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New theorem helps reveal tuberculosis' secret

A new methodology developed at Rice and Rutgers universities helps scientists understand how biochemical networks control biological responses. The approach predicted novel interactions in bacteria that cause tuberculosis, revealing a potential mechanism for the disease's survival.

Modified laser cutter prints 3-D objects from powder

Rice researchers develop an open-source laser sintering platform that can print intricate 3D objects from powdered plastics and biomaterials. The system costs significantly less than commercial counterparts and allows researchers to work with their own specialized materials.

Colossal Antarctic ice-shelf collapse followed last ice age

Researchers found that a 100,000-square-mile section of the Ross Ice Shelf broke apart within 1,500 years during a warming period after the last ice age. The study provides clues about how Antarctica's nation-sized Ross Ice Shelf might respond to a warming climate.

Marine virus outbreaks linked to coral bleaching

A study by Rice University and Oregon State University found that significant marine virus outbreaks may be associated with coral bleaching events, especially due to multiple environmental stresses. Viral groups, including a herpes-like virus, were detected in corals undergoing bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.

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.

Proto-planet has 2 masters

New Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) images provide detail on the binary star system HD 142527, revealing a broad ring of dust and ice. The system's formation is expected to yield insights into planetary systems around binary stars.

When machines can do any job, what will humans do?

Moshe Vardi warns that machines may surpass human capabilities in as little as 30 years, leading to significant unemployment and potentially a life of leisure. He questions whether this would be beneficial for humanity, arguing that work is essential to human well-being.

Rice lab offers new strategies, tools for genome editing

Rice University bioengineers have found new techniques for precision genome editing that are more accurate and have fewer off-target errors. The new strategies use biological catalysts capable of cutting DNA called 'engineered nucleases' to maximize on-target gene editing.

Rice to receive $7 million from Houston Endowment for urban research

The Kinder Institute will expand its research capacity to address pressing urban challenges in Houston and the US, with a focus on data analysis and policy solutions. The three-year grant will support new research programs and initiatives, including urban data platforms, transportation planning, and gentrification studies.

Too-few proteins prompt nanoparticles to clump

Rice scientists observed that blood serum proteins irreversibly attach, unfold, and bring gold nanoparticles together in low concentrations. This counterintuitive behavior has significant implications for diseases caused by aggregation, such as Alzheimer's, and nanoparticle toxicity issues.

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.

Heavy fermions get nuclear boost on way to superconductivity

Physicists have discovered that nuclear effects help bring about superconductivity in YRS, a composite material of ytterbium and rare earth elements. This finding provides further evidence that unconventional superconductivity arises from quantum criticality and exposes the role of nuclear spins in exposing electronic quantum criticality.

Nano-coating makes coaxial cables lighter

Researchers create flexible, high-performance coating that replaces metal braid with carbon nanotubes, benefiting airplanes and spacecraft. The new cable reduces weight by 97%, meeting military-grade standards for shielding and strength.

Open-source laser fabrication lowers costs for cancer research

Rice University bioengineers developed an open-source technique to etch microwells into sheets of silicone, producing up to 50,000 wells per hour. This method reduces costs by 90% compared to commercial products and enables mass production of multicellular aggregates for cancer research.

Feds back new heart patch for infants

Researchers at Rice University have won a National Institutes of Health grant to develop new patches that encourage the growth of the child's own heart tissue. The new patches are designed to blend in with the surrounding tissue, reducing the risk of rejection and improving survival rates for infants born with congenital heart defects.

Graphene composite may keep wings ice-free

A thin coating of graphene nanoribbons in epoxy has been proven effective at melting ice on a helicopter blade. The coating, developed by Rice University, may be an effective real-time de-icer for aircraft and other surfaces exposed to winter weather, reducing the need for glycol-based chemicals.

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.

Microwaved nanotubes come up clean

Researchers at Rice University and Swansea University have developed a two-step process using microwaves and chlorine to remove iron catalyst residues from carbon nanotubes. This method makes the nanotubes more pristine and suitable for applications such as drug delivery and solar panels.

New tool puts accurate DNA analysis in fast lane

Researchers at Rice University have created a new tool to analyze DNA in its native conditions, reducing analysis time from months to hours. The method generates more accurate results and can be used to build a comprehensive database of thermal behaviors of genetic molecules.

