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Borophene on silver grows freely into an atomic 'skin'

Researchers have successfully grown elongated hexagon-shaped flakes of borophene on a silver substrate, overcoming a major hurdle in its production. The discovery could enable the creation of atom-width conductive wires for nanoelectronics devices.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 30, 2019

Extra amino acid could work wonders

Rice University chemist Han Xiao is developing a custom-designed 21st amino acid to make life-saving substances and produce novel proteins for therapies. The goal is to create 'unnatural organisms' that can produce multiple designer amino acids, leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy and cancer treatment.

SourceRice University·DateSep 27, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Chemists clarify a chiral conundrum?

Rice chemists disentangled the mysterious interactions between bovine serum albumin and gold nanorods, revealing multilevel chirality and a possible way to sense single proteins' handedness. This discovery could lead to the development of drug-sensing tools with improved accuracy.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2019

Probes shed new light on Alzheimer's cause

Researchers have developed a way to track the formation of soluble amyloid beta peptide aggregates implicated in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The ruthenium-based fluorescent complexes bind to these aggregates, allowing researchers to monitor their progress and movements over time.

SourceRice University·DateSep 23, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Malawi study confirms lasting impact of life-saving technology

A study conducted at 26 Malawi government hospitals found that the national adoption of rugged, low-cost neonatal CPAP devices improved survival rates for newborns admitted with breathing problems. The study showed a 10% improvement in survival after CPAP was available for babies with respiratory distress syndrome.

SourceRice University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 20, 2019

Grains in the rain

Researchers have discovered that certain plant species, including wild tomato and alfalfa, share common genes with rice that enable them to survive flooding. The study aims to improve crop resilience to flooding by activating these genes in other plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

Nano bulb lights novel path

Researchers at Rice University have created a tunable, nanoscale incandescent light source by combining near-nanoscale materials that absorb heat and emit light. The system's unique configuration allows for the emission of light in specific states and wavelengths, including infrared.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 19, 2019

Study points to new drug target in fight against cancer

A study has identified a potential new drug target in the fight against cancer by targeting a protein that blocks the primary gateways in mitochondria. The research found that mitoNEET can close voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs), which normally allow metabolites and signaling molecules to pass through.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Deep dive for dark matter may aid all of data science

Rice astroparticle physicist Christopher Tunnell leads a $1 million NSF-funded project to enhance data science techniques in physical sciences, aiming to push discovery past the tipping point. The study focuses on dark matter searches and employs probabilistic graphical models to improve measurements of particle interactions.

SourceRice University·DateSep 18, 2019

Hiding in plain sight

Early rice growers unwittingly selected for barnyard grass, which later evolved to mimic rice plants, allowing it to escape detection and spread globally. The study sequenced the genomes of rice-mimic and non-mimic forms of the weed to understand this process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 16, 2019

One-atom switch supercharges fluorescent dyes

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple method to turn fluorescent tags on and off with visible light by switching one atom. This technique will enable high-resolution imaging and dynamic tracking of biological processes in living cells, tissues, and animals.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Pain in the asp: Bird-deterring nets create haven for stinging pests

Researchers at Rice University discovered that netting trees to deter birds increases the population of Megalopyge opercularis, also known as asps, which are venomous and can cause severe pain. The study found a 7,300% higher abundance of caterpillars on netted versus non-netted trees.

SourceRice University·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 6, 2019

When physicians integrate with hospitals, costs go up, Rice study says

A study by Rice University found that when physicians integrate with hospitals, costs rise, even if care quality doesn't improve. The researchers analyzed insurance claims and found patients treated by doctors in hospital-owned practices incur higher spending on services such as X-rays and MRIs.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 5, 2019

Hidden signals may hold key to mechanism of memory

Caleb Kemere and his team will investigate how sleep reorganizes information in the brain, aiming to identify critical time windows and neuronal activities involved in storing and stabilizing memories. The researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how sleep impacts lives, including its impact on memory consolidation.

SourceRice University·DateSep 4, 2019

Rice reactor turns greenhouse gas into pure liquid fuel

The Rice University lab has developed an efficient electrolyzer that can turn greenhouse gases into pure liquid fuels. The process uses renewable electricity and produces highly purified formic acid with high concentrations.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 3, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The 'universal break-up criterion' of hot, flowing lava?

