A new study from Rice University found that older adults are nearly twice as likely as their younger counterparts to have memories affected by environmental distractions, leading to decreased memory accuracy and speed. This research provides valuable insights into how the brain is affected by environmental interference, critical inform...
Researchers at Rice University have developed a breakthrough silicon oxide memory technology that can be fabricated at room temperature with conventional methods. The new porous silicon oxide version improves the forming voltage and eliminates edge fabrication needs.
Researchers at Rice University have found a way to unzip carbon nanotubes into graphene nanoribbons without using chemicals, by firing them at high speeds. The process works by hitting the nanotubes broadside or lengthwise, resulting in ribbons with ragged edges that can be used for strength and electrical properties.
A new study suggests the US should broaden its definition of skilled workers to include informal skills acquired by migrant workers. The research found that many migrants acquire skills through job interactions and observation rather than formal education, which are often hidden and valuable to US labor markets.
Rice University researchers have successfully developed palladium-gold nanocatalysts that convert glycerol, a waste byproduct of biodiesel production, into valuable chemicals. The catalysts produce a 'Goldilocks' effect, striking the perfect balance between palladium and gold to achieve faster conversion rates.
Researchers from Rice University have found evidence of the direct decay of the Higgs boson to fermions, a fundamental particle in the Standard Model. This finding strengthens the confirmation of the Higgs boson discovery and sets the stage for further exploration of its properties and potential connections to dark matter.
Isabell Thomann's research focuses on improving photocatalysis, a process that uses light to drive chemical reactions, with a goal of reducing carbon dioxide using sunlight. She will use an ultrafast laser spectroscopy system to study short-lived chemical intermediates and optimize the efficiency and selectivity of chemical reactions.
Researchers have developed a simple way to etch nanoscale spikes into silicon, allowing more than 99% of sunlight to reach the cells' active elements. The new process reduces costs associated with solar cell production and increases efficiency.
Researchers have created composite particles that can be injected into patients and guided by magnetic fields, allowing for improved detection of diseases. The nanoconstructs, made up of thousands of iron oxide particles, can be heated to kill malignant tissues or trigger the release of drugs at specific sites.
Researchers use mathematical tool to analyze gene networks and determine transition pathways between steady states, providing insight into how stem cells differentiate. The study builds on previous theories, incorporating the role of protein binding to DNA in gene expression.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a nucleic acid-based test to detect signs of HIV and track viral loads in patients in low-resource settings. The new test, called qRPA, uses recombinase polymerase amplification and can be performed at the site of care, eliminating the need for complex lab equipment.
Researchers at Rice University have developed customized carbon nanotubes that can deliver chemotherapy agents to pancreatic cancer cells. The nanotubes are small enough to pass through the pores of cancer-related blood vessels, allowing them to target and infiltrate the nuclei of cancerous cells.
Physicists at Rice University have discovered a new class of materials that exhibit quantum criticality, a phenomenon closely related to high-temperature superconductivity. The research provides valuable insights into the behavior of heavy fermion metals, which could lead to a broader understanding of quantum criticality.
Researchers at Rice University have created a porous material that can capture and polymerize carbon dioxide from natural gas at ambient temperature. The material shows promise to replace more costly and energy-intensive processes, enabling the economic production of gas resources with higher carbon dioxide content.
A preclinical study of Rice University's quadrapeutics technology found that it can detect and kill cancer cells instantly, without harming surrounding normal organs. The technology uses a combination of existing clinical treatments and mechanical events triggered by nano-explosions to target cancer cells.
A Rice University researcher is rebooting 'deep brain stimulation' technology to treat Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. The new technique uses embedded processors and real-time analytics to optimize results, potentially increasing effectiveness for a third of patients.
Rice chemist Ed Billups and colleagues created nanodiamonds in hydrogenated anthracite coal, but smaller diamonds degraded with subsequent images taken under an electron microscope. The researchers found a window of stability for diamonds within a range of 19-52 angstroms.
Rice University physicist Wei Li is searching for the smallest and hottest drop of 'quark soup' in the universe, a liquid of subatomic particles that only appears at temperatures above 2 trillion kelvins. He will use the world's most powerful particle accelerator, LHC, to study quark-gluon plasma.
A first-of-its-kind study found parallel genomic changes during species formation of a Southern California stick insect, suggesting a repeatable process. The research revealed regions of the genome that exhibited significant differences between populations from different host plants.
Rice University synthetic biologist Jeff Tabor is working on a three-year project to engineer probiotic bacteria that can detect disease signals in the gut and prevent diseases such as obesity and depression. The goal is to create an edible probiotic bacterium that can help protect sailors and marines from these health issues.
Researchers created a thermogelling hydrogel that turns from liquid to semisolid at body temperature and then degrades as new bone forms, filling the space left by the original gel.
Rice University researchers have developed a tunable virus that can target and destroy cancer cells by unlocking only in the presence of two selected proteases. The virus uses peptides to lock its capsid, which is then unlocked by specific enzymes, allowing it to bind to diseased cells.
Researchers found a key indicator of ovarian cancer aggressiveness in the glutamine ratio between external and internal sources. A high ratio is associated with tumor aggression and poor survival rates.
Researchers measured graphene's fracture toughness for the first time, finding it to be significantly lower than its intrinsic strength. The study highlights the importance of fabricating high-quality graphene sheets without defects.
A study by Rice University found that state-owned companies in China were less likely to engage in strategic entrepreneurship to gain market share as the state owned more equity. This hampered innovation and hindered the companies' ability to react to changing institutional demands.
