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Rice University


A small squeeze reveals new clues about an unusual kind of magnet

Researchers at Rice University found that gently squeezing a crystal of iron sulfide can change two of its unusual properties simultaneously: its tiny magnetic signal and the way electricity moves through it. This discovery gives scientists a clearer picture of how altermagnets work and suggests a simple way to control their behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 13, 2026

Rice, Baylor College of Medicine researchers explore safer surgical tools to reduce swallowing complications after spine surgery

Researchers identified simple changes to surgical tools that can significantly affect how pressure is distributed across the esophageal wall during neck surgery. Wider retractor blades reduced stress beneath the center of the blade by up to 82%, but also shifted higher stress toward the edges.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJul 21, 2026

When work and family collide, job flexibility helps shape who adjusts

Research reveals that job characteristics, including schedule flexibility and indispensability, influence how couples balance work and family responsibilities. The study found that women were more likely to make adjustments to support family needs, but this effect was attributed to differences in job characteristics rather than gender.

SourceRice University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

Personality may shape how caregiving affects health

A new study published in Health Psychology reveals that individual personality traits play a significant role in how caregiving stress affects physical health. Caregivers with high neuroticism and low agreeableness experienced greater inflammation and poorer physical functioning, while others remained relatively resilient. The research...

SourceRice University·JournalHealth Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2026

New experiments and modeling on iron meteorites provide insight into young solar system and Earth’s building blocks

Phosphorus and nitrogen, two elements necessary for life, were found in distinct ratios in asteroidal bodies related to iron meteorites compared to younger asteroids. Researchers recreated the crystallization of iron meteorites in the lab and analyzed their chemical composition, which suggested that these life-essential elements origin...

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 3, 2026

Study is first demonstration of noninvasive gene transcription measurement

Researchers at Rice University have developed a noninvasive method to track the expression of specific genes in living brain tissue, enabling real-time monitoring of gene activity. The tool, called In-vivo Tracking of Active Transcription (INTACT), uses engineered reporter molecules and sensors to detect target mRNA in the bloodstream.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

Living bandage accelerates healing across multiple wound types

Researchers have developed a cell-based delivery platform that uses encapsulated engineered cells to secrete cytokines directly within the wound environment, supporting accelerated wound healing in rodent and porcine excisional wound models. The approach is designed to maintain therapeutic levels of signaling molecules at the wound site.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026