Science Articles

UF helps state launch AI curriculum in Florida public schools

Tapping into the expertise of the University of Florida and its AI initiative, the Florida Department of Education recently added a three-year program of study called AI Foundations to its Career and Technical Education Program

Powerful simulation solves vital physics problem

A faithful simulation of hot air rising along a wall demonstrates the power of UF's HiPerGator supercomputer to model important real-world scenarios.

Researchers discover ancient origins of donkeys

Sometimes overlooked, the donkey has its own unique and significant history, and researchers have uncovered their journey toward domestication. 

Ant queens control insulin to live longer

By partly blocking insulin, ant queens extend their lifespan while reproducing.

Internationally acclaimed scientist named to lead new Invasion Science Research Institute

The new institute will bring together more than 120 UF/IFAS scientists currently working to detect, track and control nonnative and invasive wildlife and plant species. 

As the climate crisis intensifies, lakes across the Arctic are vanishing

A study led by UF environmental scientist Elizabeth Webb shows widespread patterns of loss, upending scientists’ previous projections.

Water-altered rocks discovered on Mars, stored for return to Earth by Perseverance rover

UF astrobiologist and rover scientist Amy Williams says the rocks are the best chance yet to discover signs of ancient life on the red planet. 

Study shows differences in kinds of bacteria present in students with recent suicidal thoughts

UF study uncovers key differences in saliva bacteria present in groups of students based on if they had recent thoughts of suicide, providing clues about which bacteria influence suicidal thoughts and set the stage for further research. 

How to stay safe in a thunderstorm

A University of Florida severe weather expert breaks down how lightning forms and what to do to keep yourself safe

UF scientists probe the cosmos with the new James Webb Space Telescope

Florida researchers are leading some of the earliest experiments with the James Webb Space Telescope to answer big questions about the universe.

My tutor is an AI: UF researchers seek out if AI tutors are as effective as human ones

A study done by researchers from UF's College of Journalism and Coummunications examined high versus low student involvement learning, and compared AI versus human tutor types and how that affected students’ perception of tutor writing skills.

UF research shows a step toward restoring sea urchins: ‘The lawnmowers of reefs’

Coral reef ecosystems are severely threatened by pollution, disease, overharvesting and other factors. For thousands of years, long-spined sea urchins helped keep reefs intact. They eat seaweed, which can kill or seriously damage coral. Without coral, reefs suffer severe consequences, including diminished ability to support fish. 

Discovery of new exoplanet raises questions about planet formation

One of the youngest exoplanets ever discovered formed at an immense distance from its star, offering a new mystery.

UF to lead $7.5m NSF-funded project on protecting security of marginalized and vulnerable populations

Using a $7.5 million grant from the NSF, UF engineers are leading a new effort to understand how groups like the poor, children and the elderly, and the disabled are marginalized by current technologies like smartphones and video conferencing and how current and future technologies can be designed to be more inclusive.