Research on rice as a crop and staple food. Covers fertilizer and emissions trade-offs, biochar and heavy metals, and heat resilience.
The SSPEED Center will compile lessons learned from Hurricane Ike and provide recommendations on preparing for future storms. The project aims to improve methods for predicting storm impacts, evacuation planning, and land use development in vulnerable areas.
A report by Rice University scientists warns that growing biofuels could harm the nation's water resources, degrading quality and affecting availability. The researchers suggest choosing drought-tolerant crops grown on minimal irrigation to balance energy needs with water conservation.
Researchers investigated calcium supplementation's effect on obese patients' weight loss, found no benefits. Red yeast rice capsules improved LDL cholesterol levels in statin-intolerant patients without muscle pain side effects. Colonoscopy-related adverse events were low but increased with age and specific comorbid conditions.
Researchers found that people are more likely to buy Extended Service Contracts for hedonic products like game controllers, which hold value due to the pain of potential loss. Price promotions also play a role, with low-income consumers more likely to purchase ESCs as they cannot afford replacements.
The first field test of Rice University's 'nanorust' technology, a low-cost method for removing arsenic from drinking water, will begin later this year in Guanajuato, Mexico. The technology uses tiny iron oxide particles to naturally bind with arsenic and can be used in sand filters to treat groundwater.
A research team led by Andrew Barron at Rice University identified specific molecules that can block the spread of HIV-1 PR by attaching themselves to its binding pocket. They used computer simulations to narrow down a collection of fullerenes and found two promising candidates.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Tufts University found that four units of beta-carotene from Golden Rice convert to one unit of vitamin A in humans. This could help address vitamin A deficiency, a common problem worldwide where rice is a staple food, leading to vision problems or blindness.
Scientists at Rice University have found a way to produce ultrathin, electrically conductive nanoribbons using a room-temperature chemical process. These ribbons are made from graphene, the single-layer form of graphite, and exhibit remarkable strength and conductivity.
Dr. Neal F. Lane, a prominent physicist and former U.S. presidential science advisor, has been awarded the AIP's Karl T. Compton Medal for his outstanding contributions to physics through exceptional statesmanship. He is recognized for his advocacy of public understanding of science and technology, as well as his championship of scient...
The Rice-led PACE project aims to improve compiler performance for various microprocessors, including PCs, cell phones, and game systems. Researchers hope to develop tools that can optimize compilers in real-time, enabling faster application execution and reduced power consumption.
Rice University scientists have developed a method to optimize the attack on cancer cells using laser-nanoparticles. By adjusting the size and composition of nanoparticles, researchers can create more uniform temperature profiles within tumors.
Rice University scientists developed a computerized method to test flu vaccine efficacy against multiple strains, outperforming existing tests. The new approach may help create more effective vaccines for both seasonal and bird flu, improving global preparedness.
A new solar-powered electronic slate, or I-slate, will use Rice's revolutionary low-energy computer chips to enable learning in rural Indian classrooms. The chips' 'probabilistic' technology trades off precision for significant reductions in energy use.
Researchers at Rice University and the University of Oulu discovered that carbon nanotube brush contacts can significantly reduce resistance in electrical commutators, leading to improved performance and reduced energy loss. The study found a 10-fold decrease in resistance compared to traditional copper-carbon composite brushes.
A Yellowstone alga has been found to detoxify arsenic through a process of oxidation, reduction, and conversion, rendering it less toxic. The discovery could have significant implications for bioremediation efforts and the potential for life to exist on other planets or moons.
Over 200,000 genetically modified rice mutant lines are now available for researchers to study the function of approximately 57,000 genes in Oryza sativa. The vast repository is expected to accelerate the understanding of gene function and biological processes in rice and other commercially important grasses.
Rice University Assistant Professor Jamie Padgett has been chosen as a 'New Face of Engineering', representing civil engineering, with research focused on identifying hazards to bridges and infrastructure. She aims to provide policymakers with tools for socially conscious infrastructure risk assessment and mitigation.
A breakthrough discovery by Washington University researchers has identified a technology that reduces infection by the Rice Tungro Disease virus, causing significant economic losses in agriculture. The technology involves transgenic rice plants that overexpress specific proteins, providing improved resistance to the virus.
