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Tight-knit family: Even microbes favor their own kin

Researchers at Rice University found that single-celled microbes can recognize and preferentially associate with their relatives, directing altruistic behavior towards them. This ability is similar to kin recognition observed in animals and has significant implications for the social evolution of species.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers develop flood-tolerant California rice

Researchers have successfully bred flood-tolerant California rice by introducing submergence tolerance genes into the crop. This breakthrough allows rice plants to survive short-term floods, benefiting rice farmers globally.

Multiracial congregations offer different social ties

Researchers found that multiracial congregations have dramatically different social ties compared to other Americans. Members in these congregations reported feeling accepted and having cross-racial friendships, which is lower than those in same-race or non-congregation groups.

New flood-tolerant rice offers relief for world's poorest farmers

A gene that enables rice to survive complete submergence has been identified, allowing for development of new rice varieties that can withstand flooding. The discovery is expected to increase food security for 70 million poor people and reduce yield losses from weeds in areas like the United States.

Arctic coring expedition continues to yield new clues

The IODP Arctic Coring Expedition has provided new evidence that the Arctic was extremely warm and ice-free up to 55 million years ago, during the Paleocene/Eocene thermal maximum. This period saw a massive release of greenhouse gases, leading to significant temperature rises and changes in ocean chemistry.

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.

Think fast! Rice undergrad unlocks nerve speed secret

A Rice University study has identified the complexin protein as a brake that shortens response time for signal transmission in nerve cells, enabling nearly instantaneous passing of information. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms behind rapid neural signaling.

Print deal makes Connexions leading open-source publisher

Connexions has partnered with QOOP Inc. to produce high-quality textbooks through on-demand printing, making educational content more accessible and affordable. The partnership allows students to order customized course guides and textbooks in most cases for under $25.

Rice scientists make first nanoscale pH meter

Researchers have created a nano-sized pH meter using nanoparticles that can detect pH changes with high accuracy. The device, called the pMBA sensor, could enable non-invasive 'optical biopsy' to measure acidity in cancer tumors, revolutionizing medical diagnosis.

Movies show nanotubes bend like sluggish guitar strings

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to visualize individual carbon nanotubes using standard optical microscopes and fluorescent dyes. The technique reveals the harmonic bending of nanotubes in liquids, providing insights into their behavior and potential applications in life sciences.

Rice develops first method to sort nanotubes by size

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to sort semiconducting nanotubes based on their dielectric constant, which is determined by their diameter. The system uses electric fields to trap and separate nanotubes of different sizes, allowing for the collection of samples with varying proportions of small and large tubes.

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.

Biologists find regions of rice domestication

Researchers found genetic markers revealing the origins of two major rice types grown today: Oryza sativa indica from India and Myanmar, and Oryza sativa japonica from southern China. The study's findings provide insights into improving the crop's nutritional value and disease resistance in Asia.

Rice wins $2.2M for undergrad global health program

Rice University's new global health program aims to equip students with the skills to tackle complex health issues in developing countries, including poverty, access to medicine, and cultural factors. The $2.2M grant will support undergraduate engineering students in designing solutions to these problems.

Nanotubes used for first time to send signals to nerve cells

Scientists at UTMB and Rice University successfully transmit electrical pulses through carbon nanotubes to stimulate cell growth and communication. The breakthrough could lead to the development of prosthetic devices that can interact with living tissue.

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.

US, China cooperate on high-energy physics experiment

Rice University is leading an international team in building a cylindrical bank of over 23,000 particle detectors for the Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC. The collaboration, valued at $7 million, demonstrates robust scientific cooperation between US and Chinese institutions.

Rice study: 'Nanostars' could be ultra-sensitive chemical sensors

Researchers at Rice University have created nanoparticles called nanostars, which exhibit strong spectral signals and can be used to discern the three-dimensional orientation of molecules. This discovery has significant potential for 3D molecular sensing applications.

Rice scientists attach motor to single-molecule car

Researchers at Rice University have developed a motorized nanocar that can be powered by light, paving the way for bottom-up construction. The nanocar, measuring just 3-by-4 nanometers, features a rotating motor that pushes it along like a paddlewheel.

Rice tapped for model programs merging teaching, research

Rice professors Bonnie Bartel and Jennifer West have received HHMI grants to develop innovative programs combining undergraduate teaching and research. Their programs aim to engage students in science through hands-on activities, laboratory tours, and peer-reviewed research publications.

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.

MSU researchers shake out basis for rice domestication

Researchers pinpointed a single base pair mutation in DNA that causes non-shattering rice varieties, allowing for effective field harvests. This discovery will benefit the world by improving yields and sustainability of food crops, particularly rice, which is staple food for over half of the global population.

