For the first time, researchers at Rice University have succeeded in creating and observing an elusive and long-sought quantum state. The team cooled a mixture of fermionic lithium-6 atoms to extremely low temperatures, allowing them to study superfluidity with precision.
Physicists propose a nanoscale magnetic probe to study entanglement at a quantum critical point, potentially leading to breakthroughs in high-temperature superconductivity. The probe could provide controlled and tunable settings for studying quantum effects, including spin waves and electron tunneling.
Shelly Harvey's discovery applies to a longstanding problem within knot theory, but its significance lies in the broader context of topology. The underlying structure she uncovered uses algebraic structures to describe similarities and differences between knotted shapes, offering a new approach to proving equivalency.
Astronomers track massive shockwaves in plasma escaping a newborn star, gaining clues about a critical process of starbirth. The Hubble Space Telescope's high-resolution images allow scientists to create the first moving pictures of stellar jet shock waves.
A team of mathematicians from Rice, Stanford, and Indiana universities has provided the first proof since Jean Meusnier's study of soap films in 1785. The new shape, called genus one helicoid, is an infinitely twisted version of a fundamental simple shape with balanced properties.
A study published in PNAS found that even when the primary visual cortex is temporarily shut down, the brain can still process visual information unconsciously. Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to induce temporary blindness in nine volunteers with normal vision.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to reduce the toxicity of water-soluble carbon nanotubes through surface modifications. The study found that even minor changes can dramatically decrease cytotoxicity, making these nanoparticles more suitable for medical diagnostics and imaging.
A study by Rice University economists found that high private sector lawyer salaries in certain regions affect the likelihood of federal prosecutors taking drug cases to trial. This occurs because government positions are less competitive, leading experienced lawyers to seek trials to gain valuable courtroom experience.
Rice University scientists have constructed the world's smallest car, a single molecule 'nanocar' with four buckyball wheels. The nanocar can roll on its axles in a direction perpendicular to its movement, marking a significant achievement in bottom-up molecular manufacturing.
A new study compares the environmental and health risks of nanomaterials production to those of conventional industries. The research suggests that the risks associated with making nanotubes are comparable or lower than those of wine production.
A team of researchers from Rice University successfully combined computer modeling and experimental results in folding studies for a large, multi-domain protein using free-energy theory. The method worked remarkably well, allowing scientists to predict the folding route of proteins with unprecedented accuracy.
A study by Rice University researchers found that salicylate causes membranes to thin, soften, and rupture more easily, increasing the risk of hearing loss. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for the debilitating side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.
A national study found that black immigrants' health deteriorates the longer they live in the US, primarily due to racial discrimination. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 black immigrants, shows that those born in Europe have the poorest health, while those from Africa and South America fare better.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple geometry where light behaves exactly as electrons do in these systems. This finding has the potential to create nanoscale antennae that convert light into broadband electrical signals, increasing data transmission capabilities by 1 million times.
A new model of the immune system predicts that chronic infections can lead to autoimmune diseases. Researchers developed a biologically-plausible strategy for the immune system to react more quickly and effectively against disease.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to reduce the cost of producing quantum dots by 80% by replacing expensive solvents with cheap heat-transfer fluids. The new method uses mathematical modeling and experimentation to predict particle size and growth behavior based on solvent properties.
A recent study found that infected tall fescue grass outcompetes native plants more quickly when herbivores are present. The symbiotic fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum produces alkaloids that harm livestock, but also contributes to the spread of infected fescue.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a bacteria that produces succinate, a key chemical precursor for 'green' plastics and drugs. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of sustainable products using renewable resources like grain sorghum.
Research by sociologists Elaine Howard Ecklund and Jerry Park found that families are the primary determiner of individual religious beliefs among Non-Protestant second-generation Asian-Americans. This finding challenges traditional views on family and religious socialization in new immigrant groups.
The NSF-funded ACCURATE center brings together experts to tackle the challenges of integrating technology into the voting process. Researchers will focus on building more reliable software and hardware, as well as exploring human factors and usability issues in e-voting systems.
Researchers create gadonanotubes by encasing gadolinium in carbon nanotubes, significantly reducing toxicity while boosting effectiveness. The new agents show promising results in tests at Rice, Houston, and Swiss laboratories.
A study by Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund found that academic scientists in the natural sciences are less likely to believe in God compared to those in the social sciences. The survey of over 2,000 faculty members revealed distinct frameworks for viewing religion and spirituality among different disciplines.
Rice University's TOPP project uses balloons to measure atmospheric ozone levels in Houston, extending beyond previous surface measurements. The study aims to better understand the full magnitude of Houston's ozone problem and inform effective policy solutions.
Researchers at Rice University developed a new nanoprobe that uses quantum dots to visualize proteolytic activity in vivo, solving the problem of distinguishing between disease signals and background noise. The probes are activated by enzymes associated with specific diseases, allowing for early detection and monitoring.
Gwen Hoben, a M.D.-Ph.D. student at Rice University, has won the highly competitive Hertz fellowship to pursue her research in tissue engineering. The award provides funding for tuition and fees, as well as a $28,000 stipend, giving her more flexibility to explore scientific questions.
The Hamill Innovation Grant program supports high-risk, high-impact research at Rice University, aiming to develop new technologies and treatments for various diseases. Four inaugural awards will fund research in areas such as respiratory viruses, protein titin, glycosaminoglycans, and resveratrol biosynthesis.
