Nano-oils keep their cool
Researchers developed nano-infused transformer oil that increases efficiency by up to 80 percent, reducing heat loss while maintaining electric insulation. The oil's viscosity is minimally affected by nanoparticle fillers.
Rice University
In times of scandal, corporations are likely to use others' misconduct to justify their behavior
A study by Rice University and the University of California at Irvine found that corporate boards tend to dismiss top executives later in a scandal rather than immediately. Companies often use other companies' similar misconduct to justify their own, rather than taking responsibility for their actions.
Perfect nanotubes shine brightest
Researchers found that longer carbon nanotubes emit more light at near-infrared wavelengths, while shorter tubes are dimmer due to imperfections. The study reveals insights into how growth methods and processing can improve nanotube fluorescence.
Many bodies make 1 coherent burst of light
Rice University researchers have successfully observed superfluorescence in a solid-state material, creating a coherent burst of light. The team used high-intensity laser pulses and strong magnetic fields to create the conditions for this phenomenon, which occurs when electron-hole pairs cooperate.
Research at Rice University leads to nanotube-based device for communication, security, sensing
Researchers at Rice University have developed a nanotube-based terahertz polarizer that selectively allows 100% of a terahertz wave to pass or blocks 99.9%, making it effective for security, communication, and sensing applications. The device handles waves from 0.5 to 2.2 terahertz, surpassing commercial polarizers.
Rice professor's nanotube theory confirmed
Air Force Research Laboratory experiment confirms Boris Yakobson's theory that chirality of nanotubes determines their growth speed and armchair nanotubes grow fastest. The study provides a basis for further research into growing specific types of nanotubes with desired properties.
Rice, UCSD scientists probe form, function of mysterious protein
Researchers from Rice University and UCSD decipher part of mitoNEET's movements using laboratory experiments and computer modeling. They found that the protein can switch between conformations without unfolding, altering the shape of its critical pocket.
Rice lab mimics Jupiter's Trojan asteroids inside a single atom
Physicists at Rice University mimic the orbit of Jupiter's Trojan asteroids within an atom, confirming Niels Bohr's 1920 prediction on quantum mechanics and Newtonian physics. The research demonstrates control over atomic behavior using radio frequency waves.
Water sees right through graphene
A new study reveals graphene's ability to enhance conductivity while retaining wetting characteristics, making it a promising coating for various applications. The research found that gold, copper, and silicon get just as wet when clad by a single layer of graphene as they would without.
Graphene quantum dots: The next big small thing
A Rice University-led team discovered a one-step chemical process to create graphene quantum dots from carbon fiber. The sub-5 nanometer carbon-based quantum dots are highly soluble and have controllable size, with potential for biomedical imaging, protein analysis, and cell tracking.
Rice's Deem wins Texas academy's O'Donnell Award
Michael Deem, a computational theorist, is being honored with the engineering award for fundamental theoretical work on vaccine design, mathematical biology, and nanoporous materials structure. His research has led to breakthroughs in understanding immunology, evolution, and materials science.
Discrimination may harm your health, according to new Rice study
A new study by Rice sociologists finds that racial discrimination is associated with higher levels of emotional upset and physical symptoms among black adults (18%), compared to white adults (4%). The research highlights the need to acknowledge and study the impact of discriminatory behavior on long-term health outcomes.
Rice's 'quantum critical' theory gets experimental boost
A new study supports a 2006 theory by Qimiao Si to explain the electrical properties of unconventional superconductors. The research provides a global phase diagram for heavy-fermion systems, helping relate the behavior of several materials.
Nobel history illustrates gap in grants to young scientists
A new study by Rice University illustrates a disconnect between government funding of biomedical research by young investigators and the Nobel Prize standard. The average age of biomedical researchers getting their first grant from the NIH in 2008 was 42, compared to the average age of Nobel winners at 41.
Scientists solve mystery of colorful armchair nanotubes
Researchers at Rice University have figured out the source of colorful armchair nanotubes: hydrogen-like objects called excitons. The team found that exciton resonance occurs around a unique electronic structure in these one-dimensional materials, making them visible to our eyes.
Graphene rips follow rules
Research from Rice University and UC Berkeley reveals graphene tears along energetically favorable lines, creating desirable edges. The study suggests a new way to control graphene's electrical properties by manipulating its edges.
