Researchers at Rice University and the Italian Institute of Technology developed a skin-stretch device that provides tactile feedback to prosthetic hands. This 'muscle sense' allows blindfolded test subjects to more than double their ability to discern object sizes, opening up new possibilities for amputees.
A new report from Rice's Kinder Institute examines mayoral elections in 6 US states and reveals that approximately half of all mayoral elections feature only one candidate. Unopposed elections were particularly prevalent in small towns, where 79% of contests saw no competition, yet voter turnout remained high.
Researchers discovered laser-induced graphene is highly effective against bacteria and resists biofouling. When electrified, LIG kills bacteria through a combination of contact with its rough surface, electrical charge, and toxicity from hydrogen peroxide production.
B.J. Fregly, a mechanical engineering researcher, will work with oncologists at Rice University to optimize pelvic surgery outcomes using personalized computer models. The goal is to predict surgical outcomes and improve recovery times for cancer patients undergoing difficult pelvic surgeries.
Rice researchers develop a graphene-nanotube hybrid anode that stores 3,351 milliamp hours per gram of lithium, close to the theoretical maximum and 10 times that of lithium-ion batteries. The anode material suppresses dendrite growth, allowing for efficient lithium storage.
Rice University scientists discovered that laser-induced graphene can be made either superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic by adjusting the gas used in its formation. This property allows for applications such as separating water from oil and de-icing surfaces.
Rice University's Naomi Halas has made significant contributions to the field of plasmonics, profoundly influencing modern optics. She is the first person in university history to be elected to both National Academy of Sciences and Engineering.
Researchers precisely measured the entropy of a cerium copper gold alloy to shed light on high-temperature superconductivity and similar phenomena. The study provides new evidence about the possible causes of these phenomena near a quantum critical point, where electrons fluctuate between two different quantum states.
Researchers created a physics-based sediment transport model to accurately describe the Yellow River's sediment load. The formula can be applied to study eroding coastlines worldwide and mitigate Huanghe floods, threatening 80 million people.
Researchers found that genetic variations influence fruit fly larvae's ability to associate odors with pain and pleasure, leading to better decision-making about pupation. The study suggests a link between learning and environmental cues, highlighting the complex interplay of nature and nurture in shaping behavior.
Gustavo Scuseria, a renowned chemist at Rice University, has won the Royal Society of Chemistry S F Boys - A Rahman Award for his outstanding innovative research in computational chemistry. He will share his exciting new results during a lecture tour in the U.K., focusing on solving the strong correlation problem.
Researchers found that hot electrons can create a photovoltage about a thousand times larger than what is seen if there is no gap. The discovery shows the potential for nanoscale photodetectors to convert light into electricity and sensors or other sophisticated electronics.
Researchers develop biofunction generator and bioscilloscope to analyze and manipulate two biological circuits simultaneously, enabling precise control over gene expression and protein production. The technology, based on mathematical modeling and optogenetics, offers new insights into complex synthetic biological systems.
A new paper reveals that evolution has optimized two fundamental biological processes, DNA replication and protein translation, to prioritize speed over accuracy. The research suggests that a few mistakes are tolerable as long as the majority of biopolymers produced are correct, and energy savings can be significant.
Rice University physicists have created a model system for studying rogue ocean waves by precisely controlling the quantum behavior of an ultracold atomic gas. They found that under certain conditions, the number of solitons remains unchanged, suggesting that the soliton train is born with stable characteristics.
Rice University scientists have developed a new technique to label proteins in cells using bio-orthogonal tags, allowing for high spatial and temporal control. The technique uses an engineered switch that only charges tRNA with the tag when prompted, providing a snapshot of total protein synthesis in the cell.
Lydia Kavraki, a renowned computer scientist at Rice University, has received the Association for Computing Machinery's (ACM) Athena Lecturer Award. She is recognized for inventing randomized motion-planning algorithms in robotics and developing robotics-inspired methods for bioinformatics and biomedicine.
A Rice University study found that fossilized organic carbon could have been deeply buried in the mantle starting around 2.4 billion years ago, during a critical period known as the great oxidation event. The researchers discovered that the chemical composition of subducting crustal rock plays a crucial role in determining whether carb...
A new study by Rice University found that religious individuals are more likely to disapprove of reproductive genetic technologies than non-religious people. Evangelical Christians are the most opposed, with 23% deeming disease technologies morally wrong, while 80% of evangelicals reject enhancement technologies.
A new study by Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center found that high-volume surgeons who perform more complex cancer operations have lower patient costs due to reduced complications and better outcomes. However, this association disappears when accounting for processes of care and complications associated with surgical procedures.
The Kinder Foundation has awarded a $10.7 million grant to Rice University's Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC) to expand its innovative work in the Greater Houston region. HERC will focus on creating a direct line of communication between education researchers and decision-makers.
A comprehensive national survey of 12,000 people will examine the relationship between faith and work, as well as religious discrimination in the workplace. The study aims to understand how Christians navigate their workplaces and careers while integrating their faith.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new indoor location detection system that uses existing mobile device sensors to improve accuracy and energy efficiency. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and incorporating information from standard human movements, the system can estimate accurate locations even with noisy sensors.
Rice University scientists created nano-SPEARs to study synaptic behavior and degenerative diseases without harming small animals. The technique allows for high-throughput data gathering, making it possible to test multiple animals per hour.
Researchers at Rice University found that gourmet food trucks in Houston cooperate to meet central tendencies, such as good ingredients and cleanliness, while competing to strive for ideal prototypes like the best food. This cooperation leads to new firms entering the market and improves the group's excellence.
