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.
A team of researchers at Rice University developed a new strategy for identifying hazardous pollutants in soil using light-based imaging and machine learning algorithms. The approach can detect toxic compounds like PAHs and PACs even when no experimental data is available, addressing a critical gap in environmental monitoring.
Reginald DesRoches, Rice University President, has been elected to the 2025 class of ASCE distinguished members for his groundbreaking research in earthquake engineering and disaster resilience. He is recognized for his leadership and mentorship in improving engineering education.
A team of researchers has outlined a new roadmap for harnessing heterogeneous catalysis to destroy PFAS, which can contaminate water supplies worldwide. The proposed sequential treatment train uses tailored catalytic steps to break down complex PFAS mixtures into harmless by-products.
Scott Solomon, a biologist and teaching professor at Rice University, has been awarded the prestigious Piper Professor honor for his exceptional teaching and service to students. He is known for igniting students' curiosity and helping them connect scientific knowledge to real-world applications through immersive field-based courses.
Researchers discovered how certain bacteria breathe by generating electricity, using a natural process that pushes electrons into their surroundings. This finding could enable new developments in clean energy and industrial biotechnology.
Kavraki's interdisciplinary research in robotics and biomedicine has been recognized for its impact on manufacturing, space exploration, and medicine. Her work bridges theory and application, with contributions to novel robot motion planning, personalized cancer treatments, and drug discovery.
César A. Uribe, a Rice University professor, has received an NSF CAREER Award to develop mathematical tools for decentralized learning in AI and data science. His research aims to create more efficient networks of computers that can process massive amounts of data without relying on centralized coordination.
Researchers have discovered a new shape for energy storage using cone and disc carbon structures, which can store large ions like sodium and potassium efficiently. The discovery could lead to more affordable and sustainable battery technologies, reducing reliance on lithium.
Menachem Elimelech, a renowned leader in desalination and water purification, received the Sidney Loeb Award for his pioneering contributions to membrane-based water treatment technologies. His research focuses on developing advanced membranes and energy-efficient processes for desalination and wastewater reuse.
Researchers at Rice University developed a new machine learning algorithm that excels in interpreting light signatures of molecules, materials and disease biomarkers. The tool can detect subtle signals in optical spectroscopy, enabling faster medical diagnoses and sample analysis.
Karen Lozano and Eduardo Salas have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for their groundbreaking research in materials science and industrial-organizational psychology. Their work has pushed the boundaries of STEM fields, improving team performance and advancing innovation.
The Rice WaTER Institute is advancing water innovation by fostering entrepreneurship, cross-sector collaboration and access to markets. Researchers and startups are working together to tackle pressing challenges like PFAS elimination and the water-energy nexus.
Researchers create 3D photonic-crystal cavity to study ultrastrong coupling between light and matter, enabling faster and more energy-efficient quantum computing and communication technologies. The study paves the way for hyperefficient quantum processors, high-speed data transmission and next-generation sensors.
The Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies' 15th annual Undergraduate Design Competition showcased affordable and practical solutions to improve healthcare in low-resource settings. Teams presented lifesaving innovations, including a neonatal jaundice treatment system and low-cost prosthetics.
A team of geoscientists from Rice University and partners have discovered a sharp, volatile-rich cap just 3.8 kilometers beneath Yellowstone's surface. This cap helps trap pressure and heat below it, suggesting the Yellowstone magma reservoir is actively releasing gas while remaining in a stable state.
A novel AI tool, RibbonFold, predicts the structures of amyloids, revealing previously overlooked nuances in their formation and evolution. This breakthrough may reshape how researchers approach neurodegenerative disease treatment and offers a scalable method for analyzing harmful protein aggregates.
Researchers have directly observed a superradiant phase transition (SRPT) in a magnetic crystal, overcoming a long-standing limitation in theoretical physics. The phenomenon occurs when two groups of quantum particles fluctuate collectively without external triggers, forming a new state of matter with unique properties.
