Research on rice as a crop and staple food. Covers fertilizer and emissions trade-offs, biochar and heavy metals, and heat resilience.
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.
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.
Researchers found that replacing coal-fired power plants with natural gas can reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent. Replacing old oil-burning furnaces for residential heating also yields emissions savings of up to 48 percent.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that cancer cells can consume amino acids directly from exosomes, tiny packets of proteins and nucleic acids, to fuel tumor growth. This finding contradicts the long-held Warburg effect theory, suggesting each type of cancer has a unique metabolic profile.
Researchers have discovered a trick used by lung cancer cells to hide from the immune system, specifically suppressing immunoproteasomes that signal T-cells to attack diseased cells. The study suggests it may be possible to enhance production of these proteins to override the cells' escape mechanism.
A recent study found that ocean acidification is already affecting coral reefs, causing them to grow slower than they did in preindustrial conditions. The research, published in Nature, manipulated seawater chemistry in a natural coral-reef community to determine the impact of excess carbon dioxide on coral reef growth.
A Rice University study explores how opposition from target countries influences the expansion of state-owned enterprises. The authors identified five geopolitical factors that shape the level of welcome, including geographic distance, similarity of religious beliefs, government types, resource complementarity, and nationalist politics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The article argues that parental permission is not required ethically and may hinder public health interests, as adolescents account for 26% of new HIV infections. The authors propose strategies to address state minor-consent laws and institutional review board interpretations.
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.
A leading Rice University researcher will explore the impact of entrepreneurship education on startup success with a $1.5 million grant. The five-year project aims to track the outcomes of startups receiving free entrepreneurship curriculum.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
New research shows ancient millet played a key role in the development of multi-crop agriculture, leading to the rise of settled societies. Millet was carried across Eurasia by shepherds and herders, who combined it with other crops to create 'multi-cropping' systems.
Protein seekers can find genetic targets faster with obstacles in some cases, according to Rice University scientists. The study resolves conflicts between other research on protein interactions with DNA.
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.
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.
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.
A global survey of 9,422 scientists across eight regions found that more than half identify as religious, challenging the notion that scientists are atheists. The study also showed that scientists generally view science and religion as compatible, with 25% believing they can coexist and help each other.
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.
Researchers at Lehigh University predict a drastic northward shift in suitable habitat for southern chickadee species by 2050, displacing northern species. Climate change affects species distributions and hybridization, with potential implications for the merging of two species.
Researchers identify five chemicals that trigger rice plants to fend off white-backed planthoppers, reducing the need for pesticides. The chemicals, phenoxyalkanoic acid derivatives, have shown potential in controlling insect pests and protecting ecosystems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists have created a climate-friendly rice variety that reduces methane emissions by up to 99% compared to traditional rice. The new rice type grows in a way that minimizes the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and also increases biomass, leading to more food.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Analysts' revisions help investors with stock valuation and shape market assessments of corporate disclosures. Only 28 percent of revisions matched corporate news, but offered more information than releases.
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.
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.