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Flashes of brilliance

Researchers at Rice University discovered the mechanism behind superfluorescent bursts in quantum wells, enabling compact semiconductor devices to produce picosecond pulses of light. The discovery may lead to new telecommunications equipment and other devices transmitting signals at picosecond speeds.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 25, 2013
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.

Optimizing electronic correlations for superconductivity

Researchers found that two types of iron-based superconductors employ similar coupling between electrons in their superconducting state. Understanding this mechanism may help create even better superconductors with higher transition temperatures.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2013

New statistical tools being developed for mining cancer data

Researchers are creating new statistical tools to analyze massive amounts of cancer data and identify hidden relationships between biomarkers. The goal is to develop a framework that can combine continuous and noncontinuous variables, allowing for more accurate insights into the complex nature of cancer.

SourceRice University·DateNov 14, 2013

Prize will expand use of life-saving neonatal device in Africa

A low-cost device invented by Rice University students to help premature babies breathe more easily will be expanded to teaching hospitals in three African nations. The technology, known as bubble CPAP, has been shown to increase survival rates of newborns with respiratory distress by 27 percent.

SourceRice University·DateNov 14, 2013

Nano magnets arise at 2-D boundaries

Researchers at Rice University discovered that imperfections in two-dimensional materials can create nanoscale magnetic fields. The study suggests a new degree of freedom for electronics, allowing for enhanced efficiency and enriched functions.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 14, 2013
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.

Conscientious people more likely to provide good customer service

Researchers found that individuals with high conscientiousness traits are more likely to exhibit effective behavior in customer service situations. The study suggests that personality plays a significant role in shaping customers' experiences.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·DateNov 12, 2013

The secret of short stems

Researchers found that plants with semi-dwarfism in wild Arabidopsis species have a mutated GA20ox1 allele, similar to those in rice and barley varieties bred for high yields. The mutation alters the gibberellin biosynthesis pathway, but other genes compensate for its effects.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2013

Clotting protein hardens aging hearts

Researchers at Rice University discovered that the accumulation of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in heart valve tissues contributes to their progressive hardening with age. As tissues from pig valves are commonly used to make human heart-valve replacements, VWF helps regulate blood clotting in both pigs and humans.

SourceRice University·DateNov 7, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Going deep to study long-term climate evolution

A team of geoscientists is building a whole-Earth model to understand long-term climate change on Earth. They will examine how carbon moves between the planet's external and internal systems, including the oceans, atmosphere, and deep Earth.

SourceRice University·DateNov 1, 2013

Divorced people more likely to die from preventable accidents

A new study by sociologists at Rice University and the University of Pennsylvania found that divorced individuals are more than twice as likely to die from preventable causes such as fire, poisoning, and smoke inhalation. Single people and those with low educational attainment also face a higher risk of accidental death.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateOct 30, 2013

For fish and rice to thrive in Yolo Bypass, 'just add water'

Researchers found that flooded Yolo Bypass rice fields create productive aquatic food webs for salmon, with high growth rates and minimal mortality. The findings suggest farm managers can use these agricultural fields to mimic natural processes, benefiting both fish and farmers.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 24, 2013

Physicists decode decision circuit of cancer metastasis

Physicists at Rice University have deciphered the operating principles of a genetic switch that cancer cells use to decide when to metastasize and invade other parts of the body. The research found a three-way genetic switch that explains previously confusing experimental results, opening new avenues for cancer treatment.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Rice scientists create a super antioxidant

Rice chemist Vicki Colvin led a team that created small, uniform spheres of cerium oxide with biocompatible coatings, enhancing its natural antioxidant properties. The nanoparticles can absorb and release oxygen ions to protect against radiation-induced side effects and may slow aging.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 15, 2013

'Ship in a bottle' detects dangerous vapors

Researchers at Rice University have created an 'artificial nose' that can detect dangerous fumes from solvents by trapping metallic compounds inside zeolite cages. The technology uses a 'ship in a bottle' type of chemical assembly, with each gas having a unique photoluminescent fingerprint.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 10, 2013

Carbon's new champion

Carbyne nanorods or nanoropes have a host of remarkable and useful properties, including surpassing the tensile strength of any other known material and having twice the tensile stiffness of graphene. Stretching carbyne alters its electronic band gap significantly, making it suitable for applications such as sensors and energy storage.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 9, 2013
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.

