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Rice scientists streamline synthesis of potential cancer drug

Rice University scientists have streamlined the synthesis of uncialamycin, a potent anti-tumor antibiotic that can be used as part of an antibody drug conjugate. The researchers developed a scalable process for bulk production, enabling the creation of novel variations of the molecule with high potency against cancer cells.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 23, 2016

U of T Mississauga professor discovers new origins for farmed rice

Archaeologists uncover evidence of domesticated rice in China, shedding new light on the history of human agricultural practices. The discovery suggests that rice domestication has been ongoing for much longer than previously thought, with characteristics consistent with japonica rice now cultivated in Japan and Korea.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2016
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.

Core proteins exert control over DNA function

Core proteins partially disassemble to facilitate gene activation, according to Rice University researchers. Their detailed models support the idea that DNA unwrapping and core protein unfolding are coupled, with histone tails playing a crucial role in nucleosome stability.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 21, 2016

Rice University lab synthesizes new cancer fighter

Researchers at Rice University have synthesized a new cancer-fighting compound called Thailanstatin A, which targets the spliceosome, a complex of proteins and ribonucleoproteins that regulate DNA splicing. The compound has shown promise in preclinical studies and could potentially be used to develop new therapies for cancer.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 20, 2016

RedEye could let your phone see 24-7

Researchers at Rice University developed RedEye, a technology that can provide computers with continuous vision, enabling wearables to see and remember what their owners need. By analyzing analog signals in real-time, RedEye improves energy efficiency and presents unique privacy advantages.

SourceRice University·DateJun 20, 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.

DNA in 'unbiased' model curls both ways

Researchers at Rice University used computer simulations to study DNA's twisted-ladder form, finding that chromosomes can emerge with either right- or left-handed superhelices. The discovery could help explain how cells regulate gene expression and cell differentiation.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 14, 2016

Rice University's nanosubs gain better fluorescent properties for tracking

The latest nanosubmarine model, USN-2, can be viewed by single-molecule microscopy for at least 1.5 seconds, allowing for the tracking of its trajectory. This advancement is expected to lead to a better understanding of how the vehicles move and potentially enable their use in delivering cargo or interacting with cells.

SourceRice University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJun 13, 2016

Where were you born? Origin matters for species interactions

A new study from Rice University and Louisiana State University suggests that the early life experiences of individual animals can have wide-reaching impacts on entire species. The research, which examined whether past environments could affect species distribution, found that ignoring these carryover effects can result in incorrect as...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016

Likely new planet may be in slow death spiral

Astronomers have found evidence for a tightly orbiting gas giant, PTFO8-8695 b, which is being torn away by its 2 million-year-old star. The planet's outer layers are likely to be destroyed, and its ultimate fate remains uncertain.

SourceRice University·DateJun 9, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

An eco-friendly approach to reducing toxic arsenic in rice

University of Delaware researchers found that incorporating rice husk into soil can decrease toxic arsenic levels in rice grain by 25 to 50 percent. This eco-friendly approach has implications for developing countries relying on rice as a staple food and aims to improve soil quality without negatively affecting yield.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 8, 2016

Coral reefs fall victim to overfishing, pollution, ocean warming

A three-year study found that corals are declining worldwide due to a combination of threats including overfishing, nutrient pollution and pathogenic disease. The study reveals that even modest temperature increases make corals more vulnerable to bacteria, leading to increased algal cover and coral mortality.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2016

'Missing tooth' hydrogels handle hard-to-deliver drugs

Researchers at Rice University have created 'missing tooth' hydrogels that can trap and slowly release hydrophobic small-molecule drugs, making them ideal for targeted delivery. The biodegradable gel can be injected where needed and releases medication over time.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateJun 7, 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.

Rice study details stress-diabetes link

Researchers at Rice University found a link between emotional stress and Type 2 diabetes, with low inhibition leading to increased pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6. The study showed that individuals with poor inhibition were more likely to develop diabetes due to the pathway from high anxiety to inflammation.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateJun 6, 2016

Genetically modified Golden Rice falls short on lifesaving promises

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis finds that genetically modified Golden Rice is still years away from field introduction due to scientific challenges. The research suggests that GMO opponents have not been the problem, but rather the rice's inability to yield well and meet its nutritional goals.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAgriculture and Human Values·DateJun 2, 2016

Web panels build customer loyalty

Researchers found that web panel participants made 17% more purchases and increased cross-buying by 14%. The profit per customer also rose by 36%, demonstrating the economic benefits of these panels.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateJun 2, 2016

Ancient rice may hold key to solving the puzzle of the settlement of Madagascar

Archaeologists uncover evidence that settlers from South Asia colonized Madagascar over a thousand years ago, using long-distance voyages across the Indian Ocean. The discovery provides the first archaeological signature of Austronesian expansion and challenges historical understanding of the island's settlement.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2016

