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 created giant millimeter-sized atoms resembling Bohr's atomic model, with electrons behaving like classical particles for several orbits. The achievement has potential applications in next-generation computers and studying quantum chaos.
Researchers at Oregon State University successfully relocated Caspian terns to a new nesting site at Crump Lake, finding over 135 nesting pairs. The move aims to reduce the birds' impact on threatened and endangered salmon populations in the Columbia River estuary.
A new study has shown that adding nanoparticles to porous materials can lead to denser bone tissue. Researchers found that the nanoparticles increased bone ingrowth by threefold after 12 weeks compared to a biodegradable plastic scaffold alone. The study paves the way for further research into tissue engineering and bone regeneration.
Researchers design integrated circuits that can assume multiple identities, providing a powerful security mechanism for digital rights management tasks. The technology enables diverse applications, including device optimization and content metering, with low overhead costs.
A global mission to address iron deficiency is underway with a focus on increasing iron content in cereal grains like rice and wheat. Dr Alex Johnson's project aims to improve iron delivery from leaves to seeds, benefiting developing countries where iron deficiency affects 30% of the world's population.
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind study found that Chinese red yeast rice reduced the risk of repeat heart attacks and cardiovascular mortality by one-third. The study showed a significant reduction in cancer mortality as well.
Beyond Traditional Borders, a global health program at Rice University, is sending 17 students to Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America to tackle health issues such as HIV/AIDS. The interns will work in schools, clinics, hospitals, and town councils using education and technology to solve problems.
Bioengineers at Rice University have developed a method to stimulate cartilage cell growth using intense pressure, resulting in tissue with nearly all properties of natural cartilage. The new process has potential for treating arthritis and repairing damaged tissues, but further testing is needed.
A Rice University study found that 27 percent of newly appointed CEOs leave their jobs within three years, likely due to information asymmetry and poor hiring decisions. The study suggests that the origin, context, and composition of the board's nominating committee play a significant role in CEO success.
Researchers at Rice University create nanoscale 'baton'-like particles that spontaneously assemble into bag-like sacs around oil droplets in water. This phenomenon could lead to innovative technologies for cleaning up oil spills and polluted groundwater, as well as delivering drugs with controlled release.
A new study found that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who receive low-intensity case management experience significant reductions in emergency room visits and hospitalizations. This simple yet effective model also improves quality of life measures.
The EPA dismissed Deborah Rice, a highly respected toxicologist, after the chemical industry complained about her views on deca's health hazards. Herbert Needleman argues that this trend is not new and unique, citing his own dismissal for speaking out on lead poisoning.
The Lancet Editorial warns that rising food prices are causing starvation and pushing millions into poverty. The article highlights the need for long-term solutions to tackle biofuels, agricultural subsidies and trade distortions contributing to the crisis.
Researchers at Rice and UT-Houston will lead a $2 million DOD-funded project to develop new tissue engineering technologies and novel reconstructive surgical techniques for facial reconstruction. The goal is to quickly grow large volumes of bone tissue to aid wounded soldiers.
University of Delaware researchers have discovered a new type of molecule called natural antisense microRNAs (nat-miRNAs) that can turn off genes in rice, which is the primary source of food for half the world's population. These novel molecules may help scientists locate similar gene regulators in other organisms, including humans.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that tiny carbon capsules called buckyballs can hold up to 8% of their weight in hydrogen, surpassing the federal target of 6%. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient storage and use of hydrogen in fuel cells and cars.
Researchers have developed a tool to rapidly silence specific genes in rice, enabling faster breeding and improved crop performance. This breakthrough uses artificial miRNAs to target and disable genes of interest, with potential applications in hybrid seed production and enhanced resistance to pathogens and insects.
Researchers at Zhejiang University developed a technology to create selectively terminable transgenic rice plants using RNAi cassette. This innovation allows for controlled cultivation and reduces the risk of transgene spreading, making it ideal for bioreactors and industrial applications.
PCMOS chips compute differently by assigning voltage on a sliding scale, prioritizing values of user-defined importance, and reducing power consumption. This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries and fields of research.
A genome-wide search for social genes has found that Dictyostelium discoideum have more than 100 genes regulating their cooperative behavior. Cheating mutations were identified in over 100 genes, highlighting the complex mechanisms behind social cooperation.
Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in single-molecule sensing by demonstrating simultaneous optical and electronic measurements of the same molecule. The new technology allows for mass-produced single-molecule sensors with high sensitivity at room temperature.
The Institute of International Education's Andrew Heiskell Award recognizes Rice's NanoJapan program, which merges study abroad and undergraduate research experiences in nanotechnology. The program has been successful in connecting engineering students with international research and cultural immersion.
A new study funded by the Defense Department aims to develop a drug based on carbon nanotubes to prevent acute radiation injury deaths. The experimental drug, Nanovector Trojan Horses (NTH), has shown promising results in preliminary tests, with mice showing enhanced protection when given first-generation NTH drugs prior to exposure.
The International Rice Research Institute is receiving $19.9 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop and distribute stress-tolerant rice varieties. The goal is to reach 18 million households and increase yields by 50% within 10 years, benefiting small farmers in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers at CCNY and Rice University have developed a low-cost, 'green' technique for making antimicrobial paints. The method uses silver nanoparticles to create an antibacterial coating that can be applied to various surfaces, offering a fresh defense against germs in homes and workplaces.
The Government of Bangladesh plans to expand the use of urea deep placement (UDP) technology on 1 million hectares of rice land, expected to boost dry season rice production by 548,000 tons. This technology cuts nitrogen losses significantly, allowing farmers to increase yields by 25% while using less than 50% as much urea as before.
In northwest India, a study found that applying site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) increased average rice grain yields by 17% compared to traditional farming practices. The approach also led to improved nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency, with profits rising about 14%.
Eating high-glycemic index carbohydrates has been associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in Chinese and African-American women. Conversely, consuming more cereal fiber may lower this risk. Studies have shown that foods with a higher glycemic index cause rapid spikes and drops in blood glucose levels.
A team led by Mary Lou Guerinot aims to create rice varieties with enhanced iron and zinc levels, addressing global nutritional deficiencies. The project will analyze over 1,800 rice varieties and identify genes responsible for nutrient uptake and storage.
A new study from Rice University and the University of Houston found that proteins pack more tightly in their natural environment, with increased structural content and stability. The research suggests that protein structure is affected by crowding, even when proteins are in their folded state.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Rice University have successfully destroyed liver cancer tumors using radio waves that heat up carbon nanotubes embedded in them. While there were some side effects on healthy tissue, the study shows promise for a new therapy.
Buckyballs start as distorted graphite sheets that shed loosely connected threads and chains until they form perfectly spherical shapes. Researchers used electron microscope video and computer simulations to capture the 'shrink-wrapping' process.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed software to enable remote operation of high-powered instruments like microscopes and telescopes. The software, RICE, utilizes economic principles to optimize network bandwidth, preventing mistakes and reducing frustration.
The international rice research community is addressing the problems facing irrigated rice farmers, including land loss, water competition, labor shortages, and increased pest and disease issues. IRRI research has shown that farmers can increase production by up to 15% through better fertilization timing and reduced water usage.
The Asia-Pacific region is being called upon to conduct thorough research on the benefits, risks, and impacts of biofuels on agriculture and food security. Key findings include the need to balance food and biofuel production to avoid competition for resources and ensure poverty alleviation.
A University of Delaware-led team is working to advance scientific understanding of the rice epigenome, which regulates gene expression. The four-year project uses novel 'deep sequencing' technology to decode millions of DNA sequences and shed light on similar mechanisms in corn and other cereal grains.
Scientists have developed a new type of rice that grows better and uses water more efficiently than other rice crops. The HARDY gene improves key features of the grain crop, leading to increased biomass under both drought and non-drought conditions.
The Institute for Sustainable Nanoelectronics will leverage Moore's Law to develop a design methodology applicable to emerging computing platforms. Probabilistic CMOS technology reduces energy consumption while increasing electronic noise, enabling more efficient chip designs.
Researchers found that 97.9% of white rice is derived from a single gene mutation in the Japonica subspecies, while the remaining 2.1% comes from independent mutations in other subspecies. The mutation affects grain color by activating the molecular pathway for rice seed development.
A study found that shifting to water-efficient crops like cotton and soybean can decrease irrigation water use by nearly 66% on rice fields. Implementing irrigation water pricing also improves environmental conditions, but its impact on farm income is modest.
