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UT's power line sensor could better detect grid trouble

The sensors could help utility workers identify issues with power lines in real time.

News

University of Texas researchers say they&#x27;ve developed a new tool that could help spot problems on power lines before they <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lead to outages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/31/us-electric-grid-extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="006173f0-d798-4909-a6a7-48462f515cce" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s power line sensor could better detect grid trouble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/31/us-electric-grid-extreme-weather" target="_self">lead to outages</a>.Why it matters: As Texas adds <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/02/the-data-center-boom-upwardly-revised" data-vars-content-id="006173f0-d798-4909-a6a7-48462f515cce" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s power line sensor could better detect grid trouble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/02/the-data-center-boom-upwardly-revised" target="_self">data centers</a>, renewable energy and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/31/texas-population-surge-latinos-2026-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="006173f0-d798-4909-a6a7-48462f515cce" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s power line sensor could better detect grid trouble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/31/texas-population-surge-latinos-2026-senate-race" target="_self">more people</a>, utilities are looking for better ways to monitor an aging <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" data-vars-content-id="006173f0-d798-4909-a6a7-48462f515cce" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s power line sensor could better detect grid trouble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" target="_self">electric grid</a> in real time.

Test your knowledge of Texas U.S. Senate history

As James Talarico and Ken Paxton battle it out, we ask questions about Texas' U.S. senators.

Three recent polls have shown state Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="narrowly leading" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/poll-talarico-has-slim-lead-over-paxton-in-texas-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="82789aa2-a444-4d28-9a1b-b7e26c84946e" data-vars-headline="Test your knowledge of Texas U.S. Senate history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/poll-talarico-has-slim-lead-over-paxton-in-texas-senate-race" target="_self">narrowly leading</a> state Attorney General Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race.<ul><li>For this week&#x27;s quiz, show us just how much of a Texas political junkie you are.</li></ul>

The cost of removing Austin's street art

The final total may increase, city officials tell Axios, as more costs roll in.

We can now put a dollars-and-cents figure on a state directive to get rid of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roadway artwork" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/06/23/austin-painted-crosswalks-removal-abbott" data-vars-content-id="f4ef181f-e518-4c06-a5b1-5e51aaf150f4" data-vars-headline="The cost of removing Austin&#x27;s street art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/06/23/austin-painted-crosswalks-removal-abbott" target="_self">roadway artwork</a> in Austin.Why it matters: Critics have argued the state order is politically motivated and targets artwork celebrating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LGBTQ+" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/20/lgbtq-americans-housing" data-vars-content-id="f4ef181f-e518-4c06-a5b1-5e51aaf150f4" data-vars-headline="The cost of removing Austin&#x27;s street art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/20/lgbtq-americans-housing" target="_self">LGBTQ+</a> and minority communities.

The rise of mood drinks

Sales of functional beverages generated $31.3 billion in U.S. sales over the past year, per data from NIQ.

As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Americans rethink alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="cba336d5-167d-4189-85ea-a67669b648f1" data-vars-headline="The rise of mood drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">Americans rethink alcohol</a>, beverage startups are racing to fill the gap with drinks that promise social connection without the hangover.Why it matters: Consumers are increasingly choosing beverages based on what they want the drink to do — energize them, improve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gut health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/13/gut-health-immune-system-anxiety-digestion" data-vars-content-id="cba336d5-167d-4189-85ea-a67669b648f1" data-vars-headline="The rise of mood drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/13/gut-health-immune-system-anxiety-digestion" target="_self">gut health</a> or help unwind — fueling a boom in products <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marketed around function" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2024/03/15/functional-beverage-recess-25-million" data-vars-content-id="cba336d5-167d-4189-85ea-a67669b648f1" data-vars-headline="The rise of mood drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2024/03/15/functional-beverage-recess-25-million" target="_self">marketed around function</a> rather than flavor.