USC, Rice to develop bacteria-powered fuel cells

Researchers aim to build a self-propelled prototype within five years, optimizing the system's performance through computer modeling and experimental work. Shewanella oneidensis bacteria can transfer electrons directly to anode surfaces, making them a promising candidate for fuel cells.

The Green Revolution comes to Laos

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation's 16-year project has resulted in a significant increase in Laos' rice production, reaching 2.5 million tons in 2004. This growth is attributed to the adoption of modern varieties, resulting in higher yields and increased cash income for households.

Rice University researchers create 'nanorice'

The Rice University team created nanorice particles with improved properties for chemical sensing and biological imaging. The particles, made of non-conducting iron oxide and metallic shell, offer greater structural tunability than previous optically useful shapes.

How nice, brown rice: Study shows rice bran lowers blood pressure in rats

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered that adding rice bran to the diets of hypertensive rats lowered their systolic blood pressure by about 20 percent and inhibited angiotensin-1 converting enzyme. The study also found that rice bran significantly lowered levels of a marker called 8-OHdG, indicating reduced oxidative stress.

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.

Rice, M. D. Anderson win funds for bench to bed training

Rice University's bioengineering Ph.D. students will receive comprehensive training in cancer biology, clinical medicine, and translational research through a unique partnership with MD Anderson. The program aims to revolutionize the translation of cancer knowledge into new technologies for detection and treatment.

Findings advance use of adult stem cells for replacement bone

Researchers at Rice University developed a new method to coax bone cells into producing up to 75 times more calcium, paving the way for regenerating healthy bone. The study, led by undergraduate Néha Datta, uses adult stem cells and a novel growth medium approach.

Rice student earns top Texas nano honors

A Rice University student has developed a simple and eco-friendly method to create tiny hollow spheres called microcapsules. This breakthrough is expected to have significant applications in various industries, including medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Sun protection for plants

Scientists have found that plants can turn excess sunlight into heat by altering protein structure, preventing damage and promoting growth. A special carotenoid molecule called zeaxanthin aids in this process, making some plants more resistant to harmful radiation.

Some good news for the world's poor

A study confirms that rice research has contributed significantly to poverty reduction in China and India. The research shows that improved rice varieties can increase farmers' income, lower food prices, and boost demand for labor, ultimately lifting millions out of poverty.

Open Source Biotechnology alliance for international agriculture

The BiOS Initiative aims to develop inclusive technology toolkits by mapping patent landscapes and fostering collaboration among scientists, farmers, and innovators. This effort seeks to provide better problem-solving options for developing countries, prioritizing local needs and independence.

Hubble movies show traffic jam in stellar jets

Astronomers track massive shockwaves in plasma escaping a newborn star, gaining clues about a critical process of starbirth. The Hubble Space Telescope's high-resolution images allow scientists to create the first moving pictures of stellar jet shock waves.

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.

Mathematician's insight helps unravel knotty problem

Shelly Harvey's discovery applies to a longstanding problem within knot theory, but its significance lies in the broader context of topology. The underlying structure she uncovered uses algebraic structures to describe similarities and differences between knotted shapes, offering a new approach to proving equivalency.

Iron-rich rice improves iron status of women

A nine-month study found that consuming biofortified, iron-rich rice improved the iron status of women, increasing it by 20% compared to traditional rice. Non-anemic women with low body iron reserves and those who consumed more rice showed the greatest improvements.

Scientists discover how to flip a molecular switch

Researchers at Penn State and Rice University discover how to flip molecular switches by engineering their design and surrounding environment. They demonstrated that single-molecule switches can be tailored to respond in predictable ways, depending on the applied electric field direction.

New collaboration on rice DNA variation study

The collaboration aims to uncover the genetic basis underlying important agricultural traits in rice. By identifying sequence variation between major rice varieties, researchers can associate DNA variations with traits like drought resistance or vitamin content, ultimately helping to breed more resilient and nutritious rice strains.

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.

Mathematicians get a handle on centuries old shape

A team of mathematicians from Rice, Stanford, and Indiana universities has provided the first proof since Jean Meusnier's study of soap films in 1785. The new shape, called genus one helicoid, is an infinitely twisted version of a fundamental simple shape with balanced properties.

Rice scientists build world's first single-molecule car

Rice University scientists have constructed the world's smallest car, a single molecule 'nanocar' with four buckyball wheels. The nanocar can roll on its axles in a direction perpendicular to its movement, marking a significant achievement in bottom-up molecular manufacturing.

