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Light drives single-molecule nanoroadsters

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Graz successfully drove single-molecule nanoroadsters using light, demonstrating a new method for propulsion. The vehicles, made of 112 atoms, reached a top speed of 23 nanometers per hour and showed wavelength sensitivity.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 4, 2016

Model expands landscape for signaling protein mutations

A computational model helps biologists predict minimal mutations for efficient reprogramming of signaling proteins, expanding the landscape for two-component systems in bacteria. The model connects interaction specificity and promiscuity, enabling researchers to design novel interactions.

SourceRice University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 31, 2016
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.

Hybrid nanostructures hold hydrogen well

Rice University scientists have discovered a new material that can store large amounts of hydrogen efficiently, making it suitable for next-generation green cars. The pillared boron nitride and graphene hybrid outperforms other materials in terms of surface area and recyclable properties.

SourceRice University·JournalLangmuir·DateOct 24, 2016

Study: People can tell if they are voting on a secure system

Researchers found that voters perceive enhanced security measures as more secure than systems with fake security elements. Participants also reported increased confidence in the voting system when it included robust security features.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting·DateOct 24, 2016

Smashing metallic cubes toughens them up

Rice University scientists fire micro-cubes at a target to rearrange their nanoscale structures, creating ultrastrong and tough materials. The technique, known as LIPIT, uses advanced laser-induced projectile impact testing to generate high pressure that far exceeds the material's strength.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2016
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.

Eating may trigger bacterial therapy

Researchers at Rice University have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a library of programmed bacteria that can produce therapeutic drugs on-site in response to dietary triggers. The project aims to advance the development of a biological control system for safely and effectively turning bacteria on and off.

SourceRice University·DateOct 12, 2016
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.

Rice's Asian studies receives federal boost

Rice University's Chao Center for Asian Studies has received a $150,000 federal grant to boost its Asian studies programs. The grant will support the development of new courses, teacher workshops, and speaker series aimed at enhancing teaching and public outreach.

SourceRice University·DateOct 11, 2016

Marconi inspires Rice University design for 1-terabit wireless

Researchers at Rice University have created a laser-free, wireless system capable of delivering 1 terabit of data per second using pulse-radio technology inspired by Guglielmo Marconi. This breakthrough technology promises to revolutionize wireless communication with speeds 20,000 times faster than current 4G networks.

SourceRice University·DateOct 11, 2016

Core technology springs from nanoscale rods

Rice University researchers have discovered a way to subtly change the interior structure of semi-hollow nanorods, altering their interaction with light. This method could form the basis of a nanoscale switch with enormous potential.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 10, 2016

Eco-detector will hunt GMOs that escape to environment

Rice University scientists are building a tool to detect and quantify genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the environment. The technology uses light transmission spectrometry to identify DNA or proteins from engineered crops and animals, which can have unintended consequences on ecosystems.

SourceRice University·DateOct 10, 2016
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.

Ancestor rice of Suriname Maroons traced back to its African origin

A team of scientists has identified the African origin of the black grains grown by Suriname Maroons, tracing back to Mande-speaking farmers in Western Ivory Coast. The study combines ethnobotanic, historic and genetic research to uncover the migration history of people and crops.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Plants·DateOct 3, 2016

Computer simulations explore how Alzheimer's disease starts

Rice University scientists use computer simulations to model the energy landscape of amyloid beta protein aggregation, a key step in Alzheimer's disease progression. The research predicts that specific sequences on protein molecules interact to form toxic oligomers.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2016
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.

Gentle vibe designed to give docs smoother moves

A team at Rice University is creating a haptic cueing system that provides real-time vibration feedback to medical students during endovascular surgeries. The system aims to improve the smoothness of tool movements, reducing errors and improving training efficiency.

SourceRice University·DateSep 6, 2016

Study: Earth's carbon points to planetary smashup

A study by Rice University researchers proposes that the origin of Earth's volatile elements, including carbon, can be explained by a massive collision between Earth and an embryonic planet similar to Mercury. This collision may have led to the exclusion of carbon from Earth's core and its incorporation into the silicate mantle.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 5, 2016

Warmer, wetter climate would impair California grasslands

A new study reveals that warmer, wetter climate conditions in California would impair grassland productivity. The research found that average conditions from the past 40 years are near optimal for grass production, and any significant deviation toward warmer or wetter conditions will cause land to be less productive.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2016

