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Biofilm reorganization: Back to the theoretical drawing board

Researchers used image-analysis methods to analyze microcinematic movies of bacteria forming aggregates, revealing that size matters most in predicting survival. The team found a signaling mechanism within the aggregate itself that trumps neighbor-related factors, contradicting existing theories.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chemical-free pest management cuts rice waste

A collaborative EUREKA project developed an integrated pest management system, reducing rice waste by over 95% through sustainable technologies. The system uses electronic insect traps, aeration, and modified atmosphere to protect rice during storage, improving quality and food security.

'Pruned' microchips are faster, smaller, more energy-efficient

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new pruning technique to trim away unnecessary circuits in computer chips, resulting in faster and more energy-efficient devices. The method uses probabilistic computing to boost performance while reducing power demands.

New study proves the brain has 3 layers of working memory

Researchers at Rice University and Georgia Tech found evidence for three distinct layers of working memory, including a core focusing on one active item and surrounding areas holding multiple items. Predictability can improve multitasking by automizing certain tasks, allowing individuals to effectively switch between tasks.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Metallic molecules to nanotubes: Spread out!

A Rice University lab has created a technique to disperse single-walled carbon nanotubes in water using ruthenium complexes, keeping their unique properties intact. The new approach allows for the simultaneous addition of functionalities, advancing applications in imaging sensors, catalysis, and solar-activated hydrogen fuel cells.

Children in public housing play outdoors more

Researchers discovered that young children living in public housing spend more time playing outdoors than their peers, with a significant link to lower body mass indexes (BMIs). Mothers' perceptions of neighborhood environments also played a key role in predicting children's outdoor playtime and TV watching habits.

Study shows that defensive military alliances enhance peace

A new study by Rice University researchers found that countries with defensive military alliances are less likely to be attacked, and these alliances do not increase the likelihood of aggression. The study analyzed defense agreements from 1816 to 2001 and suggests that such alliances can make war and militarized conflicts shorter.

Microsponges from seaweed may save lives

Researchers create microsponges that capture biomarkers, enabling rapid disease diagnosis with high accuracy. The technology has the potential to replace traditional diagnostic methods at a lower cost.

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.

Researchers get a grip on nervous system's receptors

Scientists used single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques combined with wavelet transforms to study the AMPA receptor's behavior. They identified four distinct conformations of the receptor and found that its 'cleft' is constantly opening and closing, exploring space for neurotransmitters.

What a ride! Researchers take molecules for a spin

Researchers Anatoly Kolomeisky and Alexey Akimov decoded the behavior of molecular whirligigs attached to a gold surface through simulations. Their findings could lead to new materials in nanoscale machines, including radio filters with finely tuned signals.

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.

Like humans, amoebae pack a lunch before they travel

Researchers found that about a third of wild-collected Dictyamoeba are 'farmers' who store bacteria as food and thrive in environments where others struggle to find sustenance. The study's findings suggest potential insights into the development of new treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.

Biomedical breakthrough: Blood vessels for lab-grown tissues

Scientists have successfully grown the blood vessels and capillaries needed to keep tissues alive, paving the way for transplantable tissue growth. By mimicking the body's extracellular matrix and using light to create soft hydrogels, researchers were able to form functioning capillary networks in just 72 hours.

Virus killer gets supercharged

Rice University researchers have developed a method to enhance the effectiveness of a common disinfectant, increasing its ability to degrade aerosol- and water-borne viruses by more than three times. The new technique involves adding silicone to titanium dioxide, which is widely used in paints, sunscreen, and food coloring.

Poker-faced professions take toll on employees

Research from Rice University and other institutions shows that employees in neutral professions spend more energy suppressing emotions, leading to burnout. Neutral expressions also lead to less positive customer reactions and lower ratings.

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.

Bendy tubes get around

Rice University researchers settle a long-standing controversy in polymer dynamics by proving that flexibility enhances the mobility of stiff filaments. The study shows that nanotubes and other fine filaments can navigate through crowded environments and fixed networks with ease, paving the way for new sensing technologies.

K-State research looks at pathogenic attacks on host plants

Researchers from Kansas State University have identified three resistance genes in rice that can be mutated to build resistance against pathogens. They discovered these genes by studying how bacteria take over plant nutrients, providing insight into ways to reduce crop losses and develop new medicinal research avenues.

