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Nightside radio could help reveal exoplanet details

Scientists at Rice University have developed a new model to detect magnetospheres in distant solar systems using nightside radio signals. This could provide valuable information about the characteristics of exoplanets, including their ability to protect themselves from solar winds.

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.

'Flashed' nanodiamonds are just a phase

Researchers develop method to control flash Joule heating process to produce valuable allotropes, including fluorinated nanodiamonds and graphene. The process uses organic fluorine compounds and fluoride precursors to create the desired structures.

Study examines how breast implant surfaces affect immune response

Researchers found that textured-surface breast implants stimulate pro-inflammatory T cell responses, which may lead to chronic inflammation and cancer. Smooth-surface implants showed less immune cell activity, suggesting a potential link between rougher surfaces and breast implant-associated large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Solar energy collectors grown from seeds

Rice University engineers have developed a method to grow remarkably uniform 2D perovskite crystals using microscopic seeds. This breakthrough addresses production issues and enables the creation of highly efficient photovoltaic devices with stable performance.

Use rewards effectively to boost creativity

A new study by Rice University found that offering a set of rewards allows employees to choose the most effective incentive, leading to increased creative ideas and improved creativity levels. The study also discovered that rewards aimed at helping others can be particularly powerful in boosting creativity.

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.

Seismic study will help keep carbon underground

Ajo-Franklin's lab is developing advanced fiber-optic sensors to monitor CO2 storage sites, allowing for the detection of small faults that could lead to leakage. The project aims to enhance safety and security at storage sites using distributed acoustic sensing technology.

Untapped rice varieties could sustain crop supplies in face of climate change

Researchers have identified untapped genetic diversity in Vietnamese rice varieties that can provide a source of novel genes for improving agronomic traits. This discovery has the potential to develop 'Green Super Rice' that is more resilient to extreme weather conditions and suitable for growing on marginal lands.

Research reveals why people pick certain campsites

A University of Montana study analyzed nearly 23,000 reservations at Watchman Campground in Zion National Park to identify the key drivers of demand. The researchers found that price and electricity were the largest influencers, followed by proximity to the river and ease of access.

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.

Rice lab peers inside 2D crystal synthesis

The Rice University engineers have unveiled the process of MoS2's synthesis in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace. Their simulations showed that it takes three steps to deposit an atomically thin lattice onto a surface, involving sublimation, reaction with sulfur atoms, and crystallization.

Absorbent aerogels show some muscle

Researchers at Rice University have developed a simple chemical process to create light and highly absorbent aerogels that can take a beating. The aerogels, which are customizable in shape and size, showed superior remediation properties compared to traditional COF powders.

NIH grant boosts computational search for cancer drugs

A new approach to model and analyze protein-ligand interactions in cancer research is being developed through a $1.2 million NIH grant. Researchers will use the proteomics toolkit PROTEAN-CR to understand key biological mechanisms of cancer and suggest novel cancer therapies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Popularity runs in families

A Rice University study, likened to the movie 'The Truman Show,' found that genetic variation plays a significant role in determining social positions within groups of cloned fruit flies. The researchers measured social interactions between identical clones in separate enclosures under different environmental conditions.

NIH supports mathematical optimization of tumor treatment

Researchers aim to develop a personalized approach to adaptive radiation therapy (ART) using computerized tomography (CT) technology. The goal is to balance the needs of patients, clinicians, and insurers by adapting treatment strategies in real-time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hexagonal boron nitride's remarkable toughness unmasked

Researchers discovered hexagonal boron nitride's fracture resistance is about 10 times higher than graphene's, due to slight asymmetries in its atomic structure. This finding opens up new possibilities for fabricating tough mechanical metamaterials through engineered structural asymmetry.

Visits to 'crisis pregnancy centers' common in Ohio

A new study found that nearly one in seven Ohio women of reproductive age has visited a crisis pregnancy center, which are often funded by state dollars but not regulated by the medical board. This can lead to concerns about access to proper medical care and potential misinformation about reproductive health.

Odd angles make for strong spin-spin coupling

Researchers found strong antiresonance in orthoferrite materials when placed at an odd angle under high magnetic fields. This unique state allows for ultrastrong interactions between magnons, which could lead to suppressed fluctuation noise and increased sensitivity in quantum sensing applications.

