Articles tagged with Rice
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A University of Michigan study finds that groundwater depletion could significantly impact Indian agriculture, with potential losses of up to 20% in winter cropped acreage nationwide. The researchers estimate that even partial replacement with canal irrigation may not be enough to maintain current production levels.
A new study from Rice University finds that governments with strong female representation are more likely to deliver on campaign promises. The research also suggests that women in leadership roles are even more effective at keeping these promises.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a real-time sensor system that can detect the airborne COVID-19 virus, with funding from DARPA. The system uses molecular imprinting and organic electrochemical transistors to rapidly transduce SARS-CoV-2 binding events into electronic signals.
Researchers found a genetic mechanism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that allows the bacterium to respond to stress rapidly and in manner that is 'history-dependent.' The study suggests this mechanism may be key to understanding tuberculosis latency, a global health problem affecting 2-3 billion people.
Yingyan Lin, an assistant professor at Rice University, has received a $400,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop more efficient deep learning hardware accelerators. Her goal is to push forward ubiquitous intelligent devices and green artificial intelligence, addressing the gap between complex algorithms and limited resources.
Scientists discovered that plant roots make corkscrew-like motions to burrow into the soil and anchor themselves. The growth pattern is coordinated by the hormone auxin and helps roots find the best path forward.
Haotian Wang, a chemical and biomolecular engineer at Rice University, has been selected as a 2021 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow for his outstanding contributions to the field of electrochemistry. He will receive a two-year grant of $75,000 to advance his research on electrocatalysis and sustainable chemicals production.
Researchers have created an algorithm called SCEPTTr that predicts the stability of collagen triple helices, a critical structure in skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The program expands on previous work to understand natural amino acids and provides detailed melting temperatures for each possible combination of sequences.
Researchers have designed windows with a conjugated polymer layer that absorbs light and guides it to solar cells, generating electricity. The panels are more efficient at converting ambient LED light than direct sunlight.
Mark Torres, an assistant professor at Rice University, has won the Geochemical Society's top honor for early-career scientists. His research focuses on interactions between the hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and crust.
Researchers created a 'defective' catalyst that simplifies the generation of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen, with 100% Faradaic efficiency. The process is simpler and cheaper than existing methods, with potential to replace expensive and toxic chemicals in various industries.
Researchers have developed a new genome editing tool that targets histone proteins in the nucleus, regulating DNA expression. The programmable CRISPR/Cas9-based kinase offers insights into controlling regulatory histone proteins and has potential applications in treating cancer and other diseases.
Agricultural expert Angelia Seyfferth investigates how contaminants in soil affect rice plants, finding that adding rice husk residue can lower arsenic and cadmium levels. This discovery has potential to mitigate food contamination and protect global staple food populations.
Scientists develop method to increase nutrient uptake and stomatal opening in rice, resulting in over 30% increase in crop yield. The technique uses a plasma membrane proton pump gene overexpression, reducing the need for fertilizers and improving carbon capture.
A study of 137,130 people across 21 countries found a strong association between high refined grain intake and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Higher intakes of refined grains were associated with 27% higher mortality rates and 33% higher cardiovascular event risks compared to lower intakes.
Engineers at Rice University developed a model to quantify the spread of pollutants from failed storage tanks during natural disasters. The model shows that chemicals like benzene and toluene can evaporate and drift with the wind, posing health risks to downwind communities.
Researchers at Rice University and Los Alamos National Laboratory have discovered a technology to make electron sources from halide perovskite thin films, efficiently converting light into free electrons. The cost savings come from abundant and inexpensive raw materials and a simpler manufacturing process.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered how propofol, a common anesthetic, disrupts the movement of kinesin proteins that deliver cargo along microtubules. The study found that propofol binding shortens the 'run length' of kinesin's motion by up to 60%, leading to its release from the microtubule and stopping its movement.
Researchers found a way to process hexagonal boron nitride into high-quality 2D nanosheets using surfactants and water. The findings could lead to the development of antibacterial films and heat-resistant materials.
The MOANA Project aims to create a dual-function wireless headset that can read and write brain activity, restoring lost sensory function. The team successfully demonstrated the technology using light and magnetic fields in a proof-of-principle research.
Physicists Qimiao Si and Emilian Nica propose a new theory that explains how electrons form pairs in unconventional superconductors. Their work reveals a general phenomenon called multiorbital singlet pairing, which is crucial for understanding the behavior of iron-based and heavy-fermion materials.