Rice researchers gain new insight into nanoscale optics

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple geometry where light behaves exactly as electrons do in these systems. This finding has the potential to create nanoscale antennae that convert light into broadband electrical signals, increasing data transmission capabilities by 1 million times.

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.

Immune system has evolved to prevent autoimmune disease

A new model of the immune system predicts that chronic infections can lead to autoimmune diseases. Researchers developed a biologically-plausible strategy for the immune system to react more quickly and effectively against disease.

Bacteria are key to 'green' plastics, drugs

Researchers at Rice University have developed a bacteria that produces succinate, a key chemical precursor for 'green' plastics and drugs. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of sustainable products using renewable resources like grain sorghum.

NSF center aims to bolster security and trust in e-voting

The NSF-funded ACCURATE center brings together experts to tackle the challenges of integrating technology into the voting process. Researchers will focus on building more reliable software and hardware, as well as exploring human factors and usability issues in e-voting systems.

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.

Revelations of rice

The University of Arizona team successfully mapped and sequenced the rice genome, unlocking the secrets of over 37,500 genes. This breakthrough will enable researchers to identify desirable traits such as drought tolerance and pest resistance, leading to improved rice varieties for global food security.

Complete sequence of rice genome announced

The complete sequence of the rice genome has been announced, providing a genetic toolkit for breeders to develop novel strains that are highly productive, disease-resistant, and environmentally friendly. This breakthrough has significant implications for global food security and sustainable agriculture.

Feeding the world

The completed rice genome sequence provides a raw material for studies aimed at improving the agricultural yield of the world's most important food source. The sequence reveals some 37,500 genes on the 12 chromosomes of rice, closely related to other major cereal grasses.

International research team announces finished rice genome

The completed rice genome provides a roadmap for agricultural researchers to develop new varieties of rice with increased yields and resistance to disease. With its finished sequence, scientists can identify genes responsible for fundamental processes such as flowering and disease resistance.

Getting to the TOPP of Houston's air pollution

Rice University's TOPP project uses balloons to measure atmospheric ozone levels in Houston, extending beyond previous surface measurements. The study aims to better understand the full magnitude of Houston's ozone problem and inform effective policy solutions.

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.

M.D.-Ph.D. student wins Hertz fellowship

Gwen Hoben, a M.D.-Ph.D. student at Rice University, has won the highly competitive Hertz fellowship to pursue her research in tissue engineering. The award provides funding for tuition and fees, as well as a $28,000 stipend, giving her more flexibility to explore scientific questions.

What is the best treatment for postherpetic neuralgia?

The study highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches in postherpetic neuralgia. A quantitative systematic review of analgesic therapy found that treatments only worked in selected patients, suggesting a range of underlying mechanisms causing pain in different individuals.

Drawing with DNA: 'Bioart' illuminates genomics

The 'Ecce Homology' project uses dynamic media and computer vision to visualize genomic data, making it accessible to the general public. By creating scientifically accurate pictograms of genes and proteins, researchers aim to reduce complexity and facilitate understanding of genomics.

Rice earns three invites to coveted engineering symposium

The National Academy of Engineering selected three Rice University researchers for the prestigious Frontiers of Engineering symposium. Researchers Deem, Drezek, and O'Malley will present their work in cutting-edge fields such as statistical mechanics, nanobiotechnology, and haptic interfaces.

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.

Rice nanophotonics lab gets $3 million training grant

The Rice nanophotonics lab has been awarded a $3 million NSF grant to train graduate students in the emerging field of nano-optics. The program aims to create leaders with technical and professional skills needed for breakthroughs in advanced technologies, including biomedicine, environmental remediation, and homeland security.

Availability of vascular surgeons impacts amputation rate

A study by Rice University/Baylor College of Medicine found that areas with more vascular surgeons have lower amputation rates and more bypass surgery performed. The disease affects 8-12 million people and is a major cause of amputations, especially in diabetics.

CBEN: Buckyball aggregates are soluble, antibacterial

Research reveals that nano-C60 dissolves in water and inhibits the growth of bacteria at low concentrations. The findings raise questions about the potential applications and environmental impact of buckyball aggregates.

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.

Rice bioengineer wins ASME's Van C. Mow Medal

Athanasiou receives the inaugural award from ASME for his groundbreaking research and mentorship in bioengineering. He has published over 150 papers, holds 25 patents, and founded three companies with FDA-approved products.

Asian drought triggers surge in poverty

A severe drought in Asia has pushed millions of people below the poverty line, but researchers are developing new technologies to help farmers adapt. New rice varieties and irrigation management strategies can improve crop yields and reduce water usage.