Scientists at Rice University have discovered how a disappearing electronic pattern in a quantum material can be revived under specific thermal conditions. The finding opens new doors for customizable quantum materials and in-situ engineering, where devices are manufactured or manipulated directly at their point of use.
A Rice University-led team developed an implantable 'cytokine factory' that triggers potent immune responses against hard-to-treat cancers. The IL-12 cytokine factory successfully induces the recruitment of tumor-targeting T cells, eliminating local and distal tumors in preclinical models.
A team of scientists discovered a method to produce a stable and conductive bioelectric material without the need for a chemical crosslinker. The new process uses high heat to stabilize the material, producing devices with three times higher electrical conductivity and more consistent stability.
Researchers have developed a method to remove and destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water systems while transforming waste into high-value graphene. The process uses flash joule heating to break down PFAS, producing undetectable amounts of harmful volatile organic fluorides.
A team of physicists at Rice University has made a breakthrough in understanding the behavior of strange metals by leveraging quantum information theory. Electron entanglement peaks at a critical transition point, shedding new light on the exotic properties of these materials.
A team of experts identified key challenges in wearable multisensory haptic devices, including variability in skin contact mechanics and tactile masking. However, emerging actuation methods like polymeric, fluidic, and thermal actuation offer promising solutions to expand the scope of haptic feedback.
Beth Beason-Abmayr, a renowned educator, has received the Arthur C. Guyton Distinguished Educator Award for her exceptional contributions to physiology education. Her innovative approach to teaching and mentoring has profoundly impacted generations of students.
A new security protocol has been developed to protect miniaturized wireless medical implants from cyber threats, ensuring patient safety. The protocol uses a quirk of wireless power transfer to authenticate device access and prevent hacking.
A Rice University statistician has received a $1 million CPRIT award to advance AI-powered precision medicine for prostate cancer. The project aims to identify lethal forms of prostate cancer earlier and improve treatment selection using AI tools and advanced imaging techniques.
A Rice University researcher is working to fortify buildings in Haiti against future earthquakes with cost-effective retrofitting solutions. The study, recently published in Earthquake Spectra, explores five techniques to improve seismic performance, including steel braces and reinforced concrete jacketing.
A new RNA barcoding method allows researchers to track gene transfer in bacterial communities without disrupting their natural environment. The technique has potential applications in predicting antibiotic resistance outbreaks, engineering microbiomes for pollution cleanup, and programming microbes for specific tasks like producing bio...
The Rice Center for Membrane Excellence (RiCeME) aims to develop advanced membrane materials and separation technologies for energy, environmental sustainability, and chemical processing applications. The center will focus on securing funding from federal agencies, industry partners, and global collaborators to accelerate the developme...
Researchers at Rice University have gained insights into ADAR1's molecular mechanisms, which could lead to improved treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The study found that ADAR1's editing activity depends on RNA sequence, duplex length, and mismatches near the editing site.
A team of Rice and UH scientists discovered simple solutions to address a fundamental issue in carbon capture technology - carbon dioxide reduction reaction. They found that lowering the concentration of cations like sodium or potassium in the electrolyte slows down salt buildup, improving reactor stability.
A Rice University study reveals that more than half of Houston-area workers lost income due to the recent storms, with nearly 90% residents losing power. The survey also found significant financial losses, with over $500 in combined food loss reported by 60% of residents.
Using advanced simulations, researchers Sho Shibata and Andre Izidoro suggest that super-Earths and mini-Neptunes form from distinct rings of planetesimals, providing fresh insight into planetary evolution. Their model replicates key features of exoplanetary systems, including the radius valley and 'peas-in-a-pod' pattern.
Angel Martí, a leading researcher on chemistry and nanostructures, has been awarded the Robert Holland Jr. Award for his groundbreaking work. He is recognized for his contributions to advancing scientific discovery and fostering talent in STEM fields.