Researchers at Rice University found that optimizing the process of turning clinkers into cement can save a significant amount of energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. By analyzing the crystal and atomic structures of clinkers, they identified areas where defects and internal stresses affect the grinding process.
Rice University researchers have developed a new carbon capture material that can hold 114% of its weight in carbon dioxide, capturing more than current methods. The material is made from inexpensive asphalt and can be reused multiple times without degrading.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a two-dimensional, light-sensitive material that can capture images. The material, copper indium selenide (CIS), is highly sensitive to light due to its slow-dissipating electrons, making it 10 times more efficient than previous materials.
Researchers at Rice University have identified 48 metal organic frameworks that outperform current materials in storing compressed natural gas. The discovery could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly natural gas cars with lighter, more compact tanks.
Researchers detected three instances of cross-species mating that influenced the evolutionary paths of old world mice, suggesting hybridization may not be an evolutionary dead end. The study found shared genetic code between two species of mice from Europe and Africa, with implications for human genetics and health.
A Rice University study examines how nanoparticles move through the food chain, tracing uptake and accumulation in plant roots, leaves, and caterpillars. The research found significant variation in nanoparticle accumulation rates based on surface coating types, with negatively charged particles avoiding clumping altogether.
High-resolution 3D maps of the human genome reveal thousands of hidden switches that regulate genes, including those associated with cancer and diseases. The study provides a new understanding of genetic regulation and its role in cellular differentiation.
The study finds that laser-induced graphene (LIG) has a unique structure with five- and seven-atom rings, which can store charges and make it suitable for supercapacitors. Researchers developed a scalable one-step process to create LIG in detailed patterns.
Researchers at Rice University developed a model to quantify the last unknown characteristic of film formation. Hot monomers can make islands grow or knock other molecules off, affecting film properties.
A new study from Rice University's Baker Institute finds that NFL players are seeking out unproven stem cell therapies to accelerate recoveries, despite potential risks. The authors suggest the NFL should establish guidelines and regulate these treatments to protect player health.
Researchers at Rice University have created an environmentally friendly compound that effectively captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial flue gases and natural gas wells. The new material, combined with buckminsterfullerene molecules, achieves high selectivity and efficiency in capturing carbon dioxide while rejecting methane.
Rice University scientists used a novel testing method to measure graphene's ability to absorb impact, finding it stretches before breaking. The technique, LIPIT, allows for rapid evaluation of nanoscale materials, with potential applications in body armor and spacecraft shielding.
Researchers developed computer models that match experimental results, explaining the dynamic processes behind essential cell components. Microtubule stability is crucial for cell survival, and the study provides new insights into how cells maintain or dismantle these structures.
Rice University scientists have developed a novel cathode for dye-sensitized solar cells using graphene/nanotube hybrids, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The new material has a huge surface area, allowing for more efficient electron transfer and better contact with the electrolyte.
A recent study found that feelings of disgust can increase behaviors like lying and cheating, while cleanliness can help people return to ethical behavior. The researchers used three randomized experiments to test the impact of emotions on decision-making.
Rice University researchers have developed PhyloNet, an open-source software package that models more detailed evolutionary networks from genetic data. The software uses a maximum likelihood method to infer network models that better describe the evolution of certain groups of species than traditional tree models.
A Rice University-led team is developing a sophisticated tool called PLINY to 'autocomplete' and 'autocorrect' code for programmers. The system will leverage big-data analytics and deep program analyses to populate a database of open-source code, providing programmers with help finishing or debugging code.
A new study by Rice University researchers reveals lemurs play a crucial role in dispersing seeds for trees, increasing survival rates. The findings highlight the importance of preserving lemur populations to maintain the health of Madagascar's rainforests.
Rice chemists create a nanoporous film of molybdenum disulfide for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction and energy storage, with potential applications in fuel cells and supercapacitors.
In a new study published in Nature Physics, Rice University physicists observed ultracold atomic collisions producing gaps between colliding solitons. This phenomenon challenges the expected behavior of solitons, which are waves that do not diminish or change shape as they move through space.
Cancer cells use genetic circuits as a three-way switch to form both cancer stem cells and circulating tumor cells, leading to metastasis. Researchers found significant correspondence between the operation of these two switches, suggesting a mechanism that would confer 'stemness' on hybrid cancer cells.
Researchers at Rice University have made significant breakthroughs in the study of synthetic collagen fibers, demonstrating how they self-assemble through their sticky ends. The discovery could lead to improved synthetic collagens for tissue engineering and cosmetic medicine.
A team of Rice University engineers and social scientists has developed a new electronic voting system that aims to be both secure and easy to use. The STAR (Secure, Transparent, Auditable and Reliable) system is designed to address the looming crisis facing elections officials nationwide as they replace aging voting systems.
A study found that states with larger African-American populations are more likely to have harsher incarceration practices and conditions of confinement. States with lower rates of poverty also exhibit greater punitiveness in terms of political and symbolic punishment.
Researchers found that empowering leaders can foster creativity in employees with high uncertainty avoidance and trust. Managers should focus on developing affect-based trust before empowering their team members. By establishing these conditions, managers can create an environment that encourages employee creativity.