Scientists use blur to sharpen DNA mapping

Scientists at Rice University have created a method to locate specific sequences along single strands of DNA, which could help diagnose genetic diseases. The 'motion blur point accumulation' technique resolves structures as small as 30 nanometers by capturing images of fluorescent probes binding to target DNA.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 9, 2013

Clues to foam formation could help find oil

Rice University scientists have discovered two novel mechanisms for bubble formation in foam, known as pinch-off behaviors. This discovery could improve the efficiency of enhanced oil recovery methods by making gas act more like a liquid and increasing its contact with reservoir rock.

SourceRice University·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 8, 2013

'White graphene' halts rust in high temps

Researchers have discovered that sheets of hexagonal boron nitride can protect metals from oxidizing even at very high temperatures, such as 1,100 degrees Celsius. The ultrathin films are made of just a few atoms thick and have potential applications in industries like turbines, jet engines, and oil exploration.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 2013
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Facial recognition is more accurate in photos showing whole person

A study published in Psychological Science found that humans rely on non-facial cues like body shape and build to identify people in challenging viewing conditions. Participants accurately identified images of the same person even when only their bodies were shown.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 7, 2013

Alcoholism treatment before, after liver transplantation reduces relapse

Liver transplant recipients who receive substance abuse treatment before and after transplantation have lower alcohol relapse rates than those untreated or only treated prior to transplantation. Continued alcohol abuse post-transplantation also decreases graft survival and increases organ scarring.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateOct 3, 2013

Identifying people by their bodies when faces are no help

Researchers found that when facial features were ambiguous, participants used body cues such as the nose and face shape to accurately identify individuals. The study suggests that computer-based recognition systems can be improved by incorporating body information, especially in low-quality facial images.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 3, 2013

Restricting Voting Rights Act could mean fewer African-Americans on city councils

A new study by researchers at Rice University and others found that restricting the Voting Rights Act of 1965 could negatively impact black political representation on city councils. The study analyzed data from 1981-2006 and found that cities protected by Section 5 of the VRA saw stronger gains in African-American representation.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateOct 1, 2013
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.

Biochar quiets microbes, including some plant pathogens

Researchers at Rice University used synthetic biology to study how biochar affects microbial communication. Biochar was found to interfere with certain conversations between microbes, potentially impacting plant growth.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 30, 2013

Greater desertification control using sand trap simulations

Researchers have developed a numerical simulation to study wind-sand movement in straw checkerboard barriers (SCB) and their surrounding area. The results show that SCBs can decrease sand transport rates and reduce the strength of wind-sand flow eddies, leading to increased sand fixation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateSep 27, 2013
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.

School outreach program may reduce African-American student mobility

A new study from researchers at Rice University found that a school outreach program reduced the mobility of African-American students by 29 percent. The program enhanced relationships between families and school personnel, improving trust and reducing negative outcomes such as lower test scores and substance abuse.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateSep 26, 2013

New password in a heartbeat

Researchers at Rice University have developed a secure system to protect wireless implantable medical devices from unauthorized access. The technology uses the patient's unique heartbeat as a password, which can only be accessed through touch with a programmer device. This provides a secure way to monitor patients and prevent potential...

SourceRice University·DateSep 23, 2013
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.

Bold idea for 'big data'

Rice University researchers are developing a customized, energy-efficient optical network called BOLD to handle the growing amounts of data in various scientific fields. The new network will utilize optical switches with high capacity and low power consumption, enabling faster processing and analysis of large datasets.

