Angel Martí, David Sarlah, and Haotian Wang have been honored with national American Chemical Society awards for their outstanding work in chemistry. The ACS awards recognize individuals who not only advance the field but also inspire students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in chemical sciences.
Researchers at Rice University have found that bending atomically thin layers of materials like molybdenum ditelluride creates a unique spin texture called persistent spin helix, which preserves spin state even in scattering collisions. This discovery could lead to the development of ultracompact, energy-efficient electronic devices.
A team of materials scientists at Rice University developed a new way to grow ultrathin semiconductors directly onto electronic components using chemical vapor deposition. The breakthrough technique eliminates the fragile manufacturing step, potentially speeding up development of next-generation electronics and computing.
MIST uses a hierarchical, rules-based classification system grounded in verified mineral formulas from the RRUFF mineral database. It accurately identifies hundreds of different mineral species from their chemical composition, even accounting for natural imperfections and vacancies found in real minerals.
A new method called Causal Pivot detects hidden genetic drivers and subgroups patients by true biological causes of their illnesses. The tool paves the way for major advances in personalized genetic medicine by revealing genetic "routes" into diseases.
Researchers have found direct evidence of active flat electronic bands in a kagome superconductor, paving the way for new methods to design quantum materials. The breakthrough could power future electronics and computing technologies.
Rice University geophysicist Richard Gordon has been honored with the Geological Society of America's Woollard Award for his transformative work on global plate motions and plate boundary deformation. He is recognized for shedding light on diffuse oceanic plate boundaries, true polar wander, and standard global plate motion models.
PhyNetPy aims to create a unified framework for phylogenetic networks, enabling widespread use of complex models of evolutionary history. The project seeks to bridge the gap between phylogenetics and population genetics communities.
A new study reveals how Lactococcus lactis regulates the production of a key precursor in vitamin K2 biosynthesis. By tuning substrate supply and genetic architecture, researchers can push production above natural ceilings, opening the door to engineering bacteria for enhanced vitamin K2 production.
Researchers at Rice University have demonstrated a strong form of quantum interference between phonons, revealing record levels of interference. The breakthrough could lead to new technologies in sensing, computing, and molecular detection.
Marcos de Moraes will study the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary roles of bacterial deaminase toxins, which can alter genetic material. He aims to develop tools for genome engineering and biotechnology while creating a lab environment accessible to students with disabilities.
Researchers at Rice University developed a mechanistic model to simulate how oxidants and pollutants move through and react inside catalytic membranes. The framework identifies the ideal range for catalyst loading and introduces new performance metrics to improve membrane design.
Researchers mapped the angular dependence of a high-field superconducting state in UTe2, revealing a toroidal halo surrounding a specific crystalline axis. A theoretical model developed by Andriy Nevidomskyy successfully reproduced the nonmonotonic behavior, attributing it to Cooper pairs carrying intrinsic angular momentum
A low-cost 'SimpleSilo' device mimics commercial silo bags without high cost, using inexpensive materials and easy-to-source supplies. The device demonstrated comparable performance to commercial silo bags and can be assembled by hospital staff in under an hour.
Lydia Kavraki, a pioneering researcher in robotics and AI, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences. Her work on physical AI, transforming robotics and biomedicine, and leadership at Rice University's Ken Kennedy Institute have earned her this prestigious honor.
Researchers at Rice University have engineered E. coli to act as living multiplexed sensors, detecting multiple environmental toxins simultaneously by converting biological responses into readable electrical signals. The system can detect combined hazards more efficiently and accurately, with potential applications in biocomputing.
Researchers develop predictive framework that connects silicone curing conditions with adhesion strength, enabling dramatic improvements in performance for molded and 3D-printed elastomer components. The 'reaction coordinate' metric allows precise tracking of the degree of curing, even under variable thermal conditions.
Researchers at Rice University developed a new glass coating that forms a thin, tough layer that reflects heat and resists scratches and moisture. The coating improves energy savings by 2.9% compared to existing alternatives, making it a promising solution for cities with cold winters.
Researchers at Rice University found that electrode materials' thermodynamic properties impact energy flow and performance differently. They showed that even with similar structures, some materials degrade faster under identical cycling conditions due to uneven lithium flow.
A new study by researchers from Rice University has uncovered a mechanism by which the identity of nucleotides following a given nucleotide in DNA affects transcription accuracy. The discovery offers insight into hidden factors that influence transcription accuracy and may improve synthetic and therapeutic RNA.
Scientists at Rice University developed a scalable approach to engineer bacterial cellulose into high-strength, multifunctional materials. The dynamic biosynthesis technique aligns bacterial cellulose fibers in real-time, resulting in robust biopolymer sheets with exceptional mechanical properties.
Chihtong Lee's research on retractor blade geometry explores how small design changes can improve patient recovery after spinal surgery. Her work, conducted in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine, showed that blades with soft, biocompatible coatings significantly reduced tissue stress and postoperative complications.
Rice University professor Lei Li has received a NSF CAREER Award to develop wearable medical imaging technology capable of visualizing deep tissue function in real time. The project aims to miniaturize hospital-grade imaging systems into compact, energy-efficient wearables.
Linna An joins Rice University to develop protein-based biosensors for cancer detection, drug monitoring, and personalized diagnostics. Her work focuses on mapping the 'metabolism landscape' of cancer using synthetic proteins.
