Irene Francino Urdaniz works on her spike protein research at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Mutation-mapping tool could yield stronger COVID boosters, universal vaccines

Aug. 10, 2021

Researchers have developed a platform that can quickly identify common mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which could inform the development of more effective booster vaccines and tailored antibody treatments for patients with COVID-19.

The aftermath of 2021 floods in Poudre Canyon.

How fire today will impact water tomorrow

July 29, 2021

In light of recent Colorado fires, floods and landslides, CU Boulder Today spoke with environmental experts Fernando Rosario-Ortiz and Ben Livneh about how fire may shape the future of water in the West.

Trees on Niwot Ridge

Extreme heat, dry summers main cause of tree death in Colorado’s subalpine forests

July 26, 2021

Even in the absence of bark beetle outbreaks and wildfire, trees in Colorado subalpine forests are dying at increasing rates from warmer and drier summer conditions.

Hyena licking her cub

Early-life social connections influence gene expression, stress resilience

July 22, 2021

Having friends may not only be good for the health of your social life, but also for your actual health—if you’re a hyena, that is. Strong social connections and greater maternal care early in life can influence molecular markers and future stress response, researchers found.

Litter on beach

Speedy nanorobots could someday clean up soil and water, deliver drugs

June 29, 2021

CU Boulder researchers have discovered that minuscule, self-propelled particles called “nanoswimmers” can escape from mazes as much as 20 times faster than other passive particles, paving the way for their use in everything from industrial clean-ups to medication delivery.

Hyena cub

Cat-borne parasite Toxoplasma induces fatally bold behavior in hyena cubs

June 23, 2021

New research finds that the same parasite found in house cats (and often in their guardians) prompts hyena cubs in the wild to act dangerously bold near lions, often resulting in their death.

Antarctic krill Euphausia superba. (Credit: Uwe Kils / Wikipedia)

Human-driven climate change only half the picture for krill, key species in the Southern Ocean

June 15, 2021

New research about the fate of krill—one of the most abundant species on Earth—during this century has important implications for not only the Antarctic food web, but for the largest commercial fishery in the Southern Ocean.

Overlooking the town of Bailey, Colorado (Photo by Patrick Campbell/University of Colorado)

Mountain residents underestimate wildfire risk, overestimate preparedness

June 11, 2021

Hannah Brenkert-Smith has studied the role of residents' choices in wildfire risk for two decades, with one goal being to improve mitigation programs. Her most recent work near Bailey, Colorado, concludes residents often overestimate their preparation and underestimate their risk.

2021 Spring Scenic photos on the CU Boulder campus.

What could such a green spring mean for fire season?

June 2, 2021

So far, 2021 is one of the 10 wettest years on record since 1872 in the Denver area. Chelsea Nagy discusses what a wet spring and resulting plant growth in the Front Range could mean for the rest of the year.

A mural at a memorial site for George Floyd. Photo by munshots on Unsplash

One year later: How George Floyd’s death changed us

May 24, 2021

CU Boulder researchers share their expertise, examining four areas in which the U.S. has––and hasn’t––changed this past year, and what it could mean for the future of social and political movements, education, policing and justice in America.

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