Researchers created a nanocomposite of hexagonal and cubic boron nitride, which exhibits unexpected thermal and optical properties. The composite's low thermal conductivity makes it suitable for heat-insulating electronic devices, while its second-harmonic generation property is larger than expected after heating.
Rice University scientists have developed a tiny, flexible spinal probe system that can record high-quality data from spinal cord neurons and provide localized stimulation. The new tool aims to improve our understanding of spinal cord function and potentially bring new hope to patients with injuries or conditions.
Researchers have found that certain materials can exhibit D-wave effects, entangled with other quantum states, allowing for efficient coupling at higher temperatures. This breakthrough bridges condensed matter physics subfields and could enable practical applications of quantum computing.
A new open-source software, NMSM Pipeline, enables clinicians and engineers to create personalized computer models of patient movement to optimize treatment designs. The software uses physics-based models to predict and optimize functional outcomes for patients with various mobility impairments.
Hang aims to develop general-purpose robots that can handle complex physical interactions without requiring perfect input from sensors or extensive instructions. His project seeks to improve robotic manipulation tasks by reducing assumptions about how the robot acts in real-world conditions.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a metal oxide that can enable terahertz technology for quantum sensing. The material, strontium titanate, exhibits unique properties that allow it to interact strongly with terahertz light, forming new particles called phonon-polaritons.
Qimiao Si, a theoretical quantum physicist, and Jeffrey Tabor, a bioengineer and synthetic biologist, will pursue innovative projects in topological materials science and DNA synthesis. Their research aims to revolutionize fields like medicine, biotechnology, and energy.
Rice University engineers have created a device that converts sunlight into hydrogen with unprecedented efficiency, opening up new possibilities for clean energy and sustainable fuel production. The innovative technology uses halide perovskite semiconductors and electrocatalysts in a single, durable device.
Gang Bao's lab receives a 4-year, $2.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the safety and efficacy of using gene editing treatments like CRISPR-Cas9 to treat sickle cell disease. The team aims to understand the mechanisms behind large gene modifications and their biological consequences.
A new academic paper from Rice University and Texas A\(M g University found that interracial relationships do not necessarily end discriminatory tendencies among individuals, even those in romantic partnerships. Researchers examined existing research on close interracial relationships to see how they impacted overall attitudes about ra...
Rice University chemist Han Xiao has won a $3.2 million research grant from the National Cancer Institute to develop an epigenetic inhibitor targeting bone metastasis. The drug, based on existing bisphosphonates, aims to prevent cancer cells from spreading to other organs without affecting normal tissues.
Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of storage container that effectively prevents surface contamination for at least six weeks. The technology relies on an ultraclean wall with tiny bumps and divots, which attracts VOCs in air inside the containers.
A new study by Rice University bioscientists reveals how plant cells collaborate to fuel growth, shedding light on corresponding mechanisms in human cells. The findings focus on the role of enzyme MIEL1 and its human counterpart PIRH2 in breaking down protein coatings on lipid droplets.
Rice University scientists use light-activated molecular machines to trigger intercellular calcium signals, revealing a powerful new strategy for controlling cellular activity. The technology could lead to improved treatments for people with heart problems, digestive issues, and more.
Researchers from Rice University and Princeton University have developed a new technology that allows for the live monitoring of signaling protein networks in living cells. The 'live reporter' system uses unobtrusive proteins to tag specific proteins, which can activate fluorescent markers when they become phosphorylated.
Songtao Chen, an assistant professor at Rice University, has won a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to study the interaction between photons and T center qubits. The research aims to address signal-loss during transmission, which is crucial for large-scale implementation of quantum communication.
A new electrochemical device developed by Rice University engineers can capture carbon dioxide directly from sources like flue gas to the atmosphere using electricity. The system has efficiency above 98% and requires minimal electricity input, making it a promising front for climate change mitigation.
Engineers at Rice University and the University of Maryland developed NeuWS, a technology that can undo light scattering effects, enabling full-motion video through various media. The technology measures wavefronts to rapidly decipher phase information, overcoming the 'holy grail problem' in optical imaging.
A new enzyme, CtdY, has been identified that can break an amide bond, a fundamental type of bond found in proteins. This discovery holds significant promise for the pharmaceutical industry, as it could enable the creation of new anticancer drugs and improve treatment outcomes.
A large-scale camera-trap survey reveals that tropical mammals living inside protected areas are not spared the effects of human activity, with specialist species thriving near low-density habitats and generalist species benefiting from diverse environments. The study informs biodiversity policy and highlights the importance of conside...
Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.
Kolomeisky aims to develop analytical models that quantify the role of heterogeneity in chemical and biological processes. He plans to explore its impact on catalytic reactions, antimicrobial peptides and early cancer development.
Researchers aim to understand how estrogen levels and menopausal status interact with memory-related brain function and behavioral outcomes in women aged 35-80. The study could help identify physiological factors underlying sex differences in Alzheimer's incidence and improve early disease detection and preventive therapies.
Scientists at Rice University found a natural 150-day cycle in the north-south oscillation of atmospheric pressure patterns, influencing hemispheric-scale precipitation and ocean surface wind stress. This discovery challenges conventional wisdom about atmospheric organization and has implications for climate modeling.
