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Rice cultivates green batteries from plant

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that the madder plant's purpurin can be used as a natural cathode for lithium-ion batteries, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional batteries. The team has built a half-battery cell with a capacity of 90 milliamp hours per gram after 50 charge/discharge cycles.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2012
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.

Ancient red dye powers new 'green' battery

Researchers from City College of New York have developed a non-toxic and sustainable lithium-ion battery powered by purpurin, a natural plant dye extracted from the madder plant. The battery's production process is simpler and less expensive than traditional Li-ion batteries, with fewer environmental risks.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2012

Clinical trial tests rice bran to prevent cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center review suggests rice bran offers anti-cancer properties due to its synergistic bioactive compounds. The clinical trial tests rice bran's effectiveness in preventing colon cancer recurrence, with researchers exploring the optimal composition and daily intake for chemoprevention.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·DateDec 5, 2012

James' bond: A graphene/nanotube hybrid

Researchers successfully grew forests of carbon nanotubes on a sheet of graphene, creating a seamless three-dimensional structure with a massive surface area. This hybrid material offers great potential for electronic components like fast supercapacitors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2012

Deciphering bacterial doomsday decisions

A Rice University-led study has uncovered an elaborate mechanism allowing bacteria to begin preparing for survival even as it delays the decision to form a spore. The research found that nested 'feedforward' loops enable cells to process information while executing the program, making an accurate decision without delay.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Corporate wrongdoers should stick to the facts in post-crisis message

A new study from Rice University explores the effects of firm actions and industry spillovers on media coverage following wrongdoing. The research found that companies directly responsible for wrongdoing face more damaging media backlash than those not directly involved but affected by industry-wide scandals.

SourceRice University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateNov 26, 2012

Rice unveils super-efficient solar-energy technology

Rice University scientists have developed a super-efficient solar-energy technology that converts sunlight into steam directly, with an overall energy efficiency of 24 percent. The 'solar steam' method uses nanoparticles to heat water instantly vaporizing it and creating steam from nearly frozen water.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 19, 2012

Lava dots: Rice makes hollow, soft-shelled quantum dots

Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of nanoparticle called lava dots, which are hollow and coated versions of quantum dots. The particles were discovered using a 'molten-droplet synthesis' technique and can be used as catalysts for hydrogen production, chemical sensors, and solar cells.

SourceRice University·JournalNanotechnology·DateNov 19, 2012

Antenna-on-a-chip rips the light fantastic

The Rice team's device can modulate a signal at more than 10 gigabits per second, making it suitable for real-time video processing and high-speed data throughput. This breakthrough has the potential to scale up the capability of optical information processing systems by several magnitudes.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 16, 2012
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.

A better route to xylan

Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers identify a gene in rice plants that improves extraction of xylan and release of sugars needed for biofuels by over 60%. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of advanced biofuels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2012

Childhood obesity more likely to affect children in poorer neighborhoods

A new study by Rice University sociologists reveals that children living in poorer neighborhoods are nearly 30% more likely to be obese than those in more affluent areas. The research found that neighborhood poverty and lower education levels are associated with increased child obesity risk, while a higher proportion of foreign-born re...

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateNov 12, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pinning protein could answer provocative cancer question

Rice University chemist Zachary Ball and collaborators aim to create a drug that's effective against an 'undruggable' protein by using metal-based pins. They're attempting to answer whether new technologies can inhibit traditionally undruggable target molecules, including transcription factors required for cancer.

SourceRice University·DateOct 29, 2012

Study explains connection between Hawaii's dueling volcanoes

A new study explains the connection between Kilauea and Mauna Loa by proposing an upper-mantle link that can account for their competition over a deep magma supply. The research suggests that increased pressure in the upper mantle is transmitted through a partially molten region, causing simultaneous inflation at both volcanoes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 23, 2012

Rice agriculture accelerates global warming, new research finds

A recent study found that rice paddies are a significant source of the potent greenhouse gas methane. The research team discovered that increasing carbon dioxide levels and rising temperatures boost rice yields but also increase methane emissions, highlighting the need for mitigation efforts to ensure a secure global food supply.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 21, 2012
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.

Feds enlist Rice for nanocarbon project

The partnership will focus on measurement and characterization of nanomaterials for enhanced optical, electrical and mechanical properties. The research aims to kickstart advances in energy, healthcare, materials science and national security.

SourceRice University·DateOct 16, 2012

VCU study: Evidence of fall spawning by Atlantic sturgeon in Virginia river

A VCU study found evidence of fall spawning by Atlantic sturgeon in the James River, a finding that may lead to guidelines and protections for future management and recovery. The research also highlights the need to understand unique ecological traits of the James River population.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalTransactions of the American Fisheries Society·DateOct 12, 2012

Women use emoticons more than men in text messaging :-)

A study from Rice University found that women are twice as likely as men to use emoticons in text messages. The study also revealed that while women may use emoticons more frequently, men used a larger variety of emoticons to express themselves.

