News

Research

Digging into the Soil – shedding light on unknown players in methane production

Researchers studied Asgard archaea in freshwater wetland soils, revealing their role in methane cycling and degradation of aldehydes, marking a significant advancement in understanding microbes.

The image depicts rich, dark soil from a freshwater wetland, highlighting its complex texture and organic matter, which supports microbial communities like Asgard archaea involved in methane cycling.

Research

Are Parrotfishes Friends or Foes to Coral Reefs?

Study shows parrotfishes impact coral reefs by grazing algae and occasionally eating coral, influencing reef management.

A Princess parrotfish (Scarus taeniopterus) next to a Orbicella annularis coral with parrotfish predation scars. Credit: Hannah Rempel

Accolades

College of Natural Sciences Faculty Receive NSF CAREER Awards

The awards from the National Science Foundation support innovative work by earlier-career faculty.

Research

Following the Flow: Study identifies the best habitat for yellowfin tuna

In a new study, scientists generated habitat suitability models, which provide a prediction of the oceanographic conditions favored by yellowfin tuna.

Tuna

Research

Marine Science Literature for Desalinization & Channel Deepening Projects

Scientific literature pertaining to desalination and deepening of the Port Aransas Ship Channel

A desalination plant in Dubai, UAE.  Richard Allenby-Pratt Getty Images

Research

The Power of Code: No Fish Too Small

A new study documents how researchers use network analysis to determine the relationship between the genetic diversity of a cryptobenthic fish and its habitat.

A barrel sponge in the ocean

Research

Vital Seagrasses in Gulf of Mexico Are Retreating Amid Rapid Sea Level Rise

At the Gulf Coast, rising sea levels are linked to a loss of valuable seagrass habitats in Texas, new research has found.

Podcast

Heartbeat of the Estuary

Philip Souza’s research is focused on the sounds that fish along the Texas Gulf Coast make to attract mates or defend territory.

Announcements

Philanthropic Gift Establishes Historic UT Commitment to Monitoring Texas’ Natural Resources

A transformative donation allows for the expansion of a Texas Field Station Network to study biodiversity and sustainability.

Research

Movin’ on Up

Climate change causes mangroves to encroach on salt marshes, prompting scientists to assess distribution and data gaps.

A mangrove forest stands at the edge of the coast, with dense clusters of short, shrub-like trees.