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.
A new study reveals significant differences in how physicists from China, the US, and the UK approach ethical issues like mentorship and public engagement. Chinese scientists feel a strong obligation to serve both their government and society, while international counterparts prioritize communication of research findings.
The study reveals that localized electrons drive magnetism in FeSn thin films, challenging existing theories about magnetism in kagome metals. The research could guide the development of materials with tailored properties for advanced tech applications.
The Dingus family donation supports the launch of the Earth and Planetary Opportunities in Research (EXPLORE) program, which provides hands-on experience for undergraduates in research projects related to Earth and space. The fund also enables fellowships for graduate students working in environmental science and sustainability.
Rice University researchers developed an electrochemical reactor to reduce energy consumption in direct air capture. The new design has achieved industrially relevant rates of carbon dioxide regeneration and offers flexibility, scalability, and lower capital costs.
A new study by Rice University researchers found that invasive plants reshape soil microbial communities across the US, making them more uniform and disrupting ecological balance. The study highlights the critical belowground effects of invasive plants on soil health and biodiversity.
Researchers at Rice University develop OpenSafe.AI, a system that leverages responsible AI and hazard models to provide timely insights for emergency response organizations and communities before, during, and after tropical cyclones and coastal storm events. The goal is to enable better preparation and navigation for severe weather.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a time-release technology called PULSED that could help protect against poliomyelitis in combination vaccines. The technology would allow poliovirus-like particles to be released from microparticles after a few days, ensuring full vaccination efficacy.
Researchers at Rice University have developed adhesive bacteria and proteins that can help efficiently decompose PET, a notoriously resistant type of plastic. The engineered microbes demonstrate a 400-fold increase in adhesion to PET surfaces, making them a potential solution for tackling plastic pollution.
Rice researchers use a rapidly alternating magnetic field to create direction-dependent structures from superparamagnetic beads, offering precise control over material properties. The study reveals the importance of magnetic relaxation time in controlling particle interactions.
Rice engineers developed a new synthesis strategy for covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that can be used to trap gases, filter water and speed up chemical reactions. The approach enables faster production of COFs with superior crystallinity and high efficiency in breaking down harmful chemicals.
A recent study by Rice University researchers found that indigenous farm workers experience more physical pain on the job than undocumented workers. The authors suggest that cumulative disadvantage, including language barriers and discrimination, may contribute to this disparity.
A new recycling process reduces environmental impact by eliminating energy-intensive methods, producing harmful waste streams. The innovative technique recovers critical metals with high purity (>95%) and yield (>85%), addressing critical metal shortages and negative environmental impacts.
College-educated Black men experienced nearly three fewer poor mental health days per month following Obama's reelection, while less educated men saw worse mental health. The researchers suspect that feelings of disappointment and relative deprivation theory may explain the shift in mental health benefits.
Researchers at Rice University have uncovered new information about the structure of cholesterol molecules in cell membranes using Raman spectroscopy. The study sheds light on previously unknown structural variations and provides a simplified framework for analyzing membrane cholesterol chain structures.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine are developing a new cell therapy platform to suppress inflammation and lung damage in ARDS patients. The platform uses engineered retinal pigment epithelial cells to locally produce anti-inflammatory agents, promising improved patient outcomes.
The Rice-led MURI project aims to develop innovative single-atom reactor systems and analyze various chemical processes of strategic importance to the DOD. The researchers, led by Naomi Halas, seek to improve energy efficiency and reduce protocol intensity in chemical reactions.
Rice University researchers have identified a new parasitoid wasp species, Chrysonotomyia susbelli, found on the university grounds in Houston, Texas. The discovery reveals an intricate ecosystem involving galls and cynipid gall wasps, with potential for many more undiscovered species.
Rice University researchers developed ElasticDiffusion, a method that separates local and global signals to create non-square aspect ratio images without visual imperfections. The new approach can improve consistency and realism in AI-generated images, but still requires significant computational power.
Researchers have unveiled a new class of quantum critical metal that sheds light on intricate electron interactions. The discovery could lead to the development of electronic devices with extreme sensitivity, driven by unique properties of quantum-critical systems.
Researchers at Rice University have created a roadmap showing how proteins interact to form the nanometer-thin shell of gas vesicles. This breakthrough enables the development of medically useful GV varieties in the lab, which can be used for diagnostics and therapeutics.
A new graduate program at Rice University aims to equip students with skills needed to serve as leaders in quantum technology innovation. The program will provide interdisciplinary training to 30 students, combining expertise from quantum physics, optics, and nanotechnology.
Rice University graduate students Eric Wuesthoff and Esther Jimenez have been awarded National Science Foundation INTERN grants to engage in real-world research experiences. Wuesthoff will collaborate with the Houston Zoo on conservation efforts, while Jimenez will work at Solugen on developing sustainable chemical production.
The Rice University Sustainability Institute has partnered with Chevron to establish a graduate fellowship program supporting innovative sustainable energy solutions. This year's fellows are tackling critical energy challenges, including recycling lithium-ion batteries and developing cost-effective solar-driven technologies.
Researchers at Rice University developed a thermochromic material that outperforms existing varieties in terms of durability, transparency, and responsiveness. The new polymer blend significantly enhances energy efficiency for indoor space cooling, potentially reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Rice engineers developed an automated data fusion framework called OpenSafe Fusion to sense quickly evolving road conditions during urban flooding events. The framework leverages existing individual reporting mechanisms and public data sources, predicting whether a road is flooded or not.
Researchers create superhydrophobic array device (SHArD) mimicking the lotus leaf surface structure, enabling high-throughput generation of three-dimensional nanoscale tumor models. This platform helps study metastasis and primary tumors, shedding light on cancer progression.
Researchers have developed a new method to predict protein movements by teaching AI about energetic frustration. This improves the accuracy of tools like AlphaFold2 in predicting alternative structures and functional movements. The study has significant implications for drug design, enzyme engineering, and disease mechanisms.
Researchers at Rice University and Northeastern University have made a discovery in the fight against COVID-19, uncovering new insights into how the virus infects human cells and can be neutralized. They found that antibodies targeting a specific part of the spike protein can bind to it and prevent the virus from entering human cells.
Researchers have developed a new method known as flash-within-flash Joule heating (FWF) that enables gram-scale production of high-quality solid-state materials in seconds, reducing energy and greenhouse gas emissions by over 50%. The technique offers a scalable and sustainable solution for manufacturing diverse compounds.
Rice University professor Ashutosh Sabharwal leads a project to design and develop an open-access software-defined radio system for 6G wireless networking, imaging, and sensing. The system will support diverse bands and enable research communities to explore new directions in wireless technology.
A Rice-led team studied massif-type anorthosites to understand their formation, revealing they likely originated from melting of subducted oceanic crust beneath convergent continental margins. The research provides new insights into Earth's thermal and tectonic evolution and chronicles the physical evolution of our planet.
A Rice University-led team is developing an affordable system to improve tumor removal accuracy for breast and head and neck cancer. The AccessPath system enables rapid, automatic tumor margin classification, revolutionizing real-time surgical guidance.
A Rice-built reactor system can convert nitrates into green ammonia and purified water, decarbonizing ammonia production and treating nitrate-contaminated water. The innovative three-chamber system uses recyclable ions to improve reaction efficiency and eliminates the need for high concentrations of supporting electrolytes.
Research finds that people with criminal justice system contact are less likely to have bank accounts after release, facing significant barriers like identification and proof of residence. The study highlights the importance of access to banking in reintegration and economic stability.