Rice University researchers have developed a new fluid dynamic model that allows scientists to predict when an eruption will transition from spattering to flowing lava. This tool could help emergency officials prepare for potential hazards by providing early warnings of changing behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2019

Getting to the root of how plants tolerate too much iron

Scientists have identified a major genetic regulator of iron tolerance, called GSNOR, which enables plants to grow in environments with high iron levels. The discovery could lead to crop species that thrive in soils with excess iron, improving food security and yields.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

Quest for new cancer treatment crosses milestone

A cancer therapy invented at Rice University has shown promising results in clinical trials, destroying tumors without debilitating side effects. Thirteen of the first 15 prostate cancer patients treated with AuroLase Therapy showed no detectable signs of cancer a year after treatment.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

Scientists advance search for memory's molecular roots

Scientists have detailed the structure of calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), a key protein involved in encoding memories. The study reveals how CaMKII binds to actin filaments, forming rigid bundles that support dendritic spines and enable cognitive functions.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Quantum criticality could be a boon for qubit designers

Researchers at Rice University found a way to safeguard quantum bit information by studying the behavior of heavy fermions in extreme cold and magnetic fields. The discovery provides a new approach to minimize decoherence, a major concern in qubit design.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

Nano-thermometer takes temperature inside cells

Researchers developed a fluorescent nano-thermometer that can detect temperature changes inside single cells by monitoring the light-emitting properties of molecular motors. The technique could be useful for identifying cancer cells and measuring the effects of tumor ablation therapy.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateAug 22, 2019

A hallmark of superconductivity, beyond superconductivity itself

Researchers at Rice University discovered electron pairing in ultrapure lanthanum strontium copper oxide (LSCO) samples at temperatures well above the critical threshold for superconductivity. The finding suggests two energy scales exist, one where pairs form and another where they exhibit collective behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Discovery could pave the way for disease-resistant rice crops

Researchers have identified a specific rice immune receptor that can trigger immune reactions in response to multiple fungal proteins, paving the way for disease-resistant rice crops. Gene-editing technologies could be used to precisely insert genes into rice plants, overcoming issues with linkage drag and enhancing disease resistance.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 15, 2019

Young Jupiter was smacked head-on by massive newborn planet

A colossal collision between Jupiter and a still-forming planet may have stirred up the core, altering its density and composition. Researchers suggest this event could explain Juno's puzzling gravitational readings, which indicate a less dense and more extended core than expected.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateAug 15, 2019

Houston universities team up to boost minorities in academia

Rice University, Texas Southern University, and the University of Houston have won a $2.66 million NSF grant to enhance training and resources for underrepresented minorities in engineering and science disciplines. The project aims to create a more diverse workforce and address systemic barriers that impede their success.

SourceRice University·DateAug 13, 2019

Damaged hearts rewired with nanotube fibers

Researchers at Texas Heart Institute and Rice University have developed biocompatible nanotube fibers that can bridge damaged heart tissues and deliver electrical signals to restore heart function. The fibers were shown to be effective in restoring conduction in preclinical models, even without the presence of a pacemaker.

SourceRice University·DateAug 13, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Sharp meets flat in tunable 2D material

Rice University scientists develop a unique two-dimensional material with sharp zigzag boundaries, showcasing promise for optoelectronics and advanced computing. The material's band gap can be tuned in a controllable way, opening up new avenues for research and potential applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 12, 2019

Scent brings all the songbirds to the yard

Researchers from Lehigh University have found that songbirds prefer the scent of their own species over others, which could impact hybridization. The study, led by Amber Rice and Alex Van Huynh, used gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry to analyze natural oils produced by birds' uropygial glands.

SourceLehigh University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateAug 12, 2019

Rice, UTHealth search for clues to fight antibiotic resistance

Researchers at Rice University and UTHealth have discovered that vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) can develop resistance to daptomycin in more than one way. The study's findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, which could lead to the development of new treatment strategies or 'co-drugs' targetin...

SourceRice University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateAug 12, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Bacteria made to mimic cells, form communities

Researchers at Rice University have created a genetic circuit that allows bacteria to differentiate like stem cells, forming genetically distinct communities with complex behaviors. The discovery, called asymmetric plasmid partitioning, enables the creation of diverse populations of microbes that can exhibit non-native behaviors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 12, 2019

You're not so tough, h-BN

Researchers at Rice University have created a method to modify hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN) by attaching carbon chains, making it easier to bond with polymers and other materials. This modification also makes the material more dispersible in organic solvents.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateAug 12, 2019

Rice chemists show it's hip to be square

Rice University chemists have developed a fast and inexpensive synthetic route to azetidines, a class of molecules that can be used as building blocks in drug design. The new method allows for the creation of NH-azetidines, which contain unprotected nitrogen atoms, making them more accessible for further reactions.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 9, 2019

Alternatives to burning can increase Indian farmers' profits and cut pollution

A new study in Science shows that alternative farming practices can boost farmers' profits while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The Happy Seeder system, which allows for direct seeding of wheat into unplowed soil and shredded rice residues, is a promising solution.

SourceInternational Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2019

Rice lab produces simple fluorescent surfactants

Researchers at Rice University have developed a set of eight fluorescent surfactants that can capture images of single nanotubes or cells using fluorescent microscopy. These compounds show promise for use in medicine, manufacturing, water purification and biomedical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalPure and Applied Chemistry·DateAug 5, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Paper trail leads to heart valve discoveries

Researchers create paper-based structures that mimic aortic valves, allowing them to study how calcifying diseases slow or stop hearts from functioning. The device helps understand the chemical transactions in heart disease and may eventually lead to non-invasive medication.

