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Rice University


Many top US scientists wish they had more children

A new study by Rice University and Southern Methodist University found that 45.4% of women and 24.5% of men scientists have fewer children than they wanted due to career pressures. Women are more satisfied with their lives despite having fewer children, while men experience a greater impact on life satisfaction.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 8, 2011

A simple slice of energy storage

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to transform sheets of graphite oxide into functional supercapacitors by writing patterns into them with a laser. The devices exhibit good electrochemical performance without the need for chemicals, comparable to existing thin-film micro-supercapacitors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 1, 2011

Dream screens from graphene

Researchers at Rice University have created a hybrid graphene film that combines conductivity and transparency, potentially replacing indium tin oxide as a transparent conductive coating in displays. The material outperforms ITO in terms of transparency and conductivity, and is environmentally stable.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 1, 2011

Rice scientists build battery in a nanowire

Researchers at Rice University have developed a hybrid energy storage device packed into a single nanowire, which shows promise as a rechargeable power source for nanoelectronics. The devices have good capacity but require further optimization to improve performance.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 29, 2011

Genetic evidence clears Ben Franklin

A study by Rice University biologist Evan Siemann and colleagues found that the invasive Chinese tallow tree was not introduced to the US by Ben Franklin. The genetic evidence suggests that the trees originated from eastern China, with a faster growth rate in the US than their Chinese counterparts.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJul 28, 2011

'Freaky mouse' defeats common poison

A Rice University study reveals that European house mice have developed resistance to warfarin through two distinct processes: point mutation and horizontal gene transfer. Algerian mice, a desert-dwelling species, are believed to have passed the resistant genome into house mice in Spain or North Africa.

SourceRice University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 21, 2011

Juvenile diarrhea virus analyzed

Researchers have defined the atomic structure of astrovirus, which causes juvenile diarrhea, identifying potential targets for vaccine development and antiviral drugs. The study may help block the virus before it becomes infectious and reduce the risk of dehydration in children.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2011

'Amplified' nanotubes may power the future

Rice University scientists have developed a cable made of metallic nanotubes that can carry electricity with minimal loss. The 'amplified' nanotubes are created by chemically attaching an iron/cobalt catalyst to the ends of nanotubes and fine-tuning the temperature and environment for amplification.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 14, 2011

Molecules 'light up' Alzheimer's roots

Rice University researchers have created a metallic molecule that becomes strongly photoluminescent when it attaches to amyloid fibrils, which form plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. This breakthrough technique has the potential to improve the design of medications to treat the devastating disease.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 13, 2011

When it comes to population growth, Houston is No. 1

Houston's population growth was the highest in the US, with a whopping 1.2 million new residents added over the past decade, outpacing New York and Chicago combined. The city's growth can be attributed to its proximity to Latin America, business-friendly policies, low cost of living, and significant job growth.

Supramolecules get time to shine

Researchers developed a supramolecular system combining single-walled carbon nanotubes with porous silicate materials, enabling the study of interactions between carbon nanotubes and a wide range of photoluminescent molecules. The platform holds promise for applications in catalysis, artificial photosynthesis, and hydrogen splitting.

SourceRice University·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 12, 2011

Study offers new clues about hereditary spastic paraplegia

A study from Rice University and Italy's Eugenio Medea Scientific Institute has shed light on the biochemical workings of atlastin, a protein linked to HSP. The research suggests that atlastin plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of long nerve cells affected by HSP.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2011

Fossilized pollen reveals climate history of northern Antarctica

A new study from Rice University and Louisiana State University reveals the Antarctic Peninsula was ice-free and forested during its warmest period 55 million years ago. The research provides a detailed reconstruction of the climatic history of the peninsula, shedding light on how the continent's ice sheets formed and evolved over time.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2011

It's not about the money for long-term care nurses

Researchers found that job satisfaction and emotional well-being are better predictors of turnover in long-term care facilities. Certified nursing assistants were more likely to switch jobs due to lower emotional distress and greater job satisfaction after switching, even if it meant taking a pay cut.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateJun 22, 2011

