News: Research

Research

So What Should We Call This – a Grue Jay?

The rare hybrid offspring of a blue jay and a green jay is likely a result of weather-related shifts in the range of two species.

Three birds are shown. On the left is a blue jay, which is primarily blue with some patches of white on wing tips, around the face and on the chest. On the right is a green jay, which is primarily green with a lighter colored chest and a mix of blue and black patches on the face. In the center is a hybrid bird, which is primarily blue and resembles a blue jay, but with a larger area of black on the face, more akin to a green jay.

Research

New DNA Evidence Reveals Origins of Finnish, Estonian and Hungarian Languages

The study identifies an ancestral population in Central Siberia linked to the origin of Uralic languages.

An archaeological dig reveals a burial site with human bones and a series of rectangular armor plates made from animal bone.

Research

Nearly Half of Latin American Frogs and Toads Are at Risk

A new study shows that nearly half of frog and toad species in Latin America may lose their habitat range by 2050.

A tropical frog ventures out on a stem.

Research

Big Brains and Big Ranges Might Not Save Birds from Climate Change

Global bird sightings from citizen scientists and a view into “climate niches” reveal unexpected risks for some birds.

Two birds perched on branches. The left bird has sleek brownish-gray feathers, a black eye mask, a crest on its head, and yellow-red wing markings. The right bird features speckled brown-gray plumage with bright yellow wing patches and a reddish-brown head.

Research

Genetic Match Between Mother and Child Reduces “Obstetrical Dilemma”

A common idea in evolutionary biology comes under new scrutiny with help from a big medical dataset and AI.

A small baby lies in a woman's lap

Texas Connect

Turtle pond serves as living lab for student researchers

Justin Havird is leading students in a research project on the ecology and evolution of UT Austin's beloved turtles.

A turtle sits on a log at the edge of a pond

Research

New Research Reveals How Changes in Social Status Impact the Brain

The study conducted in male mice found that bigger social tumbles are more stressful.

Blue speckles on a black background represent imaging of the mouse amygdala

Research

Some Bacteria Evolve Like Clockwork With the Seasons

The longest natural metagenome time series ever collected reveals a startling evolutionary pattern on repeat.

Reeds peek above the surface of a lake with colorful clouds reflected in the water

Research

Scientists Use Ancient DNA to Shed Light on Adaptation of Early Europeans

By using ancient samples, the scientists managed to look back in time to uncover novel signatures of adaptation at the dawn of the agricultural revolution.

An excavation of a human burial site.

Jackson School of Geosciences

The ‘Lost’ Prehistoric Cats of Natural Bridge Caverns

Melissa Kemp is part of a team studying recently recovered cat fossils from a Texas cave that are about 11,500 years old.

The silhouette of a person standing inside a large cavern