Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material called rebar graphene, which can be shaped and has exceptional conductivity. The material supports over 3,000 times its own weight without deforming, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers develop new method to analyze shale samples using NMR and molecular dynamics simulations, helping determine hydrocarbon presence and extraction difficulty. The approach improves identification of gas, oil, and water in organic shales.
Rice University scientists have designed better scaffolds to study cancer, creating more realistic tumor models. The new designs improve cell proliferation and protein production, paving the way for drug development.
A unique enzyme found in a soil bacterium from the Ruth Mullins coal fire has been used to improve antibiotic daptomycin, with potential applications for other drugs and therapies. The discovery could aid in the development of new drugs and treatments.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new compound of bismuth and carbon nanotubes that improves upon existing cell-tracking agents. The improved Bi4C@US-tubes show up strongly on X-rays taken with computed tomography (CT) scanners, allowing for more efficient tracking of stem cells in the body.
Researchers found that generations born on the leading edge of an invasion can push forward more than those born further back due to evolutionary advantages. This discovery has implications for agriculture and natural resource management as invasive species spread faster and farther.
Researchers at Rice University have created single-molecule compounds that quench damaging reactive oxygen species, offering a new basis for antioxidant therapies. The molecules, called PEG-PDI, are true mimics of superoxide dismutase enzymes and show promise for treating cancer, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic diseases.
Researchers at Rice University simulated one-dimensional boron materials, which exhibited mechanical stiffness comparable to the highest-performing nanomaterials. The new findings also revealed that these materials can act as constant-force springs and display unique electronic properties.
Rice University scientists have discovered a 'crypt-keeper' wasp that tunnels through its host's head to emerge, manipulating the host's behavior. The discovery provides insight into rare examples of hypermanipulation in parasites.
Researchers at Rice University and Kazan Federal University have found a way to extract radioactivity from water using oxidatively modified carbon (OMC) material. The OMC is highly efficient at absorbing radioactive metal cations, including cesium and strontium, making it a promising solution for purifying contaminated water.
A new study from Rice University found that smaller, younger predators have a significant ecological impact on pond ecosystems. The research, which involved over 54 test ponds and thousands of hours of data analysis, showed that even the earliest stages of salamander development can lead to lasting changes in the environment.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new theory and computational methods to understand how metallic glasses behave under stress, revealing the formation of shear bands that can lead to breaking. The study provides valuable insights into improving the strength and durability of glass materials.
Researchers argue that waste methane can be turned into valuable chemicals through biomanufacturing, which could meet industry's needs and reduce environmental impact. By operating at smaller scales, biomanufacturing facilities can be closer to feedstocks and point of need, facilitating faster innovation.
Researchers found that adding cone-like structures between graphene and nanotubes enhances heat dissipation by reducing the number of heptagons. This could lead to improved performance in next-generation nano-electronics.
Researchers at Rice University have made breakthroughs in understanding how concrete responds to stress at the atomic level. By studying the internal structure of tobermorite, they found that defects can lead to increased strength and toughness by allowing layers to glide past each other.
Rice University scientists studied physical and computer models of heart valves to learn how oxygen feeds them. The study revealed that aortic and mitral valves handle stress differently, with the former prompting angiogenesis and the latter transforming into cartilage-like tissue. Understanding these mechanisms can lead to new ways to...
A new 'deep rendering mixture model' enables computers to learn about the visual world largely on their own, using a semisupervised learning method. The algorithm achieved higher accuracy than previous methods in distinguishing handwritten digits, even with limited training examples.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple way to recycle waste carbon dioxide into valuable fuel using nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots. The dots proved nearly as efficient as copper in converting CO2 into small batches of ethylene and ethanol, with the ability to keep their catalytic activity for a long time.
A recent study from Rice University reveals that evangelicals are significantly more skeptical of evolution (70% false) compared to climate change skepticism (28%). This finding challenges the common perception that anti-evolution and anti-climate change views are linked.
Researchers have mapped gases in three dark rings around a distant star, indicating the presence of planets that are clearing dust and gas from the outer rings. However, one inner ring remains mysterious, with more carbon monoxide than expected, leaving scientists to investigate alternative explanations for its formation.
Researchers used a model to simulate human migration in the Americas, finding that east-west migration was easier due to transferable knowledge. The study reveals how modularity of knowledge interacts with asymmetry during migration, with implications for understanding cancer metastasis and other biological systems.
Rice University scientists have decoded the kinetic properties of cement and developed a way to 'program' microscopic particles to create less porous and more durable material. This technique may lead to stronger structures that require less concrete, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Rice University biologist Julia Saltz found that fruit flies' genotypes and behaviors affect their social environments. In experiments, she observed that males in preferred groups were more aggressive than those in nonpreferred groups, while losing an encounter made them less aggressive.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that a diabetes drug can halt the production of glycoproteins that make up the protective mucus lining cells, allowing immune cells to target tumors. The study suggests that reducing mucin levels may be enough to breach the tumor's protective shield and allow for cancer cell destruction.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new way to dissipate heat in next-generation microelectronic devices by using bumpy surfaces with graphene. The interface between gallium nitride semiconductors and diamond heat sinks was improved, allowing phonons to disperse more efficiently. This improvement can lead to better reliabil...
