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Rice University


Nano-hybrid materials create magnetic effect

Scientists at Rice University and Montreal Polytechnic designed computer simulations to investigate the electromagnetic properties of graphene-boron nitride hybrids. The researchers found that these hybrid materials exhibit both electronic and magnetic properties, which could be useful in spintronic and nano-transistor applications.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateJan 13, 2016

Study: Bacteria attack lignin with enzymatic tag team

Researchers from Rice University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered how two bacterial enzymes, LigE and LigF, work together as a team to break down lignin. This finding could lead to the development of new biofuels processes that convert plant biomass into ethanol and other fuels.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 6, 2016

A new twist in genetic switches

Rice University researchers found that a master regulator's activity is determined by kinetics, not thermodynamics. The study revealed the 'molecular stripping' process, which quickly stops protein production.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

Aryeh Warmflash wins NSF CAREER Award

Aryeh Warmflash, a Rice University professor, has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to investigate the mechanisms of embryonic cell differentiation. He aims to develop theoretical models to predict patterns of cell development and engineer embryonic-like systems.

Inflammation can fan the flames of depression

Researchers at Rice University and Ohio State University found that chronic inflammation is linked to depression, with concentrations of inflammatory markers CRP and IL-6 elevated by up to 50% in patients. Activities like yoga, meditation, NSAIDS, and exercise can help treat depression caused by chronic inflammation.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 18, 2015

Superhydrophobic coating protects without the price

Researchers at Rice University and Swansea University have developed a new class of superhydrophobic nanomaterials that are inexpensive, nontoxic, and can be applied to various surfaces via spray- or spin-coating. The coating is equivalent in performance to commercial coatings that employ hazardous fluorocarbons.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 9, 2015

Nanotube letters spell progress

The Rice researchers used experiments and simulations to study the stiffness of joined nanotubes and found that some types are tougher than others, with all having potential uses in macroscale structures. The team discovered that the X's were the stiffest and most able to bounce back to nearly their original shapes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 7, 2015

Nanoscale drawbridges open path to color displays

Researchers at Rice University develop a new method for building 'drawbridges' between metal nanoparticles, allowing for the creation of full-color displays. The technique involves anchoring pairs of gold nanoparticles to a glass surface and applying a small voltage to create a conductive silver bridge that can be switched on and off.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2015

Red means 'go' to therapeutic viruses

Rice University researchers use engineered viruses that respond to red light to overcome the challenge of delivering genes into host cells' nuclei. By incorporating light-responsive proteins, they successfully control viral activity and gene expression in target cells.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 1, 2015

Tiny octopods catalyze bright ideas

Researchers at Rice University have created nanoparticles that can function as both catalysts and plasmonic sensors. These tiny octopods, composed of gold and palladium, enhance chemical reactions while retaining their optical properties. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient industrial processes and sun-driven chemical reactions.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2015

Rice wins $2.4 million to study many-antenna wireless

The research aims to investigate the feasibility of using many-antenna base stations to serve multiple users simultaneously, addressing scalability and interference issues. By leveraging ArgosNet, a custom-built experimental test bed, the team will advance MIMO technology to meet the 1,000x data challenge in 5G networks.

Chemical design made easier

Rice University scientists have developed a metal-free process to synthesize dozens of organocatalysts, which promise to speed up the making of novel chemicals, including drugs. The new tools eliminate the need for transition metals and simplify chemical processes.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 24, 2015

No lens? No problem for FlatCam

Researchers developed patented prototypes of FlatCam, a thin sensor chip that processes sensor measurements into images and videos. The technology decouples the parameters of light collection and device thickness, enabling large sensors with thin devices.

Rice makes light-driven nanosubmarine

The researchers built single-molecule submersibles powered by ultraviolet light, achieving speeds of less than 1 inch per second but exceeding expectations for molecular motion. The study shows an enhancement in diffusion of 26 percent, outperforming Brownian motion.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 16, 2015

Clay makes better high-temp batteries

Researchers at Rice University have developed clay-based electrolytes that can supply stable electrochemical power in temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius, addressing a challenge for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The materials offer thermal stability and wetting properties, enabling good contact with electrodes.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 10, 2015

Rice U. paper: End 'stem cell tourism'

A new paper by Rice University experts warns that unproven stem cell-based interventions are causing harm to patients and hindering scientific progress. The authors argue that public policy is needed to reduce 'stem cell tourism' and promote responsible research.

