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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

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.

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.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

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.

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.

Whites' racial prejudice can lessen over time, research shows

Research from Rice University suggests that white people's expressions of racial apathy can decrease over time, with a shift towards greater care for racial equality. The study also found a correlation between education and lower levels of racial apathy among whites.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Molecular bait can help hydrogels heal wounds

Researchers have created a new type of hydrogel that can grow new tissue to heal wounds, eliminating the need for external growth factors. The hydrogels are made with biomolecules anchored in crosslinkers and can be mixed at room temperature.

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.

Nanomaterial safety on a nano budget

Researchers at Rice University have developed a cheap and clean method to handle carbon nanotubes, improving lab safety. The protocol involves proper attire, containment systems, and efficient transfer procedures, making it possible for labs to safely work with these materials on a large scale.

New genetic weapons challenge sickle cell disease

A new study uses CRISPR-Cas9 to repair the sickle cell mutation in patients' hematopoietic stem cells, boosting their own protective fetal hemoglobin. The approach showed promising results, with up to 40% of edited cells fixed and a significant increase in fetal hemoglobin expression.

What causes battery electrode failure?

A study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that lithium-ion battery electrode failure is caused by the heterogeneity of individual particles, leading to inefficiencies in charging. The team used a synchrotron X-ray method to produce results and identified problems with batteries today, including uneven charging rates.

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.

Flexible generators turn movement into energy

Researchers at Rice University have created a material that generates electricity from movement, enabling the creation of wearable devices powered by human activity. The triboelectric effect is used to harness energy from contact and separation between materials, producing enough power to charge small capacitors.

Rice U. lab grows stable, ultrathin magnets

Rice University researchers have successfully grown a unique form of iron oxide with strong magnetic properties that is easy to stack atop other 2D materials. The material, epsilon iron(III) oxide, shows promise as a building block for exotic nanoscale structures that could be useful for spintronic devices and electronic applications.

Home-schoolers see no added health risks over time

A Rice University study found that years of home-schooling do not appear to influence the general health of children. Instead, better sleep patterns and diet habits help counteract any shortfalls in physical fitness through outside activities.

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.

Hyperspectral camera captures wealth of data in an instant

Rice University's NASA-funded TuLIPSS project develops a portable spectrometer that can capture hyperspectral data instantly, unlike current systems that scan line-by-line. The device, called TuLIPSS, uses optical fibers to deliver image components to a detector and customize the balance of spectral and spatial data.

Synthetic biologists hack bacterial sensors

Researchers have created a system that can systematically rewire two-component systems in bacteria, allowing them to identify the function of an unknown sensor. This technology has wide-ranging implications for medical diagnostics, pathogen study and environmental monitoring.

Superconductor's magnetic persona unmasked

New experiments by US, Chinese and European physicists have found iron selenide's magnetic properties are highly anisotropic, like other iron superconductors. The material's structure and electronic behavior are surprisingly similar to those of other iron-based superconductors.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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