Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

CPRIT grant bolsters Rice biosciences

Rice University has received a $6 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to bolster its growing biosciences initiative. Synthetic biologist Caroline Ajo-Franklin will lead the effort, exploring biological-inorganic interfaces and developing sensors to monitor chemotherapy agents in real-time.

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.

Less may be more in next-gen batteries

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a mechanism that protects cathodes from degrading in lithium-ion batteries by applying a thin layer of alumina, which also accelerates charging speed. This breakthrough could lead to more stable and efficient batteries for electric cars and grid storage.

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.

Not so fast: Some batteries can be pushed too far

Researchers found that intentionally adding defects to lithium-ion batteries can cause stress, leading to cracks and degradation. The study suggests a sweet spot for defect levels to optimize performance, contradicting previous findings.

Gasification goes green

Researchers create light-powered nanoparticle that shrinks the carbon footprint of syngas production, a valuable chemical feedstock used to make fuels, fertilizer, and other products. The low-energy, low-temperature process produces a mix of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas.

New production method for carbon nanotubes gets green light

Researchers have successfully developed a new production method for single-walled carbon nanotubes, addressing the issue of variability in nanotube sources. The new process, led by Swansea University and NoPo Nanotechnologies, has shown favorable comparisons to historically available materials.

Snake-like proteins can wrangle DNA

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a novel mechanism by which snake-like proteins, known as coiled coils, interact with DNA to form loops that regulate genetic messages. These loops are formed through a braiding process, where the coiled coils writhe and twist around each other, bringing together sites on DNA.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nightside barrier gently brakes 'bursty' plasma bubbles

Scientists at Rice University have developed new methods to characterize the influence of turbulence on space weather. They discovered that bursty bulk flows cause big ripples in plasma, leading to oscillations called buoyancy waves. These waves play a role in the formation of auroral structures and magnetospheric substorms.

Grain traits traced to 'dark matter' of rice genome

Researchers found that key changes during rice domestication reflect selection on traits determined by a portion of the genome that does not transcribe proteins. Non-coding RNAs, suspected to play important roles in regulating growth and development, were also implicated.

Switching cereals in India for improved nutrition, sustainability

A new study from the University of Delaware suggests that India can sustainably enhance its food supply and reduce environmental impacts by reducing reliance on rice and planting more nutritious crops like sorghum and finger millet. The traditional cereals have higher nutritional quality, use less water and energy, and emit fewer green...

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.

Ancient events are still impacting mammals worldwide

Researchers discovered that events from 20,000 years ago or more are still impacting the diversity and distribution of mammal species globally. The study found that historic climate does a better job than current climate in explaining present biodiversity patterns.

Hydrogels control inflammation to help healing

Researchers have developed injectable hydrogels that can tune the body's inflammatory response, promoting or reducing inflammation as needed. The study found that positively charged hydrogels triggered stronger responses for wound-healing and cancer treatment, while negatively charged gels were better suited for drug delivery.

How do silt and sand differ when going with the flow?

Researchers at Rice University discovered that a specific grain size can control the movement of silt and sand in rivers, with no correlation to water speed. This finding has significant implications for understanding sediment transport and its impact on coastlines and deltas.

Deadly 'superbugs' destroyed by molecular drills

Researchers at Rice University and Texas A&M University developed molecular drills that target and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The drills, which can be activated with light, increase the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, offering a potential solution to superbug infections.

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.

Detours may make batteries better

Scientists at Rice University have discovered that placing specific defects in the crystalline lattice of lithium iron phosphate-based cathodes can broaden the avenues through which lithium ions travel. This could improve performance by up to two orders of magnitude and potentially lead to similar improvements in other types of batteries.

Rice, Amazon report breakthrough in 'distributed deep learning'

Researchers have developed a new approach called MACH, which reduces the training resources required for large-scale machine learning models. By dividing data into smaller buckets and using compressed sensing, the system can process 70 million queries and 49 million products in minutes, compared to hours or days with traditional methods.

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.

Gulf Coast corals face catastrophe

A new study by Rice University researchers warns that coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico are on the brink of collapse due to rising temperatures and ocean acidification. The study found that even reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Paris Agreement's targets may not be enough to preserve the reefs.