AI joins Austin exam rooms

Patients are informed that AI will record the conversation and can decline its use.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artificial intelligence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/ai-doctor-health-information-consumers" data-vars-content-id="0e212e2c-c19b-4cb0-bfbe-6ca37d14306f" data-vars-headline="AI joins Austin exam rooms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/ai-doctor-health-information-consumers" target="_self">Artificial intelligence</a> is quietly becoming another participant in some Austin exam rooms.Why it matters: Doctors are increasingly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turning to AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/03/ai-doctors-menopause-care" data-vars-content-id="0e212e2c-c19b-4cb0-bfbe-6ca37d14306f" data-vars-headline="AI joins Austin exam rooms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/03/ai-doctors-menopause-care" target="_self">turning to AI</a> to document patient visits, which gives clinicians more time to focus on their patients instead of paperwork, according to Austin Regional Clinic officials.

Why your symptoms might not tell the full story

You can research symptoms, track changes and still not have a clear answer — but imaging could help guide next steps.

Partners

You now have more ways than ever to research symptoms, compare treatments and track your health.<ul><li>But even with all that information, getting a clear diagnosis isn&#x27;t always straightforward.</li></ul>The landscape: The traditional care path often focuses on managing symptoms first, either by waiting to see if symptoms improve or through treatments.<ul><li>That approach doesn&#x27;t always identify the cause of the issue, and without a clear diagnosis, care can become a series of short-term fixes instead of a targeted plan.</li></ul>

What to know about the "super flu" in Texas

Cases of the flu remain elevated nationwide, according to data from the CDC.

Texas is among a handful of states reporting the highest level of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flu activity" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43403269.12939/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTIvMzAvc3VwZXJmbHUtc3ltcHRvbXMtMjAyNS1mbHUtaDNuMj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3RhbXBhJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10B7de07e1d" data-vars-content-id="55e9c41d-0e4c-4a51-aad8-361b26aaeb7c" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43403269.12939/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTIvMzAvc3VwZXJmbHUtc3ltcHRvbXMtMjAyNS1mbHUtaDNuMj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3RhbXBhJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10B7de07e1d" target="_self">flu activity</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the latest CDC data" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43403269.12939/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9mbHV2aWV3L3N1cnZlaWxsYW5jZS91c21hcC5odG1sP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfdGFtcGEmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10Bdaeab359" data-vars-content-id="55e9c41d-0e4c-4a51-aad8-361b26aaeb7c" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43403269.12939/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9mbHV2aWV3L3N1cnZlaWxsYW5jZS91c21hcC5odG1sP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfdGFtcGEmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10Bdaeab359" target="_self">the latest CDC data</a>, mirroring a national surge tied to the so-called &quot;super flu.&quot;Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter vomiting bug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="55e9c41d-0e4c-4a51-aad8-361b26aaeb7c" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">winter vomiting bug</a>,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="55e9c41d-0e4c-4a51-aad8-361b26aaeb7c" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="55e9c41d-0e4c-4a51-aad8-361b26aaeb7c" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a> — are slamming the U.S. this winter.

Bill targeting abortion pills misses key deadline

A bill targeting medication abortion has missed a key deadline.

An effort to limit abortion pills in Texas appears to have died in the Legislature.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abortion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/20/abortion-rights-advocates-convene-in-austin" data-vars-content-id="c837a9fe-5520-490d-8a19-c5f3cc1ab956" data-vars-headline="Bill targeting abortion pills misses key deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/20/abortion-rights-advocates-convene-in-austin" target="_self">Abortion</a> is already illegal in Texas, but Republicans this session turned their attention to medication abortion, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="which accounts for most abortions performed in the U.S" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/19/medication-abortion-mifepristone-2023-study" data-vars-content-id="c837a9fe-5520-490d-8a19-c5f3cc1ab956" data-vars-headline="Bill targeting abortion pills misses key deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/19/medication-abortion-mifepristone-2023-study" target="_self">which accounts for most abortions performed in the U.S</a>.

Blood tests for colorectal cancer available in Austin

The test has been approved for Medicare recipients.

