The study reveals that relaxor ferroelectrics like lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) exhibit improved performance when shrunk down to a precise range of 25-30 nanometers. This 'Goldilocks zone' size effect could enable advanced applications such as nanoelectromechanical systems and energy harvesting.
The new method enables accurate detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (PACs) in placental samples, providing critical insights into maternal and fetal health. This breakthrough could inform public health measures and improve fetal and maternal health outcomes.
Researchers at Rice University developed microscopic reactors capable of performing chemical reactions using water instead of toxic solvents. This innovation could drastically reduce pollution in industries including pharmaceuticals and materials science.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the atomic structure of collagen assemblies with an unexpected right-handed superhelical twist. This discovery could reshape biomedical research by revealing greater structural diversity in collagen.
Naomi Halas' work has pioneered new insights into how light and matter interact at the smallest scales, leading to discoveries in biomedical applications such as cancer therapy and water purification. Her research on plasmonic catalysts could dramatically reduce energy required for chemical reactions.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new method for customizing engineered living materials (ELMs) by altering protein matrices. The study revealed that small genetic changes can significantly impact the behavior of these materials, making them ideal for applications like tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Researchers aim to develop room-temperature superconductors using AI and quantum geometry, potentially revolutionizing energy efficiency. The project aims to push boundaries of quantum materials science and superconductivity.
A novel approach transforms treatment for pancreatic cancer by repurposing WR-2721 to protect healthy tissue from radiation damage. Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials are underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new therapy, which could add years of survival to patients.
Researchers at Rice University's Synthesis X Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center are developing a light-induced brain delivery platform to improve drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier for treating brain metastasis. The goal is to enhance survival rates and transform the standard of care for this deadly form of cancer.
The project leverages super-radiance to enhance the brightness and emission rate of fluorophores, enabling high-throughput imaging and tracking of molecular processes. This could lead to breakthroughs in fields like cell biology, materials science, and nanotechnology.
The Advanced Research + Invention Agency has awarded $84.2 million to Rice researchers to explore and unlock new methods for interfacing with the human brain at the circuit level. The project involves developing a distributed network of minimally invasive implants to stimulate neural circuits with cell-type precision.
Engineers developed a scalable method for creating topography-patterned aluminum surfaces with high-resolution wettability contrast. The surfaces exhibit distinct behaviors from superhydrophobic to hydrophilic, offering improved phase-change heat transfer applications.
Researchers discovered how polarons behave in tellurene as it becomes thinner, revealing changes in electrical transport and optical properties. This knowledge could inform the design of advanced technologies like more efficient electronic devices or novel sensors.
CITEC has announced its inaugural group of subawardees, who will develop innovative technologies for cancer detection and treatment in low-resource settings. The projects focus on improving HPV screening, developing deep learning algorithms for image analysis, and creating affordable microscopes for cancer screening.
Lekking, a mating system where males display for females without forming lasting bonds, is found to be remarkably stable and rarely evolves into other systems. In contrast, resource-defense polygamy is identified as fragile and frequently reverts to monogamy, often associated with higher extinction rates.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully recycled carbon nanotube fibers without losing their structure or properties. The discovery positions CNT fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like metals and polymers, offering a solution to waste management problems in industries such as aerospace and automotive.
Researchers have found dialysis to be 'astonishingly effective' in separating salts from organic substances in wastewater, reducing environmental impacts and costs. The method mimics medical dialysis technology, eliminating the need for repeated dilutions and fouling, and enabling resource recovery.
Rice scientists Kaden Hazzard and Zhiyuan Wang mathematically demonstrate the potential existence of paraparticles that have long been thought impossible. Their study shows that these particles can exhibit strange behavior when exchanging positions with other particles.
Researchers have made a major breakthrough in synthetic biology by developing a new construction kit for building custom sense-and-respond circuits in human cells. The new approach harnesses the power of phosphorylation to amplify weak input signals into macroscopic outputs, enabling rapid response times and sensitivity to external sig...
Researchers at Rice University have created a sustainable way to integrate chlorine into chemical building blocks, reducing costs and environmental impact. The new process uses iron and sulfur catalysts activated by mild blue light, eliminating harsh chemicals and high temperatures.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a programmable quantum system capable of independently controlling key factors in electron transfer. This breakthrough paves the way for novel insights into light-harvesting systems and molecular devices.
A new two-step approach to functionalize complex molecules simplifies the synthesis of piperidines, a key component in many pharmaceuticals. This innovation reduces multistep processes from 7-17 steps to just 2-5, improving efficiency and cost.
A new study reveals that Mars' southern highlands formed granitic magmas and sustained vast underground aquifers billions of years ago, potentially creating habitable conditions for life. The research used advanced thermal modeling to simulate the thermal state of Mars' crust during its ancient history.
A Rice University study found that caregiver mental health improves when carers feel supported, understood and appreciated by their loved ones. Carriers who reported lower satisfaction with their marriages experienced significantly worse mental and physical health.
The Digital Health Institute aims to develop transformative solutions in digital health, including early detection, predictive analytics, and personalized medicine. The initiative will focus on research and development, as well as training the next generation of digital health leaders.
A team of researchers has found evidence of quantum spin liquids in pyrochlore cerium stannate, governed by complex quantum rules. The study reveals emergent properties resembling fundamental aspects of our universe, including light and matter interactions.
Haotian Wang, associate professor at Rice University, is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to carbon dioxide electrochemistry. His innovative research has transformed the field of carbon dioxide electrolysis, offering practical pathways to combat climate change.