Pristine quantum criticality found

A team of physicists from Rice University and colleagues discovered that quantum fluctuations may give rise to topological phases of matter. The study used magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and inelastic neutron scattering measurements to show that the material CeRu4Sn6 is quantum critical without fine-tuning.

Thin is now in to turn terahertz polarization

Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate terahertz polarization using ultrathin, highly aligned carbon nanotube films. The phenomenon occurs at a specific angle, known as the 'magic angle,' and allows for precise control over light polarization.

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.

Engineered organism could diagnose Crohn's disease flareups

Researchers at Rice University engineered a pH-sensing gut bacteria to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. The organism glows green when it encounters acidic conditions, reflecting the level of acidity. This discovery could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of acidosis in humans.

Bio-inspired scaffolds help promote muscle growth

Rice University bioengineers have created electrospun scaffolds from decellularized skeletal muscle that mimic native tissue and direct the growth of myotubes. The tunable scaffolds promote muscle regeneration with minimal crosslinking agents, offering a promising solution for reconstructive surgeries.

Rice engineers set sights on implantable 'living pharmacy'

Researchers at Rice University are part of a $33 million national effort to create an implant that produces therapeutic biomolecules to regulate sleep cycles. The device aims to halve the time it takes to recover from jet lag and similar disruptions, benefiting military personnel, first responders, and shift workers.

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.

How planets form controls elements essential for life

Rice University scientists attribute Earth's nitrogen to rapid growth of moon- to Mars-sized bodies. The study shows that the competition between accretion and differentiation determines the retention of volatile elements like nitrogen.

Feds back probe of understudied gut nervous system

Rice University neurobiologist Rosa Uribe wins $2 million NIH grant to study enteric nervous system development in zebrafish embryos. The 5-year study aims to decipher the mechanisms of neural crest cell transformation into neurons and other cell types.

Timing is everything in new implant tech

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new implant technology that allows for coordinated stimulation therapy for spinal cord and heart conditions. The system uses wireless magnetic fields to power and program multiple implants from a single transmitter outside the body. This breakthrough enables more efficient treatment optio...

Novel matrix-based slow-release urea improves crop production

A novel matrix-based slow-release urea was developed to improve nitrogen use efficiency in rice production, reducing nitrogen loss and increasing soil nitrogen availability. The new fertilizer showed significant agronomic nitrogen efficiency gains and improved rice yields.

In graphene process, resistance is useful

Researchers adapted their laser-induced graphene technique to create fine patterns of graphene in photoresist polymers for use in consumer electronics and other applications. The new process allows for the production of high-resolution, micron-scale lines of conductive graphene, comparable to those achieved by more cumbersome processes.

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.

Study explores how private equity acquisitions impact hospitals

A new study of short-term acute care hospitals acquired by private equity firms found that they have higher markups and profit margins, but slower staffing growth. Hospitals acquired by private equity firms had operating margins 5.6 percentage points higher than non-private hospitals at the start of the period.

Flatfish got weird fast due to evolutionary cascade

A study by Rice University biologist Kory Evans found that flatfish evolved rapid skull asymmetry due to trait co-evolution. This process led to the development of unique traits across the skull, resulting in increased integration and adaptability for these fish.

Neural nets used to rethink material design

Rice University engineers have developed a new technique using neural networks to predict the evolution of microstructures in materials, which can be used to design new materials with desired properties. The method has been shown to speed up computations significantly, making it easier to create novel materials.

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.

Silver ions hurry up, then wait as they disperse

Researchers at Rice University reveal a two-step process by which silver ions are released from nanoparticles, with the possibility of stabilizing the alloy through gold manipulation. The discovery could lead to the development of new catalysts and materials for various applications.

Pedram Hassanzadeh wins NSF CAREER Award

Pedram Hassanzadeh, a fluid dynamicist at Rice University, has been awarded a prestigious NSF CAREER grant to investigate the physics behind atmospheric blocking events that cause extreme weather. His research aims to improve climate modeling capabilities and predict how these events will change in the future.

'Our Changing Menu': Warming climate serves up meal remake

A new book from Cornell University Press explores how climate change will alter the world's dinner plate. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns threaten staple crops like rice, avocados, and bananas, with some varieties facing yields reduced by up to 80%.

