News: Research
Unraveling How One of the Most Important Cell Types Form
Stomata are critical to plant biology and scientists have found a key to how they get there.
![Microscopic images of plant stomata](https://cns.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/stomata1.jpeg)
Switchgrass Genes Offer Advantages as Climate Change Tool
This native grass can capture atmospheric carbon in its substantial root system.
![Large bundles of swtichgrass in a field.](https://cns.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/b2ap3_large_20171023_144743-1.jpeg)
Like Their Domestic Cousins, Native Bees are Hurt by Pesticides
Numerous studies have found negative impacts of agrochemicals, such as neonicotinoids, on both honey bees and native bees, and researchers like Felicity Muth and her lab at UT Austin are contributing to this field.
![A purple bee](https://cns.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/mason-bee-megachilidae-osmia-sp-12400x1600.jpg)
Unlocking Secrets of Some of the World’s Smallest Viruses
Scientists finally get a good look at the tiniest viruses and discover a few of their unique tricks.
![A green and blue model of a microvirus against a black background](https://cns.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/phix17_20210709-000035_1.jpeg)
UT News
New Study on Climate Change Impacts on Plants Could Lead to Better Conservation Strategies
The loss of plant species that are especially vulnerable to climate change might lead to bigger problems than previous studies have suggested
![A meadow with yellow wildflowers](https://cns.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/coyote-ridge_zavaleta1400.jpg)
UT News
Repeated Testing for COVID-19 is Vital, Economic and Public Health Analysis Shows
Having all people in the U.S. tested on a regular, rotating basis can likely slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and the loss of life from COVID-19.
![Photo shows a woman in lab protective equipment and mask and goggles handling pipette at a lab bench](https://cns.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/testing-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
UT News
Key Switchgrass Genes Identified, Which Could Mean Better Biofuels Ahead
Biologists are one step closer to the goal of making a cheap, widely available plant a source for energy and fuel.
![Image shows bundles of switchgrass in a field ready for harvest](https://cns.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/20171023_144743-1-scaled-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
Adapting the Frequency of COVID-19 Testing
Transmission rates and community immunity can determine when and whether to scale back testing frequency
![An illustration of a group of people standing between two graphs showing peaks of viral spread and valleys](https://cns.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/15_humansandstats2_1400x840.jpeg)
Curbing COVID-19 Hospitalizations Requires Attention to Construction Workers
A new study shows how much more likely construction workers are to get diagnosed with COVID-19 compared to non-construction workers
![Construction workers at a plant](https://cns.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/b2ap3_large_construction-1400px.jpeg)
UT News
Invasive Cactus Moth Likely to Spread and Destroy Native Prickly Pear
A tiny invasive insect has the potential to cause huge ecological and agricultural damage in Texas and beyond.
![Photo shows a closeup of a brown and grey moth on a prickly pear pad](https://cns.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/cactoblastis_cactorum_moth_femal_20200330-161027_1-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)