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Plasmonic pioneers fire away in fight over light

Researchers at Rice University argue that photoluminescence, not Raman scattering, is responsible for the remarkable light-emitting properties of metal nanoparticles. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in solar-cell efficiency and the development of new biosensors.

Worms can process rice straw, scientists discover

Scientists discovered that earthworms efficiently process rice straw, increasing its fertility and preventing the burning of crop residues. This method reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves soil health, making it a more sustainable alternative to current practices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

LGB and other sexual minorities face significant health disparities

Researchers found that LGB individuals are more likely to experience drug and alcohol use disorders, anxiety and depressive disorders, and cardiovascular disease. The study used time-varying effect modeling to analyze data from over 30,000 participants and found age-specific disparities in health outcomes.

High-protein rice brings value, nutrition

Researchers developed high-protein rice lines with increased yield and improved grain quality, providing a solution to global protein deficiencies. The 'Frontière' line has a 53% higher protein content than original rice varieties, making it suitable for various applications such as specialty food products.

Planetary collision that formed the moon made life possible on Earth

A study by Rice University suggests that a planetary collision formed the moon and delivered life-essential elements to Earth. The research found that Earth's carbon and nitrogen content is consistent with a moon-forming impact involving a volatile-bearing, Mars-sized planet with a sulfur-rich core.

Feds, states can help biochar live up to its soil-saving potential

A study by researchers at Rice University shows that well-designed policy can support the use of biochar to enhance agricultural productivity, sequester carbon, and preserve valuable soil. The federal government has existing programs that promote biochar adoption, but more investment is needed in large-scale production.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Cancer cells steer a jagged path

Researchers at Rice University and the Duke University School of Medicine have identified JAG1 as a key player in tumor mechanics. The study shows how cancer stem cells differentiate within tumors and spread through the interaction of JAG1 with a signaling pathway, enabling metastasis.

Next up: Ultracold simulators of super-dense stars

Physicists at Rice University have successfully cooled a neutral plasma using lasers, a technique that could lead to new insights into exotic states of matter and potentially even breakthroughs in quantum computing. The achievement sets the stage for simulators of super-dense stars like Jupiter and white dwarf stars.

Mighty morphing materials take complex shapes

Researchers create a rubbery, shape-shifting material that can morph into complex shapes at room temperature and change back when heated. The material shows promise for soft robots and biomedical applications requiring pre-programmed shapes at body temperature.

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.

Switch-in-a-cell electrifies life

Rice University scientists develop synthetic protein switches to control electron flow, enabled by chemical triggers. The discovery enables custom-designed switches for applications such as living sensors and electronically controlled metabolic pathways.

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.

Simple steps to climate-proof farms have big potential upside for tropical farmers

A study in Central America, Africa, and Asia finds that implementing simple climate-resilient strategies can increase yields, benefit the environment, and increase farmer income. The research proposes site-specific techniques, such as crop rotation and organic fertilization, which have estimated rates of return ranging from 17% to 590%.

Can rice filter water from ag fields?

Researchers have discovered that rice plants can be used to clean runoff from farms before it enters waterways, capturing pesticides and reducing their presence in rivers and streams. The study found that levels of three common pesticides dropped by as much as 97% in fields where rice was planted.

Can rice and flushing the toilet be slowly poisoning you?

Research highlights the presence of harmful toxins in common food items and water sources, including rice, barbecued meat, tap water, and toilets. Studies estimate high levels of arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rice and heat-processed meat, respectively.

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.

Light triggers gold in unexpected way

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to control the output of gold nanoparticles using circularly polarized light. By changing the handedness of the light input, they found they could change the intensity of the scattered light by up to 50%, opening up new possibilities for ultrasmall optical components and antennas.

Using microcredit to increase rice yield in Bangladesh

A study by Kyoto University found that microcredit programs in Bangladesh increased rice yield and overall crop farm income. Households also showed a higher adoption of hybrid and high-yield rice varieties. Additionally, there was a positive effect on cultivating owned land and livestock ownership.

'Magnetic topological insulator' makes its own magnetic field

Researchers discovered a two-dimensional material that can become a magnetic topological insulator even without an external magnetic field. The material, chromium triiodide (CrI3), exhibits collective spin excitations called magnons, which behave similarly to photon waves.

The subtle science of wok tossing

Researchers at Georgia Tech discover that wok tossing is a critical aspect of cooking fried rice, involving two oscillating motions: translational and rotational. By understanding these motions, they aim to develop robotic designs for automated fried rice cooking.

