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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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Small quake clusters can't hide from AI

Researchers used data gathered before a 2017 deadly landslide in Greenland to demonstrate the effectiveness of deep learning in predicting seismic events. The study found weak but repetitive rumblings that accelerated over time, leading to the landslide, which could be detected by AI.

Rice's RAMBO-II: A sequel better than the original

RAMBO-II will produce stronger magnetic fields and probe samples with an even broader spectrum of intense laser pulses. This upgrade enables researchers to study materials under extreme conditions, advancing the frontiers of materials physics and chemistry.

Heart attack damage reduced by shielded stem cells

Researchers from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have shown that shielding stem cells with a novel biomaterial can significantly enhance the healing process in rodents after heart attacks. The study demonstrated that shielded stem cells resulted in 2.5 times greater heart function recovery compared to non-shielded cells ...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

No limit yet for carbon nanotube fibers

Researchers at Rice University have developed carbon nanotube fibers that are stronger than Kevlar and conductive like copper. The fibers have doubled in strength and conductivity every three years, a trend spanning nearly two decades.

Programmed bacteria have something extra

Researchers successfully engineered bacteria to produce a synthetic building block, a 21st amino acid, which prompts the bacteria to produce a protein that fluoresces under metabolic stress. This breakthrough enables the design of novel proteins and organisms with useful functions.

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.

Engineers enlist fungi to advance against disease

Rice University scientists have won a $1.9 million NIH grant to explore the use of CRISPR-Cas genome editing in natural fungi to discover new drugs that stay ahead of disease resistance. By understanding how fungi synthesize useful compounds, they aim to create novel drug development toolkits.

NSF renews Rice biological physics center

The Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at Rice University has received a five-year extension from the National Science Foundation to pursue research on the intersection of biology and physics. Researchers will continue to use computational analysis and experimental efforts to understand cell behavior and interactions.

Rice researchers use InSight for deep Mars measurements

Researchers from Rice University have made the first direct measurements of three subsurface boundaries from Mars' crust to its core using NASA's InSight Lander data. The study provides insights into Mars' early history, planetary formation, and the planet's development from a chemical and thermal perspective.

Ghasempour receives 2020 Marconi Society Young Scholar Award

Ghasempour's research enables real-time, high-speed connections that can be used in various applications, such as emergency response systems and smartwatch technology. Her innovations have the potential to create a next-generation Internet of Things by connecting thousands of devices with faster streams of data.

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.

Study: Mapping crystal shapes could fast-track 2D materials

Researchers propose creating a global database of 2D crystal patterns and recipes to unlock the CVD process and environment for mass production. A Nakaya-like diagram has been developed to analyze these patterns, enabling scientists to infer clues about process variables.

Link between education, income inequality has existed for a century

A new study finds that educational inequality has consistently risen with income inequality in the US since the early 20th century, despite periods of relative equality. The research also highlights a 'Vietnam War effect' where collegiate inequality was high among men but low among women during this period.

Study calls for review of rice and sugar in food subsidy programme

A new study found that subsidized rice and sugar may not improve long-term nutritional outcomes for children in India. The Public Distribution System aims to provide essential nutrients, but the research suggests that limited value foods like rice and sugar may perpetuate unhealthy dietary patterns.

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.