Graphene oxide 'paper' changes with strain

Rice researchers found that graphene oxide layers change their mechanical properties depending on the strain rate, making it brittle when pulled fast but more pliable under slow stress. This discovery can help build three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional materials for various applications.

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.

Racial makeup of labor markets affects who gets job leads

Researchers found that workers in majority-white labor markets are more likely to receive unsolicited job leads through social networks and informal approaches. The flow of job leads changes based on the race of people doing the same job, suggesting a preference for white workers.

Nano-hybrid materials create magnetic effect

Scientists at Rice University and Montreal Polytechnic designed computer simulations to investigate the electromagnetic properties of graphene-boron nitride hybrids. The researchers found that these hybrid materials exhibit both electronic and magnetic properties, which could be useful in spintronic and nano-transistor applications.

Use small plates to lose weight

A recent study found that smaller plates can lead to a 30% reduction in food consumption on average, particularly when diners are self-serving their portions. The research also discovered that consumers who are unaware they are being monitored are more likely to benefit from the use of smaller plates.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Self-adaptive material heals itself, stays tough

Rice University scientists develop a self-adaptive composite that heals itself and returns to its original form after compression. The material, called SAC, combines self-healing and reversible self-stiffening properties.

Increasing LNG exports 'marginally positive' for US economy

Increasing US LNG exports will allow domestic natural-gas-intensive industries to remain competitive globally. The study found that LNG exports are associated with a net increase in domestic natural gas production, and their impact on the macroeconomy is marginally positive.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

FIU scientists discover how arsenic builds up in plant seeds

Researchers at FIU's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine have identified how arsenic accumulates in plant seeds like rice, which is a major source of dietary arsenic. The discovery has the potential to develop new cultivation methods with less arsenic in the grain.

A new twist in genetic switches

Rice University researchers found that a master regulator's activity is determined by kinetics, not thermodynamics. The study revealed the 'molecular stripping' process, which quickly stops protein production.

Aryeh Warmflash wins NSF CAREER Award

Aryeh Warmflash, a Rice University professor, has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to investigate the mechanisms of embryonic cell differentiation. He aims to develop theoretical models to predict patterns of cell development and engineer embryonic-like systems.

Antibiotic-infused implants designed to help faces heal

Researchers at Rice University have developed time-released gel-filled implants that deliver antibiotics to the face, reducing the risk of infection during facial reconstruction. The innovative material protects tissue from bacterial invasion for several weeks.

Inflammation can fan the flames of depression

Researchers at Rice University and Ohio State University found that chronic inflammation is linked to depression, with concentrations of inflammatory markers CRP and IL-6 elevated by up to 50% in patients. Activities like yoga, meditation, NSAIDS, and exercise can help treat depression caused by chronic inflammation.

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.

Turning rice farming waste to useful silica compounds

Researchers have developed a simple and inexpensive way to extract high-purity silica compounds from agricultural waste using ethylene glycol and ethanol. This process could significantly reduce carbon emissions and costs associated with traditional methods.

Superhydrophobic coating protects without the price

Researchers at Rice University and Swansea University have developed a new class of superhydrophobic nanomaterials that are inexpensive, nontoxic, and can be applied to various surfaces via spray- or spin-coating. The coating is equivalent in performance to commercial coatings that employ hazardous fluorocarbons.

Nanotube letters spell progress

The Rice researchers used experiments and simulations to study the stiffness of joined nanotubes and found that some types are tougher than others, with all having potential uses in macroscale structures. The team discovered that the X's were the stiffest and most able to bounce back to nearly their original shapes.

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.

Nanoscale drawbridges open path to color displays

Researchers at Rice University develop a new method for building 'drawbridges' between metal nanoparticles, allowing for the creation of full-color displays. The technique involves anchoring pairs of gold nanoparticles to a glass surface and applying a small voltage to create a conductive silver bridge that can be switched on and off.

Scientists see the light on microsupercapacitors

Researchers developed flexible microsupercapacitors that store and release energy like commercial supercapacitors, but are made in a room-temperature process. The technology has potential for cost-effective mass production.

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.

Red means 'go' to therapeutic viruses

Rice University researchers use engineered viruses that respond to red light to overcome the challenge of delivering genes into host cells' nuclei. By incorporating light-responsive proteins, they successfully control viral activity and gene expression in target cells.