The National Academy of Engineering selected three Rice University researchers for the prestigious Frontiers of Engineering symposium. Researchers Deem, Drezek, and O'Malley will present their work in cutting-edge fields such as statistical mechanics, nanobiotechnology, and haptic interfaces.
Researchers found a consistent relationship between ideal body mass for running performance and ground forces required at different speeds. Sprinters require more muscle and bulk, while endurance specialists need less due to lower ground forces.
The Rice nanophotonics lab has been awarded a $3 million NSF grant to train graduate students in the emerging field of nano-optics. The program aims to create leaders with technical and professional skills needed for breakthroughs in advanced technologies, including biomedicine, environmental remediation, and homeland security.
A study by Rice University/Baylor College of Medicine found that areas with more vascular surgeons have lower amputation rates and more bypass surgery performed. The disease affects 8-12 million people and is a major cause of amputations, especially in diabetics.
A study found that maximum avoidance inbreeding strategies can help reduce population crashes and extinction risk when released into the wild. This approach is more effective than limited inbreeding for certain species.
Research reveals that nano-C60 dissolves in water and inhibits the growth of bacteria at low concentrations. The findings raise questions about the potential applications and environmental impact of buckyball aggregates.
Athanasiou receives the inaugural award from ASME for his groundbreaking research and mentorship in bioengineering. He has published over 150 papers, holds 25 patents, and founded three companies with FDA-approved products.
The new process, developed by Michael Wong and his team, involves mixing polymer, salt, and tiny silica particles to create hollow spheres that can encapsulate drugs, flavor compounds, and other molecular cargo. The microcapsules have potential applications in drug delivery, medical imaging, and enzyme protection.
Researchers at Rice University and Iowa State University discovered that hemifusion is an intermediate fusion state in biological systems, where the outer layer of the membrane mixes with the inner layer. This finding suggests that hemifusion may be the mechanism used by all living cells to facilitate membrane fusion.
The project provides an online analysis of every state supreme court case heard from 1995 to 1998 in all 50 states. The database contains over 400 biographical profiles of state supreme court judges and offers insights into the impact of judicial elections on judicial behavior.
Barron and Monteiro-Riviere's project explores fullerene interactions with skin cells, aiming to develop new nano-biohybrid materials. The researchers will investigate physiochemical properties of fullerenes to predict uptake and activity.
A new study from Rice University found no independent relationship between Lp(a) levels and coronary calcium in either whites or African-Americans, suggesting an unknown mechanism may be at work. The study used a large multiethnic dataset of Dallas County residents to examine the link between Lp(a) and heart-attack risk.
Research found that obese shoppers face subtle interpersonal discrimination in stores, with professionally dressed obese shoppers experiencing less discrimination than average-weight shoppers. The study suggests that by removing justifications for prejudice, manifestations of interpersonal discrimination can be curbed.
Drezek has been recognized by the Beckman Foundation for her research on novel optical molecular imaging technologies for early cancer detection. Her award includes a three-year $264,000 grant to develop and refine this technology.
A new DNA sequencing method called pulsed multiline excitation (PME) uses four lasers to eliminate cross-talk between dyes, resulting in more precise sequence information. This technology could lower costs for high-throughput genetic scans and lead to rapid and inexpensive genome sequencing.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that eight conserved amino acids in sandwich-like proteins are essential for stabilizing the final structure, while also directing the process of protein folding. This finding provides new insight into the interplay between protein evolution, structure, and folding.
Researchers at Rice University and Georgia Institute of Technology developed bimetallic nanoparticles that can break down TCE, a toxic organic pollutant found in US groundwater. The particles increase the efficiency of TCE remediation by several orders of magnitude compared to bulk catalysts.
The Smalley/Curl Fund for Innovation supports research in medical diagnostics and drug delivery using gold nanorods. Rice University faculty receive one-year grants to develop novel ideas with the potential to impact all areas of nanotechnology.
Mikos has developed extensive expertise in fabricating synthetic materials with tailored chemistries for specific tissue-engineered repair of orthopaedic injuries. His laboratory has created novel materials based on fumaric acid, non-toxic to surrounding cells and tissues.
Researchers found significant differences in mitral valve tissue between healthy and congestive heart failure patients, affecting the valve's strength and hydration levels. These changes may contribute to recurring surgical outcomes for patients with mitral regurgitation.
Researcher Anne Lincoln found that female Academy Award nominees tend to begin their acting careers at a younger age than male nominees. By analyzing the average age of Oscar nominees from 1928-2001, she discovered historical trends suggesting women start earlier, which may explain the gendered age disparity between winners and nominees.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that nanoshells can amplify the Raman signature of molecules, allowing for the detection of as little as a few molecules of a target substance. The individual nanoshells act as independent Raman enhancers, creating opportunities for all-optical nanoscale sensors.
Researchers from Rice University and international teams found a collapse of Fermi volume in quantum critical matters, leading to new insights into exotic electronic properties. This discovery may provide routes to new classes of material and shed light on high-temperature superconductivity.
The NSF grant will fund the Math Leadership Institute at Rice University, aiming to improve high school math instruction in Houston and Aldine ISD. Lead teachers will receive intensive training and support to develop leadership skills and provide effective math instruction techniques.