Researchers aim to replenish the heart's energy reserves by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis, potentially leading to improved recovery rates and longer lives after a heart attack. The project combines synthetic biology tools with animal models and human heart tissue testing.
Researchers at Rice University have conducted the first direct search for ultralight dark matter using a magnetically levitated particle. Despite high sensitivity, they did not find evidence of the anticipated signal, ruling out specific interactions between dark matter and ordinary matter.
Scientists at Rice University develop a new method to align boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in water using a common surfactant, creating ordered liquid crystalline phases. The discovery enables the production of transparent, robust films ideal for thermal management and structural reinforcement applications.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a scalable method to create high-performance single-photon emitters in carbon-doped hexagonal boron nitride, paving the way for practical quantum light sources. The findings overcome long-standing challenges in the field and set a new benchmark for qubit production.
Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede joins Rice University's Department of Chemistry as a professor, bringing expertise in metalloproteins and protein aggregation to enhance cancer research. Her focus is on understanding the role of copper-binding proteins in cancer metastasis and potential future therapies.
Researchers have identified cerium zirconium oxide as a clear, 3D realization of a rare quantum spin liquid, featuring emergent photons and fractionalized spin excitations. This discovery validates decades of theoretical predictions and has significant implications for next-generation technologies.
A team of Rice University students designed an adaptive exercise harness with pneumatic padding, sensors, and modular attachments to address the limitations of current space-based exercise harnesses. The innovative harness aims to slow down muscle atrophy and improve astronauts' performance in space.
Rice University students have developed a cutting-edge wearable haptic wristband that can deliver two distinct forms of tactile feedback. The device aims to make virtual reality more immersive and accessible, and is entirely self-contained with a modular design that makes it easy to repair and integrate into different environments.
The Rice University team created a soft robotic arm capable of performing complex tasks using smart materials, machine learning, and an optical control system. The arm is guided and powered remotely by laser beams without any onboard electronics or wiring.
A Rice University-led research team is working on a new approach to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting the energy-producing mitochondria of cancer cells. By disrupting mitochondrial function, the researchers aim to selectively kill AML cells while leaving healthy blood cells unharmed.
A research team at Rice University has developed a new material, known as a Kramers nodal line metal, with novel electronic properties that could enable more powerful and energy-efficient electronic devices. The material demonstrates superconducting properties and the ability to carry electricity without energy loss.
Rice University's student-led Rice Wind Energy team took second place overall at the 2025 Collegiate Wind Competition. The team designed and built a powerful wind turbine, achieving over 20 watts of power in the wind tunnel, and hosted community outreach initiatives to promote renewable energy.
A new commentary highlights the social and emotional responses to environmental change as glaciers accelerate their loss. The authors argue that addressing climate change requires cultural understanding, public memory and collective action.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created a genuine 2D hybrid material called glaphene by chemically integrating graphene and silica. The new material exhibits unique properties, including new electronic and structural behavior, due to the interaction between its layers.
Researchers suggest wide-orbit planets are natural by-products of a chaotic early phase in planetary system development. Simulations show that internal instabilities and gravitational influence can trap planets in extreme orbits.
Ajo-Franklin's groundbreaking work on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) enhances subsurface imaging and opens up new applications in earthquake monitoring, geothermal energy, carbon sequestration, and environmental remediation. His research transforms how scientists study geophysical processes critical to life on a changing planet.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to fabricate ultrapure diamond films for quantum and electronic applications. By growing an extra layer of diamond on top of the substrate after ion implantation, they can bypass high-temperature annealing and generate higher-purity films.
Researchers at Rice University confirm a decade-old prediction of boron atoms sticking too tightly to copper, forming a new compound with distinct atomic structure. The discovery expands knowledge on 2D metal boride materials, which could inform future studies in electronics and energy applications.
The Carbon Hub brings together scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers to reimagine hydrocarbons as sources of clean hydrogen and advanced carbon materials. This process could address energy access, emissions, and unsustainable material usage, potentially avoiding gigatons of CO2.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel personalized medicine approach for addressing movement impairments. The Neuromusculoskeletal Modeling (NMSM) Pipeline software allows clinicians to work in collaboration to construct personalized computer models of individual patients, leading to more effective orthopedic surgery, p...
Rice University will offer a Bachelor of Science in artificial intelligence beginning in the fall of 2025. The new major provides a cohesive program covering various approaches to AI and incorporates disciplines outside of engineering.
Research reveals that ignoring ecological differences between male and female plants can lead to inaccurate biodiversity forecasts. The study highlights the need to refine biodiversity forecasts to account for sex-specific responses to climate change, finding that female dominance may increase under global warming.
Antonios Mikos, a leading expert in biomaterials and tissue engineering, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences. He is recognized for his groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine, controlled drug delivery, gene therapy, and disease modeling.
A team of scientists at Rice University discovered a phenomenon where tiny magnetic particles move along the edges of clusters driven by invisible 'edge currents'. This movement follows the rules of topological physics and has implications for designing responsive materials.
Researchers at Rice University have created a scalable, low-maintenance desalination system that harnesses sunlight and recycles heat for a steady supply of fresh drinking water. The new technology, STREED, can handle high-salinity brines without significant decreases in water production or quality.
Rice University's Matteo Pasquali has been elected a fellow of The Society of Rheology for his pioneering research contributions and exceptional leadership in the field. He is recognized for developing new carbon materials and scalable manufacturing methods.