SourceRice University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateAug 5, 2019

To conserve water, Indian farmers fire up air pollution

A new study reveals that water-use policies in northwestern India have led to increased air pollution due to delayed rice harvests and concentrated agricultural burnings. The study found almost 30% higher atmospheric concentrations of fine particulate matter, posing significant concerns for human health.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 30, 2019

Oddball edge wins nanotube faceoff

The Rice team found that the Janus configuration, with a half-circle of zigzags opposite six armchairs, allows for tight contact with solid catalysts and preserves continuous nanotube growth. This discovery advances understanding of growth mechanisms and has implications for designing efficient catalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 29, 2019

Newly identified rice gene confers multiple-herbicide resistance

A newly discovered gene in rice renders the crop resistant to several widely used beta-triketone herbicides. The HIS1 gene encodes an oxidase that detoxifies herbicide compounds, offering potential value in breeding new herbicide-resistant crops for efficient global food production.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Physicists find first possible 3D quantum spin liquid

Rice University physicists have shown single crystals of cerium zirconium pyrochlore possess the right characteristics to qualify as the first possible 3D quantum spin liquid. The material exhibits long-range magnetic order and entanglement, which are hallmarks of a quantum spin liquid.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 15, 2019

Rice device channels heat into light

Researchers at Rice University have created a device that channels waste heat into light, enabling more efficient solar energy systems. The technology, which utilizes carbon nanotube films, aims to simplify the process of turning heat into electricity with high efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Photonics·DateJul 12, 2019

Moon-forming disk discovered around distant planet

Astronomers have detected a circumplanetary disk of gas and dust around the young gas giant PDS 70 c, 370 light years from Earth. The discovery provides direct evidence of planet formation and challenges current theories.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 11, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Researchers can finally modify plant mitochondrial DNA

Researchers have successfully edited plant mitochondrial DNA for the first time, paving the way to address the current lack of mitochondrial genetic diversity in crops. This technique, called mitoTALENs, uses a single protein to locate and delete specific genes, potentially adding much-needed diversity to the food supply.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 8, 2019

What journalism professors are teaching students -- about their futures

A new study from Rice University and Rutgers University finds that journalism educators are encouraging students to explore alternative career paths outside the news business, due to the rapid changes in the industry. The professors stress the importance of developing entrepreneurial skills and being prepared for a precarious job market.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Forces·DateJun 27, 2019

Directed evolution comes to plants

A KAUST-led team has developed a new platform for speeding up and controlling the evolution of proteins inside living plants. This allows plant breeders to rapidly engineer new crop varieties with improved yield and immunity to pathogens.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 19, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

'Hot spots' increase efficiency of solar desalination

Researchers at Rice University developed a method to increase the efficiency of solar-powered desalination systems by concentrating sunlight into 'hot spots' using inexpensive plastic lenses. This approach boosts output by more than 50% and increases purified water production, addressing global water scarcity issues.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2019

Columbia researcher studies how climate change affects crops in India

The study found that alternative grains such as millet, sorghum, and maize are more resilient to extreme weather, while rice experiences larger declines in yields. This suggests that diversifying India's crop production can help adapt to climate change and improve nutrition.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 17, 2019

A shady spot may protect species against rapid climate warming

Researchers create mathematical framework to estimate cost-benefit trade-off of seeking shade in a warming world. The framework predicts that 17 insect species will experience 'behavioral rescue' and improve their fitness, while 19 are likely to be negatively impacted by rising temperatures.

SourceRice University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 14, 2019

Researchers take two steps toward green fuel

Researchers have developed a two-step process to more efficiently break down carbohydrates into their single sugar components, producing bioethanol or biobutanol for use as fuel. The process produces about 30% more sugars than traditional methods and has the potential to commercialize green fuel production.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJun 14, 2019

Old ice and snow yields tracer of preindustrial ozone

Researchers used rare oxygen molecules trapped in air bubbles in old ice and snow to track ancient ozone levels, establishing a limit of 40% increase since 1850. This new data bolsters confidence in atmospheric chemistry models' ability to predict future changes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

How bosses react influences whether workers speak up

A new study from Rice University psychologist Danielle King found that how leaders respond to employee suggestions can impact whether or not the employee opens up in the future. Employees who receive sensitive explanations for rejected ideas are more likely to offer suggestions again in the future.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateJun 11, 2019

Antennas of flexible nanotube films an alternative for electronics

Researchers at Rice University have developed flexible nanotube film antennas that match the efficiency of copper, but with improved flexibility and thinner dimensions. The new material could enable lighter, stronger, and more resistant antennas for various applications including 5G networks and aerospace.

SourceRice University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 10, 2019

Sellers on classified ad websites favor buyers from affluent neighborhoods

A study by Rice University researchers found that people selling items on online resale websites tend to favor buyers from wealthier areas. The findings suggest that geographic location plays a significant role in shaping interactions and outcomes in mundane settings, revealing the far-reaching effects of segregation.

SourceRice University·JournalCity and Community·DateJun 10, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.