Research on rice as a crop and staple food. Covers fertilizer and emissions trade-offs, biochar and heavy metals, and heat resilience.
The CGIAR research program aims to develop climate-resilient crops like maize, sorghum, and millet that can withstand drought and heat. Researchers are using molecular biology tools to identify genetic hot spots in these crops, enabling them to capture solar energy more efficiently and produce greater yields.
Rice University chemists have successfully created and grown carbon nanotube seeds, which can be used to produce large quantities of pure nanotubes. The breakthrough offers significant potential for various materials applications, including energy storage and electronics.
Connexions, a revolutionary open-source publishing platform, has received a third-phase $1.7 million grant to become more self-sustaining through new revenue streams, including book sales and licensing its platform to companies for corporate training.
The National Science Foundation awards Rice University a five-year grant to develop strategies for recruiting and enhancing the pool of women faculty in science and engineering. The university aims to address subtle biases and stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing careers in academia.
A team from Rice University and UT-Houston report a unique grip of the protein calmodulin, which operates independently like a batter in a bunt. This new grip plays a key role in allowing muscles to contract and relax quickly.
Rice and IBM collaborate to develop an open-standards-based service-oriented architecture (SOA) to integrate diverse academic software applications. The SOA will enable institutions to tie together their applications, making it easier for faculty and students to create a more integrated learning environment.
The research team identified a single recessive gene, Rymv1, which confers resistance to the virus by blocking its interaction with the host protein. The discovery could lead to the development of resistant rice varieties, reducing yield losses and improving food security.
Researchers at Rice University have created a single-pixel camera that captures high-resolution images by taking multiple snapshots of a single point of light. The camera uses compressive sensing and micro mirrors to assemble the image, making it more energy-efficient than traditional digital cameras.
A Rice University study recommends lowering Houston's toxic air pollutant levels due to high health risks. The report proposes a new set of air quality standards based on the underlying toxicology of four pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde.
A NASA-funded study using satellite data, computer models and weather balloon readings found that smoke from Alaskan and Canadian forest fires increased ozone pollution levels in Houston by 50-100%.
A study by molecular biologists at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine suggests that the most stable parts of a protein are also the parts that fold first. The research combined advanced computational modeling with cutting-edge experiments to investigate protein folding.,
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are developing fabrics from agricultural waste products, including chicken feathers and rice straw. These fibers have properties similar to wool and cotton, making them suitable for conventional clothing and textiles.
According to a recent survey by Rice University researchers, more than two-thirds of Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Houston plan to remain here. The survey found that 69% of the 362 participants said it was very likely or somewhat likely they would permanently stay in Houston.
Rice University has been awarded a $10 million grant to establish a research center focused on designing software tools for high-performance computing systems. The Center for Scalable Application Development Software (CScADS) aims to develop scalable performance models for leadership-class computer facilities.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at IRRI and UC Davis have identified a cluster of three genes linked to flooding vulnerability or tolerance in rice. The Sub1A gene is overexpressed, making normally intolerant varieties tolerant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A study at Rice University found that brain activity differs between merged and unmerged dialect groups when hearing similar sounds. This suggests that the merged-dialect group processes the words differently, relying on explicit memory for previous visual stimuli.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that nutritionally enhanced rice can significantly increase total body iron levels in women. The research, led by the International Rice Research Institute, demonstrates the potential of biofortification to combat micronutrient malnutrition.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that when consumers identified a celebrity from their voice, there was no tie between the consumer's feeling for the celebrity and the brand. However, this changed when a consumer could not identify the celebrity, resulting in a definite effect on brand attitude.
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-producing nations emphasize the need for collaboration to develop new rice varieties through science and technology. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture facilitates access to plant genetic resources, but many members have not ratified it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research by sociologists Elaine Howard Ecklund and Jerry Park found that families are the primary determiner of individual religious beliefs among Non-Protestant second-generation Asian-Americans. This finding challenges traditional views on family and religious socialization in new immigrant groups.
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.
Researchers create gadonanotubes by encasing gadolinium in carbon nanotubes, significantly reducing toxicity while boosting effectiveness. The new agents show promising results in tests at Rice, Houston, and Swiss laboratories.