A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that groundwater levels in Sub-Saharan Africa frequently increased over time, with most aquifers replenishing their water supply during rainy periods. The research tracked long-term water storage gains and losses across Africa's major aquifers using NASA's GRACE satellites.
A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that narrow but deep channels across the coastal plain landscape play a significant role in moving water, particularly during floods. The channel networks covered over 12,000 square miles and were separated into distinct drainage basins.
Scientists applied a social networking algorithm to the fossil record to track changes in ancient communities during mass extinctions. The study found that community losses did not always correlate with biodiversity decline, suggesting complex ecological interactions.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found a new approach to impairing antibiotic resistance in deadly bacteria by inhibiting the protein DsbA. This method could potentially restore the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, addressing a global health crisis responsible for millions of deaths annually.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin created a new nanocrystal gel that can be easily tuned to work as an optical filter, controlling heating or cooling dynamically. This versatile material has applications for thermal camouflage in defense and telecommunications.
A recent study by a UT graduate student has unraveled the enigma of how tectonic plates break Earth's rock-hard shell. By monitoring seismic images and matching them with rock samples, the researcher found that a small break in the Australian plate grew over millions of years until it unzipped and set in motion a runaway geologic process.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that rapid weight gain in pregnant women during the first and final months may lead to higher body mass index measurements, larger waist circumferences, and higher body fat percentages in their daughters by age 14. Researchers connected patterns of weight change in pregnancy to p...
Researchers used big data imaging to visualize the entire subterranean formation and its effect on regional tectonics. The findings provide critical information for predicting near-future earthquake processes.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a reliable COVID-19 forecasting system using hospital admissions data and cellphone mobility data. The system has been used by 22 municipal areas in Texas to manage healthcare resources and communicate pandemic risks.
A submersible robot will explore three of Greenland's glaciers with a remotely operated vehicle Nereid Under Ice (NUI), mapping seafloor topography and retrieving sediment cores to study moraines and their impact on glacier stability. The mission aims to improve model projections for future sea level rise.
A study published in Scientific Reports uses fossilized mollusk shells to investigate ocean chemistry during the end-Permian mass extinction. The analysis found no signs of severe ocean acidification, contradicting previous theories.
A recent study led by the University of Texas at Austin has found that liquid water detected under Mars' ice-covered south pole is likely a dusty mirage. However, the researchers suggest that ancient lakes and riverbeds may still be present on the planet, offering clues about its wetter past.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that software development teams given greater autonomy are more productive and have higher customer satisfaction rates. The researchers tested 461 projects over 50 months and found a 39% increase in value added for autonomous teams compared to traditional teams.
A new model recommends a staged testing strategy that tracks changing risks as variants emerge and subside. The approach balances costs with benefits of preventing hospitalizations and deaths, while preparing for future pandemics.
A study found that urbanization played a significant role in exacerbating rainfall over European suburbs during the 2021 summer floods. The research revealed that cities can intensify storms and direct them towards suburban areas, leading to increased rainfall by 50% compared to their own influence alone.
Researchers have designed a new method to illuminate the effects of interference in experimental data, enabling social and behavioral researchers to account for it across various applications. This approach can test directly for interference effects, such as spillovers and peer effects in social networks.
Research finds virtual conferences lower costs, reduce travel commitments, and eliminate environmental costs associated with in-person events. Virtual attendance increased by up to 253% for women and 344% for students and postdoctoral scholars, making them more inclusive.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that extinct dinosaurs expressed bright colors on their beaks, legs, and around their eyes. The researchers analyzed data from living bird species and found a 50% chance that the common ancestor of birds and extinct dinosaurs had bright colors in its soft tissues.
New research on the world's largest pterosaur, Quetzalcoatlus, reveals that it likely leaped into the air before lifting off, using its wings to generate lift. The study, published by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, is the most comprehensive on the species yet and provides new insights into its flight mechanics.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new sodium-based battery material that overcomes the dendrite problem in earlier sodium batteries. The new material recharges as quickly as a traditional lithium-ion battery and has a higher energy capacity than existing sodium-ion batteries.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a sodium-sulfur battery that solves key challenges in its production, enabling longer life cycles and stable performance. The breakthrough electrolyte prevents unwanted reactions and prolongs the battery's lifespan.
Researchers have expanded the number of naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas systems, giving a wealth of potential new tools for large-scale gene editing. The discovery could lead to treating complex diseases associated with multiple genes.
Astronomers at UT Austin's McDonald Observatory have discovered a massively dense black hole at the center of dwarf satellite galaxy Leo I, revealing an unprecedented mass ratio between the galaxy and its central black hole. This finding shakes up our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter distribution.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to combat the tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus by reconstructing its structure and identifying neutralizing antibodies. The study, published in Science, offers insights for developing therapeutics and vaccines against the virus.
Researchers found that both deep and shallow conversations felt less awkward and led to greater feelings of connectedness and enjoyment than expected. People underestimated how interested strangers were in their deeper thoughts and feelings, but accurate expectations increased interest in having a deeper conversation.