Researchers from Rice University and Georgia Tech measured graphene's fracture toughness for the first time, finding it to be somewhat brittle. The study highlights the importance of fabricating high-quality graphene sheets without defects to ensure its structural applications.
Rice University researchers have created a thin-film battery that combines the best qualities of high-energy batteries and supercapacitors, retaining over 76% of its energy capacity after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. The flexible device has potential for wearable electronics.
A new paper from Rice University's Baker Institute calls for revised patenting guidelines to address the broad patent landscape in biotechnology. The authors suggest initial steps to reform patent licensing and require detailed patent descriptions to prevent costly lawsuits.
Rice University scientists have created a nanoscale detector that checks for and reports on the presence of hydrogen sulfide in crude oil and natural gas while they're still in the ground. The detection method is sensitive enough to detect low concentrations, making it an important tool for improving safety and efficiency in oil fields.
Researchers found that the river's supply of sand, a key ingredient for rebuilding marshlands, will remain constant for at least 300 years. The study suggests that despite reduced sediment loads, the abundance of sand in the lower Mississippi River channel will continue to replenish wetlands.
A new study by Rice University and Cornell University shows that S\/P 500 companies have tied CEO compensation to performance with varying performance measures. On average, firms rely mostly on accounting-based performance measures, but larger firms and growth-oriented firms tend to use market-based measures.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a synthetic collagen, KOD, that mimics the body's natural collagen to promote natural clotting and heal surgical wounds. Lab tests showed KOD hydrogel traps red blood cells to stop bleeding and binds platelets to form clots, improving upon commercial hemostats.
Researchers at Rice University have designed a sophisticated synthetic genetic circuit that signals increases in the degradation of proteins by the cell's ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). The Deg-On circuit produces a green fluorescent signal linked to UPS degradation, allowing researchers to monitor proteasomal activity.
Researchers at Rice University and Nanyang Technological University have developed a scalable CVD process for producing one-atom-thick layers of 2D molybdenum diselenide, a highly sought semiconductor. The new method offers improved electronic properties compared to similar materials like graphene.
A new study by Rice University finds that businesses and academia are not sufficiently integrating creativity and innovation, which requires skillful leadership to maximize benefits. The study proposes 60 research questions and 11 themes for future studies to improve understanding of workplace creativity and innovation.
A recent study by Rice University and colleagues analyzed the environmental fate of black carbon in deep ocean sediments. They found that more than half of black carbon never reaches the bottom, but instead stays dissolved in seawater or gets trapped in particles before sinking to the seafloor.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new hybrid material by combining carbon nanotubes with graphene, resulting in improved electrical and mechanical properties. The 'rebar graphene' technique enables large, flexible, conductive sheets of graphene to be manipulated more easily, making it a potential replacement for indium ti...
A new study from Rice University found that university workplace bias against scientists and engineers who use flexible work arrangements may increase employee dissatisfaction and turnover, even for those without children. The research suggests that flexibility stigma can lead to a toxic culture that affects department productivity.
Rice University scientists have found that a mixture of diamond nanoparticles and mineral oil outperforms other types of fluid in heat transfer applications. The researchers tested the nanofluid at concentrations up to 0.1 percent weight and found significant improvements in thermal conductivity, while maintaining a usable viscosity.
A Rice University analysis of state implementation plans reveals that most urban areas have met the next benchmark for reducing airborne particulate matter. The study found that PM 2.5 concentrations declined by an average 2.6 micrograms per cubic meter in regions that filed SIPs to attain the standard by 2009.
Researchers found a previously unknown binding interface between Bcl-2 and NAF-1 proteins, which could be addressed by medication. The study's findings have implications for treating cancer and age-related diseases.
A study from Rice University found that consumers who shop for leisure travel during business hours tend to select higher quality hotels but are less satisfied with their stay. Consumers who book earlier and pay in advance also tend to be more satisfied.
A Rice University and Duke University study found that modifying homework procedures improved exam scores without changing the course curriculum. The study used cognitive science principles, including repeated retrieval practice, spacing, and immediate feedback, to develop inexpensive yet effective educational changes.
Biophysicists at Rice University developed a computational technique that combines genetic and structural data to analyze complex molecular machines. The technique, called DCA, reveals previously unknown details about protein transitions between functional states.
Researchers have developed a toolkit of genes and hardware using colored lights and engineered bacteria to test and debug genetic circuits. By varying the timing and intensity of lights, they can control exactly when and how much different genes are expressed.
Researchers found that smartphone owners made fewer errors on the mobile voting system than traditional voting methods. The study suggests incorporating smartphone-based voting systems into the current process could improve efficiency and usability.
A Rice University-led team of researchers found that liver cells up-regulate glycolytic pathway to produce more energy in response to disease, leading to net gain in metabolic output. The study suggests new treatments to delay liver failure by boosting glycolytic energy production.
A Rice University lab has invented a tabletop device to evaluate the efficiency of oil and gas wells by analyzing nanoparticle movement. The device simulates the long path nanoparticles travel through deep rock formations, providing valuable information for producers.
Rice University researchers conducted a two-year census of 4,500 possible cap formations for nanotubes, finding that the elastic energy landscapes involved in cap formation do not dictate the nanotube's chirality. Instead, other factors such as catalyst interaction and energy landscape play a crucial role.
A new survey of over 10,000 Americans found that nearly 50% of evangelicals believe science and religion can work together, contrary to public perception. The study also showed that scientists are more likely to practice their faith than the general population, challenging conventional wisdom.