'True polar wander' may have caused ice age

Researchers propose that changes in Earth's spin axis, known as true polar wander, triggered the latest ice age about 12 million years ago. By analyzing fossil signatures and magnetic data from ocean sediments, they found evidence of a 3-degree shift in the planet's rotation axis, which may have led to the formation of thick ice sheets.

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.

'Smart skin' simplifies spotting strain in structures

The 'smart skin' technology uses fluorescing carbon nanotubes to reveal stress in aircraft, bridges, or pipelines over entire surfaces or microscopic levels. It enables two-dimensional mapping of accumulated strain that can't be achieved by other non-contact methods.

Epoxy compound gets a graphene bump

Rice University scientists have developed a new epoxy compound that combines graphene foam for improved conductivity and strength. The composite material is substantially tougher than pure epoxy and far more conductive, while retaining its low density.

Moths and magnets could save lives

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new technology that uses a moth-infecting virus and nanomagnets to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 payloads for gene editing. The therapy has the potential to treat genetic diseases such as sickle cell, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stretchy solar cells a step closer

Rice University engineers have developed flexible organic photovoltaics with improved mechanical properties, enabling them to withstand strains of up to 20%. The new material retains its efficiency and gains flexibility by incorporating a network of elastic additives.

Grief linked to sleep disturbances that can be bad for the heart

A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that recent bereavement is associated with increased levels of inflammation and cardiovascular illness risk. Sleep disturbances exacerbated the negative effects of grief, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep issues in post-loss health interventions.

Scientists develop method to quickly enhance immune-system proteins

Rice University scientists have developed a simple and efficient method to attach drugs or substances to antibodies, which are central to the body's immune system. The technique, called pClick, uses non-canonical amino acids to bind to specific sites on antibodies without the need for re-engineering or harsh chemicals.

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.

Ring-shaped protein complex wrangles DNA

Researchers at Rice University have discovered the structure of the condensin protein complex, a ring-shaped protein that helps condense chromosomes. The finding settles a long-standing controversy over the mechanism by which the complex wrangles DNA, and provides insight into its activity during mitosis and cell life cycles.

Study: Coal power plant regulations neglect a crucial pollutant

A study by Rice University researchers found that Texas would be healthier with stronger limits on sulfur dioxide emissions from coal plants. The study analyzed 13 coal plants and concluded that particulate matter is the deadliest air pollutant, causing respiratory diseases, heart attacks, and strokes.

Nanotubes may give the world better batteries

Researchers at Rice University have created high-powered, fast-charging lithium metal batteries using carbon nanotube films. The films effectively quench dendrite growth, allowing the batteries to retain 99.8% of their coulombic efficiency over 580 charge/discharge cycles.

Digital device overload linked to how first impressions are formed

Researchers at Rice University have found a correlation between digital device use and the quality of first impressions. People who reported frequent media multitasking were more likely to be distracted by irrelevant information when making first impressions about someone they had never met.

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.

Ice-age climate clues unearthed

A new computational model, PRYSM, has been developed to interpret climate data from lake sediments, revealing that lake temperature proxies underestimated air temperature changes. The model is designed to compare paleoclimate data with climate model simulations, aiming to improve interpretations of past climate changes.

For the brokenhearted, grief can lead to death

A study from Rice University found that grief can cause inflammation leading to negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular problems and premature mortality. Researchers discovered that widows and widowers with elevated grief symptoms suffered higher levels of bodily inflammation.

Loss of a microRNA molecule boosts rice production

Researchers found that increasing miR397 levels in domesticated rice plants resulted in traits similar to wild rice, including long stems and few flowering structures. Transgenic expression of the gene encoding miR397 partially de-domesticated rice, boosting grain production and improving resilience.

Big award enables study of small surfaces

Matt Jones will use the grant to develop techniques in liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to view chemical processes in real time at the atomic scale. He aims to capture video of nanocrystal synthesis, protein biofouling and catalysis itself.

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.

Study exposes security vulnerabilities in terahertz data links

A new study reveals that terahertz data links are not as secure as previously thought, and can be intercepted by clever eavesdroppers. Researchers found ways to steal signals without being detected, even with directional beams, by using objects like metal plates or cylinders to scatter the signal.

Rice U. pursues end game for diabetes

Rice University researchers are working to develop cell implants that can sense blood glucose levels and produce insulin on demand for Type 1 diabetes patients. The project aims to eliminate the need for patients to monitor their blood glucose and administer insulin shots, potentially leading to a cure for this autoimmune disease.

New spheres trick, trap and terminate water contaminant

Rice University scientists develop micron-sized spheres that trap and destroy bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical used in plastics. The spheres utilize reactive oxygen species (ROS) to degrade BPA into harmless chemicals, showing 90% efficacy after just one hour.