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.

Rice researchers take molecule's temperature

Rice University researchers have developed a technique to measure the temperature of molecules using Raman spectroscopy and an optical antenna. They found that they could detect temperature fluctuations of up to 20 degrees in the molecules, which will be useful for the molecular electronics community.

Research examines gender gaps in immigrant health

A new study by researchers at Duke University reveals that Mexican American men and women have different experiences with the US healthcare system, with men facing greater challenges as they age. Women, particularly those more recently arrived in the US, report poorer health due to their increased interactions with healthcare providers.

Study probes link between magnetism, superconductivity

A US-European team has found that magnetism drives unconventional superconductivity in heavy-fermion materials, with magnetic energy saved by over 10 times when the system enters a superconducting state. The study provides evidence for collective fluctuations of electrons at the border of magnetism as capable of driving superconductivity.

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.

Nano squid skin: DOD awards $6M for metamaterials research

The project aims to unlock the secrets of nature's best camouflage artists, specifically cephalopod skins, to create adaptive and responsive materials. The team will investigate light sensing and use it to regulate skin patterns, colors, and contrasts.

Better batteries from the bottom up

Rice University researchers have developed microbatteries with nanowire 'hearts' that can store more energy and charge faster than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The batteries employ vertical arrays of nickel-tin nanowires encased in a PMMA polymer, which insulates the wires and allows ions to pass through.

Rice physicists discover ultrasensitive microwave detector

Researchers at Rice University have developed a highly sensitive microwave detector using ultrapure gallium arsenide semiconductors. The discovery could enable the creation of next-generation computers with higher clock speeds, potentially reaching 100 GHz.

Rice physicists help unravel mystery of repetitive DNA segments

Scientists at Rice University have discovered that poly(dA) repeats behave differently when stretched, requiring less force to lengthen without additional effort. The findings raise more questions about the role these repeats play in gene regulation and genome packaging.

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.

Low-status leaders are ignored

A new study from Rice University found that players are more likely to imitate high-status leaders and ignore low-status leaders in a repeated public-goods game. Contributions from followers with low-status leaders dropped off even as their leaders increased their contributions, showing the importance of leader status on cooperation.

Light touch brightens nanotubes

Rice University researchers found that adding tiny amounts of ozone to single-walled carbon nanotubes decorates them with oxygen atoms, enhancing their near-infrared fluorescence intensity and shifting the wavelength. The process is simple enough for a physical chemist to do, and lab tests showed stable fluorescent properties for months.

New way of predicting dominant seasonal flu strain

Researchers used multidimensional scaling to create a graphical plot of amino acid sequence data for all strains of H3N2, predicting the dominant strain with high accuracy. The new method can predict whether a new flu strain will become dominant as little as two weeks after its appearance in GenBank, outperforming current methods.

Tests show bright future for gadonanotubes in stem cell tracking

Researchers at Rice University have developed gadonanotubes that can effectively track mesenchymal stem cells through magnetic resonance imaging, potentially improving disease diagnosis and treatment. The study found that GNTs are 40 times better than standard contrast agents in helping doctors spot signs of disease or damage.

Sugar and slice make graphene real nice

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to produce high-quality graphene using plain table sugar and other carbon-based substances. The process, which can be done in just one step, produces large-area sheets of graphene at low temperatures.

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.

Looking for wireless? Try a local farm

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research are developing wireless sensing networks to monitor field conditions in rice and cotton production. The systems use sensors to track temperature, soil moisture, and fiber quality, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions. This technology has the potential to improve crop management, incr...

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.

Recommendation letters may be costing women jobs, promotions

A study at Rice University found that female candidates are described in more communal terms, which can negatively impact their hiring chances. The researchers suggest that traditional gender schemas contribute to these biases, highlighting the need for increased awareness of subtle discrimination in academia and management roles.

'Prima donna' protein doesn't work well in pairs

Researchers find that kinesins, powerful cargo-moving proteins, struggle to coordinate their efforts when paired, leading to inconsistent cargo transport. This discovery sheds light on the complex mechanisms governing intracellular transport and its link to neurodegenerative diseases.

