University of Texas at Austin
Coverage of University of Texas at Austin in the Nexus archive.
- It could be more dangerous inside your house during a heat wave
Heat waves can make indoor temperatures more dangerous than outdoors, especially when air conditioning fails. Indoor heat traps in homes can lead to lethal conditions, as seen in the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome where 98% of deaths in British Columbia occurred indoors. Studies show even healthy adults face significant risks due to prolonged exposure and high humidity.
- In prisons and jails, a lack of sleep may harm health and safety
A new report from the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab at the University of Texas at Austin highlights that sleep disruption is common in U.S. prisons and jails due to factors like bright lights, noise, and overnight procedures. Chronic sleep deprivation in these facilities is linked to health issues such as cardiovascular disease and mental health problems, as well as increased risks for staff and incarcerated individuals.
- In prisons and jails, a lack of sleep may harm health and safety
A report from the University of Texas at Austin's Prison and Jail Innovation Lab highlights that sleep disruption in U.S. prisons and jails, caused by factors like noise and overnight head counts, harms physical and mental health, increases facility tensions, and poses long-term challenges. The study recommends policy changes such as reducing nighttime disruptions and improving bedding to address chronic sleep deprivation among incarcerated individuals.
- Engineering the Perfect Psychedelic
Scientists are exploring synthetic modifications of natural psychedelic compounds like ibogaine and psilocybin to reduce risks and enhance therapeutic benefits. A yellow mushroom in China's Yunnan province induces consistent 'lilliputian hallucinations,' sparking interest in engineering safer, more effective psychedelics.
- A jacket that harvests drinking water from the air
A jacket developed by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin can harvest drinking water from the air, offering a potential solution for water scarcity in arid regions. The innovation has garnered 21 points and 6 comments on Hacker News.
- In prisons and jails, a lack of sleep may harm health and safety
A report from the University of Texas at Austin's Prison and Jail Innovation Lab highlights that sleep disruption in U.S. prisons and jails is widespread, linked to health risks like cardiovascular disease and mental health issues, and may increase facility tensions. The study recommends policy changes such as reducing nighttime disruptions and improving sleep conditions to enhance safety and stability.
- In prisons and jails, a lack of sleep may harm health and safety
A report from the University of Texas at Austin's Prison and Jail Innovation Lab highlights that sleep disruption in U.S. prisons and jails, caused by factors like noise and overnight head counts, harms physical and mental health, increases facility tensions, and poses risks to staff. The report recommends policy changes such as reducing nighttime disruptions and improving bedding to address chronic sleep deprivation.
- Talarico kicks off statewide tour as Texas Senate race with Paxton heats up
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Rep. James Talarico have begun attacking each other in the Texas Senate race following Paxton's Republican primary victory. Both candidates launched statewide tours and released campaign ads targeting each other, with political experts noting the race's significance due to their contrasting positions and Paxton's strong primary performance.
- UT System, community colleges complying with Texas’ DEI ban, auditors find
Texas' UT System and community colleges are complying with the state's ban on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to auditors. Critics argue the DEI ban is restricting academic freedom and limiting what is taught on college campuses, as demonstrated by protests at the University of Texas at Austin.
- Mock funeral mourns death of academic freedom as UT System weighs rule on cutting programs
University of Texas at Austin held a mock funeral protest on May 20, 2026, to express concerns about academic freedom as the UT System considers implementing new rules for cutting academic programs. The protest, featuring a horse-drawn hearse, represents faculty and student opposition to the proposed policy changes.
- Coinbase's quantum report is getting covered wrong don't you think?
Quantum computers pose a potential threat to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Solana due to continuously exposed validator keys. Coinbase's report highlights systemic risks, with Ethereum's 32.3% staked ETH and Solana's 68% staked SOL requiring long-term quantum-safe migration efforts. Ethereum and Solana are already exploring quantum-resistant solutions, and Coinbase's advisory board underscores institutional risk planning.
- Michael and Susan Dell surpass 1 billion in donations backing AI driven hospital project
Michael and Susan Dell have donated over $1 billion to the University of Texas at Austin to fund an AI-native medical research campus and hospital, set to open in 2030. The project, developed in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center, integrates AI-driven healthcare, research, and clinical care to advance disease detection and treatment.
- I’ve fired one of America’s most powerful lasers—here’s what a shot day looks like
The Texas Petawatt (TPW), one of the most powerful lasers in the U.S., was operated at the University of Texas at Austin but is now closed due to funding cuts. It was part of LaserNetUS, a Department of Energy network of high-power laser labs, where scientists conducted experiments by amplifying laser pulses to create brief, high-energy discharges.
- Clarence Thomas praised after rare televised address warning of progressivism goes viral
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas delivered a rare televised speech at the University of Texas at Austin, warning that modern progressivism threatens America's founding principles and urging a return to core values. His remarks went viral, garnering praise from figures like Elon Musk, Rob Schneider, and Fox News personalities, who highlighted his message of devotion to the Declaration of Independence and the nation's founding documents.
- Clarence Thomas warns America: liberty dies when we choose comfort over courage
Clarence Thomas delivered a speech at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasizing the importance of courage over comfort in preserving American liberty. He praised the university's School of Civic Leadership and criticized the Supreme Court's historical failures, particularly Plessy v. Ferguson, while warning against progressive policies that undermine constitutional principles.
- Thomas warns intolerance among younger generations will ‘infect’ courts
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas expressed concern that intolerance among younger generations with ideological differences is eroding civility and could 'infect' the judiciary. Speaking at the University of Texas at Austin, he reflected on past comments about justices' friendships amid growing polarization.
- Justice Thomas warns progressivism is a threat to America in rare public remarks
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas criticized modern progressivism in a rare public speech at the University of Texas at Austin, warning it threatens America's founding principles and urging younger generations to defend constitutional values. He linked progressivism to a departure from the Declaration of Independence's ideals and called for renewed civic responsibility.
- Justice Thomas warns progressivism is a threat to America in rare public remarks
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas criticized modern progressivism in a rare public speech, warning it threatens America's founding principles and urging a return to constitutional values. He condemned the shift from original governance philosophy and called for courage to uphold the Declaration of Independence's ideals.