Austin patients are among the first in the country to have access to a new blood test capable of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="screening for colorectal cancer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/19/cancer-colorectal-death-people-under-50" data-vars-content-id="acc3c1f6-f67a-4270-8ec0-66a72e9abdc2" data-vars-headline="Blood tests for colorectal cancer available in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/19/cancer-colorectal-death-people-under-50" target="_self">screening for colorectal cancer</a>.Why it matters: Officials of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California-based Guardant Health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/fda-blood-test-colorectal-cancer" data-vars-content-id="acc3c1f6-f67a-4270-8ec0-66a72e9abdc2" data-vars-headline="Blood tests for colorectal cancer available in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/fda-blood-test-colorectal-cancer" target="_self">California-based Guardant Health</a> say their blood test will be a &quot;game changer&quot; in colorectal screenings, making the cancer easier to test and catch.

The health toll of being a food critic

"You don't have to eat everything on the plate," food writer Matthew Odam says.

Culture

With the restaurant critic for The New York Times, Pete Wells, leaving his post for health-related reasons, we decided to check in on the well-being of the dean of Austin food reviewers.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a glamorous job, but week after week of restaurant food takes a physical toll that is seldom discussed, Wells writes.

Ascension rolls out maternal health initiative

Texas has long struggled with high maternal mortality and morbidity rates.

Some Austin patients who are at risk for pregnancy complications will be part of a new Ascension program that aims to improve maternal health.Why it matters: Texas has long struggled with high <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="maternal mortality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/07/20/maternal-mortality-texas" data-vars-content-id="c709e400-d91d-4c0a-b7f9-493b0a9582a8" data-vars-headline="Ascension rolls out maternal health initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/07/20/maternal-mortality-texas" target="_self">maternal mortality</a> and morbidity rates — now under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="magnifying glass with the state&#x27;s near-total abortion ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.propublica.org/article/tracking-maternal-deaths-under-abortion-bans" data-vars-content-id="c709e400-d91d-4c0a-b7f9-493b0a9582a8" data-vars-headline="Ascension rolls out maternal health initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/tracking-maternal-deaths-under-abortion-bans" target="_blank">magnifying glass with the state&#x27;s near-total abortion ban</a>.

Texas board proposes exceptions to abortion ban

The board clarified that an abortion is allowed in the case of an ectopic pregnancy.

Health

The Texas Medical Board&#x27;s proposed guidance on exceptions to the state&#x27;s abortion ban does not offer doctors enough clarity, critics say.Why it matters: The ban, which makes performing an abortion a felony, has led some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hospitals to refuse to treat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/15/texas-hospitals-patients-pregnancy-abortion-ban" data-vars-content-id="18836de5-0b2e-4b89-968f-97832254a651" data-vars-headline="Texas board proposes exceptions to abortion ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/15/texas-hospitals-patients-pregnancy-abortion-ban" target="_self">hospitals to refuse to treat</a> even patients with serious pregnancy complications — though the law makes an exception for medical emergencies.

Startup's blood testing system to launch in  pharmacies

The new system will be available in select pharmacies starting in July.

Some pharmacy customers in Austin and San Antonio will soon have the option to get routine blood tests with just a prick of the finger.Driving the news: Austin-based health care technology startup Babson Diagnostics announced Thursday that it will launch its blood testing system <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BetterWay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.babsondx.com/betterway" data-vars-content-id="c8cdf649-9f2a-4712-8dae-5617d920b06e" data-vars-headline="Startup&#x27;s blood testing system to launch in pharmacies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.babsondx.com/betterway" target="_blank">BetterWay</a> at select Austin H-E-B pharmacies, Peoples Rx and Lake Hills Pharmacy starting in July.

Neuroscience nonprofit opens internship program

So far, it has provided 80 paid internships to students.

A local nonprofit is aiming to grow the number of women in neuroscience.Driving the news: The group, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Women in Neuroscience" data-vars-click-url="https://neurowomen.org/" data-vars-content-id="630b53d1-0222-4d6d-8996-3f43bd2af81f" data-vars-headline="Neuroscience nonprofit opens internship program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://neurowomen.org/" target="_blank">Women in Neuroscience</a>, just opened applications for its next class of 25 interns.

Health 🩺

AI joins Austin exam rooms

What to know about cyclosporiasis in Texas

Wembanyama shows the power of emotions in sports

Texas Children's must open country's first "detransition clinic"

Why your symptoms might not tell the full story