Researchers at Rice University have created hybrid carbon nanotube metal oxide arrays as electrode material that may improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The new design could lead to longer-lasting electric cars and gadgets, as well as enhanced capabilities for electrochemical capacitors and fuel cells.
Scientists have created a microchip that uses 30 times less electricity while running seven times faster than today's technology, thanks to probabilistic logic. This technology has significant implications for the IT industry's carbon footprint, potentially reducing energy consumption in devices such as cell phones and medical implants.
Carbon nanotubes grow through self-assembly forming a 'tapestry' of twisting threads, where each thread's length determines the tube's growth rate. The research reveals a direct relationship between a nanotube's chiral angle and its growth speed.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created nanocars that can move and operate at room temperature using fluorescent imaging. The breakthrough, led by Stephan Link, allows for the possibility of adapting these tiny machines to various applications beyond their original heated requirements.
The sorghum genome sequence reveals its drought-tolerant properties and offers tools to breed more resilient crops. The genetic code is also being used to improve biofuel crops like sugarcane and Miscanthus, enhancing the efficiency of cellulosic ethanol production.
A Purdue University researcher used a process focusing on one gene to trace the evolutionary history of domesticated rice, discovering genetic variation over millions of years. By comparing domesticated plants to wild rice species, scientists can identify valuable genes for desirable traits like branching and increased plant size.
A new, higher-yielding rice plant is being developed through a global consortium of scientists, which aims to increase yields by 50% while reducing fertilizer and water usage. The project has received a $11 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and has the potential to benefit billions of poor people worldwide.
The Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) aims to increase grain production by 5 million tons annually, benefiting six million poor rural households. The project will focus on sustainable cereal production in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal through the development of new crop varieties and technologies.
Researchers found that politicians' speech patterns reveal a social hierarchy, with black race and female gender assigned subordinate roles, while white males dominate. This study highlights the reproduction of racism and sexism in political discourse, affecting how leaders are perceived.
A new study by Rice University psychologist Denise Chen found that the brain recognizes and encodes the smell of male sexual sweat in women. The research, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to directly study human sexual sweat.
Researchers found that using two layers of cattail or rice straw mulch resulted in a 94-100% control of weeds and increased fruit yield. Natural mulches also reduced the need for synthetic herbicides, improving environmental benefits.
Researchers found that the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) is necessary to resolve word competition during speech. This brain region, including Broca's area, is responsible for aspects of speech production and language processing.
Researchers are using a Wii console to develop robotic learning systems that can teach humans complex skills. They aim to analyze how people learn physical tasks and program robots to mimic this process.
Researchers at Rice University have identified a potential connection between glutamate and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in the development of neurological disorders. A mutation in a glutamate receptor gene found in both fruit flies and humans can disrupt regulatory mechanisms, leading to increased neuronal excitability.
Researchers at MIT's Alcator C-Mod fusion reactor have found an efficient way to push the hot plasma around inside the vessel, preventing heat loss and turbulence. This breakthrough could be crucial to the success of future power-generating fusion reactors like ITER.
Bui Chi Buu, director general of the Institute of Agricultural Science for Southern Vietnam, has been awarded the Senadhira Rice Research Award for his outstanding work in developing popular rice varieties in Vietnam. His efforts have led to the certification of many rice varieties grown by farmers throughout the Mekong Delta.
Julia Bailey-Serres and her collaborators have developed flood-tolerant rice varieties that can recover after prolonged submergence, improving crop yields in flood-prone areas. The new rice varieties, already passed field tests in Bangladesh and India, will be made available to smallholder farmers within two years.
Naomi Halas, a renowned nano-optics expert, has been awarded a $3 million grant by the Department of Defense for her research on engineered nanophotonics. This breakthrough work could lead to innovations in super-efficient solar power collectors and next-generation camouflage.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a graphene-based memory device that can store large amounts of data in a two-dimensional array. This technology increases storage capacity by a factor of five and consumes virtually no power.
Several new flood-tolerant rice varieties have passed tests in farmers' fields with flying colors, offering a solution to crop losses due to flooding. The varieties, which can withstand 2 weeks of submergence, are nearly identical to their susceptible counterparts but recover after severe flooding to yield well.
A team of researchers led by University of Georgia's Wayne Parrott is using a jumping gene in rice and radiation to identify key genes in soybeans that can be used to produce a better bean. This project aims to improve soybean yield, disease resistance and nutritional content.
