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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.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 5, 2019

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 3, 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.

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.

SourceRice University·JournalSN Applied Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 3, 2019

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.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 31, 2019

Colombia could lose 60% of land suitable for irrigated rice due to climate change

A new study warns that Colombia's rice production may shift to higher altitudes without climate action, with potential losses of 4.4 million hectares of arable land by the 2050s. The research highlights the need for complex decisions on land-use change and crop cultivation to ensure food security.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change·DateMay 29, 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.

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 24, 2019

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.

SourceRice University·JournalHealth Promotion International·DateMay 23, 2019

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 20, 2019

Feds fund creation of headset for high-speed brain link

A Rice University-led team is developing a headset technology that can directly link the human brain and machines, aiming to transmit visual images from one individual to another's mind. The project, funded by $18 million, plans to demonstrate direct, brain-to-brain communication at the speed of thought without surgery.

SourceRice University·DateMay 20, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

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.

SourceRice University·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 20, 2019

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 20, 2019

New way to beat the heat in electronics

A nanocomposite combining polymer nanofibers and boron nitride nanosheets offers high strength and superior thermal conduction, allowing it to withstand harsh environments. The material acts as an effective heat sink up to 250 degrees Celsius.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 16, 2019

Rice husks can remove microcystin toxins from water

Scientists at the University of Toledo discovered that rice husks can remove microcystin, a toxin released by harmful algal blooms, with up to 95% efficiency. The treatment uses organic rice husks treated with hydrochloric acid and heated to 250 degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMay 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Driving chemical reactions with light

Scientists from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Rice University have discovered that the chemical nature of surface molecules affects plasmon resonance in metal nanoparticles. This finding could lead to new methods for harnessing light-driven processes like photocatalysis.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2019

Organ bioprinting gets a breath of fresh air

Researchers develop a new bioprinting technology that can create complex vascular networks, mimicking the body's natural passageways. This breakthrough enables the creation of exquisitely entangled structures for 3D printing replacement organs, potentially addressing the need for organ transplants.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 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.

Coal could yield treatment for traumatic injuries

Scientists at Rice University and their collaborators have discovered coal-derived 'dots' that are effective antioxidants for people who suffer traumatic brain injuries, strokes or heart attacks. The biocompatible dots can quench oxidative stress and protect cells from damage, offering a potential treatment option.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 24, 2019

Elemental old-timer makes the universe look like a toddler

Physicists at Rice University have reported the first direct observation of two-neutrino double electron capture for xenon 124, a process that decays into tellurium 124 with an estimated half-life of 160 trillion years. This discovery puts the half-life closer to 18 sextillion years, challenging our understanding of this isotope.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2019

IPOs help communities prosper, new research shows

Researchers found that IPOs lead to an increase in home prices and consumer spending in surrounding areas, with each $10 million in proceeds generating 0.7 new businesses and 41 new local jobs. However, IPO activity can also lead to gentrification and price out middle-to-lower-income residents.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·DateApr 18, 2019

Bioengineers program cells as digital signal processors

Researchers have developed a system that allows living cells to perform analog-to-digital signal processing, enabling precise control over cellular responses. This breakthrough expands the toolkit for synthetic biologists, who can now use genetic circuitry to process complex signals and make informed decisions.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 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.

Parboiling method reduces inorganic arsenic in rice

Researchers in Bangladesh found a way to reduce inorganic arsenic in rice by modifying parboiling methods, resulting in a 25% reduction and a 213% increase in calcium content. This new method also reduces potassium levels by 40%.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 17, 2019

Rice advances the art of protein blacksmithing

Researchers develop a new method to create detailed structural models of proteins using force-driven simulations, reducing computational power requirements. The technique, inspired by metallurgy, allows for faster computation and more accurate results than existing approaches.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Study: How will tropical mammals react to rising temperatures?

A study of 400,000 camera-trap records from 36 mammal species on three continents found that tropical mammals respond to changing local temperatures and other species nearby. Temperatures did not increase drastically overall during the study period, but micro habitat use changed over time due to temperature fluctuations.

