Articles tagged with Rice
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Rice researchers develop a graphene-nanotube hybrid anode that stores 3,351 milliamp hours per gram of lithium, close to the theoretical maximum and 10 times that of lithium-ion batteries. The anode material suppresses dendrite growth, allowing for efficient lithium storage.
Rice University scientists discovered that laser-induced graphene can be made either superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic by adjusting the gas used in its formation. This property allows for applications such as separating water from oil and de-icing surfaces.
Rice University's Naomi Halas has made significant contributions to the field of plasmonics, profoundly influencing modern optics. She is the first person in university history to be elected to both National Academy of Sciences and Engineering.
Researchers created a physics-based sediment transport model to accurately describe the Yellow River's sediment load. The formula can be applied to study eroding coastlines worldwide and mitigate Huanghe floods, threatening 80 million people.
Researchers found that genetic variations influence fruit fly larvae's ability to associate odors with pain and pleasure, leading to better decision-making about pupation. The study suggests a link between learning and environmental cues, highlighting the complex interplay of nature and nurture in shaping behavior.
Researchers reveal breakthrough method to release glucose from cellulose in rice straw, improving ethanol production without chemical treatment. The approach could benefit various cereals and grass species worldwide, reducing lignin content and increasing biomass digestibility.
Gustavo Scuseria, a renowned chemist at Rice University, has won the Royal Society of Chemistry S F Boys - A Rahman Award for his outstanding innovative research in computational chemistry. He will share his exciting new results during a lecture tour in the U.K., focusing on solving the strong correlation problem.
Researchers found that hot electrons can create a photovoltage about a thousand times larger than what is seen if there is no gap. The discovery shows the potential for nanoscale photodetectors to convert light into electricity and sensors or other sophisticated electronics.
Researchers develop biofunction generator and bioscilloscope to analyze and manipulate two biological circuits simultaneously, enabling precise control over gene expression and protein production. The technology, based on mathematical modeling and optogenetics, offers new insights into complex synthetic biological systems.
A recent study by Queen's University Belfast found that 50% of baby rice food products contain illegal levels of inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen. The research highlights the vulnerability of babies to arsenic exposure and its potential long-term health consequences.
A new paper reveals that evolution has optimized two fundamental biological processes, DNA replication and protein translation, to prioritize speed over accuracy. The research suggests that a few mistakes are tolerable as long as the majority of biopolymers produced are correct, and energy savings can be significant.
Rice University physicists have created a model system for studying rogue ocean waves by precisely controlling the quantum behavior of an ultracold atomic gas. They found that under certain conditions, the number of solitons remains unchanged, suggesting that the soliton train is born with stable characteristics.
Rice University scientists have developed a new technique to label proteins in cells using bio-orthogonal tags, allowing for high spatial and temporal control. The technique uses an engineered switch that only charges tRNA with the tag when prompted, providing a snapshot of total protein synthesis in the cell.
Lydia Kavraki, a renowned computer scientist at Rice University, has received the Association for Computing Machinery's (ACM) Athena Lecturer Award. She is recognized for inventing randomized motion-planning algorithms in robotics and developing robotics-inspired methods for bioinformatics and biomedicine.
A new study by Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center found that high-volume surgeons who perform more complex cancer operations have lower patient costs due to reduced complications and better outcomes. However, this association disappears when accounting for processes of care and complications associated with surgical procedures.
A Rice University study found that fossilized organic carbon could have been deeply buried in the mantle starting around 2.4 billion years ago, during a critical period known as the great oxidation event. The researchers discovered that the chemical composition of subducting crustal rock plays a crucial role in determining whether carb...
A new study by Rice University found that religious individuals are more likely to disapprove of reproductive genetic technologies than non-religious people. Evangelical Christians are the most opposed, with 23% deeming disease technologies morally wrong, while 80% of evangelicals reject enhancement technologies.
The Kinder Foundation has awarded a $10.7 million grant to Rice University's Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC) to expand its innovative work in the Greater Houston region. HERC will focus on creating a direct line of communication between education researchers and decision-makers.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new indoor location detection system that uses existing mobile device sensors to improve accuracy and energy efficiency. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and incorporating information from standard human movements, the system can estimate accurate locations even with noisy sensors.
Rice University scientists created nano-SPEARs to study synaptic behavior and degenerative diseases without harming small animals. The technique allows for high-throughput data gathering, making it possible to test multiple animals per hour.