SourceRice University·DateSep 20, 2013

'Vicious cycle' shields, spreads cancer cells

Cancer cells exploit a vicious cycle of mucus production to protect themselves from the immune system and promote tumor growth. Researchers at Rice University have identified a potential therapeutic target in rosiglitazone, a diabetes medication that can attenuate this cycle.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Cellular Biochemistry·DateSep 16, 2013

Are women less corrupt?

A new study from Rice University finds that women are more likely to disapprove of and participate in anti-corruption efforts in countries where corruption is publicly condemned. However, the relationship between gender and corruption depends on institutional context.

SourceRice University·JournalPolitics and Gender·DateSep 12, 2013

A swarm on every desktop: Robotics experts learn from public

Rice University's Multi-Robot Systems Laboratory researchers gather data from online game SwarmControl.net to develop new control algorithms for robotic swarms. They demonstrate complex behaviors with simple commands, showcasing potential for massive populations of robots to perform coordinated tasks.

SourceRice University·DateSep 9, 2013
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.

Rice University wins neuroengineering grant

Rice University has been awarded a $2.8 million National Science Foundation grant to establish a multidisciplinary training program in neuroengineering for graduate students. The program, led by bioengineer Robert Raphael, will focus on problem-based learning and the development of online educational resources.

SourceRice University·DateSep 5, 2013

Bismuth-carrying nanotubes show promise for CT scans

Rice University scientists have developed bismuth-filled nanotubes as a contrast agent for CT scans, producing brighter images than common iodine-based agents. The nanotube capsules are small enough to diffuse into cells and aggregate to produce high-contrast images.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateSep 4, 2013

Clay key to high-temperature supercapacitors

Researchers at Rice University have created a supercapacitor that operates reliably at temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius, overcoming key limitations of conventional energy storage devices. The device uses a clay-based membrane electrolyte, which provides high thermal stability and conductivity.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 3, 2013

LEGATO at the 6th International ESP Conference

The LEGATO project aims to advance long-term sustainable development of irrigated rice fields. New insights were presented on the future of rice ecosystem services, highlighting the importance of continuous discourse and local knowledge integration.

SourcePensoft Publishers·DateSep 2, 2013
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.

NEETs are prime suspects in breast cancer proliferation

A study by an international consortium of researchers found that reducing the expression of NEET proteins significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation and tumor size. The overabundance of these proteins is linked to the progression of the disease, making them a prime target for anticancer drugs.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2013

Rice technique expands options for molecular imaging

The technique, dubbed 'multiple-dimensional vibrational spectroscopy,' captures the conformation of small molecules with great accuracy, measuring vibrations and determining angles between bonds. This method could revolutionize the study of catalysis, energy storage, and biomembranes.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateAug 15, 2013
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.

Rice U. biophysicists zoom in on pore-forming toxin

Researchers have gained a comprehensive understanding of melittin's molecular-level action, which involves opening pores in cell membranes to attack cancer and bacteria. The study sheds light on how melittin forms transient pores at low concentrations and stable pores at higher concentrations.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2013

Ecosystems change long before species are lost

A recent study by Rice University researchers found that altering the dynamics of a population can have measurable consequences on complex ecosystems. The study's results suggest that changing the structure of populations can alter entire food webs and ecosystems, highlighting their fragility.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2013

Rice writes rules for gene-therapy vectors

Researchers at Rice University have made strides toward creating a set of rules to design custom viral capsid proteins for gene therapy. By combining pieces of different adeno-associated viruses, they can create new, benign viruses that deliver DNA payloads to specific cells. This research has the potential to treat diseases such as ge...

