Science Articles

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.

Oldest horse DNA in Americas supports folklore origin

A single horse tooth from Haiti reveals that popular folklore that the Spanish shipwrecked horses off the coast of the U.S. is likely true.

Are Shark attacks on the rise this summer?

Based on news accounts, it may seem there are more shark sightings — and attacks — than usual along the northeastern shores of the United States, but a UF shark expert says that’s a misleading perception.

How Florida researchers are using UF’s supercomputer

High-impact research is in full swing on the University of Florida’s powerful supercomputer, with faculty and students from across the State University System using HiPerGator ⁠— one of the smartest machines in the world — to advance critical work in areas including the environment, technology and medicine.

Ultrasonic bat defenses are widespread in moths

Using artificial intelligence, researchers have discovered what is likely the largest animal mimicry complex on Earth, changing the way we see, or rather hear, the night sky.

Using AI, UF startup companies boost ailing citrus industry

As news broke that Florida’s citrus industry ended this year’s growing season with its lowest production in eight decades, an unlikely union has formed between two University of Florida startup companies to help reverse the trend.