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Religious discrimination particularly high for Jews and Muslims, study shows

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.

'Pink tax' hurts female consumers, but electing more women combats it

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.

Vitamin boosts essential synthetic chemistry

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.

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.

Can gender inequality kill? Paper looks at impact among older Indian women

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...

Scientists get the lowdown on sun's super-hot atmosphere

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.

Hidden structure found in essential metabolic machinery

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.

Chemists get peek at novel fluorescence

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Understanding frustration could lead to better drugs

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.

Former piece of Pacific Ocean floor imaged deep beneath China

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.

C4 rice's first wobbly steps towards reality

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.

Folding proteins feel the heat, and cold

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.

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.

Rice has many fathers but only two mothers

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.

Industrial-strength brine, meet your kryptonite

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.

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.

Malaria test as simple as a bandage

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.

In a hurry to develop drugs? Here's your cHAT

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.

Flash graphene rocks strategy for plastic waste

Researchers at Rice University have created a new method to convert plastic waste into high-quality graphene, offering a potential solution to the global plastic waste crisis. The flash graphene process eliminates much of the expense associated with recycling plastic, making it an economically viable alternative.

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.

Rice finds path to nanodiamond from graphene

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to create nanodiamond from graphene by applying pinpoint pressure, overcoming the energetic barrier to nucleation. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of single-crystal diamond films for electronics and optical applications.

Odds are good for unique 2D compound

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a unique 2D material that enables the valleytronics phenomenon, touted as a possible platform for information processing and storage. The material has been found to be scalable and less susceptible to environmental degradation.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Discovery adds new species to Rice lab's ghoulish insect menagerie

Researchers at Rice University and UNAM have discovered four new wasp species, including Allorhogas gallifolia, which may interact with other species on galls in complex ways. The discovery adds to the lab's 'ghoulish insect menagerie' and expands understanding of ecosystem interactions.

Rice rolls out next-gen nanocars

Researchers at Rice University have designed new nanocars with permanent dipole moments to increase their speed and drivability on a gold surface. The cars, weighing 114 atoms, will be driven via the internet by teams worldwide, competing in the 2022 international Nanocar Race.

SPOTlight supercharges cell studies

A new method called SPOTlight allows for the isolation of single live cells with unique profiles from heterogenous populations. The platform uses a digital micromirror device to give individual cells a long-lasting tag, enabling researchers to observe cellular dynamics and subcellular structures over time.

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.

At our cores, we're all strengthened by 'dumbbells'

Researchers identify 'dumbbell-like' structures in DNA that link to genes with flexible domains, suggesting a connection between chromosome structure and gene expression. The discovery promises new avenues for research into the secrets of chromosomes.

Biochar helps hold water, saves money

A new study from Rice University shows that biochar can help farmers save money by retaining water in sandy soils, with potential irrigation savings of over 50%. The research provides formulas for farmers to estimate water-holding capacity and irrigation cost savings.

A trillion turns of light nets terahertz polarized bytes

Researchers at Rice University and Politecnico University have demonstrated the first nanophotonic platform capable of manipulating polarized light 1 trillion times per second. The platform uses plasmonic metasurfaces to exploit ultrafast electronic mechanisms, enabling faster data transmission rates.

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.

Echo from the past makes rice paddies a good home for wetland plants

Researchers found that rice paddies with a history of being wetlands support more wetland plant species. Land consolidation and agricultural abandonment negatively impact biodiversity. The study's findings may inform conservation efforts and promote sustainable agriculture in the Asian monsoon region.

Rice's Haotian Wang wins Packard fellowship

Haotian Wang, a researcher at Rice University, has received a $875,000 five-year grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation to pursue his work on converting carbon dioxide into fuels. The award supports his technology that uses renewable electricity to convert greenhouse gases into valuable chemical fuels.

Bisexual adults less likely to enjoy health benefits of education

A new study from Rice University finds that well-educated bisexual adults experience less health benefit from education compared to heterosexual and gay/lesbian adults. This effect is especially true for women, with social stigma and gender discrimination potentially contributing to the disparity.

NSF renews Rice-based NEWT Center for water treatment

The Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment Center (NEWT) at Rice University has been renewed for five years with a $16.5 million NSF award. The center will focus on developing multifunctional nanomaterials and low-energy desalination technologies to address global water needs.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Study: Darwin's theory about coral reef atolls is fatally flawed

Scientists compiled new evidence that atolls are formed by cyclic changes in sea level, contradicting Darwin's 1842 theory. Researchers found that atolls were created by flat-topped banks built over 5 million years ago, driven by fluctuations in the Earth's climate.

Literal rise of the internet enables new climate science

Researchers aim to improve weather and climate prediction by modeling atmospheric gravity waves using Loon LLC's internet-connected balloon data. The project will help scientists better understand the impact of these wave phenomena on jet streams, polar vortex, and extreme weather.

Earth grows fine gems in minutes

Research from Rice University found that certain cooling magmas can grow large crystals in just hours or days, defying traditional understanding of crystal growth. The study used advanced techniques to measure the chemical composition and growth rates of sample crystals, revealing surprisingly fast growth rates.

There's a reason bacteria stay in shape

Bacteria remain roughly the same size and shape due to a theoretical model that links random processes of growth and division, canceling each other out. This discovery may provide new insights into disease mechanisms, including cancer proliferation.

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.