Scientists have identified a group of genes in rice that enable a yield of up to 100% more in severe drought conditions. This breakthrough has the potential to bring relief to farmers in countries like India and Thailand, where rice crops are regularly affected by drought.
Rice University scientists develop technique to view step-by-step breakdown of TCE, a common groundwater pollutant, using nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The method provides new level of detail for understanding catalyzed reactions in water, with potential applications in biofuels processing.
Researchers developed a single-sensor system using compressed sensing and randomized images, enabling real-time terahertz imaging. This technology could lead to inexpensive security cameras and breakthroughs in medicine, signal processing, and telecom.
Researchers have developed a new tool to investigate the rice genome, covering nearly all 45,000 genes. The microarray reveals genes crucial for responding to light and stresses, including those involved in photosynthesis and photorespiration.
The John S. Dunn Research Foundation has awarded Rice University a $3 million grant to support collaborative research studies in biomedical science with potential clinical applications.
Researchers have identified a gene in rice that controls the size and weight of grains. The GIF1 gene is responsible for controlling invertase activity, which is essential for starch production. By overexpressing the GIF1 gene in transgenic lines of rice, scientists were able to increase grain size and weight.
Researchers at Rice University developed a method to predict Wi-Fi coverage using basic topography and street locations, promising cheaper and easier network deployment. The technique was tested on two high-profile networks and showed promising results.
A new study by Rice University sociologists defines the evangelical movement and its effects on polling, revealing varying percentages based on operationalization strategies. The research found that depending on how one defines an evangelical, the percentage of Republicans among them varies significantly.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a purification method that filters out impurities from gold nanorods, resulting in solutions that are more than 99% pure. The discovery has significant implications for the emerging U.S. nanotechnology industry.
Researchers identified acylated steryl-beta-glucosides as the active compounds behind germinated rice's health benefits, including improved cognitive function and anti-diabetic properties. These unique sterol-like molecules are concentrated in the rice bran and may be specific to rice.
A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations highlights that higher food prices are partly to blame for the number of hungry people growing, with around 925 million worldwide. To address this, a second Green Revolution is needed to expand productivity sustainably while preserving natural resources.
A new study in Strategic Management Journal reveals that Boards of Directors commonly make faulty hires when they hire CEOs from outside the firm. Creating nominating committees with leadership by outside directors can help avoid this problem and increase the chances of a newly appointed CEO succeeding.
The International Rice Research Institute has received a $500,000 donation from 5 PRIME to support research on developing drought-tolerant rice varieties. This donation will strengthen IRRI's capabilities for efficient and cost-effective rice production.
Naomi Halas, a leading researcher in nanophotonics, has been honored with the Research Excellence Award for her innovative work on nanoparticle synthesis and its applications in biotechnology. Her invention of nanoshells has shown tunable optical properties, making them suitable for various medical applications.
Researchers found that a small genetic mutation alters the structure of ATP7B, a large complex protein regulating copper movement in human cells. The study sheds light on how this mutation leads to Wilson disease, which affects as many as 150,000 people worldwide.
Physicists from Rice and Rutgers universities have published a new theory explaining the complex electronic and magnetic properties of iron pnictides. The research suggests that pnictides exhibit magnetic frustration, which enhances magnetic quantum fluctuations and may be responsible for high-temperature superconductivity.
Professor John Rice, Chair of Statistics at UC Berkeley, wins the 2008 Jerome Sacks Award for his diverse cross-disciplinary contributions to various fields. The award recognizes sustained high-quality research involving statistical sciences.
Researchers found a compound in germinated brown rice that helps normalize blood sugar and enzymes out-of-whack with diabetes. This growth factor, ASG, increases levels of good enzymes and helps protect nerve membranes and homocysteine levels.
A recent study published in The Southwestern Naturalist has shed light on the pollination habits of endangered Texas wild-rice (Zizania texana), revealing that pollen can only travel about 30 inches away from a parent plant. This information will be crucial for conservation efforts to reintroduce and propagate this rare aquatic grass.
Rice University will establish its first Ph.D. program in sociology, focusing on Houston's social environment and its implications for modern cities. The graduate studies will integrate academic and public sociology through explorations of human society in major urban environments.
Researchers detected minute geological changes that preceded small earthquakes along California's San Andreas Fault by up to 10 hours using new instruments. The findings suggest a fundamentally different approach to current earthquake warning systems.