Patient diaries reveal propensity for epileptic seizures

A new statistical tool has been validated for assessing epilepsy seizure risk, allowing for more accurate treatment decisions. The Epilepsy Seizure Assessment Tool (EpiSAT) correctly identified changes in seizure risk in over 87% of cases.

Warmer temperatures will increase arsenic levels in rice, study shows

Researchers at the University of Washington found that warmer temperatures can lead to higher concentrations of arsenic in rice grains. The study, presented at the American Geophysical Union's Fall Meeting, suggests that climate change could exacerbate the problem of arsenic-contaminated rice, posing a health risk to consumers.

In hunted rainforests, termites lose their dominance

A study by Rice ecologists found that termites lose their dominance in hunted areas of an African forest, with a 170-fold decrease in abundance. Termites play crucial roles as ecosystem engineers and food sources for other organisms, highlighting the cascading impacts of megafauna loss.

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.

Breathing? Thank volcanoes, tectonics and bacteria

A new study suggests that volcanic eruptions triggered by tectonics led to the Great Oxidation Event, a significant increase in oxygen in Earth's atmosphere about 2.5 billion years ago. The research proposes that this event was also linked to a change in the composition of carbon isotopes in carbonate rock record.

Rice to feed the world given a funding boost

The C4 Rice Project aims to create a more efficient photosynthetic pathway, allowing rice to thrive in harsher environments. By the end of the next phase in 2024, scientists hope to have experimental field plots up and running in Taiwan.

Ammonia synthesis made easy with 2D catalyst

Rice University scientists create inorganic catalyst from molybdenum disulfide that mimics natural bacterial process to produce ammonia on demand under ambient conditions. The method uses electricity and can be used for small-scale production or even in space applications.

Bottlebrushes rise up to control coatings

Researchers at Rice University developed bottlebrush copolymers to refine surface coatings, making them more waterproof or conductive. The polymers' migration to top and bottom of thin films can effectively decouple properties of bulk coating from exposed surfaces.

Theoretical tubulanes inspire ultrahard polymers

Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of polymer that is nearly as hard as diamond and can deflect bullets more effectively than solid materials. The polymers are inspired by theoretical structures called tubulanes, which were predicted to have extraordinary strength.

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.

Stalled weather patterns will get bigger due to climate change

A Rice University study found that climate change will increase the size of stalled high-pressure weather systems, leading to larger heat waves and more severe droughts. The research used climate model simulations to predict a 17% increase in blocking events in the northern hemisphere.

Researchers model avalanches in two dimensions

Cornell researchers have modeled crackling noise in two dimensions, using a combination of mathematical schemes to solve a decades-old problem. The study sheds light on the behavior of avalanches and crackling noise near critical points, making an important step toward a fuller understanding.

Perovskite solar cells get an upgrade

Rice University scientists have overcome a major hurdle keeping perovskite-based solar cells from achieving mainstream use by engineering defects and retaining efficiency. They replaced lead with indium, resulting in cells that can be made in open air and last for months.

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.

Rice yields plummet and arsenic rises in future climate-soil scenarios

Climate change is projected to cause a dramatic decline in rice yields, potentially devastating global food supplies. The crop's sensitivity to soil arsenic, exacerbated by increased temperatures and irrigation with high-arsenic water, will lead to twice the normal amount of toxic arsenic in rice.

Cocktail proves toxic to leukemia cells

Researchers at Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a combination of drugs that target mitochondria can selectively kill leukemia cells while leaving healthy blood cells unaffected. This breakthrough could lead to more effective personalized treatment for patients with leukemia.

Even 'Goldilocks' exoplanets need a well-behaved star

Astronomers refine search for potentially habitable planets by modeling stellar activity and its effect on planetary magnetic fields. Researchers estimate that some exoplanets could lose their atmospheres in as little as 100 million years due to intense radiation from their stars.

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.

Signaling waves determine embryonic fates

Researchers at Rice University discovered dynamic molecular signaling waves that prompt cell differentiation and trigger the formation of germ layers in human embryos. The study counters previous theories by showing gradients do not exist in stem-cell colonies and the process is more dynamic than previously appreciated.

