A study by Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund found that male scientists regret having fewer children due to their career more than female scientists. Male biologists report working longer hours and being less satisfied with their jobs compared to male physicists, who are less likely to have children.
A new statistical method confirms that mitochondrial Eve, the mother of all humans, lived around 200,000 years ago. The study compared 10 human genetic models and found that they produced similar estimates, suggesting that refining assumptions beyond a certain point is not crucial in capturing the big picture.
Researchers at Rice University are developing a genomic test that can quickly determine whether a disease outbreak is caused by a natural pathogen or one engineered in a lab. By studying how bacteria evolve in the lab, they hope to find common patterns that indicate domestication.
A study by Rice University geochemists found that human activities like damming have completely obscured the natural carbon dioxide cycle in the Brazos River. The researchers used radiocarbon dating to determine the age of carbon dioxide samples from seven sites along the river, revealing a unique geochemical story.
Rice University's compact fluorescence microscope, developed by Andrew Miller, has been shown to accurately diagnose tuberculosis in a trial with 98.4% accuracy. The portable device, costing $240, is comparable to expensive lab equipment and has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of TB in developing countries.
Researchers sequenced the sponge genome to connect the dots between Amphimedon and other animals, revealing a striking conservation of gene structure and genome organization. The study aims to understand how patterns that have been around for a billion years have evolved or persisted.
Researchers have successfully produced sheets of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a potential insulator to complement graphene's electronic properties. The material can be deposited and transferred to various substrates, opening up possibilities for its use in graphene-based electronics.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a theoretical method to calculate the time it takes for long-chain polymers to translocate through nanopore geometries, shedding new light on their transport. The study found that polymers pass more quickly when entering a composite pore through its wide end.
A new study by Rice University researchers highlights the vast potential of nanomaterials in the construction industry, from making more durable concrete to self-cleaning windows. The study also identifies potential adverse health and environmental effects, emphasizing the need for responsible lifecycle engineering.
Physicists at Rice University report a simple scaling behavior in electronic excitations of a related material, providing direct evidence of large-scale electronic consequences of quantum critical effects. The study reveals that variables from classical physics cannot explain all observed macroscopic properties at quantum critical points.
Rice University scientists have created an eco-friendly method for mass-producing graphene oxide, a crucial component in various industries. The new process uses common chemicals to produce the material, eliminating toxic gases and making it safer for large-scale production.
Researchers at Rice University aim to develop an injectable mix of polymers and adult stem cells to regenerate articular cartilage in injured knees and joints. The team hopes to find the optimal formulation of MSCs and growth factors for regenerating new cartilage.
Rice researchers have found a breakthrough solvent for carbon nanotubes, untangling long tubes and clearing the way for scalable methods to create strong, lightweight materials. The discovery brings the creation of a highly conductive quantum nanowire closer.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that strong magnetic fields can transform highly conductive carbon nanotubes into semiconductors. By applying a magnetic field, a band gap opens up and the material becomes an insulator.
Rice University researchers have developed a computer program that accurately simulates protein folding dramatically faster than previous methods. The new technique allows scientists to study the roots of diseases caused by proteins that fold incorrectly, which is crucial for understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis.
Rice University researchers developed a method to use an off-the-shelf digital camera to distinguish cancerous cells from healthy ones. The device uses fluorescent dyes and fiber-optic cables to capture images of tissues, allowing doctors to identify abnormal cells quickly and accurately.
A new technique developed by Rice University researchers can detect the movement of single molecules over hours using plasmonic properties of nanoparticles. This method is label-free and permanent, enabling the tracking of molecular interactions at the single-molecule limit.
Rice University researchers, led by John McDevitt, have been awarded $3.7 million to develop a cost-effective Bio-Nano-Chip that can detect early warning signs of disease. The technology has the potential to cut treatment time and costs, enabling emergency medical technicians to perform tests at home or in an ambulance.
A breakthrough discovery has explained why some fluids containing polymers form beads when stretched, providing a key for improving diverse industries such as ink-jet printing and drug dispensing. The study's findings highlight the importance of fluid inertia and relaxation time in bead formation.
Researchers have developed a liquid-based method to produce high-quality graphene, which could lead to novel carbon composites and more affordable touch screens. The new technique yields very pure material and has the potential to drive down costs in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.
Physicists use iron oxychalcogenides to study Mott localization in undoped pnictide parent compounds, providing further evidence that these systems are on the verge of Mott localization. This proximity to Mott localization endows the system with strong quantum magnetic fluctuations.
Rice researchers found that starving cells in slime mold have an advantage, pushing those that eat into selfless sacrifice. The study reveals a surprising strategy for survival and reproduction in single-cell organisms.
Researchers have developed a way to use Rice University's light-activated nanoshells as building blocks for complex structures that can trap, store and bend light. These materials have unique optical properties, making them suitable for applications such as ultrasensitive biological and chemical sensors.
The Rice University-led Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry journal has released a special virtual edition making 25 previously published studies on the Exxon Valdez oil spill available for free. The collection provides insights into the occurrence, fate, and effects of oils and oil spills in the environment.