ASPB members lead new plant genome research program awards

The National Science Foundation has awarded $101.9 million to ASPB member researchers under its Plant Genome Research Program, advancing plant genomics and improving agricultural productivity. The projects will also engage the public in outreach and educational activities.

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.

Rice hulls a sustainable drainage option for greenhouse growers

A study by Purdue University found that rice hulls can be used as a sustainable substitute for perlite in growing media, reducing the need for plant growth regulators and energy-intensive mining processes. The findings have potential to increase profits for rice growers and reduce costs for greenhouse plant growers.

Green Carbon Center takes all-inclusive view of energy

The Rice University think tank aims to recycle carbon dioxide into useful products, partnering with energy companies to make carbon a profitable resource. Strategies include repurposing CO2 as a feedstock for chemicals or sequestering it in oil wells.

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.

Black rice bran may help fight disease-related inflammation

A new study suggests that black rice bran extract can reduce skin inflammation by 32% compared to control animals. Feeding mice a diet with black rice bran also showed a significant reduction in swelling associated with allergic contact dermatitis.

Triple-mode transistors show potential

Triple-mode transistors based on graphene can switch between positive and negative carriers, providing opportunities not possible with traditional single-transistor architectures. This property enables the transistor to be used in various applications such as wireless and audio signaling schemes.

Silicon strategy shows promise for batteries

Rice University scientists have created a new type of silicon anode that can store more than 10 times the amount of lithium as current graphite-based anodes. The breakthrough could lead to significant increases in battery performance and lifespan, making electric cars more efficient and cost-effective.

Half the productivity, twice the carbon

The IT industry is on pace to grow its carbon emissions at twice the rate of its contributions to gross domestic product. The study found that green innovation will be essential for ICT profitability in a carbon-constrained economy.

Grant advances quark-gluon plasma studies

The grant supports the lab's transition to analyzing data from a new detector, enabling researchers to identify 96% of subatomic particles in collisions. The project aims to study hot and dense matter, including its critical point, and understand the early state of the universe.

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.

'Miracle rice' finding proves we can never stop rice breeding

A recent study published in Field Crops Research found that the 'miracle rice' variety IR8 has seen a 15% drop in yield since its release in the 1960s, mainly due to environmental factors. Ongoing breeding efforts are necessary to help farmers cope with changing climate conditions.

Hydrogen fuel for thought

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a class of material known as metallacarborane that could store hydrogen at or better than benchmarks set by the US Department of Energy. The material has the potential to meet DOE storage goals for hydrogen fuel, which could be used in cars, fuel cells, and industry.

USDA awards enhance the nutritional quality of food aid products

The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded nearly $3.8 million to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. These projects aim to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of food aid products, particularly for infants and young children at risk for malnutrition.

CEO's fate in hands of external constituents

A study by Rice University found that investment analysts' negative stock recommendations increase the probability of CEO dismissal. The researchers analyzed panel data on S&P 500 companies from 2000 to 2005 and found a significant impact of downgrades on CEO turnover decisions.

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.

One-dimensional window on superconductivity, magnetism

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created a precision simulator for superconductors using ultracold atomic gas. By trapping and holding lithium atoms in beams of light, they can observe how electrons would behave in particular types of superconductors.

Rice University's award-winning NanoJapan program wins $4M grant

The NanoJapan program combines study-abroad and research experiences, targeting freshmen and sophomores. The new grant will allow the program to expand its internships into terahertz science, providing students with a unique opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research.

Rice growers turn to computer for advice, predictions

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications developed a computer program to provide rice farmers with accurate forecasts and recommendations. The Rice Development Advisory program combines climate, soil, and weather data to help farmers plan planting, irrigation, and harvesting.

Nano antenna concentrates light

Researchers at Rice University have developed a nano antenna that can concentrate light by a factor of 1,000. By measuring the electrical current flowing between two gold tips separated by a nanoscale gap, they were able to determine the amplification of light intensity in the gap.

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.

Melding Wi-Fi with digital TV 'white space'

Rice University researchers are testing wireless communications technology that uses dormant broadcast television channels to deliver free, high-speed broadband Internet service. The new grant will allow the network to dynamically adapt its frequency usage and study how people interact with the new technology.