Nanocars taken for a rough ride

Researchers at Rice University tested nanocars in ambient conditions, finding they stuck to surfaces due to hydrophobicity. The vehicles slowed down as molecules absorbed from the air created obstacles that acted like sticky foam, eventually trapping them.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJun 1, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Astronomers find giant planet around very young star

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a giant planet, CI Tau b, orbiting a young star in the constellation Taurus. The planet, at least eight times larger than Jupiter, orbits its 2 million-year-old star every nine days and is thought to have formed rapidly, with surrounding gas and dust still present.

SourceRice University·DateMay 26, 2016

TGAC trains the next generation of rice breeders in Vietnam

The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) is training the next generation of rice breeders in Vietnam in advanced bioinformatics and genomics. The programme aims to characterise genetic diversity in Vietnamese native rice lines to accelerate crop breeding and improve yields, addressing climate change threats such as drought and rising sea levels

SourceEarlham Institute·DateMay 25, 2016

Rice study decodes genetic circuitry for bacterial spore formation

Bacterial spore formation is triggered by the slowdown of cellular growth, according to a new study published in Molecular Systems Biology. The research reveals that stressed-out bacteria make life-or-death decisions to form spores due to the concentration of a key protein, which builds up during starvation.

SourceRice University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateMay 23, 2016

Rice University lab simplifies total synthesis of anti-cancer agent

The Rice University lab has developed a streamlined total synthesis of delta12-prostaglandin J3, a molecule with potential as an anti-cancer agent. The new method requires only six steps from commercially available starting materials, making it more efficient and desirable for large-scale synthesis.

SourceRice University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 23, 2016

Rice de-icer gains anti-icing properties

Researchers at Rice University have developed a graphene-based de-icer that can prevent ice formation above 7 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for large applications like aircraft and power lines. The material is also conductive and can be heated with electricity to melt ice and snow in colder conditions.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 23, 2016
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.

Nanotubes are beacons in cancer-imaging technique

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new cancer-imaging technique that uses carbon nanotubes tagged with antibodies to pinpoint the location of tumors. The technique, known as spectral triangulation, uses non-invasive optical measurements to determine the depth and coordinates of the nanotube beacons in tissue.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateMay 20, 2016

Drop in childhood obesity cannot be explained by health behaviors

Researchers found that the decline in childhood obesity rates between 2003-2004 and 2011-2012 cannot be attributed to changes in maternal or child health behaviors. Despite differences in demographics and lifestyle factors, the main reason for the drop was the lower likelihood of older children being obese compared to younger ones.

SourceRice University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 19, 2016

OU team develops new antibiotic to fight MRSA

A University of Oklahoma team has developed a new antibiotic formulation that combines traditional antibiotics with polymer BPEI to revive efficacy in obsolete drugs. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce economic burdens by treating MRSA infections.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Antibiotics·DateMay 18, 2016

Adding microbial xylanase to diets containing rice bran increases energy value for pigs

Research at the University of Illinois found that adding microbial xylanase to diets containing rice bran can increase its energy value for pigs. The study confirmed that xylanase increased the concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in full fat rice bran and defatted rice bran.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateMay 17, 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.

Rice-led study offers new answer to why Earth's atmosphere became oxygenated

A new study published in Nature Geoscience proposes that the rise of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere was linked to the formation of continents and life. The researchers suggest that a reduction in the efficiency of the oxygen sink, coupled with an increase in volcanic activity and carbon inputs into the atmosphere, led to two rises in atm...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 16, 2016

Microwaved nanoribbons may bolster oil and gas wells

Researchers at Rice University developed a method to treat composite materials with microwaves, increasing their stability and strength in wellbores for oil and gas production. The treatment involved combining graphene nanoribbons with thermoset polymers and heating them with low-power microwaves.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 12, 2016

Study probes heart of synthetic heart valves

Researchers create natural polymer-based scaffolds to grow spongiosa tissue, mimicking the middle layer of heart valve leaflets. The study finds that these scaffolds can be tuned to match the stiffness of natural tissue and may offer a promising alternative to existing mesh-based polymers.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateMay 11, 2016

Rice experts unveil submicroscopic tunable, optical amplifier

Rice experts unveil a submicroscopic tunable, optical amplifier that generates infrared light and boosts the output of one light by capturing energy from a second light. The innovation is a single nanoparticle serving as an optical parametric amplifier, with potential applications in chemical sensing and molecular imaging.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 9, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Molybdenum disulfide holds promise for light absorption

Researchers at Rice University have successfully absorbed 35-37% of incident light in atomically thin MoS2, paving the way for efficient and inexpensive photovoltaic solar panels. The team's findings enhance light absorption by 5.9 times compared to using MoS2 on a sapphire substrate.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Photonics·DateMay 5, 2016

Even low levels of air pollution appear to affect children's lung health

A new study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that even low levels of air pollution can harm children's lung function. Children living close to major roadways had decreased lung function by age 8, with exposure to fine particulate matter and soot being the main factors.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 25, 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.

