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From the College of Natural Sciences
Victimization of Transgender Youths Linked to Suicidal Thoughts, Substance Abuse

Victimization of Transgender Youths Linked to Suicidal Thoughts, Substance Abuse

In two peer-reviewed papers, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have found that transgender adolescents are twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts as the general population, and they are up to four times as likely to engage in substance use. Depression and school-based victimization factored heavily into the disparities in both cases.

UT Austin Launches $15.6 Million Center for Materials Research

UT Austin Launches $15.6 Million Center for Materials Research

Researchers in the Cockrell School of Engineering and the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin have received a $15.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to discover and advance new types of materials for use in many applications including energy storage, medical devices and information processing.

Couples Weather Bickering With a Little Help from Their Friends

Couples Weather Bickering With a Little Help from Their Friends

Every couple has conflict, and new research finds that having good friends and family members to turn to alleviates the stress of everyday conflict between partners. In fact, according to the study led by The University of Texas at Austin's Lisa Neff, social networks may help provide protection against health problems brought about by ordinary tension between spouses.

Update from the Marine Science Institute after Hurricane Harvey

Update from the Marine Science Institute after Hurricane Harvey

The message below is an update from University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute Director and Marine Science Department Chair Dr. Robert Dickey.

5 Key Questions about Modern STEM Teaching and Learning

5 Key Questions about Modern STEM Teaching and Learning

​Near the start of the academic year, many faculty members across the College of Natural Sciences welcome guests into their classrooms--fellow educators who are invited to observe active-learning strategies and award-winning teaching in action. This is Teaching Discovery Day in the College of Natural Sciences, and it is just one element of a college-wide push toward lifting up excellence in educational activities.

Scientists: New Device Accurately Identifies Cancer in Seconds (Updated)

Scientists: New Device Accurately Identifies Cancer in Seconds (Updated)

A team of scientists and engineers at The University of Texas at Austin has invented a powerful tool that rapidly and accurately identifies cancerous tissue during surgery, delivering results in about 10 seconds—more than 150 times as fast as existing technology. The MasSpec Pen is an innovative handheld instrument that gives surgeons precise diagnostic information about what tissue to cut or preserve, helping improve treatment and reduce the chances of cancer recurrence.

C. Grant Willson Receives ACS Award in Polymer Chemistry

C. Grant Willson Receives ACS Award in Polymer Chemistry

Photo of Dr. C. Grant Willson by Tamir Kalifa.

C. Grant Willson, professor of chemistry and chemical engineering and the Rashid Engineering Regents Chair at UT Austin, has been awarded the 2018 ACS Award in Polymer Chemistry.

Project Explores Fate of Coral Reefs and Related Life

Project Explores Fate of Coral Reefs and Related Life

An international team of coral experts, including Misha Matz, an associate professor of integrative biology at The University of Texas at Austin, have published a set of urgent research recommendations, related to the ability of coral to respond to rapid environmental change caused by climate change.

How a Tech Sector Friendlier to Women Can Start in the Classroom

How a Tech Sector Friendlier to Women Can Start in the Classroom

Photo by Marsha Miller.

With recent talk of a "bro culture" in Silicon Valley and accusations of sex discrimination in the technology sector, some in the College of Natural Sciences' Department of Computer Science are taking it upon themselves to build a culture of inclusion.

Colorful Veggies, Full Stomachs, Can't Lose

Colorful Veggies, Full Stomachs, Can't Lose

Back-to-school time is a busy time for students, parents and teachers. There are countless things to check off to-do lists. And once school is back in session, there are busy mornings and hectic routines. The grind of homework, after-school activities and commutes can make planning for healthy eating seem daunting. Luckily, some basic strategies can help steer kids toward healthy choices.