3-D graphene has promise for bio applications

Researchers have developed a porous, highly compressive 3D graphene material suitable for bone implants, demonstrating its potential as a replacement for titanium. The technique uses spark plasma sintering to weld nanoscale graphene sheets, producing materials with high mechanical strength and biocompatibility.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 2, 2016

The threat of group extinction proves a powerful motivator

Researchers found that group extinction significantly increases cooperation within groups, with contributions averaging 92% of the endowment. This effect persists even after removal of the selection mechanism, suggesting that the threat of group extinction is a powerful motivator for cooperation.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 1, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Map helps maximize carbon-capture material

Researchers at Rice University have developed a recipe to make carbon capture materials the best they can be. Experiments showed that once a sorbent material achieved a surface area of 2,800 square meters per gram, neither more surface area nor larger pores made it more efficient at capturing carbon dioxide.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateAug 22, 2016

Light and matter merge in quantum coupling

Researchers successfully merge light and matter, creating a new condensed matter state with strongly coupled electrons. The discovery could advance technologies like quantum computers and communications by revealing new phenomena in cavity quantum electrodynamics.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 22, 2016

Turning textbook highlighting into time well-spent

A research program at Rice University aims to create software that uses students' highlights to improve their comprehension and knowledge retention. The team plans to analyze volunteers' highlights for clues about their understanding of the text and conduct laboratory experiments to develop new software.

SourceRice University·DateAug 18, 2016
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.

Nanoribbons in solutions mimic nature

Graphene nanoribbons exhibit properties similar to those of biological materials when in solution, forming folds and loops. The researchers found that their rigidity increases as oxide molecules are removed, making them suitable for designing and fabricating GNR-biomimetic interfaces.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 15, 2016

Rice cultivation in Southeast Asia: 5 years of lessons learned by LEGATO

The LEGATO project has provided guidelines for optimizing rice ecosystem functions and services, with a focus on the socio-cultural context. Research on Silicon application has shown its potential to improve rice yields, while recommendations have been made for farmers and practitioners on managing decomposition driven by invertebrates.

SourcePensoft Publishers·DateAug 15, 2016

Nothing -- and something -- give concrete strength, toughness

Researchers found that cracks tend to follow the path of least resistance and turn towards voids or portlandite particles, sapping energy from them. This interaction regulates competing deformation mechanisms, leading to increased strength and toughness.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateAug 8, 2016
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.

Rice University chemical engineers explore market for pure levoglucosan

Researchers at Rice University have created a method for producing extremely pure levoglucosan, an organic compound with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and synthetic chemistry. The team's process is more economical and operationally simpler than existing methods, offering new possibilities for the production of LGA.

SourceRice University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateAug 8, 2016

Federal grant to Rice targets ovarian cancer

Rice University bioengineer Junghae Suh has been awarded a prestigious R01 grant to research the use of viral gene therapy to fight ovarian cancer. The grant will help Suh and her lab adapt viruses to recognize extracellular enzymes overexpressed by ovarian-cancer tumors and deliver therapeutic genes to diseased cells.

SourceRice University·DateAug 3, 2016

Rice crops that can save farmers money and cut pollution

A new U of T Scarborough study identified rice varieties that can reduce nitrogen waste and minimize environmental pollution. The research found that certain chemicals produced by the roots of these crops can significantly reduce nitrogen capture inefficiencies in soil microbes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 29, 2016

Beating the heat a challenge at the nanoscale

Rice University scientists detect thermal boundary that hinders ultracold experiments, requiring clever measurement techniques to overcome. The researchers found that cooling substrates reduced temperature increases, but thermal boundary resistance remained a major issue.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 28, 2016

Every grain of rice: Ancient rice DNA data provides new view of domestication history

Researchers have uncovered evidence of ancient rice DNA, shedding light on the origins of domesticated rice species japonica and indica. The study suggests that indica rice was historically cultivated in East Asia or imported to the region, contradicting traditional assumptions about its exclusive presence in northern parts of East Asia.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 26, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Spiders spin unique phononic material

Scientists at Rice University found a phonon band gap in spider silk, enabling the material to block certain frequencies of sound waves. This discovery has implications for creating tunable, dynamic metamaterials with novel sound or thermal insulation properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 25, 2016

Ultra-flat circuits will have unique properties

Researchers at Rice University have found that ultra-flat circuits made from 2D materials exhibit distinct electronic characteristics compared to traditional components. The discovery has significant implications for the development of new electronics designs, including photovoltaic applications and transistors.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 25, 2016

Texans are no better off in one city versus another for cancer treatment

A study by Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center found significant differences in adherence to recommended cancer treatment for elderly patients across 22 Texas hospital referral regions. Regional variations in treatment rates persist despite the presence of treatment specialists and teaching hospitals.