Researchers discovered fragments of RNA viruses embedded in coral partners' genomes, dating back 160 million years. The discovery provides insights into how corals fight off viral infections and may hold the key to understanding the ecological impact of viruses on reef health.
Rice University engineers developed ultraflexible nanoelectrodes that can deliver high-resolution stimulation therapy with minimal scarring and degradation. The devices showed precise spatiotemporal stimulus control, enabling the development of new brain stimulation therapies for patients with impaired sensory or motor functions.
New research from Rice University suggests that ancient microorganisms helped cause massive volcanic events by facilitating the precipitation of minerals in banded iron formations. The study provides insight into processes that could produce habitable exoplanets and reframes scientists' understanding of Earth's early history.
Researchers from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine are developing a new 'glyco-immune' checkpoint inhibitor to train the immune system to target and kill breast cancer metastasis in bones. The therapy has shown promise in preliminary tests, including eradicating cancer in some animals.
Researchers at Rice University developed a new priming method to optimize prelithiation in silicon anodes, improving battery life cycles by up to 44% and energy density. The method uses stabilized lithium metal particles with surfactants, enabling more stable SEI layer formation and reduced lithium depletion.
Researchers have discovered a new phase of liquid magnetism in layered helical magnets, where magnetic dipoles behave like 'flattened puddles' with varying alignment between layers. This phenomenon, predicted by a computational model, may explain the unusual electronic behavior observed in these materials.
Researchers developed a self-organizing system that models key cellular processes involved in embryogenesis, shedding light on the self-organization of ectodermal cells during neurulation. The study could inform ways to prevent or counteract central nervous system birth defects by optimizing human ectodermal development.
Joshua Chen, a Rice University doctoral alum, has won the prestigious Schmidt Science Fellowship to pursue research in synthetic biology and wirelessly programmable cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found high levels of coral pathogens in fish that graze on algae and detritus, while those that eat coral had beneficial bacteria in their feces. These findings suggest that corallivore feces could act as a 'coral probiotic,' potentially benefiting coral reefs.
Rice University scientists developed a screening technique to identify high-performing biomaterials for encapsulating insulin-secreting cells, providing long-term blood sugar level control in diabetic mice. The study's findings have the potential to open the door to a more sustainable and self-regulating way to treat Type 1 diabetes.
New research from Rice University found that fathers' parental leave can decrease sexist attitudes and gender bias. The study, which examined 1,362 new parents in Estonia, found an increase in belief in gender equality among both men and women.
Researchers found that two outermost electrons from each nickel ion behaved differently, cancelling each other out in a phenomenon called a spin singlet. This led to the discovery of two families of propagating waves at dramatically different energies, contradicting expectations of local excitations.
Researchers at Rice University have created a new technology called PULSED that can deliver time-released drugs and vaccines for extended periods. The technology uses high-resolution 3D printing and soft lithography to produce microcylinders made of biodegradable polymers, which can be loaded with drugs and release them over time.
A recent study found that ocean warming triggers dinoRNAV infections in coral colonies, intensified in unhealthy colonies. This is the first empirical evidence of reef-wide dynamics of viruses infecting coral symbionts during heat waves.
Researchers engineered a lightweight material by fine-tuning interlayer interactions in 2D polymers, retaining desirable mechanical properties even as a multilayer stack. The material's strong interlayer interaction is attributed to hydrogen bonding among special functional groups.
Rice University's assistant professor of computer science, Todd Treangen, has been awarded a $599,943 National Science Foundation CAREER Award to develop a comprehensive computational platform for detecting yet-unseen microbial pathogens. The project aims to characterize previously unseen pathogens that could pose a risk to humans.
Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.
James Chappell, a Rice University bioscientist, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to create RNA programming methods for microbial communities in natural habitats. His research aims to improve human health and the environment by genetically manipulating microbial communities.
A new protein-based coating developed by Rice University researchers has the potential to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, reducing food waste and spoilage. The coating, made from surplus eggs, was shown to double the shelf life of avocados and bananas in earlier research.
Researchers created a three-dimensional structure that mimics bone and houses osteosarcoma cells beside immune cells, finding increased inflammation reduces chemotherapy effectiveness. The study highlights the importance of the tumor microenvironment in disease progression and treatment.
Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.
Physicists at Rice University have found that magnetism subtly modifies the landscape of electron energy states in iron-germanium crystals, promoting and preparing for the formation of a charge density wave. This is one of the few known examples of a kagome material where magnetism forms first, leading to charges lining up.
Researchers at Rice University aim to create genetically encoded antibiotics that selectively kill pathogenic bacteria while sparing beneficial microbes. The goal is to develop targeted, tailored RNA antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered a property in single-layer ferroelectric materials that allows them to bend in response to an electrical stimulus. This bending behavior enables the creation of nano-scale switches or motors, which can be controlled using electrical signals.
Researchers found a connection between arthritis flare-ups and periodontitis, suggesting that regular dental check-ups could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis. The study also identified potential therapeutic targets for cancer, including the use of mouthwash to prevent flares.
A new study by Rice University and Houston Health Department shows that wastewater-based monitoring is an effective way to detect viral outbreaks in schools. The system allows for early detection of illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, enabling strategies to stop the onset of potential outbreaks.