Researchers at Rice University have created a multifunctional reagent from pine tree terpenoids, enabling the rapid synthesis of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing molecules in one step. This process cuts waste and saves money for manufacturers by using biorenewable and cost-effective methods.
Researchers capture elusive DNA reaction intermediates in living cells, discovering mechanisms underlying genome instability and a new role for an E. coli protein related to human cancer proteins. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs that prevent cancer by neutralizing these key pieces of genetic code.
Rice chemist Christy Landes and her team have created a new microscopy technique called super temporal resolution microscopy (STReM), which captures images of molecules at a frame rate 20 times faster than typical lab cameras. This enhancement allows researchers to study fast processes without needing more expensive cameras, extracting...
According to a new study by Rice University experts, roughly 6 percentage points of Texas residents have gained health insurance coverage due to the Affordable Care Act, resulting in approximately 1 million Texans gaining coverage. However, despite these gains, 3 million Texans between ages 19 and 64 remain uninsured.
Richard Tapia, a Rice University mathematician, has been recognized for his remarkable career blending world-class scholarship, admirable mentoring and profound contributions to science. He has inspired thousands of underrepresented minority students to pursue careers in STEM fields through his popular talks and programs.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that molybdenum diselenide's tensile strength can be significantly reduced by flaws as small as one missing atom. The material's brittle nature may limit its use in next-generation technologies.
Researchers found that the length of repeating polyglutamine sequences contained in proteins is critical to the onset of disease, with aggregation beginning only when chains reach 36 repeats. The study sheds light on how mutations and protein structure influence disease severity.
The Light Plate Apparatus (LPA) brings optogenetics within reach of most biology labs with low-cost, easy-to-use hardware and software. Researchers can now incorporate optogenetics testing into their labs without extensive engineering or programming training.
Researchers at Rice University and the University of Graz successfully drove single-molecule nanoroadsters using light, demonstrating a new method for propulsion. The vehicles, made of 112 atoms, reached a top speed of 23 nanometers per hour and showed wavelength sensitivity.
A computational model helps biologists predict minimal mutations for efficient reprogramming of signaling proteins, expanding the landscape for two-component systems in bacteria. The model connects interaction specificity and promiscuity, enabling researchers to design novel interactions.
A majority of British scientists who mentioned Richard Dawkins during research interviews reject his public engagement approach, feeling he misrepresents science and its norms. The study's findings emphasize the importance of promoting science over personal attacks to effectively communicate scientific knowledge.
Research by Rice University finds that consumers with a local identity are more willing to pay more for goods and services, even when the country of origin is unknown. This suggests that companies can increase revenue without lowering prices or modifying products by triggering a sacrifice mindset in customers.
Rice University scientists have discovered a new material that can store large amounts of hydrogen efficiently, making it suitable for next-generation green cars. The pillared boron nitride and graphene hybrid outperforms other materials in terms of surface area and recyclable properties.
Researchers found that voters perceive enhanced security measures as more secure than systems with fake security elements. Participants also reported increased confidence in the voting system when it included robust security features.
A Rice University-led team demonstrates how to improve the quality of simulations run on supercomputers by using inexact computing methods, which can reduce energy costs and maintain accuracy levels. The approach allows for significant improvements in solution quality within a fixed energy budget.
The new CaPSuLe system calculates locations in under 2 seconds with over 92% accuracy, consuming less than 4 joules of energy. It uses machine learning and inexact computing to address issues of privacy, computations, and energy.
Rice University scientists fire micro-cubes at a target to rearrange their nanoscale structures, creating ultrastrong and tough materials. The technique, known as LIPIT, uses advanced laser-induced projectile impact testing to generate high pressure that far exceeds the material's strength.
Rice University scientists found polymer chains in common carbon fibers can misalign during manufacture, weakening the product. They suggest ways to improve the fiber's strength, including starting with graphene nanoribbons.
A new study from Rice University found that individuals with low socio-economic status as children are more likely to experience poor health in adulthood. The researchers discovered a correlation between early adversity and biological capacity to regulate emotions, which can lead to compromised adult health.
Researchers at Rice University have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a library of programmed bacteria that can produce therapeutic drugs on-site in response to dietary triggers. The project aims to advance the development of a biological control system for safely and effectively turning bacteria on and off.
Researchers at Rice University have created a laser-free, wireless system capable of delivering 1 terabit of data per second using pulse-radio technology inspired by Guglielmo Marconi. This breakthrough technology promises to revolutionize wireless communication with speeds 20,000 times faster than current 4G networks.
Rice University's Chao Center for Asian Studies has received a $150,000 federal grant to boost its Asian studies programs. The grant will support the development of new courses, teacher workshops, and speaker series aimed at enhancing teaching and public outreach.
Rice University researchers have discovered a way to subtly change the interior structure of semi-hollow nanorods, altering their interaction with light. This method could form the basis of a nanoscale switch with enormous potential.
Rice University scientists are building a tool to detect and quantify genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the environment. The technology uses light transmission spectrometry to identify DNA or proteins from engineered crops and animals, which can have unintended consequences on ecosystems.
Researchers at Rice University have found a new, wavy two-dimensional material called borophene that could be ideal for creating flexible electronic devices. The material has excellent conductivity and can stretch without losing its electronic properties.