SourceRice University·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateJul 25, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Titanium + gold = new gold standard for artificial joints

Researchers have created a titanium-gold alloy that is four times harder than most steels, making it an ideal material for artificial knee and hip joints. The alloy's improved hardness and biocompatibility are due to its unique crystal structure, which is resistant to wear and tear.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2016

Rice's 'antenna-reactor' catalysts offer best of both worlds

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for uniting light-harvesting photonic nanomaterials with high-efficiency metal catalysts. The 'antenna-reactor' design produces a significant improvement in selectivity, turning a poison into a valuable commodity and offering potential energy savings and improved efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Gas sensors 'see' through soil to analyze microbial interactions

Researchers have created gas biosensors that enable real-time monitoring of microbial gene expression in soil samples, allowing for the study of horizontal gene transfer and its impact on environmental processes. The technique has the potential to improve crop growth through more efficient watering and fertilizer use.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 18, 2016

Team-trained health care staff can reduce patient deaths by 15 percent

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that team training can significantly improve healthcare outcomes, including reducing patient mortality by 15% and medical errors by 19%. Team training has been shown to enhance communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills among healthcare staff.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 14, 2016
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.

Self-rated health worth doctors' attention

A new study from Rice University found that patients' self-rated health is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality, even stronger than blood tests and measurements. The researchers linked low self-rated health to high levels of herpesvirus activity and inflammation, which are associated with poor cellular immunity and disease.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateJul 14, 2016

Measuring arsenic in Bangladesh's rice crops

Researchers at UMass Amherst have partnered with Chemists Without Borders to create a low-cost test kit for measuring arsenic in rice crops. The team hopes the kit will provide consumers with information on exposure and encourage protective measures, such as rinsing or choosing different varieties.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJul 14, 2016

'Rivet graphene' proves its mettle

Researchers at Rice University have developed 'rivet graphene', a two-dimensional carbon material with enhanced strength and conductivity. The new material uses nanotubes to reinforce its structure, making it suitable for flexible and transparent electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 14, 2016
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.

Religiosity diminishes conservative opposition to eco-friendly buying

A study by Rice University researchers found that religious identification dampens the negative effect of political conservatism on environmental consumption. The data showed a smaller gap between liberal and conservative pro-environment consumers among the very religious, challenging stereotypes about religion and environmental care.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Politics·DateJul 12, 2016

Rice wins interdisciplinary 'big data' grant

The new research training group will develop scientists with combined education in statistics and computer science to address complex data science challenges. The three-year program aims to integrate students from various disciplines, including machine learning, into a collaborative environment.

SourceRice University·DateJul 12, 2016

Physician payment reform has led to decrease in home-based dialysis

A recent study found that physician payment reform resulted in a significant decrease in the use of home-based dialysis. Patients with traditional Medicare coverage experienced a 0.7 percent reduction in home dialysis use, while those living in areas with larger facilities saw a 0.9 percent decrease.

SourceRice University·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJul 11, 2016

Amyloid probes gain powers in search for Alzheimer's cause

A new molecule, rhenium dipyridophenazine complex, has been discovered that glows brighter when bound to amyloid protein fibrils implicated in Alzheimer's disease. This enables real-time monitoring of plaque aggregation, a key step in the development of potential treatments.

SourceRice University·DateJul 11, 2016

Lush Venus? Searing Earth? It could have happened

Researchers suggest minor evolutionary changes could have altered the fates of Earth and Venus, potentially leading to life on Venus and none on Earth. The study expands the notion of habitable zones and questions the role of plate tectonics in supporting life.

SourceRice University·JournalAstrobiology·DateJul 5, 2016
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.

Four newly identified genes could improve rice

A Japanese research team has discovered four new genes in rice that could significantly improve crop breeding and help address global food shortages. The newly identified genes, found through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), influence traits such as flowering date, panicle number, and grain yield.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 27, 2016
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.

Proteins put up with the roar of the crowd

Researchers found that proteins have quick access to target genes in cells despite crowding, thanks to dynamic movements of molecules. This discovery suggests that proteins can efficiently search and bind to DNA even in busy environments.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJun 23, 2016