A comprehensive national survey of 12,000 people will examine the relationship between faith and work, as well as religious discrimination in the workplace. The study aims to understand how Christians navigate their workplaces and careers while integrating their faith.
Researchers at Rice University found that gourmet food trucks in Houston cooperate to meet central tendencies, such as good ingredients and cleanliness, while competing to strive for ideal prototypes like the best food. This cooperation leads to new firms entering the market and improves the group's excellence.
The SAVI camera uses laser light to capture high-resolution images of distant objects, eliminating the need for a long lens. The technology has potential applications in visible light imaging, with researchers envisioning real-time, high-resolution capture using this synthetic aperture approach.
Scientists found that certain electrode materials can accommodate large volume changes by transforming into a glassy phase, making them less prone to cracking. This discovery could lead to the development of longer-lived and higher-capacity batteries.
Rice University physicists are providing new insight into the quark-gluon plasma by smashing protons and lead nuclei at nearly the speed of light. They found evidence for the chiral magnetic effect, a characteristic magnetic property of QGP that arises from quantum mechanics.
Researchers use computer simulations to show how N-terminal sequence encourages aggregation of huntingtin protein fragments while polyproline inhibits it. This discovery offers a new target for drug development to halt Huntington's disease progression. The study also highlights the involvement of the cytoskeleton in the disease mechanism.
The Center will develop new technologies and serve as a collaborative hub for surgeons, biomaterials experts, and engineers focused on regenerative medicine. The center aims to create functional constructs that restore, maintain or improve damaged tissues or organs.
Cin-Ty Lee, an earth scientist at Rice University, has won a Guggenheim Fellowship to investigate how continents emerged from oceans and their effect on nutrient cycling. He will explore crystal growth and kinetics in magmatic and hydrothermal conditions.
Researchers at Rice University engineered bacteria capable of sensing colitis in mice, detecting elevated thiosulfate levels and finding a potential biomarker for human colitis. The breakthrough could lead to orally ingestible bacteria for monitoring gut health and disease.
Scientists at RIKEN developed transgenic rice strains that resist drought stress, showing higher yields and increased biomass. The modified rice lines produced more galactinol, a key osmoprotectant, to cope with water loss, leading to improved drought tolerance.
Moderate shifts in typical Indian diets could reduce groundwater use and benefit population health. The study identifies possible changes to consume more fruits and vegetables with lower water demands, such as oranges and apples.
A phase II trial found that adding rice bran to the diet of colorectal cancer survivors increased microbiome richness and diversity. The study also showed reduced cell growth in treated cells when participants consumed high amounts of rice bran.
A recent study has discovered the ancestry of Asian rice and its weedy cousins, revealing that rice has a natural tendency towards becoming weeds. The research found that both strains evolved from different crop varieties, with relatively few changes needed to turn the crop plant into a weed.
Compressive-sensing pioneer Richard Baraniuk has won a five-year, $3 million fellowship to explore new technologies using the field of signal processing. The grant will help broaden the applicability of compressive sensing and enable radically new sensing capabilities.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel lonely experience worse cold symptoms than those who don't, regardless of their social network size. The researchers studied 159 participants and discovered that feeling lonely had a greater impact on symptoms than actual loneliness.
The new composite fibers, developed in collaboration with NASA, have strong interlocking connections that make them less prone to cracking and seal the material to prevent oxygen from changing its chemical composition. The fibers are also resistant to high temperatures and can make entire turbo engines significantly lighter.
A study by Rice University psychologists found that people who feel lonely report more severe cold symptoms than those with stronger social networks. The research suggests that loneliness can increase the severity of acute illnesses like the common cold.
Scientists have developed a new rice strain that flowers within a certain period after being sprayed with commercial chemicals, enabling farmers to control harvest timing. The research, led by Professor Takeshi Izawa at the University of Tokyo, uses a genetic approach to manipulate flowering time in cereal crops.
The study found that freestanding emergency departments charge significantly higher prices than urgent care centers, with average costs ranging from $1,351 for common diagnoses to $2,199. This can lead to substantial out-of-pocket costs for patients and increased health care costs for insurers.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material that balances carbon dioxide sequestration and methane selectivity in natural gas production. The filter, made with a polymer-based sorbent, achieves optimal performance by adjusting the ratio of potassium, oxygen, and hydrogen activation reagents during processing.
