In an evolutionary equivalent of Revenge of the Nerds, bacteria that once seemed destined for loserdom can eventually use their hidden potential to overtake the competition. Read more about Jeffrey Barrick's research on Science News.
Biologists at the University of Texas have found that redder larvae of a species of staghorn coral are less likely than green larvae to settle down and develop into coral polyps, the first step in building a new colony. The study brings scientists a step closer to understanding the function of coral's fluorescent colors. Read more on the State...
The opening of a science building does not sound, at first blush, like a prime social option. Unless it is the refined Norman Hackerman Building, built for the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas. Read more on Austin360.com.
Most plastic products, from sippy cups to food wraps, can release chemicals that act like the sex hormone estrogen, according to a study in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Read and listen to more about George Bittner's research on NPR.org.
Larry Gilbert got hooked on observing butterflies when he was a just a kid.
"I found a chrysalis of a black swallowtail in a lot near our house. I raised it in a Coke bottle in the window, and have been interested in butterflies ever since," says Gilbert, a professor of integrative biology at the University of Texas.
In a rooftop greenhouse on...
A 19th-century thought experiment has turned into a real technique for reaching ultralow temperatures, paving the way to new scientific discoveries as well as to useful applications, writes physicist Mark Raizen in the March 2011 issue of Scientific American.
College partnership with Konarka Technologies Inc. will open doors in the world of plastic solar cell technologies and offer experiences to interested students. Read more on The Horn.
New environmental science degree, Al Bard and more featured in this Statesman article about alternative energy research and education at The University of Texas at Austin.
Astronomers say they've come up with the definitive estimate for the mass and size of the biggest black hole in our celestial neighborhood, using a method that can now be applied to even bigger monsters beyond. Read more on the Cosmic Log blog at MSNBC.com.
A father's poor eating habits could make his future children sick, suggests new research on mice involving the University of Texas. Read the full story at the Austin American-Statesman.
Dean of 16 years a calm but powerful presence who gets things done on campus, in community. Read this extensive profile article about Dean Rankin on the Statesman.com.
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