Researchers found distinct nitrogen isotopic signatures in iron meteorites, suggesting the protoplanetary disk divided into two reservoirs within 300,000 years of its formation. This discovery challenges current understanding of volatile elements' origin and habitability of exoplanets.
Researchers have discovered that tiny bubbles in erupted lava can tell tales of big volcanic eruptions, and magnetite crystals may explain the staggering number of bubbles. Scientists used numerical models to reconcile differences between predicted and actual bubble amounts, leading to improved volcanic forecasts.
Researchers at Rice University developed a computational model to fine-tune carbon nanotube fiber properties for aerospace, automotive and medical applications. The study reveals that longer nanotubes and increased crosslinks can strengthen fibers by reducing friction.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a technique to convert pyrolyzed plastic ash into turbostratic graphene flakes, which can be added to materials like polyvinyl alcohol films and Portland cement to improve their compressive strength and resistance to water. The process has the potential to reduce energy use and cut pollutan...
A new 2D compound made of antimony and indium selenide exhibits unique properties depending on its polarization by an external electric field. This allows for potential applications in solar energy and quantum computing, with the material being relatively simple to make.
Rice University engineers have created a process that converts carbon monoxide directly into acetic acid, a widely used chemical agent. The electrochemical process uses nanoscale copper cubes and solid-state electrolytes to produce highly purified acetic acid with up to 98% purity.
Scientists at TU Graz have identified a bacterium inside the seed of rice plants that can lead to complete resistance to a particular pathogen. The bacterium, Sphingomonas melonis, produces an organic acid that inhibits the pathogen and renders it harmless.
The study incorporates fluid dynamics and roughness of joint surfaces to evaluate artificial hips, aiming to advance the design of more robust prostheses. The model could help clinicians personalize hip joints for patients depending on gender, weight, age, and gait variations.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created metastable metallic nanoparticles from dichalcogenides, which can be used in electronics and optics. The process involves applying a high electrical charge to rapidly raise the material's temperature, producing a new class of highly valued materials.
Researchers at Rice University have created a lab tool that simplifies simulations of the human intestine, allowing for more practical studies on diseases like infectious diarrhea. The device enables the real-time growth of bacterial infections and provides a mechanical model for studying how invading bacteria cause disease.
Researchers found a key gene, OsTCP19, that helps rice adapt to low soil nitrogen levels. By introducing this gene into modern cultivars, farmers can improve crop yields while reducing fertilizer use, leading to more sustainable agricultural practices.
Researchers found significant variation in flag leaf ability to adjust to fluctuating light, with some varieties producing carbohydrates nearly twice as fast as others. This discovery could lead to improved water-use efficiency and more resilient crops.
Researchers at Rice University developed an optogenetic control system to turn on and off genes in gut bacteria, extending the lifespan of transparent worms by up to 50% by regulating mitochondrial function. The study suggests that gut bacteria directly impact health and disease, and that controlling metabolite production with precisio...
Scientists at Rice University developed hybrid particles combining plasmonic nanoparticles with flexible polymer coatings to harness light energy. The resulting nanoparticles deliver improved efficiency in transferring energy from the metal core to the coating.
A new AI-powered microscope can rapidly image large tissue sections with cellular resolution, potentially during surgery, to find the answer. The DeepDOF microscope uses deep learning to train a computer algorithm to optimize image collection and post-processing.
Rice University scientists found that van der Waals force can indent rigid nanosheets, changing their electromagnetic properties. The researchers discovered that the force is sufficient to deform 8-nanometer-thick silver sheets into curvilinear structures with potential applications in nanophotonic research and catalytic systems.
Scientists have developed a method to predict the specific colors of thin films made from combining any of the 466 varieties of single-walled carbon nanotubes. The research shows that the thinnest and most colorful tubes affect visible light more than those with larger diameters and faded colors.
Researchers at Aalto University have created a colour atlas for 466 unique varieties of single-walled carbon nanotubes, revealing their potential applications in electronics and solar panels. The study developed a quantitative model to predict the specific colors of thin films made by combining any of the 466 varieties.
A new study from ETH Zurich found that informing the public of potential bias does little to improve perception, even for those aware of exponential growth. Participants underestimated infections after 30 days of exponential spread, but improved when asked about doubling times or time gained with mitigation measures.
