Research on rice as a crop and staple food. Covers fertilizer and emissions trade-offs, biochar and heavy metals, and heat resilience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study identified a genetic mechanism in rice that provides resistance to devastating disease without compromising grain yield. Researchers discovered that co-expression of PigmS limits seed damage associated with PigmR, allowing for increased protection and yield.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new compound of bismuth and carbon nanotubes that improves upon existing cell-tracking agents. The improved Bi4C@US-tubes show up strongly on X-rays taken with computed tomography (CT) scanners, allowing for more efficient tracking of stem cells in the body.
Researchers found that generations born on the leading edge of an invasion can push forward more than those born further back due to evolutionary advantages. This discovery has implications for agriculture and natural resource management as invasive species spread faster and farther.
Researchers at Rice University have created single-molecule compounds that quench damaging reactive oxygen species, offering a new basis for antioxidant therapies. The molecules, called PEG-PDI, are true mimics of superoxide dismutase enzymes and show promise for treating cancer, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic diseases.
Researchers at Rice University simulated one-dimensional boron materials, which exhibited mechanical stiffness comparable to the highest-performing nanomaterials. The new findings also revealed that these materials can act as constant-force springs and display unique electronic properties.
A new species of parasitic wasp, Euderus set, has been discovered in the southeastern United States, manipulating its host's behavior to survive. The wasp's behavior is reminiscent of ancient Egyptian mythology's god Set, who controlled evil animals and even killed his brother Osiris.
Rice University scientists have discovered a 'crypt-keeper' wasp that tunnels through its host's head to emerge, manipulating the host's behavior. The discovery provides insight into rare examples of hypermanipulation in parasites.
Researchers at Rice University and Kazan Federal University have found a way to extract radioactivity from water using oxidatively modified carbon (OMC) material. The OMC is highly efficient at absorbing radioactive metal cations, including cesium and strontium, making it a promising solution for purifying contaminated water.
A new study from Rice University found that smaller, younger predators have a significant ecological impact on pond ecosystems. The research, which involved over 54 test ponds and thousands of hours of data analysis, showed that even the earliest stages of salamander development can lead to lasting changes in the environment.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new theory and computational methods to understand how metallic glasses behave under stress, revealing the formation of shear bands that can lead to breaking. The study provides valuable insights into improving the strength and durability of glass materials.
Researchers argue that waste methane can be turned into valuable chemicals through biomanufacturing, which could meet industry's needs and reduce environmental impact. By operating at smaller scales, biomanufacturing facilities can be closer to feedstocks and point of need, facilitating faster innovation.
Researchers found that adding cone-like structures between graphene and nanotubes enhances heat dissipation by reducing the number of heptagons. This could lead to improved performance in next-generation nano-electronics.
Researchers at Rice University have made breakthroughs in understanding how concrete responds to stress at the atomic level. By studying the internal structure of tobermorite, they found that defects can lead to increased strength and toughness by allowing layers to glide past each other.
Rice University scientists studied physical and computer models of heart valves to learn how oxygen feeds them. The study revealed that aortic and mitral valves handle stress differently, with the former prompting angiogenesis and the latter transforming into cartilage-like tissue. Understanding these mechanisms can lead to new ways to...
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple way to recycle waste carbon dioxide into valuable fuel using nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots. The dots proved nearly as efficient as copper in converting CO2 into small batches of ethylene and ethanol, with the ability to keep their catalytic activity for a long time.
A new 'deep rendering mixture model' enables computers to learn about the visual world largely on their own, using a semisupervised learning method. The algorithm achieved higher accuracy than previous methods in distinguishing handwritten digits, even with limited training examples.
Researchers propose a new type of traveling wave pattern that can adapt to varying system sizes, shedding light on bacterial cell division processes. The 'stretchable map' theory offers insights into protein self-organization and surface mapping on growing cells.
A recent study from Rice University reveals that evangelicals are significantly more skeptical of evolution (70% false) compared to climate change skepticism (28%). This finding challenges the common perception that anti-evolution and anti-climate change views are linked.
Researchers have mapped gases in three dark rings around a distant star, indicating the presence of planets that are clearing dust and gas from the outer rings. However, one inner ring remains mysterious, with more carbon monoxide than expected, leaving scientists to investigate alternative explanations for its formation.
Researchers used a model to simulate human migration in the Americas, finding that east-west migration was easier due to transferable knowledge. The study reveals how modularity of knowledge interacts with asymmetry during migration, with implications for understanding cancer metastasis and other biological systems.
Rice University scientists have decoded the kinetic properties of cement and developed a way to 'program' microscopic particles to create less porous and more durable material. This technique may lead to stronger structures that require less concrete, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) studied rice plant responses to moderately saline conditions and pinpointed new salt tolerance genetic loci. They found that growth rate diminished in salt-treated soils, with indica lines faring better than aus varieties, highlighting significant genetic differences.
Rice University biologist Julia Saltz found that fruit flies' genotypes and behaviors affect their social environments. In experiments, she observed that males in preferred groups were more aggressive than those in nonpreferred groups, while losing an encounter made them less aggressive.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that a diabetes drug can halt the production of glycoproteins that make up the protective mucus lining cells, allowing immune cells to target tumors. The study suggests that reducing mucin levels may be enough to breach the tumor's protective shield and allow for cancer cell destruction.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new way to dissipate heat in next-generation microelectronic devices by using bumpy surfaces with graphene. The interface between gallium nitride semiconductors and diamond heat sinks was improved, allowing phonons to disperse more efficiently. This improvement can lead to better reliabil...
Researchers at Rice University have created a multifunctional reagent from pine tree terpenoids, enabling the rapid synthesis of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing molecules in one step. This process cuts waste and saves money for manufacturers by using biorenewable and cost-effective methods.
Researchers found that runners wearing minimal trainers and landing on the ball of their foot had lower loading rates, reducing injury risk. This study suggests that minimal shoes can be beneficial for runners who adopt a forefoot strike pattern without cushioning.
Researchers found evidence of domesticated rice in South Asia up to 430 years earlier than previously believed. The study reveals a network of regional farmers supplied produce to ancient cities, using complex multi-cropping strategies across both seasons.
According to a new study by Rice University experts, roughly 6 percentage points of Texas residents have gained health insurance coverage due to the Affordable Care Act, resulting in approximately 1 million Texans gaining coverage. However, despite these gains, 3 million Texans between ages 19 and 64 remain uninsured.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a combination of beneficial soil microbes that can boost rice plant defenses against both arsenic and fungal diseases. By applying a 'health cocktail' of these microbes, plants can better withstand stresses, providing a natural solution for addressing global food security concerns.
Rice chemist Christy Landes and her team have created a new microscopy technique called super temporal resolution microscopy (STReM), which captures images of molecules at a frame rate 20 times faster than typical lab cameras. This enhancement allows researchers to study fast processes without needing more expensive cameras, extracting...
Richard Tapia, a Rice University mathematician, has been recognized for his remarkable career blending world-class scholarship, admirable mentoring and profound contributions to science. He has inspired thousands of underrepresented minority students to pursue careers in STEM fields through his popular talks and programs.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that molybdenum diselenide's tensile strength can be significantly reduced by flaws as small as one missing atom. The material's brittle nature may limit its use in next-generation technologies.