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Venom contributed to the species diversity of insects and fishes

A recent study published by Swansea University found that venomous fish and insects diversified faster than their non-venomous counterparts. This is attributed to the use of venom as a means of repelling predators or catching prey, leading to increased opportunities for species to exploit their environment.

SourceSwansea University·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 5, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reversal speeds creation of important molecule

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to synthesize halichondrin B, a natural compound with potent antitumor properties. The 'reverse approach' simplifies the process by bonding carbon-oxygen connections first and has reduced the number of steps required to make the molecule from 25 to just 5.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 29, 2021

More intense and frequent thunderstorms linked to global climate variability

Researchers analyzed oxygen isotopes from Texas caves to understand trends in past thunderstorms and their durations. They found that shifts in storm regimes coincide with global abrupt climate shifts during the last glacial period. This study helps predict future mid-latitude thunderstorm patterns.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 22, 2021
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.

Under the microscope: SMU's experiential learning

SMU-X, a university-wide pedagogical experiential learning programme, is being rigorously evaluated to assess its impact on graduates. The study will investigate whether SMU-X effectively cultivates a learning mindset, sharpens workforce skills, and facilitates career-related advancements for SMU graduates.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateJun 2, 2021

UW researchers studying how to make online arguments productive

UW researchers studied how to make online arguments more productive and centered around relationship-building. They found that people want to have difficult conversations online, but often avoid them due to lack of nuance or space for discussion. The team developed 12 potential technological design interventions, including democratizin...

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 19, 2021

Natural Sciences students' research published in prestigious journal

A team of undergraduate students from the University of Exeter's Natural Sciences department has published their second-year research in a top academic journal. They applied novel image analysis techniques to study the Belousov-Zhabotinsky chemical reaction, extracting features such as wave velocity and making unprecedented progress.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateMar 25, 2021

Study aims to (re)define Latino manhood and masculinity

Researchers explore how Latino male college students understand and perform leadership based on their familial and cultural values. The study finds that 'familismo leadership' is a recognized form of leadership among Latino men, linked to masculinity as strength, provider role, and direct action.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Leadership in Education·DateMar 22, 2021
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.

Does shielding the vulnerable from COVID19 work?

A Swansea University research project aims to assess the evidence on shielding vulnerable people from COVID-19. The study will examine how shielding affected deaths, hospital admissions, and quality-of-life in Wales.

SourceSwansea University·DateMar 16, 2021
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.

A better tool for the job: Laser-based technique to elucidate the mysteries of exosomes

A team of undergraduate students from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology developed a laser-based technique to measure protein-containing vessels released by cells. The technique, known as dynamic light scattering (DLS), is reliable, convenient, and inexpensive, making it an efficient tool for studying exosomes.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2021

Collagen structures get the royal reveal

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 15, 2021

After COVID-19 hit, federal financial aid applications dropped sharply among first-year students

The study found a 21% decline in submissions among incoming first-year undergraduates and a 7% decline among those with some prior experience. Neighborhoods with higher percentages of Black and Hispanic residents saw significant declines in applications, while areas with lower proportions of these groups experienced increases.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateFeb 10, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Brain-to-brain communication demo receives DARPA funding

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.

SourceRice University·DateJan 25, 2021

Rice 'flashes' new 2D materials

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.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 11, 2021

Fire-resistant tropical forest on brink of disappearance

A new study reveals that only 10% of remaining tropical forest cover remains fire-resistant, while the rest has been fragmented or degraded. Tropical forests play a crucial role in preventing catastrophic fires, emphasizing the need for preservation and regeneration.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

'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.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateDec 8, 2020

Individuals may legitimize hacking when angry with system or authority

A study by University of Kent researchers found that individuals who feel a system or authority is unresponsive to their demands are more likely to support hacker activity. This support can be seen as a means to express anger and frustration towards the organization, even if it involves disruptive actions.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateOct 22, 2020

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.

SourceRice University·DateOct 15, 2020
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.

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.

SourceRice University·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceRice University·DateAug 4, 2020

Online tools can improve autism diagnosis

The survey found that online tools can improve services in autism care by reducing delays, improving outcomes, and enabling families to access professionals remotely. The two approaches, Real-Time and Store-and-Forward methods, have good diagnostic accuracy and enable natural behaviors in the home setting to be observed.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Excitons form superfluid in certain 2D combos

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

Reusable face mask could be answer to PPE shortfall

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are developing a reusable face mask that can kill viruses caught on its surface using heat. The design features a thin, breathable film made from engineered carbon nanomaterials as a heatable filter retrofitted onto commercial masks.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMay 28, 2020
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.