A study from Rice University reveals that cooperative single-celled amoebae use family ties to prevent cheaters from undermining their colonies' health. By associating with kin, the amoebae's social system prevents the spread of selfish mutants.
Rice University researchers discovered a bacterium that ferments glycerin and produces ethanol, reducing operational costs by 40 percent. This biotech breakthrough could alleviate the industry's glycerin glut, forcing producers to shutter plants.
A new study examines how consumers in different cultural backgrounds categorize products. Researchers found that individuals from collectivist societies pay more attention to context when making decisions, while those from individualistic societies focus solely on product features.
Cornell researchers identified a genetic mutation in orange cauliflower that allows it to hold more beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This finding may lead to more nutritious staple crops by increasing their ability to store beta-carotene.
Rice University scientists have developed a breakthrough method for producing molecular specks of semiconductors called quantum dots, which could lead to better and cheaper solar energy panels. The new chemical method produces four-legged cadmium selenide quantum dots with over 90% tetrapod structure.
A new study finds that Indonesian rice farming is greatly affected by short-term climate variability, with potential for significant harm from long-term climate change. Climate models predict a shortened rainy season and increased dryness in some areas, squeezing farmers on both ends.
Scientists from BCM and Rice University discover a new way to analyze protein movement, making it easier to classify and scrutinize active sites implicated in cancer and other diseases. The breakthrough uses a mathematical algorithm in conjunction with X-ray crystallography to narrow down possible ways a protein might flex and bend.
A study by Duke University researchers found that products in clear packaging are vulnerable to negative properties being transferred from nearby products. This phenomenon, called 'product contagion,' can lead consumers to perceive affected products as less appealing.
Researchers have successfully predicted the existence and stability of a boron buckyball (B80), a cage-shaped molecule with an additional atom in each hexagon. The B80 has been structurally similar to the original C60 fullerene, but it significantly increases stability.
A University of Leicester study found that consuming high doses of stabilized rice bran significantly reduced the development of precancerous adenomas in the intestine. The research suggests a potential role for rice bran in preventing colorectal cancer, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that gold nanorods can spontaneously self-assemble into ring-shaped structures within seconds. The rings are made of tiny gold rods and form due to the condensation of water droplets onto a solution of the rods in a nonpolar solvent.
A new funding agreement will help conserve and manage the world's thousands of unique rice varieties. The IRRI's genebank provides the last line of defense against famine, especially in times of war, natural disasters, and pests/diseases.
Gold nanorods spontaneously form rings due to condensation of water droplets on their surface, changing optical and electromagnetic properties. The discovery could lead to development of novel nanodevices such as highly sensitive sensors and invisible objects.
The program aims to understand the behavior of strongly correlated electrons in materials such as high-temperature superconductors and magnetic materials. Researchers at Rice will combine theoretical and experimental approaches to tackle these complex materials.
Researchers at Rice University have identified a naturally occurring blood protein called serum amyloid P, or SAP, which prevents the formation of life-threatening scar tissue in fibrotic diseases. The discovery has promising results in lab animal tests and could eventually save thousands of lives with human clinical trials.
A plant evolutionary biologist is conducting genetic studies on red rice to understand molecular differences with cultivated rice, which could lead to eradication of the weed. Researchers are testing hypotheses that red rice may have originated from feral or hybridized wild species, and will use this knowledge to develop control methods.
Archaea are more closely related to humans than previously thought, with a common ancestor living in extreme conditions billions of years ago. Scientists have discovered novel organic compounds and found evidence of ancient archaea fossils, shedding light on their role in global climate change and methane emissions from rice farming.
A study by Rice University and UCL found that US consumers are willing to use specific nano-containing products when the potential benefits are high. The public perceives nanotechnology as less risky than everyday technologies.
A large-scale study found that greater popular awareness and understanding of nanotechnology increases support for research and reduces concerns. The study compared the experience of emerging nanotechnology to other new technologies, highlighting the importance of citizen-scientist dialogue in shaping public perceptions.
Historical data analysis reveals that combined effects of atmospheric brown clouds and greenhouse gases negatively impacted Indian rice harvests. The study estimates that harvests would have been 20-25% higher in the 1990s if pollution-related climate impacts hadn't occurred.