A new report by SSPEED Center warns that a major hurricane could endanger tens of thousands of lives and cripple the Houston Ship Channel. The study highlights vulnerabilities in existing dikes and levees, highway infrastructure for evacuation, and coastal flooding risks.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered thin films of nanotubes created with ink-jet printers can be used to make field-effect transistors. The technique allows for the creation of digital electronics on flexible substrates, with potential applications in raincoats and other devices.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to extract hydrogen atoms from graphane, creating spaces that resemble quantum dots. This breakthrough enables precise control over the semiconducting properties of quantum dots, with potential applications in advanced optics, single-molecule sensing, and nanoscale circuitry.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has renewed a four-year grant for Rice University's global health program, Beyond Traditional Borders (BTB), with a $1.2 million investment. BTB challenges students to design practical solutions to real-world problems in developing nations, resulting in over 10% of Rice undergraduates taking the cour...
A new study by Rice University and the US Department of State's Office of eDiplomacy examines the five-year history of Diplopedia, a Wikipedia-style diplomacy Web 2.0 tool. The platform has grown to over 10,000 articles written by DOS employees, providing valuable information for desk officers and foreign service experts.
Scientists at Rice University have made a breakthrough in creating highly purified samples of carbon nanotube species using ultracentrifugation, a technique that can help enable the development of efficient nationwide electrical grids and critical applications in medicine and electronics.
Researchers at Rice University and the University of Cambridge have created a computer model that accurately describes the behavior of three regulatory proteins in hematopoietic stem cells. The Scl-Gata2-Fli1 triad is thought to be the master-level regulator for these self-renewing cells, which produce new blood cells.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a synthetic enzyme that can selectively bind with proteins and attach tags for identification. The method has shown promise in identifying signaling proteins involved in health and disease, including those related to cancer.
Researchers at Rice University and their international colleagues created ultra-fine air filters using carbon nanotube membranes. These filters can remove up to 99% of particles smaller than a micron, outperforming traditional HEPA filters.
Physicists at Rice University and Princeton University have found that ultracold mixes of electrons can have 'topological' properties making them immune to information degradation in quantum computers. The discovery could pave the way for the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers.
A pilot study found that a rice-developed nano-bio-chip is effective in detecting premalignancies with high sensitivity and specificity rates comparable to traditional tests. The minimally invasive technique could lead to earlier detection of oral cancer, resulting in higher survival rates.
A Rice University researcher has developed a natural extracellular matrix from adipose cells that supports the growth of living cells into tissues. The substance, called Adipogel, has been proven effective for growing liver cells and may be used to repair damaged organs in the future.
A new study by Rice University sociologists examines the role of private foundations in supporting religion and finds they have a significant influence despite limited financial contributions. The study highlights the Lilly Endowment's strategic giving, which has a real impact on the religious sector.
A new model, MORVEL, offers a marked improvement on previous work by estimating the relative movements of interlocking tectonic plates. The study provides precise rates of plate spreading along mid-ocean ridges and helps researchers understand surface processes like mountain-building and subsurface processes like mantle convection.
Rice researchers have developed an inexpensive, printable transmitter for RFID tags that can be invisibly embedded in packaging. This technology has the potential to revolutionize checkout processes by allowing customers to walk through a scanner with their groceries without stopping at each item.
A new 3-D cell culture technique using magnetic forces has been developed, allowing for the growth of cells in 3-D. This method promises to provide more accurate preclinical drug tests and better cancer research outcomes by mimicking the body's natural tissue structures.
A six-year study by ecologists at Rice University and Indiana University found that a symbiotic fungus living inside fescue can have far-reaching effects on plant, animal, and insect communities. The research suggests that cooperative microorganisms play a significant role in ecological diversity.
A Rice University team re-examined Gustav Mie's century-old equations for electromagnetic wave interaction with spherical metal particles. The researchers found that average properties matched the predictions, but individual particles deviated significantly due to shape and orientation variations on the substrate.
A recent survey by Rice University found that Toyota owners continue to show high levels of satisfaction with their vehicles, despite the company's numerous recalls since 2009. The study attributed this to a 'brand insulation effect,' where current customers shielded Toyota from the negative effects of recalls.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a graphene-hybrid material by stitching together graphene and hexagonal boron nitride. This 2D structure offers new possibilities for materials scientists, with electric properties ranging from metallic conductor to semiconductor to insulator.
Researchers suggest a 400km-deep density trap formed due to unique geophysical conditions 3.5 billion years ago, trapping gases like helium and argon inside the planet.
Gold and silver nanowires can form strong bonds without the need for heat, a breakthrough that could simplify the creation of high-density electronic devices. The discovery was made by Rice University researchers who observed the self-healing process under an electron microscope.
Researchers at Rice University developed an amplitude gating technique to improve PET/CT scanner efficiency. The method uses a flexible chest band to record breathing cycles during CT scans, creating sharper images with better tumor detection accuracy.
Scientists at Rice University have discovered a new technique for singling out individual diseased cells and destroying them with tiny explosions using lasers and nanoparticles. The method, known as nanobubbles, can be tuned to create either small, harmless bubbles or large bubbles that burst the cells.
Rice University researchers have developed a new way to track nanoparticles using gold nanorods and polarization imaging techniques. The technique could provide valuable information about materials, including living systems, that incorporate nanoparticles.
A Rice University researcher has found a way to transfer forests of aligned carbon nanotubes from one surface to another in minutes. The technique uses water vapor to weaken chemical bonds between the tubes and the catalyst particles, allowing for precise control over the diameter of the nanotubes