Researchers at Rice University have developed an artificial photosynthesis material that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. The catalyst, made from iron, manganese, and phosphorus, is efficient and easy to manufacture, paving the way for a clean renewable source of hydrogen fuel.
Researchers at Rice University have developed an eco-friendly method to recycle electronic waste by using a cryo-mill to pulverize circuit boards into separated powders. The process breaks down components into homogenous powders that can be reused, reducing the need for energy-intensive processes and minimizing environmental harm.
A new study reveals that 'preventable' asthma attacks among schoolchildren in Houston result in significant healthcare costs. The researchers found a strong link between asthma incidents and schools on the city's east side, with African-American children comprising the largest percentage of cases.
The Rice University's Baker Institute will examine the dynamic effects of major fiscal policies with a new $3.2 million grant from the Charles Koch Foundation. The program aims to inform policymakers and the general public about potential reforms, with a focus on reducing budget deficits and growing income inequality.
Researchers from Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics create electrochromic glass that can change color at low voltages and has a multicolor palette. The glass uses perylene molecules and can produce different colors depending on the applied voltage.
A novel statistical approach has been developed to analyze brain activity data from patients with epilepsy, revealing distinct patterns of connectivity in the brains of those with temporal lobe epilepsy. The findings suggest that abnormal bidirectional interactions may play a role in the development of seizures.
Researchers have discovered a unique protein in the Orsay virus, a nematode worm virus, that plays a crucial role in binding to cells and infecting them. The protein's molecular structure has potential antiviral applications, and its study could guide bioengineers in developing synthetic variations of the virus to target parasitic worms.
Women tend to react with anger when presented with the prospect of riding in an automated ambulance, reducing their willingness. Men are more prone to respond with fear or happiness, increasing their willingness. The study suggests that education and awareness could help offset these emotional responses.
Scientists at Rice University and Chile have proposed a new approach to nuclear fusion by simulating the use of shaped laser pulses to control atomic reactions. This method could potentially produce energy efficiently from deuterium and tritium, with the goal of creating a more sustainable and clean source of power.
Researchers propose using CRISPR technology to domesticate sustainable and nutritious crops like wild legumes, quinoa, and amaranth. This approach aims to create 'biologically inspired organisms' by deleting existing genes instead of introducing new ones.
A new study from Rice University found that African-American and poor children in Houston have a higher proportion of asthma due to social inequalities in their neighborhoods. Children living in poor neighborhoods, regardless of race, are more likely to develop asthma compared to those in middle-class or affluent areas.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine identified critical errors in inhaler use, leading to reduced medicine delivery. The most common mistakes include not shaking the device or holding breath for sufficient time, resulting in medication stuck in the mouth or throat.
Rice University researchers simulate a nanoscale sandwich of graphene and magnesium oxide, offering unique properties for molecular sensing, catalysis, and bio-imaging. The hybrid material has tunable band gaps and optical properties, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers found that a specific mutation in hemoglobin makes it selectively bind to carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke, preventing oxidation and anemia. The father's smoking habit prevents him from developing the disease, while his daughter requires treatment with antioxidants to manage her condition.
Rice University researchers have developed a new method to analyze molecules in biomembranes, called SABERS. It uses plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles to extract structural details from unlabeled molecules. The technique was tested on three structures and found the surfactant layer tilted by 25 degrees.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material called rebar graphene, which can be shaped and has exceptional conductivity. The material supports over 3,000 times its own weight without deforming, making it suitable for various applications.
A study published in Epidemiology found that people on a gluten-free diet had higher concentrations of arsenic and mercury in their urine and blood compared to those who did not eat gluten-free. The study's findings suggest that a gluten-free diet may pose health risks due to increased exposure to toxic metals.
Researchers develop new method to analyze shale samples using NMR and molecular dynamics simulations, helping determine hydrocarbon presence and extraction difficulty. The approach improves identification of gas, oil, and water in organic shales.
Rice University scientists have designed better scaffolds to study cancer, creating more realistic tumor models. The new designs improve cell proliferation and protein production, paving the way for drug development.
A unique enzyme found in a soil bacterium from the Ruth Mullins coal fire has been used to improve antibiotic daptomycin, with potential applications for other drugs and therapies. The discovery could aid in the development of new drugs and treatments.