The SAVI camera uses laser light to capture high-resolution images of distant objects, eliminating the need for a long lens. The technology has potential applications in visible light imaging, with researchers envisioning real-time, high-resolution capture using this synthetic aperture approach.
The Center will develop new technologies and serve as a collaborative hub for surgeons, biomaterials experts, and engineers focused on regenerative medicine. The center aims to create functional constructs that restore, maintain or improve damaged tissues or organs.
Rice University physicists are providing new insight into the quark-gluon plasma by smashing protons and lead nuclei at nearly the speed of light. They found evidence for the chiral magnetic effect, a characteristic magnetic property of QGP that arises from quantum mechanics.
Researchers use computer simulations to show how N-terminal sequence encourages aggregation of huntingtin protein fragments while polyproline inhibits it. This discovery offers a new target for drug development to halt Huntington's disease progression. The study also highlights the involvement of the cytoskeleton in the disease mechanism.
Cin-Ty Lee, an earth scientist at Rice University, has won a Guggenheim Fellowship to investigate how continents emerged from oceans and their effect on nutrient cycling. He will explore crystal growth and kinetics in magmatic and hydrothermal conditions.
Researchers at Rice University engineered bacteria capable of sensing colitis in mice, detecting elevated thiosulfate levels and finding a potential biomarker for human colitis. The breakthrough could lead to orally ingestible bacteria for monitoring gut health and disease.
Compressive-sensing pioneer Richard Baraniuk has won a five-year, $3 million fellowship to explore new technologies using the field of signal processing. The grant will help broaden the applicability of compressive sensing and enable radically new sensing capabilities.
The new composite fibers, developed in collaboration with NASA, have strong interlocking connections that make them less prone to cracking and seal the material to prevent oxygen from changing its chemical composition. The fibers are also resistant to high temperatures and can make entire turbo engines significantly lighter.
A study by Rice University psychologists found that people who feel lonely report more severe cold symptoms than those with stronger social networks. The research suggests that loneliness can increase the severity of acute illnesses like the common cold.
Researchers at Rice University have developed an artificial photosynthesis material that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. The catalyst, made from iron, manganese, and phosphorus, is efficient and easy to manufacture, paving the way for a clean renewable source of hydrogen fuel.
The study found that freestanding emergency departments charge significantly higher prices than urgent care centers, with average costs ranging from $1,351 for common diagnoses to $2,199. This can lead to substantial out-of-pocket costs for patients and increased health care costs for insurers.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material that balances carbon dioxide sequestration and methane selectivity in natural gas production. The filter, made with a polymer-based sorbent, achieves optimal performance by adjusting the ratio of potassium, oxygen, and hydrogen activation reagents during processing.
Researchers at Rice University have developed an eco-friendly method to recycle electronic waste by using a cryo-mill to pulverize circuit boards into separated powders. The process breaks down components into homogenous powders that can be reused, reducing the need for energy-intensive processes and minimizing environmental harm.
A new study reveals that 'preventable' asthma attacks among schoolchildren in Houston result in significant healthcare costs. The researchers found a strong link between asthma incidents and schools on the city's east side, with African-American children comprising the largest percentage of cases.
The Rice University's Baker Institute will examine the dynamic effects of major fiscal policies with a new $3.2 million grant from the Charles Koch Foundation. The program aims to inform policymakers and the general public about potential reforms, with a focus on reducing budget deficits and growing income inequality.
Researchers from Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics create electrochromic glass that can change color at low voltages and has a multicolor palette. The glass uses perylene molecules and can produce different colors depending on the applied voltage.
A novel statistical approach has been developed to analyze brain activity data from patients with epilepsy, revealing distinct patterns of connectivity in the brains of those with temporal lobe epilepsy. The findings suggest that abnormal bidirectional interactions may play a role in the development of seizures.
Researchers have discovered a unique protein in the Orsay virus, a nematode worm virus, that plays a crucial role in binding to cells and infecting them. The protein's molecular structure has potential antiviral applications, and its study could guide bioengineers in developing synthetic variations of the virus to target parasitic worms.
Scientists at Rice University and Chile have proposed a new approach to nuclear fusion by simulating the use of shaped laser pulses to control atomic reactions. This method could potentially produce energy efficiently from deuterium and tritium, with the goal of creating a more sustainable and clean source of power.
A new study from Rice University found that African-American and poor children in Houston have a higher proportion of asthma due to social inequalities in their neighborhoods. Children living in poor neighborhoods, regardless of race, are more likely to develop asthma compared to those in middle-class or affluent areas.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine identified critical errors in inhaler use, leading to reduced medicine delivery. The most common mistakes include not shaking the device or holding breath for sufficient time, resulting in medication stuck in the mouth or throat.
Rice University researchers simulate a nanoscale sandwich of graphene and magnesium oxide, offering unique properties for molecular sensing, catalysis, and bio-imaging. The hybrid material has tunable band gaps and optical properties, making it suitable for various applications.
A Rice University study models the dynamic evolution of the microbial immune system, revealing a three-region phase diagram where phages thrive or are driven to extinction. The study explains confusing CRISPR experimental results by highlighting the importance of encounter rates and mutation parameters.
Researchers found that a specific mutation in hemoglobin makes it selectively bind to carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke, preventing oxidation and anemia. The father's smoking habit prevents him from developing the disease, while his daughter requires treatment with antioxidants to manage her condition.
Rice University researchers have developed a new method to analyze molecules in biomembranes, called SABERS. It uses plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles to extract structural details from unlabeled molecules. The technique was tested on three structures and found the surfactant layer tilted by 25 degrees.