Tiny octopods catalyze bright ideas

Researchers at Rice University have created nanoparticles that can function as both catalysts and plasmonic sensors. These tiny octopods, composed of gold and palladium, enhance chemical reactions while retaining their optical properties. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient industrial processes and sun-driven chemical reactions.

Chemical design made easier

Rice University scientists have developed a metal-free process to synthesize dozens of organocatalysts, which promise to speed up the making of novel chemicals, including drugs. The new tools eliminate the need for transition metals and simplify chemical processes.

Rice wins $2.4 million to study many-antenna wireless

The research aims to investigate the feasibility of using many-antenna base stations to serve multiple users simultaneously, addressing scalability and interference issues. By leveraging ArgosNet, a custom-built experimental test bed, the team will advance MIMO technology to meet the 1,000x data challenge in 5G networks.

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.

No lens? No problem for FlatCam

Researchers developed patented prototypes of FlatCam, a thin sensor chip that processes sensor measurements into images and videos. The technology decouples the parameters of light collection and device thickness, enabling large sensors with thin devices.

Cereal science

Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a new phenomenon in materials science using puffed rice cereal. They found that highly porous, brittle materials can deform differently depending on compaction velocity, with three distinct deformation patterns emerging at low, medium, and high velocities.

Blood test results vary from drop to drop in fingerprick tests

A Rice University study found that hemoglobin content, platelet count, and WBC count vary significantly from drop to drop in fingerprick tests. To achieve accurate results, healthcare professionals must take care to avoid skewed data when designing new protocols and technologies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Overweight men just as likely as overweight women to face discrimination

A new study by Rice University and the University of North Carolina, Charlotte found that overweight men experience subtle yet statistically significant interpersonal discrimination in employment settings. This bias can impact their chances of getting hired or being treated fairly as customers.

Rice makes light-driven nanosubmarine

The researchers built single-molecule submersibles powered by ultraviolet light, achieving speeds of less than 1 inch per second but exceeding expectations for molecular motion. The study shows an enhancement in diffusion of 26 percent, outperforming Brownian motion.

Clay makes better high-temp batteries

Researchers at Rice University have developed clay-based electrolytes that can supply stable electrochemical power in temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius, addressing a challenge for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The materials offer thermal stability and wetting properties, enabling good contact with electrodes.

Rice U. paper: End 'stem cell tourism'

A new paper by Rice University experts warns that unproven stem cell-based interventions are causing harm to patients and hindering scientific progress. The authors argue that public policy is needed to reduce 'stem cell tourism' and promote responsible research.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cancer survivors less likely to receive callbacks from potential employers

A study by Rice University and Penn State University researchers found that cancer survivors are less likely to receive callbacks from retail employers compared to those who did not disclose their health history. Applicants disclosing a cancer history received fewer callbacks, highlighting subtle biases in hiring practices.

Antimatter not so different after all

Researchers at Rice University measured the attractive force between antiprotons, revealing a fundamental new way to understand antimatter interactions. The scattering length and effective range of interaction were found to be nearly equivalent to those between protons.

Researchers create transplantation model for 3-D printed constructs

A team of researchers at Rice University and the University of Pennsylvania created an implant with a network of blood vessels using 3D printing. The study shows that blood flowed normally through test constructs connected to native blood vessels, overcoming a major challenge in regenerative medicine.

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.

Adjusting to less food availability can impact kids negatively

A new study by Rice University sociologists finds that adjusting to less food availability can negatively impact kids, resulting in behavioral problems and poorer health. The study looked at transitions in food insecurity among kindergarteners and first-graders between 2011 and 2012.

Study: Blood vessels store, secrete key blood-clotting protein

A study by Rice University researchers has solved a long-standing mystery about the storage and secretion of blood-clotting factor VIII. The protein is both stored and secreted from a specialized organelle in endothelial cells, which line the walls of blood vessels.

Caught in the act: New wasp species emerging

A study from Rice University and colleagues found that evolutionary changes in a native North American fruit fly are driving the emergence of three new wasp species, which exploit new habitats created by the changing fruit fly populations.

Study seeks cause of fatal bereavement

A new study aims to determine the mechanisms that cause some grieving survivors to suffer unanticipated and potentially fatal heart attacks. The researcher hopes to understand how stress, depression, and anxiety contribute to inflammation, a driver of cardiovascular disease.