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateAug 12, 2013
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Engineered rice protects against rotavirus infection

Researchers developed a strain of rice that produces a rotavirus-specific antibody, protecting both normal and immune-deficient mice. The engineered rice maintains its efficacy even after long-term storage and heat exposure.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 8, 2013

Researchers have developed a strain of engineered rice that produces a rotavirus-specific antibody, protecting both normal and immune-deficient mice from the disease. This study provides a low-cost strategy for preventing rotavirus infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2013

Water clears path for nanoribbon development

Rice University researchers have discovered a novel technique to create sub-10-nanometer graphene nanoribbons by utilizing the meniscus effect of water. This breakthrough enables the formation of long wires only a few nanometers wide, which is crucial for the development of microelectronics devices.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 30, 2013
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.

Prison reform results in strain on welfare system

A study by Rice University and Louisiana State University found that court-mandated prison reforms led to a 22% decrease in welfare spending. The researchers discovered that states that were ordered to improve living conditions spent significantly more on correctional facilities, but less on social programs.

SourceRice University·DateJul 29, 2013

Off-grid sterilization with Rice U.'s 'solar steam'

Researchers at Rice University developed a solar-powered sterilization system using nanomaterials to kill microbes and viruses in human waste. The 'solar steam' technology has an overall energy efficiency of 24 percent, making it suitable for off-grid use and sanitation for billions of people.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013

Health risks from arsenic in rice exposed

A new study has found a link between high levels of arsenic in rice and elevated genetic damage in humans. Researchers discovered that people consuming rice with more than 0.2 mg/kg arsenic showed higher frequencies of micronuclei, a sign of chromosomal damage.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

Rice researchers part of new LHC discovery

Researchers at Rice University have made a significant contribution to the Large Hadron Collider's (LHC) latest discovery, confirming the Standard Model's prediction of the rare B-sub-s meson decay. This finding eliminates any possibility that the decay is related to dark matter theories, such as supersymmetry.

SourceRice University·DateJul 19, 2013

Graphene 'onion rings' have delicious potential

Researchers at Rice University have successfully synthesized graphene nanoribbons on metal from the bottom up, a process that could lead to breakthroughs in electronics and energy storage. The 'onion rings' of graphene were grown using a new method that relies on hydrogen pressure and controlled growth conditions.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 18, 2013

How rice twice became a crop and twice became a weed -- and what it means for the future

Evolutionary biologist Kenneth Olsen has examined the genetics of hull color in rice, finding that different mutations underlie the emergence of traits in both cultivated and weedy forms. The findings suggest that crops reverted to wild forms by reversing genetic changes, but with a more complex history than initially thought.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 17, 2013

Broadband photodetector for polarized light

Rice University and Sandia National Laboratories have created a solid-state electronic device that detects polarized light across the visible and infrared spectrum. The new photodetector uses aligned carbon nanotubes to provide intrinsic polarization sensing, unlike traditional methods which rely on filters or gratings.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 16, 2013

Silicon oxide memories transcend a hurdle

Rice University scientists have developed a 1-kilobit rewritable silicon oxide device with diodes that eliminate data-corrupting crosstalk. The technique creates a channel of pure metallic phase silicon, allowing for high on/off ratio and multibit switching.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 9, 2013
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.

Not-weak knots bolster carbon fiber

Researchers at Rice University developed a new type of carbon fiber with unique properties, achieving '100% knot efficiency' where the fiber is equally likely to break anywhere along its length. The fibers were created by spinning large graphene oxide flakes into fibers, resulting in enhanced strength and flexibility.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 8, 2013

Wiggling worms make waves in gene pool

Researchers at Rice University analyzed thousands of mutant worms to identify genes controlling movement, revealing 87 new links in the process. The study also uncovered evidence for a protein-signaling pathway regulating locomotion, with implications for prioritizing genetic tests in humans.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Rice U. releases findings from national Portraits of American Life Study

The longitudinal Rice University Portraits of American Life Study found that Americans are more respectful towards religious traditions, but also more divided on key social issues like marriage and abortion. The study also revealed shifts in moral reasoning and religious affiliation, with significant implications for politics and society.

SourceRice University·DateJun 28, 2013