SourceRice University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateApr 11, 2019

Rice, Northwestern find new ways to image, characterize unique material

Scientists at Rice and Northwestern universities have developed a method to image and characterize 2D borophene crystals, which can exhibit unique lattice configurations that determine their characteristics. The research could help manufacturers incorporate borophene into products with desirable electronic, thermal, optical properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Deep learning' casts wide net for novel 2D materials

Rice University engineers employ neural networks to rapidly model the characteristics of new 2D materials, significantly reducing computational time. The technique enables accurate predictions with minimal data, facilitating bottom-up design and discovery.

SourceRice University·JournalSmall·DateApr 10, 2019

Rusted root: Weedy rice repeatedly evolves 'cheater' root traits

Researchers found that weedy rice has evolved a root growth strategy that minimizes below-ground contact with other plants, allowing it to exploit the nutrient-sharing soil environment of rice fields. This 'cheater' root trait enables weedy rice to outcompete cultivated rice for essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNew Phytologist·DateApr 4, 2019

Digital device overload linked to obesity risk

Research from Rice University links digital device overload to obesity risk, finding media multitasking associated with increased susceptibility to food temptations and lack of self-control. The study suggests a possible link between media multitasking, higher body mass index, and greater percentage of body fat.

SourceRice University·JournalBrain Imaging and Behavior·DateApr 2, 2019

New 'blue-green' solution for recycling world's batteries

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries using an environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvent. The solvent successfully extracted over 90% of cobalt and significant amounts of lithium from powdered compounds and used batteries, making it a promising approach to curtail hars...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 1, 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.

Odd reaction creates a stir in the lab

Researchers at Rice University discovered that PTFE stir bars react with chemicals in an unexpected way, affecting the modification of nanotubes. This discovery highlights the importance of choosing inert materials in laboratory settings.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Omega·DateMar 29, 2019

3D printed tissues may keep athletes in action

Researchers at Rice University have created 3D-printed scaffolds that can mimic the physical characteristics of osteochondral tissue, a hard bone beneath a compressible layer of cartilage. The scaffolds are designed to promote healing and potentially treat common sports injuries.

SourceRice University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMar 28, 2019

Five new frog species from Madagascar

Scientists have named five new species of tiny frogs found across the island of Madagascar, belonging to the 'narrow-mouthed' frog family. These miniature frogs are remarkable for their extreme miniaturization, with some species reaching lengths as small as 7.7 mm.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 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.

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.

Matter waves and quantum splinters

Researchers at Rice University and Austria's Vienna University of Technology shatter ultracold BECs, revealing two distinct phenomena depending on the frequency of shaking. The team observes grains of varying sizes in some experiments, attributed to quantum correlations that challenge standard theories.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 25, 2019

Chemicals induce dipoles to damp plasmons

Researchers at Rice University discovered that molecules on the surface of gold nanorods induce dipoles, scattering enough energy to dampen plasmon signals. This finding enhances catalysis applications and challenges previous explanations for signal loss via plasmon damping.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 22, 2019

Bacteria bide their time when antibiotics attack

Researchers at Rice University suggest that fluctuating growth rates of bacteria can increase the time it takes to eradicate a bacterial infection, giving the surviving bugs a better chance to develop resistance. This approach could lead to more accurate dosing and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceRice University·JournalInterface·DateMar 21, 2019

Grow a better jawbone in your ribs

Researchers developed a technique to grow live bone in the rib area using 3D-printed bioreactors and stem cells. The new method aims to replace current reconstruction techniques that use harvested bone tissues from different areas, promoting natural healing powers.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 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.

