AUSTIN, Texas — Researchers at UT Austin have made countless discoveries through the years that change the way we view the world. From the far reaches of distant planets to the inner workings of our brain, these research breakthroughs affirm UT’s mission as a public research university of the first class.

In 2019, news outlets large and small reported on UT research. Here are the 10 biggest research stories of the year:

1. UT researchers develop a new timeline of the day the dinosaurs died

By drilling into the Chicxulub crater, one of the largest impact craters on Earth, Jackson School of Geosciences researchers were able to develop a more detailed timeline of the day an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.

2. A hot bath 1-2 hours before sleep can lead to a better night’s rest

Researchers from the Cockrell School of Engineering found that a hot bath before bed can improve sleep quality and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. News outlets across the world reported on the study.

3. Trump’s speech is less analytical, but more sure and confident than predecessors

Using a computer program to analyze more than 3 million speeches dating back to 1789, researchers in the College of Liberal Arts determined that today’s leaders speak far more simply and confidently than their predecessors. Donald Trump’s presidency has accelerated this trend.

4. UT geophysicists find a massive, frozen water reservoir on Mars

Using ground-penetrating radar, researchers from the Jackson School of Geosciences discovered a reservoir of frozen water on Mars so large that, if melted, would cover the entire planet.

5. In a close race, the less popular candidate has a 45% chance of becoming president

If the 2020 election is within a 1% margin, the less popular candidate has a 45% chance of becoming president. That’s according to research from the College of Liberal Arts, which found that Electoral College “inversion” elections are more likely when the race is close.

Voting sign outside the Flawn Academic Center (FAC)

6. Undergraduate student discovers two hidden planets

A team of researchers led by Anne Datillo, an undergraduate student in the College of Natural Sciences, discovered two hidden planets more than 1,000 light-years away. The team created an artificial intelligence algorithm that sifts through telescope data and images much faster than a human could.

7. Colorectal cancer diagnoses increasing quickly in Americans under 50

More and more Americans under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Most doctors suggest getting regular colonoscopies beginning at age 50, but some are calling for testing to start earlier.

Cancer cells.

8. Only children are more likely to be obese

Only children are at higher risk for obesity, according to research out of the College of Education. The study couldn’t establish cause and effect, however it introduced another variable to the study of singletons, which have long interested researchers.

child_eats_candy

9. You can’t trust yourself to identify fake news on Facebook

A study from the McCombs School of Business found that spotting fake news on Facebook is harder than you might think. Study participants were only able to correctly pick out fake headlines 44% of the time.

10. E-cigarette advertisements increase likelihood of teen vaping

Unregulated marketing of electronic cigarettes may be associated with their growing popularity among teens and young adults, according to researchers from the College of Education.

Electronic cigarettes.