Research by Ted Loch-Temzelides finds that fungal networks resemble competitive markets, where resources are allocated to maximum benefit. This understanding could aid in mitigating climate change by optimizing carbon storage in soils.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to synthesize halichondrin B, a natural compound with potent antitumor properties. The 'reverse approach' simplifies the process by bonding carbon-oxygen connections first and has reduced the number of steps required to make the molecule from 25 to just 5.
RAMBO, a new method, cuts indexing times for large DNA databases from weeks to hours and search times from hours to seconds. The researchers used a data structure that has a significantly faster query time than state-of-the-art genome indexing methods.
Researchers aim to understand neural pathways in Hydra vulgaris, a tiny animal with simple circuits, to create designer neural circuits. The goal is to program behaviors from scratch and develop self-healing 'biorobots' for various applications.
Rice University engineers developed a strategy to increase the number of transition-metal single atoms that can be loaded onto a carbon carrier using graphene quantum dots. The new technique showed significant improvement in electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide compared to lower metal loading catalysts.
Researchers have developed an antibody conjugate called BonTarg that delivers drugs to bone tumors and inhibits metastasis. The combination of a breast cancer drug with a bone-targeting antibody was found to significantly enhance the concentration of the antibody at tumor sites, and inhibit secondary metastasis from infected organs.
The study found ADCs made with cleavable linkers can decrease small-cell lung cancer tumor size in PDX mouse models, showing promise for improved efficacy. The 'bystander effect' kills nearby nontargeted cancer cells often found near malignant tumors.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new model to detect magnetospheres in distant solar systems using nightside radio signals. This could provide valuable information about the characteristics of exoplanets, including their ability to protect themselves from solar winds.
Rice University engineers have developed a method to grow remarkably uniform 2D perovskite crystals using microscopic seeds. This breakthrough addresses production issues and enables the creation of highly efficient photovoltaic devices with stable performance.
Researchers develop method to control flash Joule heating process to produce valuable allotropes, including fluorinated nanodiamonds and graphene. The process uses organic fluorine compounds and fluoride precursors to create the desired structures.
Researchers found that textured-surface breast implants stimulate pro-inflammatory T cell responses, which may lead to chronic inflammation and cancer. Smooth-surface implants showed less immune cell activity, suggesting a potential link between rougher surfaces and breast implant-associated large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
A new study by Rice University found that offering a set of rewards allows employees to choose the most effective incentive, leading to increased creative ideas and improved creativity levels. The study also discovered that rewards aimed at helping others can be particularly powerful in boosting creativity.
Ajo-Franklin's lab is developing advanced fiber-optic sensors to monitor CO2 storage sites, allowing for the detection of small faults that could lead to leakage. The project aims to enhance safety and security at storage sites using distributed acoustic sensing technology.
The Rice University engineers have unveiled the process of MoS2's synthesis in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace. Their simulations showed that it takes three steps to deposit an atomically thin lattice onto a surface, involving sublimation, reaction with sulfur atoms, and crystallization.
Research from Rice University and the University of Windsor found that leaders who encourage on-job learning and listen to employees are more effective in building resilient teams. Teams that learn from mistakes and receive verbal rewards for a learning mindset tend to be more resilient.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a simple chemical process to create light and highly absorbent aerogels that can take a beating. The aerogels, which are customizable in shape and size, showed superior remediation properties compared to traditional COF powders.
A Rice University study, likened to the movie 'The Truman Show,' found that genetic variation plays a significant role in determining social positions within groups of cloned fruit flies. The researchers measured social interactions between identical clones in separate enclosures under different environmental conditions.
A new approach to model and analyze protein-ligand interactions in cancer research is being developed through a $1.2 million NIH grant. Researchers will use the proteomics toolkit PROTEAN-CR to understand key biological mechanisms of cancer and suggest novel cancer therapies.
Postpartum women in bad romantic relationships are more likely to suffer symptoms of depression and have lower heart rate variability (HRV), which can impact long-term wellness and mortality. Research shows a clear link between relationship quality during pregnancy and postpartum depression and HRV.
Researchers aim to develop a personalized approach to adaptive radiation therapy (ART) using computerized tomography (CT) technology. The goal is to balance the needs of patients, clinicians, and insurers by adapting treatment strategies in real-time.
Researchers discovered hexagonal boron nitride's fracture resistance is about 10 times higher than graphene's, due to slight asymmetries in its atomic structure. This finding opens up new possibilities for fabricating tough mechanical metamaterials through engineered structural asymmetry.
Researchers found strong antiresonance in orthoferrite materials when placed at an odd angle under high magnetic fields. This unique state allows for ultrastrong interactions between magnons, which could lead to suppressed fluctuation noise and increased sensitivity in quantum sensing applications.
A team of physicists from Rice University and colleagues discovered that quantum fluctuations may give rise to topological phases of matter. The study used magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and inelastic neutron scattering measurements to show that the material CeRu4Sn6 is quantum critical without fine-tuning.
Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate terahertz polarization using ultrathin, highly aligned carbon nanotube films. The phenomenon occurs at a specific angle, known as the 'magic angle,' and allows for precise control over light polarization.
A new study from Rice University found that widowed spouses with higher levels of bodily inflammation experienced more severe symptoms of depression three months later. The researchers identified a potential biomarker to predict who is at greatest risk for long-term repercussions of loss.
Researchers at Rice University engineered a pH-sensing gut bacteria to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. The organism glows green when it encounters acidic conditions, reflecting the level of acidity. This discovery could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of acidosis in humans.