A good story can trump a bad credit score in peer-to-peer lending

Research from Rice University and the University of Delaware found that unverifiable information like personal stories enhances lending decisions. Borrowers who explain their circumstances but deny details have poor loan performance. Using a 'trustworthy' identity can lower costs by almost 30% and save $375 in interest charges.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMay 16, 2011

More than 20 percent of atheist scientists are spiritual

A new study from Rice University found that 72 scientists, many of whom identify as atheist, possess a spirituality consistent with science. These 'spiritual atheist' scientists believe in a core sense of truth generated by their work as scientists, and see both science and spirituality as meaning-making without faith.

SourceRice University·JournalSociology of Religion·DateMay 5, 2011

Unique AED pads give hearts a second chance

Rice University bioengineering students collaborate with the Texas Heart Institute to create unique AED pads that allow rescuers to try again without losing valuable time. The pads have been tested with 100% success rate and are being patented, with hopes of being picked up by an AED manufacturer for FDA approval.

Rice-born detector finds heaviest antimatter

Physicists at Rice University have detected the heaviest antimatter particle ever observed, antihelium-4, using a time-of-flight detector designed at the institution. The discovery provides new insights into the conditions of the early universe and the existence of antimatter galaxies.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateApr 25, 2011

Houston grandmother is nation's first 'Super Wi-Fi' user

Rice University and nonprofit Technology For All launch free community broadband Wi-Fi network in East Houston neighborhood, providing underserved residents with reliable internet access. The network uses dynamic spectrum access technology to automatically shift between traditional Wi-Fi and unused TV channels for optimal coverage.

Exploring the possibilities for zeolites

Researchers at Rice University have developed a database of 2.6 million possible zeolite structures, which could improve catalytic applications and enable the discovery of new materials with unique properties. The database was created using computational methods and has been made publicly available.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateApr 5, 2011

Biofilm reorganization: Back to the theoretical drawing board

Researchers used image-analysis methods to analyze microcinematic movies of bacteria forming aggregates, revealing that size matters most in predicting survival. The team found a signaling mechanism within the aggregate itself that trumps neighbor-related factors, contradicting existing theories.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2011

New study proves the brain has 3 layers of working memory

Researchers at Rice University and Georgia Tech found evidence for three distinct layers of working memory, including a core focusing on one active item and surrounding areas holding multiple items. Predictability can improve multitasking by automizing certain tasks, allowing individuals to effectively switch between tasks.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Psychology·DateMar 9, 2011

Overfertilizing corn undermines ethanol

A new study by Rice University researchers reveals that overfertilizing corn crops for ethanol production can lead to decreased cellulose content in plant residues, making it more difficult to extract ethanol. The study suggests using less fertilizer can improve feedstock quality and alleviate environmental damage.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 25, 2011

Metallic molecules to nanotubes: Spread out!

A Rice University lab has created a technique to disperse single-walled carbon nanotubes in water using ruthenium complexes, keeping their unique properties intact. The new approach allows for the simultaneous addition of functionalities, advancing applications in imaging sensors, catalysis, and solar-activated hydrogen fuel cells.

SourceRice University·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 23, 2011

Children in public housing play outdoors more

Researchers discovered that young children living in public housing spend more time playing outdoors than their peers, with a significant link to lower body mass indexes (BMIs). Mothers' perceptions of neighborhood environments also played a key role in predicting children's outdoor playtime and TV watching habits.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2011

Study shows that defensive military alliances enhance peace

A new study by Rice University researchers found that countries with defensive military alliances are less likely to be attacked, and these alliances do not increase the likelihood of aggression. The study analyzed defense agreements from 1816 to 2001 and suggests that such alliances can make war and militarized conflicts shorter.

SourceRice University·JournalForeign Policy Analysis·DateFeb 10, 2011