Researchers developed a hybrid catalyst combining graphene quantum dots and graphene oxide, nitrogen, and boron, outperforming commercial platinum-based catalysts in fuel cells. The new material cuts the cost of generating energy with fuel cells, offering a promising solution to the expensive metal hurdle.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect 14-15% of cases in Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, despite the countries' small population. The US could work with these countries to implement disease control programs and develop lifesaving vaccines through joint efforts.
A new study by researchers at Rice University explains the hydrological mystery of biochar's effect on soil. Biochar makes clay soils drain faster due to its light and porous structure, increasing hydraulic conductivity, while sandy soils drain slower due to absorption and tortuous pathways for water movement.
A new study reveals significant differences in religiosity between Indian and UK scientists. While 65% of UK scientists identify as non-religious, only 6% of Indian scientists share this trait. The study also found that Indian scientists are more likely to attend religious services than their UK counterparts.
Researchers at Rice University created patches infused with conductive single-walled carbon nanotubes to overcome limitations in current patches, which hinder the transfer of electrical signals between cardiomyocytes. The patches can serve as full-thickness repairs without inducing abnormal cardiac rhythms.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new two-step strategy for weakening cancer by harnessing the power of the immune system. The study found that alternating cycles of radiation or chemotherapy with immune-boosting treatments can alter the balance between cancer and the immune system, ultimately bringing the cancer to a wea...
Rice University scientists have developed a transparent coating for glass that can keep surfaces free of ice and fog while maintaining radio frequency transparency. The graphene nanoribbon film, refined for consistency, retains its heat-conductive properties when applied to glass or plastic surfaces.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created strong conductive carbon threads using single-walled carbon nanotubes. By infusing the nanotubes with potassium and employing cage-like crown ethers, they were able to align the tubes and create a gel that could be extruded into fibers.
The Rice University lab has developed an RGB color display technology using aluminum nanorods, creating vivid red, blue and green hues comparable to high-definition LCD displays. The technology uses plasmonic aluminum nanorods in ordered arrays to produce dozens of colors, including rich tones.
Rice University computer scientists have developed cloud-computing tools to help analyze evolutionary patterns. The new open-source algorithms will enable researchers to track the evolution of genes and genomes across species more efficiently, making it possible to trace genes at scales that were not practical before.
Researchers at Rice University discover that phosphorus exhibits stable semiconducting properties in its 2-D form, even with defects. This property makes it a promising candidate for solar cells and electronics applications.
Researchers at Rice University have created a multiuser, multiantenna transmission scheme for the UHF band, which can serve multiple users simultaneously over long distances. The new technology combines proven technologies like MIMO to boost data rates without increasing power or channel usage.
Zubarev's team is refining methods to produce more gold nanorods using ascorbic acid, with potential applications in medical diagnostics and photothermal therapy. The NSF grant extension will support further research into processing and incorporating nanorods into metamaterials.
The Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at Rice University has received a five-year, $11.75 million grant from the NSF to support its work on applying physical science to new aspects of the natural world. Researchers will develop concepts, models and methods that quantitatively describe processes in living systems.
Researchers analyzed water produced by hydraulic fracturing and suggested non-chemical treatments for recycling. They found that produced water contains potentially toxic compounds, but most minerals originate from ancient connate waters, posing little concern.
Rice University scientists have successfully synthesized a newly discovered natural antibiotic, viridicatumtoxin B, which shows potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The simplified synthesis of this compound may pave the way for developing more effective antibiotics against superbugs.
Researchers at Rice University and the University of Nevada have found that cooling of the Pacific plate causes horizontal contraction and deformation. The rate of contraction is faster in younger parts of the plate, leading to a predicted 10 times faster contraction than older parts.
Researchers aim to create efficient statistical machine learning techniques for distributed computing systems, enabling industry and research to analyze massive data sets without the need for radical new programming models. The project focuses on extending Rice's SimSQL platform for stochastic analytics and will be open-source.
OpenStax College will expand its catalog of free college textbooks to 21 titles by 2017, saving students over $500 million by 2020. The new titles will be developed for high-enrollment science and mathematics courses.
Rice University researchers have created a CMOS-compatible, biomimetic color photodetector that directly responds to red, green and blue light. The device uses an aluminum grating that can be added to silicon photodetectors with the mainstay technology, "complementary metal-oxide semiconductor," or CMOS.
The research reveals the viral capsid structure, showing similarities to other viruses, and identifies potential binding sites for modification. The findings may lead to new information on host-virus interactions and the development of custom-made viruses to target parasitic or pathogenic worms.
Rice University theorists show that energy landscapes dominate both evolution and folding of proteins. The team used computer models to compare the folding of natural proteins from eons to seconds, revealing a common connection between evolution and physics.
Researchers have developed a simple method to detect contaminants on atom-thin graphene using terahertz spectroscopy. The technique involves placing the graphene on a layer of indium phosphide, which emits terahertz waves when excited by a laser pulse, allowing for non-contact detection and mapping of changes in electrical conductivity.
Researchers at Rice University have found that foam is more effective than water, gas, and surfactant combinations in removing oil from low-permeability formations. Foam's unique properties allow it to penetrate and dislodge oil without losing its effectiveness, making it a promising tool for enhanced oil recovery.
Rice University physicist Emilia Morosan has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to investigate unusual quantum materials. Her research aims to uncover fundamental properties of these compounds, which may lead to new discoveries in condensed matter physics.