Scientists discovered that low-frequency energy from earthquakes travels in a four-leaf clover pattern near the fault, while higher frequency waves travel in all directions. This finding could improve building designs and mitigate earthquake damage by prioritizing vulnerable areas within the pattern.
A new study found that adults and children make inferences about connections between experiences in different ways. Children create separate memories and compare them to make inferences, while adults build integrated memories with inferences already baked in. This difference may be due to differences in brain development and maturation.
New research reveals that sinking tectonic plates are significantly weakened as they enter the mantle, but not broken apart entirely. The study's computer model shows a 'tectonic snake' shape, with stresses pinching the plate along weak points.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a first-ever global river database tracking movement of the world's largest rivers over 40 years. The data reveals average migration rates for each river delta, helping identify stable areas and those experiencing major shifts.
A new study finds that relying on online search can lead to overconfidence in one's own knowledge, blurring the lines between internal and external memory. This can affect decision-making, particularly in high-stakes areas like medicine and finance.
A new study found that couples in the Houston area experienced a significant increase in relationship satisfaction after Hurricane Harvey, despite previous research suggesting stress spillover would decrease satisfaction. The researchers discovered that those who were unhappy before the hurricane saw the largest jumps in satisfaction.
A recent study by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin found that the 2011 Texas drought was more severe and widespread than previously estimated. Using satellite data to track soil moisture levels, the team's updated model showed that extreme drought affected over 95% of the state in April 2011.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin created hydrogel tablet that can rapidly purify contaminated water, making it suitable for drinking in an hour or less. The tablets generate hydrogen peroxide to neutralize bacteria with an efficiency rate of over 99.999%, requiring zero energy input and no harmful byproducts.
Researchers found that lake breach floods played a crucial role in shaping the Martian surface, creating river valleys with nearly a quarter of the Red Planet's total volume. The study's findings suggest that these floods had a lasting impact on the surrounding landscape, influencing the formation of other nearby river valleys.
A team of Texas Engineers has developed a hybrid sensing approach that allows the device to possess properties of both piezo-capacitive and piezo-resistive sensors. This breakthrough enables soft pressure sensors to withstand pressure without significant decay in sensitivity, opening up new possibilities for wearable devices.
Researchers from University of Texas at Austin have discovered a way to accelerate the formation of CO2 hydrate structures that can store billions of tons of carbon for centuries. By adding magnesium, these structures form 3,000 times faster than current methods, offering a promising alternative to reduce climate change.
Researchers found that dough mixing vats and millstones from Roman-era ruins were made from specific rock types that improved each tool's function. The stones were sourced locally, challenging a theory that some millstones were imported from Italy.
A study of coral reef systems worldwide reveals that most fish species are picky eaters, with a single larger species extinction jeopardizing the entire ecosystem. The research found that even small losses can create imbalances in food webs.
A new research method developed by an interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists has the potential to significantly increase lithium supply and reduce costs for devices that rely on it. The technique involves extracting lithium from contaminated water using precise membranes, which can improve efficiency and simplify the extrac...
Researchers found that trees are tapping into bedrock for water, a phenomenon previously thought to be rare. The study, led by Erica McCormick at UT Austin, suggests that bedrock is a significant source of water for trees, with rock moisture outdoing soil as a water source in many cases.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin tracked water storage in 14 major US aquifers over 15 years, finding that irrigation habits can be managed more effectively in humid regions. The study highlights the importance of surface water in replenishing groundwater, which helps dampen the impacts of irrigation.
Researchers developed a new system to track tumor cell evolution and identify resistant cells, which can be used to test treatment effectiveness. The system, ClonMapper, allows for high-resolution study of clonal dynamics during tumor evolution and treatment.
New nanocomposite materials with high thermal conductivity are being developed to address the challenges of electronic devices and infrastructure. These materials can withstand extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, and moisture while retaining the advantages of polymers.
Scientists aim to develop computer models that can forecast earthquake chances and impact, like weather forecasting. The project will also train students and researchers from diverse backgrounds to work on computational geoscience.
Researchers discovered a rare bird fossil with nearly complete skull, allowing them to compare ancient bird brains to living birds. The study suggests that complex brain structure may have played a key role in the survival of bird ancestors during the mass extinction event.
A study by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin found that older adults' living spaces reflect their personality traits and mood. When a space matches an individual's personality, they report better well-being and a better mood.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new method to improve oxygen reduction in fuel cells using iron-based single-atom catalysts. This breakthrough could unlock a level of efficiency never before realized, enabling large-scale deployment of fuel cells and their nearly limitless potential applications.
Scientists have found a low-cost way to split off oxygen molecules from water using sunlight, paving the way for more efficient production of clean hydrogen. The breakthrough uses a technique that creates electrically conductive paths through a silicon dioxide layer, allowing for stable and efficient water splitting.
A new method for producing urea, a critical fertilizer element, has been developed by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin. The process uses electrocatalysis and reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
A new study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin aims to find a balance between protecting society from flooding and preserving environmental and cultural viability in urban river deltas. The tool uses a cost-benefit model to examine how to balance natural function with societal desire for landscape stability.