A team of Rice University scientists has developed a coating that suppresses thermal emissions from hot windows while remaining transparent enough to capture thermal radiation from objects behind the window. This breakthrough enables clear thermal imaging at high temperatures, with potential applications in industries such as chemical ...
Omid Veiseh, a Rice University bioengineer, has been elected as a National Academy of Inventors Fellow for his significant contributions to innovation and society's welfare. He holds over 5,000 issued US patents and has demonstrated leadership in biotechnology.
Researchers at Rice University have uncovered a phenomenon where quasiparticles lose their identity in extreme quantum materials, leading to unique properties. This discovery has broader implications for understanding transitions in other correlated materials and creating advanced superconductors.
Researchers Fernanda Morales-Calva and Stephanie Leal explored the three Ws of memory - what, where, and when - to understand why people remember certain things. They found that emotional content, personal significance, repetition, and attention can influence memory retention. The study highlights the importance of considering individu...
Richard Baraniuk, a Rice University professor, has been awarded the 2025 IEEE Jack S. Kilby Signal Processing Medal for his pioneering work in multiscale and sparse signal processing. He is also a pioneer of the open education movement, transforming access to learning materials worldwide through OpenStax.
A groundbreaking study reveals how anglerfish evolved extraordinary traits, including bioluminescent lures and large oral gapes, to exploit scarce resources in the bathypelagic zone. Despite environmental challenges, anglerfish achieved high levels of phenotypic disparity, suggesting a capacity for adaptive radiation.
Julian West, assistant professor of chemistry at Rice, recognized for harnessing free radical intermediates through inner sphere photocatalysis. His work holds significant implications for organic synthesis and developing next-generation therapeutics and materials.
Rice scientists develop new nanomaterial that kills bacteria in biofluids under visible light, with minimal degradation and low lead leaching. The findings suggest potential applications in water treatment and therapeutics.
The event brings together leading minds in engineering, oncology, and global health to foster collaboration and recognize achievements within CITEC's community. Groundbreaking research and novel point-of-care solutions aimed at transforming cancer detection and treatment worldwide were showcased during the gathering.
Researchers at Rice University developed soTILT3D, an innovative imaging platform that enables fast and precise 3D imaging of multiple cellular structures while controlling the extracellular environment. The platform improves upon conventional fluorescence microscopy by reducing background fluorescence and increasing imaging speed.
A new study from Rice University and Houston Methodist reveals that NREM sleep enhances neuronal and behavioral performance by fostering brain synchronization and information encoding. Researchers replicated these effects through invasive stimulation, suggesting promising possibilities for future neuromodulation therapies.
The inaugural workshop at Rice University's Center for Nanoscale Imaging Sciences brought together leading experts to explore advancements in cutting-edge imaging techniques. The event integrated diverse imaging modalities to uncover new insights into biological and materials systems.
Rice engineers create a new thermal emitter that achieves efficiencies of over 60% despite practical design constraints, opening possibilities for more sustainable industrial processes and renewable energy growth. The technology could inform the development of grid-scale alternative storage solutions and power space applications.
The In-Space Physical AI Workshop, held at Rice University's Ion District, brought together top scientists and experts to explore AI applications in space. Key findings included the potential of AI to streamline spacecraft navigation and crew health management.
The partnership aims to develop modular autonomous water treatment and reuse processes, leveraging the expertise of both institutions. Rice students will engage in educational and research initiatives driven by real-world needs, enhancing their knowledge and skills.
Rice University has received a nearly $500,000 grant to expand its environmental justice education program for high school students. The Houston Environmental Action Learning (HEAL) program aims to equip students and teachers with skills needed to address pressing environmental issues.
Researchers at Rice University developed a minimally invasive neural interface technique called endocisternal interfaces (ECI), allowing for simultaneous access to the brain and spinal cord without skull surgery. The innovative method uses cerebral spinal fluid as a pathway to deliver targeted devices, enabling new possibilities for th...
Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel three-chamber electrochemical reactor that improves the selectivity and efficiency of lithium extraction from geothermal brines. The reactor achieves high lithium purity rates and minimizes by-product formation, offering a promising approach to address growing demand for lithium in ...
Rice researchers have created a catalyst that leverages plasmonic photocatalysis to break down methane and water vapor into hydrogen and carbon monoxide without external heating. The new catalyst system enables on-demand, emissions-free hydrogen production, which could transform the energy industry.
Chelsea Walton, a professor of mathematics at Rice University, has been recognized as an American Mathematical Society (AMS) Fellow. Her selection acknowledges her dedication to advancing mathematical research in noncommutative algebra, quantum symmetries, Hopf algebras, and representation theory.
Rice bioengineers create a mathematical model that challenges long-held assumptions about IL-12's behavior in the body, suggesting repeated doses cause immune cells to hoard IL-12 before it reaches the bloodstream. The findings have significant implications for IL-12 therapy design and may lead to more effective dosing regimens.
David Abraham, Rice University lecturer and research scientist, was honored for his work in fostering sustainable urban development and climate resilience. He launched Houston's first community resilience portal and directed a flood resilience plan after Hurricane Harvey, showcasing his commitment to building resilient communities.
Two teams, led by Rice's ENRICH office, have won $100,000 in matching funds from partnering institutions to investigate AI-based symptom checkers and electrocardiogram data for improving cardiovascular risk assessment. The projects aim to mitigate vulnerabilities and reduce health disparities.