global temperatures during the Early Jurassic period may have created favorable conditions for fossilization. The study suggests that past climate change could have enabled exceptional preservation in various environments.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have redesigned a key component of the widely used CRISPR-based gene-editing tool Cas9 to be thousands of times less likely to target the wrong stretch of DNA. The new version, called SuperFi-Cas9, is as efficient as the original but reduces off-target interactions, making it potentially ...