SourceRice University·JournalBMC Medical Ethics·DateNov 9, 2015

Antimatter not so different after all

Researchers at Rice University measured the attractive force between antiprotons, revealing a fundamental new way to understand antimatter interactions. The scattering length and effective range of interaction were found to be nearly equivalent to those between protons.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2015

Caught in the act: New wasp species emerging

A study from Rice University and colleagues found that evolutionary changes in a native North American fruit fly are driving the emergence of three new wasp species, which exploit new habitats created by the changing fruit fly populations.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2015

Snake venom helps hydrogels stop the bleeding

Rice University scientists have developed a nanofiber hydrogel infused with snake venom that can stop bleeding within seconds, even in the presence of anti-coagulants. The material, called SB50, has great potential to treat surgical bleeding in patients taking heparin or other anti-coagulant drugs.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateOct 26, 2015

Study seeks cause of fatal bereavement

A new study aims to determine the mechanisms that cause some grieving survivors to suffer unanticipated and potentially fatal heart attacks. The researcher hopes to understand how stress, depression, and anxiety contribute to inflammation, a driver of cardiovascular disease.

Rice news release: Cobalt atoms on graphene a powerful combo

Researchers at Rice University have created a novel, solid-state catalyst that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, promising lower-cost alternatives to expensive platinum catalysts. The catalyst, made from nitrogen-doped graphene and cobalt atoms, shows high efficiency and durability in generating clean energy.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2015

New CEO's gender may affect company performance

The study, which analyzed data from 3,320 CEO successions in China's Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, found that male-to-female succession tends to have lower postsuccession performance than same-gender succession. Companies with female CEOs also experienced higher early departure rates.

SourceRice University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateOct 20, 2015

Gene on-off switch works like backpack strap

A team of researchers has found that proteins forming loops in human chromosomes work like a sliding plastic adjuster on a backpack. This discovery could provide new clues about genetic diseases and allow for reprogramming cells by directly modifying the loops in genomes.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Biomarker finder adjusts on the fly

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new tool to identify DNA and RNA sequences, which will help detect diseases and design therapies. The method allows for the simultaneous observation of multiple biomarkers by adjusting the brightness of fluorescent probes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 19, 2015

Are cars nanotube factories on wheels?

Researchers detected carbon nanotubes in Parisian children's lung cells and exhaust pipes, suggesting widespread exposure to the pollutants. The findings prompt further investigation into the potential health effects of nanotubes, which are found naturally but also produced by human activities.

SourceRice University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 19, 2015

Rice U. study: Customer feedback helps spur employee creativity

A Rice University study found that customer feedback helps spur employee creativity and improves customer satisfaction by enabling employees to think outside the box and solve problems in novel ways. The research suggests that service organizations can benefit from strategically marketing to customers to encourage them to empower their...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateOct 14, 2015

Researchers need to pay attention to differences in self-control

A new study suggests that public policies should account for individuals' varying levels of self-control when assessing their effectiveness. The researchers recommend using domain-specific measures to better understand consumer behavior and decision-making. This approach can facilitate the development of more effective interventions, p...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateOct 7, 2015

Rice news release: Smaller is better for nanotube analysis

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for analyzing carbon nanotubes in solution using variance spectroscopy. This technique allows for the rapid analysis of small regions in dilute nanotube solutions, providing insights into the types, numbers, and properties of nanoparticles in the solution. By zooming in on thes...

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateSep 29, 2015

Scientists decode structure at root of muscular disease

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have successfully mapped the structural details of leiomodin 2, a protein critical to muscle cell function. The discovery offers a path forward for studying and treating nemaline myopathy, a hereditary disorder that weakens muscles.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2015