Light makes Rice University catalyst more effective

Rice University researchers have created a new catalyst that can convert ammonia into hydrogen fuel at ambient pressure using light energy, significantly lowering the activation barrier. The catalyst, made of copper with trace amounts of ruthenium, uses plasmonic effects to enhance its efficiency.

Improving nutritional profile of rice

Researchers have identified a rice strain with improved nutritional profile by thickening its aleurone layer. The mutation of the OsROS1 gene responsible for this change offers a strategy to enhance nutritional value in rice and other cereal crops.

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.

Spheres can make concrete leaner, greener

Researchers create spheres that can be made at low cost and promise to mitigate the energy-intensive techniques now used to make cement. The spheres are suitable for various applications, including bone-tissue engineering, insulation, ceramic, and composite materials.

How to win friends online: It's not which groups you join, but how many

According to a study by Rice University data scientists, the number of groups and organizations an individual joins is crucial in forming online friendships. The researchers found that individuals who are active in multiple communities have a higher chance of meeting people with similar interests.

Rice U. study sheds light on -- and through -- 2D materials

Scientists created a comprehensive guide to the optical properties of 2D materials, enabling the design of smaller devices and polarizing filters. The research revealed surprising optical signatures in each material, with some absorbing or reflecting specific wavelengths of light.

What recipes produce a habitable planet?

A cross-disciplinary team led by Rice University will investigate the formation of life-essential elements in rocky planets during their early evolution. The CLEVER Planets project aims to understand how these elements survive turbulent periods and ultimately lead to habitability, with a focus on rocky worlds beyond our solar system.

Rice cultivation and greenhouse gas emissions

A study reveals that intermittent flooding in rice cultivation leads to higher nitrous oxide emissions, potentially up to 30-45 times higher than continuous flooding. Co-management of water, nitrogen, and carbon can reduce climate impacts by 10-90%.

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.

Rice U. lab probes molecular limit of plasmonics

Researchers from Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics studied plasmons in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with fewer than 50 atoms. They found that these molecules can support molecular plasmons in the visible spectrum, offering a new area of research at the intersection of plasmonics and molecular chemistry.

Ultracold atoms used to verify 1963 prediction about 1D electrons

Researchers used ultracold lithium atoms to verify a theory predicting collective behavior in one-dimensional wires. The study confirmed the predicted speed of charge waves and spin waves as a function of interaction strength, setting the stage for further investigation into strongly correlated electron physics.

Grant aims students toward next-gen bioelectronics

The Rice University graduate-level bioelectronics program aims to develop technologies at the cell/material interface, focusing on light-harvesting systems and implantable devices. The five-year program will train students from various departments to tackle bioelectronics challenges collaboratively.

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.

Global warming: More insects, eating more crops

Rising global temperatures will lead to increased pest pressure and crop losses, especially in temperate regions, with wheat, rice, and maize facing substantial declines. Crop losses are projected to rise by 10-25% per degree of warming, with the most severe impacts expected in countries like France and China.

Gas-sensing drones draw NSF backing

Rice University researchers have developed a fleet of autonomous aerial drones that can coordinate to detect and track airborne pollutants. The system, called ASTRO, will use real-time data to alert neighborhoods of hazardous conditions following extreme weather events.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Nanotubes change the shape of water

Rice University engineers discovered that weak van der Waals forces between nanotubes and water molecules can align into a square rod. The research provides valuable insight on ways to leverage atomic interactions for fabricating nanochannels and energy-storing nanocapacitors.

Rice U. lab finds evidence of matter-matter coupling

Researchers at Rice University have discovered the first example of Dicke cooperativity in a matter-matter system, which could lead to faster information processing and lower power consumption. The discovery uses a magnetic field to prompt cooperativity among spins within a crystalline compound made primarily of iron and erbium.

Reimagining MRI contrast: Iron outperforms gadolinium

Rice University scientists create iron-based TI contrast agent that outperforms gadolinium chelates, improving T1 MRI contrast performance by two-fold. The study demonstrates a method to load iron into nanoparticles, offering a safer and more effective alternative for radiologists.

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.

Quantum bugs, meet your new swatter

A Rice University scientist has developed a new method to diagnose quantum computers, reducing the need for expensive measurements. This approach uses compressed sensing to minimize data while ensuring accurate results, making it possible to validate even large-scale systems.

Love vine sucks life from wasps, leaving only mummies

Biologists at Rice University have discovered a new trophic interaction between love vines and gall-forming wasps. The study found that the vines attack tumor-like growths called galls made by the wasps, leaving behind mummified adult wasps.