SourceRice University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateOct 10, 2012

Light might prompt graphene devices on demand

Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in doping graphene with light, allowing for the creation of simple, graphene-based diodes and transistors on demand. The discovery uses plasmonics to manipulate light and inject electrons into the material, enabling novel security and cryptography devices.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 10, 2012

Photonic gels are colorful sensors

Researchers at Rice University and MIT developed a thin-film polymer metamaterial that changes color in response to ions, enabling the creation of inexpensive sensors for food spoilage detection, security, and high-contrast displays. The sensors can be tuned to react in specific ways by adjusting the solvent used.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 10, 2012
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.

Rice U. study: State deregulation of open-heart surgery beneficial to patients

A study by Rice University researchers found that states without Certificate of Need regulations for open-heart surgery experienced a 4% decrease in average patient care costs. The deregulation led to increased competition among hospitals, driving up the quality of care and resulting in cost savings.

SourceRice University·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateOct 3, 2012

Visionary transparent memory a step closer to reality

Researchers at Rice University have designed transparent, two-terminal, three-dimensional computer memories using silicon oxide and graphene. The devices show promise for electronics and sophisticated heads-up displays, with a working yield of about 80 percent.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2012
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Tadpole shrimp a new pest of rice in the midsouthern United States

Tadpole shrimp have been identified as a new pest of rice production systems in the midsouthern United States. The shrimp feed on rice seedlings and uproot them during foraging, causing water to become muddy and reducing light penetration.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateSep 28, 2012

Predatory bacterial crowdsourcing

Scientists at Rice University and UTHealth discovered a simple formula that enables Myxococcus xanthus bacteria to create waves to spread and devour other bacteria. The formula involves side-to-side contact between cells, a reversal time interval, and physical interactions, allowing the waves to move outward in unison.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 27, 2012

Rice University lab encodes collagen

Rice scientists created a computer program that predicts the most stable structures of nanometer-sized collagen, a crucial step toward synthesizing custom collagen. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating diseases and designing drugs, as collagen plays a vital role in holding cells together.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2012
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.

Genes render some rice species sterile

Researchers have identified three genes responsible for hybrid sterility in rice, controlling fertility in indica-japonica hybrids by targeting female gametes and stabilizing cell membranes. The study may lead to the development of non-lethal hybrid combinations, improving crop genetics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 13, 2012

Studies shed light on how to reduce the amount of toxins in plant-derived foods

Researchers have identified genes that can be used to select low-cadmium accumulating crop varieties, offering a potential solution to reducing toxic levels in food. By understanding the mechanisms of Cd uptake in plants, scientists aim to develop targeted breeding strategies for crops like rice, wheat, and potatoes.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateSep 12, 2012
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.

Every atom counts in graphene formation

Rice University researchers have developed a nanoreactor theory to predict graphene formation, which can advance the material's quality and electronic properties. The team found that the shape of the graphene edge pattern is dictated by the most efficient use of energy, with skewed edges growing fastest.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2012

Waste not, power up

Researchers have developed a method to make flexible lithium-ion battery components from discarded silicon, which can prolong their usefulness. The new material is made by creating nanowires from high-value but hard-to-recycle silicon and then encasing them in an electrically conducting copper and ion-conducting polymer electrolyte.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2012

Nanoparticles reboot blood flow in brain

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a nanoparticle that can restore balance to the brain's vascular system after an injury. The PEG-HCC nanoparticles immediately quench superoxide activity and allow the autoregulatory system to regain its balance, potentially treating mild brain trauma by preventing further damage.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 23, 2012
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.

How to feed data-hungry mobile devices? Use more antennas

Researchers from Rice University unveiled a new multi-antenna technology dubbed Argos, which aims to dramatically increase network capacity by allowing cell towers to simultaneously beam signals to more than a dozen customers on the same frequency. The technology could result in a six-fold increase in network capacity and energy savings.

SourceRice University·DateAug 23, 2012

Brain-wave-reading robot might help stroke patients

A new robotic exoskeleton and EEG-based neural interface are being developed to help stroke patients regain upper-limb function. The system will interpret brain waves to control the exoskeleton, allowing patients to willingly operate it with their thoughts.

SourceRice University·DateAug 20, 2012
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.

NIH backs Rice University study of delay in gene transcription networks

A Rice University researcher has received a National Institutes of Health grant to study the effects of delay in gene transcription on cellular processes. The goal is to create techniques for generating and analyzing models of gene networks that incorporate delay, which can help predict how genetic networks function and fail.

SourceRice University·DateAug 14, 2012

Researchers aim to grow salivary glands using patient's own cells

A team of researchers aims to grow whole salivary glands using patient's own cells to replace those destroyed by cancer radiation therapy, benefiting thousands of cancer patients with dry mouth. The regenerative method could also help those with Sjögren's syndrome, a chronic disease that affects moisture-producing glands.