Bioengineer wins NIH grant to attack cystic fibrosis

Xue Sherry Gao, a bioengineer at Rice University, has won an NIH grant to develop tools that can correct multiple single mutations causing cystic fibrosis. Her approach uses CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing to fix the faulty CFTR gene, which is difficult to treat with traditional gene therapy.

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.

Rice, Intel optimize AI training for commodity hardware

Researchers at Rice University have optimized artificial intelligence software to run on commodity processors and train deep neural networks up to 15 times faster than top GPU trainers. The 'sub-linear deep learning engine' (SLIDE) uses hash tables to solve the search problem of matrix multiplication, reducing training time for AI models.

Houston flooding polluted reefs more than 100 miles offshore

A Rice University study found that runoff from Houston's 2016 Tax Day flood and 2017's Hurricane Harvey flood carried human waste onto coral reefs more than 100 miles offshore. The research showed that even marine ecosystems far from shore can be affected by severe events, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and protection.

Serving size, satisfaction influence food waste on campus

Researchers found that students who were satisfied with their meals wasted less food. Diners who visited the dining commons frequently and were familiar with the menu options also tended to waste less food. The study's results suggest that posting signs encouraging healthier choices could help reduce food waste.

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.

Tires turned into graphene that makes stronger concrete

Researchers at Rice University have developed a process to convert waste rubber tires into graphene, which can strengthen concrete and reduce carbon emissions. The new material has shown significant gains in compressive strength when blended with Portland cement.

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.

Akane Sano wins NSF CAREER Award

Akane Sano, a Rice University electrical and computer engineer, has developed software to detect and predict emotional stress in people through data from wearable and mobile technologies. Her $550,000 NSF CAREER Award will support the development of algorithms to interpret data on personal health.

New CABI research confirms presence of highly invasive apple snail in Kenya

Scientists at CABI have confirmed the presence of the highly invasive apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Kenya, posing a significant threat to the country's rice production. The discovery was made through DNA barcoding analyses and confirms the species' potential to spread further, highlighting the need for strict quarantine measures.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Corals may need their predators' poop

A recent study reveals that coral-eating fish excrete symbiotic dinoflagellate algae by the millions, potentially keeping reefs healthy. This unexpected twist on coral reef symbiosis confirms that poop from coral-eating fish is an important environmental source of beneficial coral symbionts.

Houston refines hunt for COVID in wastewater

A study led by Rice University's Lauren Stadler and the City of Houston Health Department compared five processes used to concentrate samples and find COVID-19 in wastewater from six Houston plants. The process called 'electronegative filtration with bead beating' proved most sensitive and cost-effective.

Teamwork makes light shine ever brighter

Researchers found that combining energy sources increases light emission from nanoscale devices, potentially enabling faster computer chips and advanced photocatalysts. The effect is attributed to the enhancement of hot electron generation through anti-Stokes electronic Raman scattering.

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.

Farm-level study shows rising temperatures hurt rice yields

A recent study found that rising temperatures negatively impact rice yields, even for varieties bred to withstand heat. The study used 50 years of weather and rice-yield data from farms in the Philippines, revealing a 'yield gap' between breeding trials and farm performance.

How India's rice production can adapt to climate change challenges

A University of Illinois study suggests that India's rice farmers can increase production while reducing water usage by adopting conservation practices like direct-seeding and soil conservation technology. The researchers also recommend reducing post-harvest losses to further increase crop availability.

New teamwork model could improve patient health care

A new teamwork model developed by researchers at Rice University aims to improve patient health care outcomes. The model emphasizes psychological safety, trust, adaptability, and resilience, and provides tips for implementing team development interventions to advance team effectiveness.

Six research teams win Carbon Hub funding

Rice University's Carbon Hub has awarded seed grants to six research projects aiming to transform the oil and gas sector into a leading provider of clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon products. The selected teams will investigate various applications, including cement reinforced with carbon fibers, urban smog reduction, and replacin...

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.

Christopher Tunnell wins NSF CAREER Award

Dr. Christopher Tunnell, a computational astroparticle physicist at Rice University, has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award to further his research on dark matter and other phenomena. The award will support a combined physics and computer science effort to detect rare particles and understand the universe.

Physics camp has proven benefits for high school girls

A summer program at Rice University has proven successful in helping high school girls thrive in challenging science courses, with participants scoring 3% better in physics. The study also found that hands-on engineering experiences help teachers engage students and improve their own self-efficacy in engineering instruction.