Rice University bioengineers have created electrospun scaffolds from decellularized skeletal muscle that mimic native tissue and direct the growth of myotubes. The tunable scaffolds promote muscle regeneration with minimal crosslinking agents, offering a promising solution for reconstructive surgeries.
Researchers at Rice University are part of a $33 million national effort to create an implant that produces therapeutic biomolecules to regulate sleep cycles. The device aims to halve the time it takes to recover from jet lag and similar disruptions, benefiting military personnel, first responders, and shift workers.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new implant technology that allows for coordinated stimulation therapy for spinal cord and heart conditions. The system uses wireless magnetic fields to power and program multiple implants from a single transmitter outside the body. This breakthrough enables more efficient treatment optio...
Rice University scientists attribute Earth's nitrogen to rapid growth of moon- to Mars-sized bodies. The study shows that the competition between accretion and differentiation determines the retention of volatile elements like nitrogen.
Rice University neurobiologist Rosa Uribe wins $2 million NIH grant to study enteric nervous system development in zebrafish embryos. The 5-year study aims to decipher the mechanisms of neural crest cell transformation into neurons and other cell types.
Researchers adapted their laser-induced graphene technique to create fine patterns of graphene in photoresist polymers for use in consumer electronics and other applications. The new process allows for the production of high-resolution, micron-scale lines of conductive graphene, comparable to those achieved by more cumbersome processes.
A new study of short-term acute care hospitals acquired by private equity firms found that they have higher markups and profit margins, but slower staffing growth. Hospitals acquired by private equity firms had operating margins 5.6 percentage points higher than non-private hospitals at the start of the period.
A study by Rice University biologist Kory Evans found that flatfish evolved rapid skull asymmetry due to trait co-evolution. This process led to the development of unique traits across the skull, resulting in increased integration and adaptability for these fish.
Rice University engineers have developed a new technique using neural networks to predict the evolution of microstructures in materials, which can be used to design new materials with desired properties. The method has been shown to speed up computations significantly, making it easier to create novel materials.
A study by Sansum Diabetes Research Institute and Rice University found wearable devices that continuously monitor blood sugar levels provide new insights into the progression of Type 2 diabetes among at-risk Hispanic/Latino adults. The results point to new directions for improved diabetes care, particularly in underserved populations.
Researchers at Rice University reveal a two-step process by which silver ions are released from nanoparticles, with the possibility of stabilizing the alloy through gold manipulation. The discovery could lead to the development of new catalysts and materials for various applications.
Pedram Hassanzadeh, a fluid dynamicist at Rice University, has been awarded a prestigious NSF CAREER grant to investigate the physics behind atmospheric blocking events that cause extreme weather. His research aims to improve climate modeling capabilities and predict how these events will change in the future.
Xue Sherry Gao, a bioengineer at Rice University, has won an NIH grant to develop tools that can correct multiple single mutations causing cystic fibrosis. Her approach uses CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing to fix the faulty CFTR gene, which is difficult to treat with traditional gene therapy.
Researchers at Rice University have optimized artificial intelligence software to run on commodity processors and train deep neural networks up to 15 times faster than top GPU trainers. The 'sub-linear deep learning engine' (SLIDE) uses hash tables to solve the search problem of matrix multiplication, reducing training time for AI models.
A Rice University study found that runoff from Houston's 2016 Tax Day flood and 2017's Hurricane Harvey flood carried human waste onto coral reefs more than 100 miles offshore. The research showed that even marine ecosystems far from shore can be affected by severe events, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and protection.
Researchers found that students who were satisfied with their meals wasted less food. Diners who visited the dining commons frequently and were familiar with the menu options also tended to waste less food. The study's results suggest that posting signs encouraging healthier choices could help reduce food waste.
A new study of over 8,500 American parents found that conservative parents prefer conformance-oriented programs, while liberal parents prefer independence-oriented programs. The research team suggests that understanding the motivations behind parents' preferences can enhance educational program appeal.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a process to convert waste rubber tires into graphene, which can strengthen concrete and reduce carbon emissions. The new material has shown significant gains in compressive strength when blended with Portland cement.
Akane Sano, a Rice University electrical and computer engineer, has developed software to detect and predict emotional stress in people through data from wearable and mobile technologies. Her $550,000 NSF CAREER Award will support the development of algorithms to interpret data on personal health.
Researchers found that less selfish behavior evolved under living conditions forcing frequent sibling interactions, verifying a key concept in evolutionary theory. The study provides insight into the importance of cannibalism in ecosystems and its potential application to studying human behavior.
A recent study reveals that coral-eating fish excrete symbiotic dinoflagellate algae by the millions, potentially keeping reefs healthy. This unexpected twist on coral reef symbiosis confirms that poop from coral-eating fish is an important environmental source of beneficial coral symbionts.
A study led by Rice University's Lauren Stadler and the City of Houston Health Department compared five processes used to concentrate samples and find COVID-19 in wastewater from six Houston plants. The process called 'electronegative filtration with bead beating' proved most sensitive and cost-effective.
Researchers found that combining energy sources increases light emission from nanoscale devices, potentially enabling faster computer chips and advanced photocatalysts. The effect is attributed to the enhancement of hot electron generation through anti-Stokes electronic Raman scattering.
A study by Rice University found that increased internet-access spending in Texas public schools led to improved graduation rates, higher numbers of students meeting SAT/ACT criterion, and better performance in math, reading, writing, and social studies. However, it also resulted in higher disciplinary problems at schools.