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.
SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 2, 2020
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.
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.
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
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.
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.
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.
SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2020
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 ...
SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateAug 18, 2020
In the African Serengeti, lion presence leads to mixed-species grazing groups, where species congregate to minimize predation risk. These groups are more likely to form in areas with high predator stress, such as woodland habitats and near rocky outcroppings.
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.
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
SourceRice University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 5, 2020
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment confirms that high rice consumption is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality due to arsenic exposure. The research suggests that people may reduce their risk by consuming lower-arsenic rice varieties and eating a balanced diet.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 4, 2020
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.
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.
SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceRice University·JournalMaterials Today·DateJul 27, 2020
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.
SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Social Policy·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new strategy, 'wrap, trap and zap,' to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater treatment plants. The graphene-wrapped nanospheres kill bacteria by producing reactive oxygen species, degrading antibiotic-resistant genes and minimizing their release into the environment.
SourceRice University·JournalWater Research·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers have identified key agronomic traits for high yield in short-duration rice, which can enhance source capacity during grain filling. The new breeding lines yielded 11-38% higher than the most popular short-duration variety, indicating enormous potential for developing improved varieties.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 16, 2020
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers from Rice University and the University of Georgia have developed a method to assess individual contributions to collective behavior using data science. By analyzing experimental data about individual cell movements, they uncovered unexpected patterns and signals associated with emergence in cooperative bacteria.
Biomolecular engineers at Rice University have developed a gene-editing technique that dramatically enhances the accuracy of CRISPR-based edits. The new technique, called A3G-BE, precisely modifies single targeted cytosine mutations while minimizing unwanted editing, showing significant success in treating disease-relevant contexts.
SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 15, 2020
Rice chemist James Tour and his team use adhesive tape to create a silicon oxide film that replaces troublesome anodes in lithium metal batteries. The new coating triples the battery lifetimes of other zero-excess lithium metal batteries, delivering better performance and longer lifespan.
SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 14, 2020
A consortium led by University of Sydney develops world's first real-time monitoring platform for rice fields globally using Google Earth. The project will provide accurate maps outlining rice yields and land use, crucial for achieving global food and water security.
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.
A recent study by Rice University environmental engineers has found high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in the droppings of common urban ducks, crows, and gulls. The researchers discovered that these genes encoded significant resistance to tetracycline, beta-lactam, and sulfonamide antibiotics.
SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJul 13, 2020
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that climate change will intensify winds steering hurricanes north over Texas, increasing the likelihood of fast-moving storms. The research found a 50% rise in the chances of fast-moving hurricanes compared to slow-movers like Harvey.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2020
Rice University engineers found that boron nitride can destroy 99% of PFOA in four hours through light activation, outperforming previously reported catalysts. The discovery suggests the potential for using boron nitride as a tool to address PFAS pollution.
SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 7, 2020
Researchers have discovered that charcoal nanoparticles can effectively combat damaging levels of superoxides, which are toxic at high concentrations. The nanozymes could aid in the treatment of COVID-19 patients by reducing radical oxygen ions produced in response to an injury or stroke.
SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJul 1, 2020
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.
Researchers have developed novel APOBEC-Cas9 fusion-induced deletion systems (AFIDs) that induce precise, predictable multi-nucleotide deletions in rice and wheat genomes. The AFID system has been shown to confer enhanced resistance to rice bacterial blight.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 30, 2020
Researchers created a nanoscale gap between gold electrodes and found that excited electrons leaping the gap emitted bright light. The effect depends on metal's plasmons, ripples of energy flowing across its surface.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created complex blood vessel networks using laser-welded sugar templates, paving the way for the creation of large tissue models. The technique enables the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body, making it a promising approach for future therapeutic applications.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 29, 2020
Researchers at Rice University have discovered trochoidal dichroism, a novel type of polarized light-matter interaction. The discovery reveals that different wavelengths of light interact differently with plasmonic nanoparticles, which could help study molecules and determine molecular orientation.
SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers created transgenic rice with anti-hypertensive peptides that lowered blood pressure in hypertensive rats. The effect remained after a 5-week treatment period without obvious side effects. If effective in humans, it could lead to a daily intake of only half a tablespoon of special rice.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 24, 2020
James Tour, a Rice University chemist, has won the Royal Society of Chemistry Centenary Prize for his groundbreaking work in materials chemistry with applications in medicine and nanotechnology. The award recognizes his research group's contributions over 32 years.
Rice University experimental physicist Ming Yi has been awarded a five-year grant from the Department of Energy to explore magnetism in two-dimensional materials. Her research aims to understand how key ingredients for magnetism evolve as materials transition from 3D to 2D.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers have created a catalyst that can break carbon-fluorine bonds via hydrodefluorination, a process known as C-F bond breaking. The innovation has potential applications in remediating fluorinated compounds and could lead to cleaner, more efficient chemical processes.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJun 22, 2020
Researchers found that providing less popular farmers with new information and technologies leads to wider community adoption of sustainable farming practices. The study suggests that relying on prominent farmers may not be effective in spreading sustainable practices.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Sustainability·DateJun 18, 2020
Rice University researchers suggest that T cell relaxation time is key to immune response, explaining how invaders prompt the immune system. The approach helps explain why T cells can react so fast and selectively, despite self-ligand imposters outnumbering invaders by a factor of 100,000.
SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 16, 2020
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.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that excitons can spontaneously form in ground-state bilayers of specific 2D compounds, exhibiting superfluid-like behavior. This phenomenon holds promise for innovative electronic and quantum computing applications.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2020
Rice University researchers have demonstrated methods to optimize data-centric processing, improving energy efficiency by up to two orders of magnitude. Two complementary approaches, TIMELY and SmartExchange, were presented at ISCA 2020, leveraging innovative hardware architecture and co-designing with machine-learning algorithms.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to kill breast cancer cells using light-activated molecules. By replacing a single oxygen atom with sulfur, the photosensitizers generate reactive oxygen species that destroy tumor cells.
SourceRice University·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 11, 2020
Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in 4D printing by developing a method to print objects that can change shape autonomously. The technique uses liquid crystal polymers to create materials that can morph from one shape to another through temperature, electric current or stress.
SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 9, 2020
Researchers develop implant that uses magnetic energy to produce high-frequency signals for treating epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, chronic pain and other conditions. The miniaturization enables wireless power delivery and minimally invasive procedure.
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.
Rice University scientists developed an easy and affordable tool to count and characterize nanoparticles using the open-source SEMseg program. The tool simplifies nanoparticle analysis by extracting pixel-level data from low-contrast SEM images and recombining it into sharp images.
SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateJun 8, 2020
Researchers at Rice University have developed an egg-based coating that protects fruits and vegetables from rotting, extending their shelf life comparable to standard coatings like wax. The coating, made from egg whites and nanoscale cellulose, is all-natural, washable, and non-toxic.
SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 4, 2020
Researchers studied neurocognitive temporal training and its impact on Soldier performance, including improved marksmanship precision and reduced variability. The interactive metronome device was used to train Soldiers and measure their timing and rhythm abilities.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·DateJun 4, 2020
Researchers isolated single BNNTs using a fluorescent rhodamine surfactant, allowing them to track their movement and confirm Brownian motion matches predictions. This study helps understand particle behavior in liquids and could lead to the development of novel composite materials and biomedical applications.
SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJun 2, 2020
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.
Laurence Yeung's research aims to unify theory and experiments on oxygen isotopes to improve estimates of primary productivity in the oceans. He also seeks to resolve interlaboratory discrepancies and study biosphere productivity over a billion years.
Physicist Ming Yi receives a prestigious $1.6 million grant to study correlated quantum materials, aiming to gain fundamental understanding of their electronic phases and control their behavior.
A recent study analyzed datasets on rice plants across Asia to predict traits based on genetics and environment. The researchers found patterns in temperature profiles and geographic distribution of genetic haplotypes, which suggest preferential adaptation to different temperature zones.
SourceIowa State University·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 27, 2020
A newly discovered ocean virus is hijacking the metabolism of the most abundant organism on Earth, Prochlorococcus marinus. The virus alters the ability of P. marinus to store carbon and counter the greenhouse gas effect, potentially preventing gigatons of carbon from being taken out of the air annually.
SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 26, 2020
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A Rice University study reveals that blood flow to the brain recovers faster than brain function after a microstroke. The research used advanced neural monitoring technology to measure both blood flow and neuronal recovery simultaneously, showing a significant disconnect between the two processes.
SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 22, 2020
A recent study has uncovered evidence of ancient cultivated rice in Central Asia, dating back to the Kushan period. The discovery sheds new light on the spread of rice agriculture and its role in early global trade.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMay 21, 2020
Researchers found that divergent flowering times caused nearly complete reproductive isolation between two wild rice species. The change of flowering time of the new species O. nivara is an adaptation to shifted environments.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMay 20, 2020
Researchers have found a link between 2D and 3D phases of topological matter, reviving the quantum Hall effect in 3D superconductors. This connection could enable fault-tolerant quantum computing using entangled states protected by long-range quantum entanglement.
SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 18, 2020
Researchers developed Early Bird, an energy-efficient method for training deep neural networks, which can use 10.7 times less energy than traditional methods to achieve the same level of accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to significant cost savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A global cooling event 4,200 years ago may have led to the evolution of new rice varieties and the spread of rice into northern and southern Asia. The study used genomics, archeology, and climate data to reconstruct the history of rice.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 15, 2020
Early studies indicate COVID-19 genetic material can be detected in stool samples, but it's unclear if infectious virus is present. Further research is needed to determine the risk of transmission through feces.
SourceRice University·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMay 14, 2020
Researchers at Rice University have created a 2D Janus compound that enhances the detection of biomolecules via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The nonmetallic material boosts signal strength, reducing background noise and improving detection limits.
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.