Rice's Grande-Allen wins AHA Established Investigator Award
Jane Grande-Allen, Rice University's first faculty member to win the award, will receive a five-year research grant to study the unique biological properties of heart valves. Her goal is to develop novel therapies for valve disease and create living, healing heart-valve replacements.
Functionalized graphene oxide plays part in next-generation oil-well drilling fluids
Researchers at Rice University have developed functionalized graphene oxide to alleviate clogging issues in newly drilled wells. The material forms a thinner, lighter filter cake that allows for improved drilling efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Some atheist scientists with children embrace religious traditions, according to new Rice research
According to the study, 17 percent of atheists with children attended a religious service more than once in the past year. Atheist scientists cite scientific identity, spousal influence, and desire for community as reasons for their involvement. They want their children to have choices and expose them to various religious traditions.
Graphene lights up with new possibilities
Researchers at Rice University developed a two-step method to attach organic molecules to pristine graphene, making it suitable for various new applications. This breakthrough enables advances in chemical sensors, thermoelectric devices, and metamaterials.
'Trans-parency' in the workplace
A new study from Rice University and Pennsylvania State University reveals that transsexual employees who are open about their gender identity in the workplace experience greater job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The research also highlights the importance of a strong support system in fostering a positive work environment.
Rice chemists cram 2 million nanorods into single cancer cell
Researchers at Rice University have successfully loaded over 2 million gold nanorods into a single cancer cell, opening up new possibilities for targeted cancer treatments. The breakthrough involves using a new molecule to replace toxic CTAB with MTAB, allowing for the safe and efficient loading of nanoparticles into cells.
Protecting Houston from the next big hurricane
A Rice University-led team recommends building a floodgate across the Houston Ship Channel and adding new levees to protect densely populated areas. The report also suggests creating a 130-mile-long coastal recreation area to utilize wetlands as a natural storm-surge barrier.
Looks do matter, according to new study
Researchers found that interviewers recalled less information about candidates with facial blemishes, leading to decreased evaluations. This study aims to raise awareness about workplace discrimination against individuals with facial stigmas.
Accelerating robotic innovation
Researchers from Rice University and two other universities are developing a new generation of design software to accurately predict robot physical behavior. This tool will enable designers to find key flaws on a computer before building a prototype, reducing expenses and increasing innovation.
Methane may be answer to 56-million-year question
New calculations by Rice University researchers suggest that the ocean may have stored as much methane hydrate 56 million years ago as it does today. This could have released massive amounts of carbon, causing drastic climate change. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the impact of methane hydrates on global climate.
Online interactions can lead to risky financial decision-making
A recent study by researchers at Rice University finds that people participating in online communities tend to make riskier financial decisions. This is attributed to the false assumption that fellow community members will come to their aid when needed.
Rice's Barron wins World Technology Award for Materials
Andrew Barron, Rice University's Charles W. Duncan, Jr. -- Welch Chair of Chemistry, is honored with the prestigious World Technology Award for Materials for his groundbreaking nanotechnology research in energy and health. His work has led to projects involving down-hole sensors, carbon dioxide mitigation, and cancer treatment.
Rice's Zheng wins Packard Fellowship
Junrong Zheng will use a five-year grant to develop a laser-based spectroscopic device for real-time, three-dimensional analysis of molecular conformations. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as chemical reactions, protein folding, and drug interactions.
Giant flakes make graphene oxide gel
Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery by creating giant flakes of graphene oxide that form a gel-like liquid crystal in water. This alignment enables the creation of metamaterials with unique mechanical and electronic properties, as well as high-strength fibers with enhanced properties.
Cloudy with a chance of sudden death
Bioengineers from Rice University are testing a new law of biology to predict when critically ill patients will worsen, and which treatment is likely to prevent it. The study aims to provide clinicians with a patient-specific 'forecast' using data from electrocardiograms and other vital signs.
Research proposes common link between autism, diabetes
A study by Rice University biochemist Michael Stern suggests a possible link between Type 2 diabetes and autism due to impaired glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia. This common underlying mechanism may lead to the development of new treatments for autistic children, including low-carbohydrate diets.
Ammonia gets overdue overview
A new study by Rice University and the University of Houston reveals seasonal variations in ammonia levels in Houston's atmosphere, affecting air quality. Ammonia levels are highest in summer and lowest in winter, with a mean concentration of 3.1 ppb during summer months.