Thanks, actin, for the memories

Researchers at Rice University suggest that actin filaments play a key role in forming and storing long-term memories by stabilizing soluble cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding proteins (CPEB) into longer, insoluble prion-like fibers. This process is thought to aggregate and encode memories in neurons' synaptic regions.

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

Nanotubes assemble! Rice introduces 'Teslaphoresis'

Researchers at Rice University have discovered 'Teslaphoresis', a phenomenon where carbon nanotubes self-assemble into long wires using a Tesla coil's force field. The team, led by Paul Cherukuri, reported their results in ACS Nano and demonstrated the ability to assemble and power circuits using the force field.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 14, 2016

New resource for managing the Mexican rice borer

The Mexican rice borer infestation causes significant crop loss, with potential losses of over $200 million annually in Louisiana. A new article provides information on the pest's biology and life cycle, as well as management suggestions.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateApr 13, 2016

Battery components can take the heat

Researchers at Rice University have developed a combined electrolyte and separator for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can operate at high temperatures, including 150 degrees Celsius, with negligible loss of efficiency. The 'white graphene' composite eliminates the need for conventional plastic or polymer separators and is desi...

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 11, 2016

Researchers find key to zinc rich plants to combat malnutrition

A team of scientists has identified a mechanism responsible for delivering zinc into crop seeds, paving the way for breeding plants with enhanced zinc content. The discovery could lead to improved nutritional value in a large part of the human diet.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 11, 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.

Brittle is better for making cement

Rice University scientists have discovered that certain types of tricalcium silicates are more efficient to produce cement due to their structural properties. These findings could lead to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions associated with concrete production, a major contributor to climate change.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateApr 11, 2016

Nanotubes line up to form films

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to make highly aligned, wafer-scale films of densely packed single-walled carbon nanotubes. The thin films offer possibilities for making flexible electronic and photonic devices, such as bendable computer chips.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 4, 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.

Bioengineer's gut biome sensors earn NSF backing

Rice University bioengineer Jeffrey Tabor has developed next-generation sensors using bacterial two-component systems to probe the gut for early signs of inflammation. The technology aims to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceRice University·DateApr 4, 2016

Death of an independent director leads CEOs to make fewer acquisitions

A recent study found that CEOs who experience an independent director's death engage in significantly fewer acquisitions, with a decrease of nearly 4% and lower acquisition values. This may be due to increased mortality awareness, prompting CEOs to pursue a quieter life and scale back on extrinsic goals.

SourceRice University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateApr 4, 2016

Flat boron is a superconductor

Researchers at Rice University have determined that 2D boron is metallic and can transmit electrons with no resistance, making it a promising material for superconductivity. The discovery may lead to breakthroughs in small-scale superconducting circuits.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 31, 2016

Sterile Box offers safer surgeries

The Sterile Box, a mobile container, sterilizes surgical instruments to minimize risk of infections in patients. The system's performance was nearly perfect in trials, and it addresses issues with unreliable power and inadequate quality control in developing countries.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 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.

Even with higher education, obese women run greater risk of depression

A new study by Rice University researchers found that obese women, even those with higher education, are double the risk of depression compared to normal-weight women. The study used a large population-based sample of healthy women and controlled for various factors, including diet and lifestyle.

SourceRice University·JournalObesity Research & Clinical Practice·DateMar 21, 2016

Why marketing and HR executives need to coordinate their activities

Researchers found that consistent treatment of customers and employees amplifies positive impact on firm valuation, while inconsistency weakens it. Companies with narrow business scopes benefit from coordinated activities, as investors can better judge management of key stakeholders.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMar 18, 2016
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.

Rice scientists synthesize anti-cancer agent

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for synthesizing the potent anti-cancer agent trioxacarcin, which damages DNA and disrupts cancer cell replication. This breakthrough allows for more efficient production of these valuable molecules, enabling their study as potential new medications.

SourceRice University·DateMar 10, 2016

'Big data' drills down into metabolic details

A new computational method, CORDA, models tissue-specific metabolic pathways by assigning a cost to reactions without experimental data. Researchers found key differences in metabolic similarities between healthy and cancerous tissues, including up-regulation of folate metabolism.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 9, 2016