Science Articles

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.

UF-led research gets help from NFL player, Air Force veteran to restock sea urchins on coral reef

Called the lawn mowers of the reefs, sea urchins can be very helpful in restoring these ecosystems. A UF-led study shows promise in urchin-restocking strategies.

The transformative power of tech transfer: How one university makes an impact around the globe

UF Innovate has served as a model for universities nationwide looking to further their tech transfer efforts. UF connects innovators with entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts, while its business incubators take research discoveries from the laboratory to the market. 

UF/IFAS study: new mosquito species reported in Florida

Another new mosquito species has made its way across the tropics into Florida, making a permanent home in at least three counties.

UF water scientist becomes first nonindigenous woman to cross the Florida Everglades

Dr. Tracie Baker battles mosquitos, exhaustion and treacherous wilderness for the sake of science