All for one, 'R-one' for all
The R-one project is a cost-effective way for Rice University to create an inexpensive and sophisticated robot that can be used in classrooms and aftercare programs. The robots are already being used in introductory engineering courses to teach programming, mechanical engineering, and distributed control.
Removal of restrictions can decrease music piracy
A new study from Rice University and Duke University found that removing digital rights management (DRM) restrictions can actually decrease music piracy. The research showed that while DRM restrictions make piracy more costly and difficult, they also have a negative impact on legal users who don't intend to engage in piracy.
Rice physicists move 1 step closer to quantum computer
Researchers at Rice University have created a tiny 'electron superhighway' that could be useful for building a quantum computer. The device, which acts as an electron superhighway, is one of the building blocks needed to create quantum particles that store and manipulate data.
Low-cost electronic tablet proves worth in Indian classroom
A low-cost electronic tablet, called I-slate, has been proven to be an effective learning tool for Indian children. The device is designed to be solar-powered and cost less than $50, providing immediate feedback on correct and incorrect answers to math problems.
Examining motherly fears
A new study by sociologists at Rice University and Stanford University explores how neighborhood poverty influences maternal fear of children's outdoor play. Mothers' household economic status, education, employment, and physical/mental health all contribute to their fears.
Rice University lab develops technique to control light from nanoparticles
Researchers at Rice University have created a technique to control plasmonic scattering from nanoparticles using liquid crystals. By applying an electric field, the alignment of liquid crystal molecules can be manipulated, acting as a shutter to switch the nanorods' signals like a traffic light.
Science and religion do mix
A new study by Rice University suggests that only a minority of scientists at major research universities view religion and science as being in perpetual conflict. In reality, most scientists see both religion and science as valid avenues of knowledge that can bring broader understanding to important questions.
Rice wins grant to develop CO2 capture technology
A Rice University research team is developing a novel system for separating CO2 from power plant smoke stacks. The technology uses waste heat and specialized materials to filter liquids and gases, aiming to significantly reduce energy requirements compared to existing methods.
Rice reinforces gas hydrate strategy
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to pinpoint the amount of methane hydrates trapped under the seabed using shallow core samples. The technique, which analyzes transition zones between methane and sulfate, can aid in selecting deep drilling sites for expensive exploratory drilling.
Rice, UW win $2 million grant for synthetic biology research
Researchers aim to create bacteria that form geometrical patterns to understand stem cell behavior. By modifying E. coli with genetic circuits, they hope to unlock the genetic programming behind complex cellular structures.
Rice unveils new method to grow synthetic collagen
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to create synthetic collagen, which forms from a liquid in just an hour and has properties similar to native collagen. The material may be used as a scaffold for regenerating tissues and organs using stem cells.
Rice researchers power line-voltage light bulb with nanotube wire
Researchers at Rice University have successfully powered a fluorescent light bulb using a cable made of carbon nanotubes, which is six times lighter than copper and silver. The new material shows great promise for use in applications where weight is critical, such as airplanes and automobiles.
Rice breakthrough could double wireless capacity with no new towers
Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough that could allow wireless phone companies to double throughput on their networks without adding a single cell tower. The new 'full-duplex' technology uses an extra antenna and computing tricks to enable simultaneous transmission and reception on the same frequency.
Hubble movies reveal solar-system-sized traffic jams
Astronomers using Hubble Space Telescope images have created time-lapse movies revealing dynamic behavior of stellar jets. The studies show clouds of dust and gas within the jets move at different speeds, challenging existing understanding of star birth processes.
Tiny wires change behavior at nanoscale
A new study from Rice University reveals that gold nanowires less than 20 nanometers wide can become brittle-like under stress, exhibiting unique properties on the nanoscale. Researchers found twins in nanowires to be a key factor in reducing ductility, leading to premature fracture.
Nano bundles pack a powerful punch
Rice University scientists have developed a solid-state, nanotube-based supercapacitor that combines the benefits of batteries and capacitors. The new device is stable, scalable, and suitable for extreme environments, with potential applications in electronics, sensors, and renewable energy systems.
Metabolism in reverse: Making biofuels at full-throttle pace
Rice University researchers developed a method to rapidly convert glucose into biofuels and petrochemical substitutes by reversing the beta oxidation cycle in bacteria. They produced butanol, a biofuel, about 10 times faster than previously reported organisms, using cheap feedstocks like glucose and mineral salts.