Deep learning gives drug design a boost

A new computational tool, Metabolite Translator, uses deep learning to predict metabolites in the human body, providing a broader understanding of how drugs interact with enzymes. The method has been shown to perform as well as existing rule-based methods and identified novel enzymes involved in drug metabolism.

Gemini South's high-def version of 'A Star is Born'

Astronomers using Gemini South's adaptive optics system have captured detailed images of the Carina Nebula with a resolution comparable to the Webb Space Telescope. The high-def images reveal intricate structures within the nebula, including parallel ridges and fragments being sheared off by strong winds.

Copycat plant booster improves on nature

Researchers have designed a synthetic molecule that mimics the function of zaxinone, a natural growth-promoting plant metabolite, to improve root growth and limit Striga infestation in rice plants. The new molecule, MiZax3, has shown excellent activity and stability, with two mimics performing even better than zaxinone itself.

3D camera earns its stripes at Rice

Researchers at Rice University have developed a compact Hyperspectral Stripe Projector that combines depth and spectral information, enabling real-time 3D spectroscopy. This technology has potential applications in self-driving cars, machine vision, crop monitoring, and surface wear and corrosion detection.

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.

AI could expand healing with bioscaffolds

A team led by Lydia Kavraki used machine learning to predict scaffold material quality, controlling print speed is critical in making high-quality implants. The collaboration could lead to better ways to quickly print customized implants.

Shape matters for light-activated nanocatalysts

A study by Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics found that aluminum nanocatalysts with sharply pointed corners, dubbed 'octopods,' have a higher reaction rate and lower activation energy than similar shapes. The research builds on previous efforts to develop commercially viable light-activated nanocatalysts.

Fast calculation dials in better batteries

A simpler analytical model developed by Rice University researchers can quickly evaluate the rate capability of batteries and identify optimal electrode materials. The model's accuracy is within 10% of more computationally intensive algorithms, making it a game-changer for battery optimization.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Gentle probes could enable massive brain data collection

The Rice University project aims to optimize the use of flexible nanoelectronic thread (NET) probes to record neuronal activity in different brain regions. The biocompatible probes can be implanted in various areas of the brain, enabling researchers to analyze complex patterns of neural dynamics over time.

Expansion of rice agriculture in Southeast Asia

The study found that paddy rice farming and grasses increased significantly between 2,700 and 2,000 years ago, indicating anthropogenic deforestation and expansion of rice agriculture in southern China and Southeast Asia. Over the past 3,000 years, coastal landscapes expanded coinciding with suitable land for growing rice.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

National parks preserve more than species

Researchers analyzed over 4,200 camera trap photos in Costa Rica's Braulio Carrillo National Park, finding that trait diversity within the park did not decline despite deforestation. The study suggests national parks can be more resilient than expected, particularly in terms of functional redundancy.

Funding flows into liquid fuel strategy

Rice University engineer Haotian Wang has been awarded a four-year, $2 million collaborative grant by the National Science Foundation to explore converting waste carbon dioxide into pure liquid fuels. The project aims to develop a modular electrochemical system that can provide a sustainable and negative-carbon manufacturing path.

Boundaries no barrier for thermoelectricity

Researchers at Rice University found that electricity generated by temperature differences in gold nanowires is not affected by grain boundaries, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery could enable the detection of crystalline defects using a novel optical detection system.

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.

CEOs with uncommon names tend to implement unconventional strategies

CEOs with uncommon names tend to implement distinctive strategies, deviating from industry norms to achieve competitive advantage and superior performance. This study provides insight into the relationship between a CEO's name and their strategic decisions, highlighting potential benefits for firms seeking enhanced distinctiveness.

Quantum leap for speed limit bounds

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for calculating the upper bound of speed limits in quantum matter, which produces more accurate results in some cases. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of quantum computing and materials science, as well as more precise numerical algorithms.

Climate change could increase rice yields

A new study suggests that climate change may increase rice yields in Japan and other tropical areas due to longer growing seasons. Researchers found that combining a normal harvest time with a high cutting height can lead to higher yields in rice ratooning, a farming practice where the crop is cut and regrown.

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.

Ambient light alters refraction in 2D material

Scientists at Rice University have created a two-dimensional material with unique optical characteristics that can be controlled by ambient light. This innovation has the potential to aid the development of 3D displays, virtual reality, and lidar systems for self-driving vehicles.

NSF backs first community platform for smarter wireless

Rice University researchers are developing an open-source platform to turbo-charge the research process of inventing novel machine-learning based techniques for intelligent wireless network management and optimization. The 3DML platform will provide agile and flexible tools to manage and protect complex wireless networks.

Researchers set sights on theory of deep learning

A team of engineers and computer scientists are developing a theory of deep learning based on rigorous mathematical principles to improve reliability and predictability in AI systems. They will use three perspectives: local to global understanding, statistical analysis, and formal verification.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Antagonistic genes modify rice plant growth

Scientists at Nagoya University discovered two genes, ACE1 and DEC1, that counteract each other to regulate rice plant stem growth. The findings suggest a new approach for genetically modifying rice crops to improve yield and adaptability.

Protein 'chameleon' colors long-term memory

Researchers at Rice University and UTHealth have discovered how a chameleon-like protein, CPEB3, interacts with actin filaments in neurons. This interaction enables the protein to adapt its binding sites to either SUMO or actin, allowing it to form long-lived aggregates that store memories.