Researchers at Rice University have developed an Adaptive Learned Bloom Filter (Ada-BF) that can double the throughput of real-time information filters on social media. The new approach applies machine learning in a smarter way to improve the performance of Bloom filters, reducing memory requirements by 50%.
A new study from Rice University reveals that religious discrimination is prevalent among Jews and Muslims, with over two-thirds of Muslim respondents reporting hostile interactions. The study found that both groups are more likely to experience harassment, threats, and violence due to their religious beliefs.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel method for producing olefins, or alkenes, using vitamin B12 and blue light, eliminating harsh chemicals typically needed in the process. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable production of drugs, agrochemicals, and plastics.
A new study finds that the 'pink tax' imposes direct penalties on women consumers due to gender-biased import tariffs. However, countries with higher female representation in politics have lower tax penalties, indicating a positive correlation between representation and policy change.
Researchers find preferential heating of heavier ions like silicon in the transition region, which is thought to be a key mechanism for coronal heating. The study provides insights into how magnetic reconnection and ion cyclotron heating contribute to the sun's super-hot atmosphere.
A recent study from Rice University reveals that Indian women beyond childbearing age are dying at a higher rate than those in other countries due to poverty and limited access to essential resources such as food and healthcare. The research highlights the critical consequences of gender inequality on women's bargaining power within th...
Researchers have discovered hidden subcompartments within peroxisomes, long thought to be simple granular matrices. These subcompartments may play a crucial role in the metabolism of fatty molecules and could hold key to understanding diseases like obesity and neurodegeneration.
Rice University scientists have discovered a novel phenomenon in carbon nanotubes, where a delayed secondary fluorescence is emitted when triggered by a multistep process involving dye molecules and dissolved oxygen. The delay, only microseconds long, can be detected with specialized instrumentation.
Researchers propose a two-phase theory for neurodegenerative disorders, with distinct activities of protein signaling pathways in each phase. This understanding could lead to personalized treatment approaches for patients in different stages of the disease.
A new study by Rice University scientists has developed atomic resolution protein models that show frustration is necessary for protein function and can lead to better drug specificity. The models allow for the incorporation of co-factors like drug molecules, providing insight into why ligands bind best with specific proteins.
A new study has created the first high-resolution seismic images of a rocky tectonic plate within Earth's mantle transition zone. The research provides evidence that the slab hasn't completely mixed with the surrounding mantle, shedding light on the processes that shaped Earth's surface over billions of years.
Researchers have successfully installed part of the C4 photosynthetic pathway in rice, paving the way for more efficient and water-use-friendly crop varieties. The breakthrough could increase photosynthesis efficiency by 50% and improve nitrogen use efficiency.
Researchers refine theories on protein interactions with solutions, discovering new factors influencing folding, including thermal expansion and temperature. Atom-scale models reveal complex interactions between solvents and peptides, potentially changing our understanding of hydrophobic and hydrophilic effects.
Two distinct maternal lineages have been identified in rice through a study of over 3000 genotypes. This discovery sheds light on how rice adapted to its environment and could help improve breeding for climate change adaptation and food security.
Researchers found that culinary traditions, such as boiling or steaming grains, influenced the adoption of novel crops like wheat and barley in central China. The north-south dietary distinction emerged around 8,000 years ago, with millet being a staple grain in the north and rice and other foods in the south.
A new strain of rhizobacteria has been shown to naturally promote rice growth and improve carbohydrate metabolism. This discovery offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, reducing environmental pollution and increasing production.
Researchers create a thin coating of hexagonal boron nitride to improve efficiency in desalination technology. The coating allows for exponential improvements in freshwater production, making it a key ingredient in a cost-effective solution for treating hypersaline water.
Researchers created a test device using protein biomarkers in dermal interstitial fluid, detecting malaria in 20 minutes and requiring no medical expertise or equipment. The patches could cost around $1 each and be adapted for other diseases with biomarkers in interstitial fluid.
A new mobile app aims to provide full transparency in food supply chains, helping smallholder farmers, boutique producers, and industrial growers combat food fraud. The system uses a decentralized QR code-based tracking system, allowing consumers to track the origin of their ingredients.
Rice University scientists have developed a novel 'green' method for producing pharmaceutical intermediates using the cooperative hydrogen atom transfer (cHAT) technique. This approach employs earth-abundant iron and sulfur as catalysts, reducing costs and environmental impact compared to traditional methods.