SourceRice University·DateAug 14, 2012

Toughened silicon sponges may make tenacious batteries

Researchers at Rice University and Lockheed Martin have developed a process to create multiple high-performance anodes from a single silicon wafer for lithium-ion batteries. The new method uses electrochemical etching to extract the sponge-like structure, which can store more than four times its weight in lithium.

SourceRice University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJul 16, 2012
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.

Plasmonic chains act like polymers

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that plasmonic chains exhibit properties similar to polymers, with the arrangement of nanoparticles influencing their optical behavior. The study found that the addition of nanoparticles along the chain can alter the energy of super-radiant modes and affect the interaction between particles.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 12, 2012

Tiny bubbles snap carbon nanotubes like twigs

Researchers at Rice University detail the exact mechanism of how carbon nanotubes bend and break when subjected to ultrasonic vibrations in a liquid. The study reveals that long and short nanotubes behave differently, with shorter tubes stretching and longer ones bending before snapping.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2012

Study reveals good news about the GI of rice

A study analyzing 235 types of rice found its glycemic index (GI) varies greatly among types, with most scoring a low to medium GI. This allows consumers, including those with diabetes or at risk, to select rice varieties for a healthy diet.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateJul 8, 2012
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.

Daily deal industry shows no evidence of slowing down

A new study by Utpal Dholakia at Rice University found that daily deals are becoming increasingly successful for businesses, with three-quarters reporting profits after seven or more deals. The study also reveals that newer and smaller businesses tend to perform better in the long term, with sustainability rates of up to 40%.

SourceRice University·DateJul 5, 2012

Rising plasma offers clues to sun storms

A team of researchers, including a Rice astrophysicist, used Doppler measurements to observe loops of plasma flowing up from the sun's surface at high speeds. These findings may help predict solar flares and coronal mass ejections that threaten satellites and power grids.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 3, 2012

Rice researchers develop paintable battery

Rice researchers have developed a paintable lithium-ion battery with a five-layer structure, consisting of spray-painted components. The batteries were tested on various substrates and showed remarkable consistency in their capacities, making them suitable for energy-harvesting applications.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 28, 2012

Study shows stagnating life expectancies in US

A new study by Rice University and the University of Colorado at Boulder found that US life expectancy has stagnated over the past century, with the poorest citizens living approximately five years less than more affluent persons. The study also found that despite moderate gains in coming years, the US still trails its developed counte...

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateJun 21, 2012

Nano-infused paint can detect strain

A new type of paint made with carbon nanotubes can help detect strain in buildings, bridges, and airplanes. This method provides a big advantage over conventional strain gauges, which must be physically connected to their read-out devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 21, 2012
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.

Asymmetry may provide clue to superconductivity

Electronic asymmetry was discovered in iron-based high-temperature superconductors, providing new insights into their behavior. The study found that this asymmetry is a result of collective electronic behavior and may be essential for the material's superconductivity.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2012

In nanotube growth, errors are not an option

The study found that iron is the best and quickest catalyst to heal topological defects in nanotubes, which are critical for advanced materials. The researchers determined that healing occurs in a small zone near the catalyst and can happen in a fraction of a millisecond.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 19, 2012

Protein residues kiss, don't tell

Researchers create DCA-fold tool to spot subtle interactions between amino acids in proteins, refining methods for predicting protein form and function. The new method uses genomic sequence information to eliminate possibilities from the range of forms a protein might take.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2012
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.

Researchers work to untangle knots, slipknots in species separated by a billion years of evolution

A new study finds strongly conserved parts of proteins responsible for knotted portions display remarkable similarities among species separated by more than a billion years. Slipknotted proteins, rare but essential for cell membrane stability, are also widely distributed across different families and species.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

Corporate political giving doesn't pay

A new study by Rice University and Long Island University found that corporate political activity is negatively associated with market performance. Firms' political investments also worsen both market and accounting performance.

SourceRice University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJun 11, 2012

'Nanocable' could be big boon for energy storage

Researchers at Rice University have created a tiny coaxial cable that is about a thousand times smaller than a human hair and has higher capacitance than previously reported microcapacitors. The nanocable, made with carbon and copper, could be used to build next-generation energy-storage systems.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2012

Rice research IDs vulnerable bridges

A Rice University study identifies over a dozen Gulf Coast bridges at risk of severe damage in a hurricane with stronger winds than Hurricane Ike. The research helps public safety officials plan emergency responses and identify potential fixes for existing bridges.

SourceRice University·DateJun 5, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Liberals vs. conservatives: How politics affects charitable giving

A new study found that liberals and conservatives tend to donate more to charities aligned with their respective moral foundations. Republicans are more likely to donate when a charity supports traditional values and loyalty, while Democrats are more inclined to donate when the emphasis is on equality and protection from harm.

SourceRice University·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateMay 31, 2012