Science Articles

UF researchers reveal hidden hum of cosmic symphony

Fifteen years of collaborative work among scientists from the US and Canada leads to evidence of the existence of low-frequency gravitational waves permeating our universe.

Long spaceflights, frequent travel take a toll on astronauts’ brains, study shows

The findings of a new study that looked at how the human brain changes during spaceflight could provide valuable guidance for future space exploration planning 

The laws of physics used to be different, which may explain why you exist.

A mind-bending experiment shows that the laws of physics were different during the Big Bang.

One-third of galaxy’s most common planets could be in habitable zone

Hundreds of millions of planets could have the right orbit to sport liquid water and possible life.

Understanding nature’s fury

UF researchers take their lab to the middle of the hurricanes

Communities should reconsider walking away from curbside recycling, study shows

A new study from a UF environmental engineer looks at the economic and environmental value of curbside recycling efforts, concluding that there is a return on investment

 Wildfire spread more likely where trees, shrubs replace grasses

The risk of spot fires, which are caused by traveling embers from an already burning wildfire, increases in places with an abundance of woody plant growth

Butterfly tree of life reveals an origin in North America

Scientists have pinpointed the details of butterfly evolution.

Human DNA is everywhere. That’s a boon for science – and an ethical quagmire.

Easily sequenced DNA collected from the environment provides both opportunities and challenges for scientists.

New research could help breed for less "spooky" horses

UF researchers are working to identify genes that influence horses' tendency to react to danger

Drones offer more efficient way to survey vital oyster reefs

Quick surveys of oyster reefs can help target conservation efforts. 

How a horse whisperer can help engineers build better robots

Humans and horses have enjoyed a strong working relationship for nearly 10,000 years. Can these age-old interactions between people and their horses teach us something about building robots designed to improve our lives? Researchers with the University of Florida say yes.

Earth Day: What’s below the surface

UF projects focus on environmental contaminants and their effects on human and animal health as well as a project related to climate change and the fishing industry. 

Playing sports against robotic opponents makes our brains work harder

Amanda Studnicki and her advisor, Daniel Ferris, discovered that the brains of table tennis players react very differently to human or machine opponents.