Salt helps proteins move on down the road

Rice University scientists have developed a strategy to make polymer membrane-based separation of proteins more efficient using salt. The researchers identified competing forces at the nylon surface that could be tuned by salt concentration, allowing for improved separation efficiencies.

Soft double gyroids are unique, but imperfect, crystals

Scientists at Rice University have created a unique nanoscale material called soft double gyroids, which exhibits a maze-like structure. However, their analysis reveals that the material's structure is not perfectly cubic, but rather distorted due to grain boundaries and directional stress.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Rice study assesses college leadership training programs

A new study from Rice University found that college leadership training programs teach students about leadership, but additional measures are needed to evaluate their impact on real-life leadership skills. The analysis suggests a 19% increase in knowledge and better leadership outcomes for program participants.

When a freestanding emergency department comes to town, costs go up

A new study by Rice University experts found that freestanding emergency departments increased average emergency department spending by 3.6% per insured beneficiary in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. In contrast, entry of a freestanding emergency department resulted in higher out-of-pocket payments for emergency care in three states.

Embryo's early development revealed in a dish

Bioscientists at Rice University have created a system to form all major cell types of ectoderm in a culture dish, allowing for the most comprehensive analysis yet of signaling pathways that drive patterning. The balance between two signaling pathways, BMP and Wnt, is critical, and cells can take more than one road to get there.

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.

Synthetic cells make long-distance calls

Engineered E. coli bacteria using transcriptional circuits from Rice lab researchers can synchronize gene expression across large distances, enabling collective action in community settings. The discovery could lead to treatment of gut microbiome conditions and interaction with bioelectronics.

Overlap allows nanoparticles to enhance light-based detection

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to amplify the light emitted by molecules using plasmonic nanoparticles. By optimizing the spectral frequency overlap between the molecule and nanoparticle, they can enhance signal detection up to 10 times. This technique has potential applications in analyzing catalysts and improv...

Water + air + electricity = hydrogen peroxide

The Rice reactor produces valuable chemical in desired concentration and high purity, eliminating the need for hazardous transportation and purification. The low-cost carbon black catalyst enables point-of-use production of pure hydrogen peroxide solutions.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Rice bran may help curb malnutrition, diarrhea for infants

A new clinical trial found that adding rice bran to infant diets enhanced growth and reduced diarrhea, while also showing potential for improving gut health. The study's results suggest that rice bran could be a practical dietary intervention strategy in regions with high rates of impaired growth and development.

Bacteria trapped -- and terminated -- by graphene filter

A graphene filter developed by Rice University scientists can capture and sanitize airborne pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The filter uses Joule heating to kill trapped microbes and their toxic byproducts, potentially reducing hospital infections.

Newborn baby deaths in Africa targeted in $68M initiative

A new global health initiative, NEST360°, aims to reduce newborn mortality in sub-Saharan Africa by 50% through improved hospital care. The $68M program will focus on developing affordable technologies and training for hospitals in four initial countries, with plans to expand to the rest of the continent.

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.

Quantum material goes where none have gone before

Physicists at Rice University have created a new alloy that exhibits unusual electronic properties when traversing the final frontier of quantum criticality. The cerium palladium aluminum alloy behaves like a spin liquid, a metallic system with exotic properties that can be found in other strongly correlated materials.

Borophene on silver grows freely into an atomic 'skin'

Researchers have successfully grown elongated hexagon-shaped flakes of borophene on a silver substrate, overcoming a major hurdle in its production. The discovery could enable the creation of atom-width conductive wires for nanoelectronics devices.

Extra amino acid could work wonders

Rice University chemist Han Xiao is developing a custom-designed 21st amino acid to make life-saving substances and produce novel proteins for therapies. The goal is to create 'unnatural organisms' that can produce multiple designer amino acids, leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy and cancer treatment.

Chemists clarify a chiral conundrum?

Rice chemists disentangled the mysterious interactions between bovine serum albumin and gold nanorods, revealing multilevel chirality and a possible way to sense single proteins' handedness. This discovery could lead to the development of drug-sensing tools with improved accuracy.

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.