Rice U. study highlights danger of vitamin B12 deficiency

A Rice University study found that a B12-deficient diet harms nematodes' health, reducing their ability to metabolize branched-chain amino acids and leading to mitochondrial damage. This increase in mitochondrial toxicity also enhances resistance to multiple stressors and pathogens.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 13, 2019

Defects help nanomaterial soak up more pollutant in less time

Rice University researchers developed a novel molecular sieve that can remove perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) from polluted water more efficiently and effectively than current technologies. The nanomaterial features random, large-pore defects that improve its adsorption capacity and fast-adsorption kinetics.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 13, 2019

When green 'fixes' actually increase the carbon footprint

A study by University of Pennsylvania sociologists found that high-income residents moving into tech-enabled neighborhoods increase carbon emissions, displacing low-income populations. The research highlights the need for affordable housing and sustainable planning to counteract gentrification's negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalInternational Journal of Urban and Regional Research·DateMar 11, 2019

Embryos' signals take multiple paths

Researchers found that stem cells are sensitive to the speed of signaling molecule delivery, not just its concentration. This discovery highlights the dynamic interactions between morphogens and cells during embryonic development, allowing for more precise control over cell fates and potentially leading to new ways to drive cellular di...

SourceRice University·DateMar 7, 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.

Looks matter when it comes to success in STEM, study shows

A Rice University study reveals that students who look more racially stereotypical are more likely to persist in STEM fields, while those who do not fit the mold face higher drop-out rates. Asian students who look more like their racial group are more likely to complete a STEM degree, but black students who do so are less likely.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 5, 2019

Step right up for bigger 2D sheets

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theory explaining why monolayer crystal islands align on vicinal substrates, allowing for large-scale growth of 2D materials like graphene and h-BN. The 'digital filter' mechanism helps to overcome small indentations in the steps, enabling seamless merging of the crystals.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 4, 2019

Ultracold atoms could provide 2D window to exotic 1D physics

Rice physicists propose experiment to measure fractionalization in ultracold atoms, mimicking electrons in quantum materials. Theoretical framework could provide new insights into high-temperature superconductivity and quantum computing.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 4, 2019

Embryos' signaling proteins go with the flow

Researchers discovered that the WNT signaling pathway is more dynamic than previously thought, with different cell types responding differently to the same signals. They found that cells can tune the dynamics of this pathway to perform different functions in different contexts.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 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.

Be yourself at work -- It's healthier and more productive

A new study from Rice University found that people with non-visible stigmas, such as sexual orientation or health problems, who live openly at work are happier and more productive. Workers who expressed their stigmas experienced decreased job anxiety, improved job satisfaction, and increased commitment to their position.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2019

2 Rice faculty members awarded Sloan Research Fellowships

Two Rice University faculty members, Mark Torres and Ming Yi, have been selected as 2019 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellows for their work in ocean sciences and physics. The fellowships provide $70,000 in funding to support fundamental research by early-career scientists.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 21, 2019

Dose of vitamin C helps gold nanowires grow

Rice University scientists have developed a method to produce valuable gold nanowires from short particles using vitamin C. The process, which is fully controllable and reversible, allows for the production of nanowires of any desired length, making them suitable for sensing, diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 19, 2019

Kaden Hazzard wins NSF CAREER Award

Rice University physicist Kaden Hazzard has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to create algorithms that aim to advance the creation of novel quantum matter. He will investigate new ways to simulate states of matter at extreme cold temperatures, as close as possible to absolute zero.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 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.

Can we trust scientific discoveries made using machine learning?

Genevera Allen, a Rice University statistician, emphasizes the need for machine learning systems to question their predictions and assess uncertainty. She argues that current ML techniques often rely on uncorroborated data-driven discoveries, leading to reproducibility issues in fields like precision medicine.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 15, 2019

Better red than dread: Barrier keeps batteries safe

Rice University researchers have created a new method to detect and mitigate lithium dendrite growth, which can cause battery failure. A layer of red phosphorus acts as a signal to shut down charging when dendrites approach the separator.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 14, 2019

Shaping light lets 2D microscopes capture 4D data

Rice University researchers have developed a method to capture 4D data using 2D microscopes, enabling scientists to visualize molecules' locations and movements in living cells. The technique uses custom phase masks to manipulate light and separate spatial and temporal information.

SourceRice University·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 14, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.