Can COVID-19 spread through fecal matter?

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

Music and filmmaking can transform undergraduate student perceptions of dementia

An undergraduate course curriculum combined music, filmmaking, and reflective writing to help students connect with people living with dementia. More than half of the students continued engaging with participants after the course, highlighting the potential of arts and music courses in shaping perceptions about dementia.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 6, 2020

Rice researchers look to 'trap and zap' coronavirus

Rice University researchers have won a National Science Foundation RAPID grant to upgrade their wastewater-treatment technology. They aim to develop a system that can selectively adsorb viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and disable them using photocatalytic disinfection.

SourceRice University·DateApr 23, 2020

£250k government grant enables 750 students to work with LEP SMEs

The University of Huddersfield's two-year project, ICE+, will see over 750 students from across seven schools work in inter-disciplinary teams to develop enterprise and innovation skills. The project aims to promote the benefits of employing graduate talent and boost local employment opportunities for former students.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateApr 21, 2020
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.

Obama's 2008 election improved mental health of black men, research shows

New research from Rice University found that Barack Obama's 2008 presidential election improved the mental health of black men, with an average decrease in poor mental health days from four to three. However, this benefit did not extend to black women, who reported a slight increase in mental health problems following the election.

SourceRice University·JournalSociology of Race and Ethnicity·DateMar 24, 2020

Groovy key to nanotubes in 2D

Researchers found that the alignment of nanotubes in 2D films corresponds to parallel, submicroscopic grooves on the paper. The grooves likely form during the factory production process, and removing them allows for control over alignment direction.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 9, 2020

Underrepresented college students benefit more from 'active learning' techniques in STEM

Active learning techniques have been shown to significantly narrow the achievement gap between overrepresented and underrepresented students in STEM fields. In a recent study, instructors incorporated more active learning methods into undergraduate STEM courses, resulting in exam scores narrowing by 33-42% and course passing rates impr...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Heavy backpack? Good for you

A Rice University study found that public school students have healthier core strength than home-schooled children due to daily use of heavy backpacks. The research also revealed a disparity in push-up performance between the two groups, with public school students meeting requirements and home-schoolers narrowly missing them.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Education·DateFeb 17, 2020
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.

Concussions common among college students, more prevalent off the field than on

A three-year study found concussions are twice as prevalent as previously believed and occur significantly more often off the playing field. The research also showed that females are more susceptible to concussions and that incidence is higher among non-sport-related activities, such as falls and motor vehicle accidents.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 18, 2019
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.

Study: Student attitudes toward cheating may spill over into their careers

A recent study by San Francisco State University professors found that students' tolerance for cheating in the classroom is linked to their openness to unethical behavior on the job. Group-oriented students, or collectivists, were more likely to be tolerant of cheating due to their desire to maintain group cohesion.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Marketing Education·DateNov 27, 2019

Mastering collaboration -- Educating tomorrow's roboticists

The US Army Research Laboratory's Robotics Collaborative Technology Alliance brings together industry-academia researchers to solve military problems with scientific solutions. Students from undergraduate to doctoral levels contribute to the alliance by working on real Army problems in university laboratories.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateOct 22, 2019

UC Riverside helps secure the future of food

The Plants-3D program will provide academic and entrepreneurial training to 50 students, equipping them with cutting-edge technologies to increase crop yields and nutritional value. The synthetic biology approach will enable plants to tolerate increased stress levels, reducing the need for fertilizer.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 16, 2019
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.

Houston universities team up to boost minorities in academia

Rice University, Texas Southern University, and the University of Houston have won a $2.66 million NSF grant to enhance training and resources for underrepresented minorities in engineering and science disciplines. The project aims to create a more diverse workforce and address systemic barriers that impede their success.

SourceRice University·DateAug 13, 2019

You're not so tough, h-BN

Researchers at Rice University have created a method to modify hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN) by attaching carbon chains, making it easier to bond with polymers and other materials. This modification also makes the material more dispersible in organic solvents.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateAug 12, 2019
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.

How to keep fish in the sea and on the plate

A new study suggests that periodic closures of fishing grounds can promote fish stock recovery while still providing enough to eat. The researchers found that well-managed fisheries with pulse harvests achieved better outcomes than those with permanent no-take MPAs.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 18, 2019

How bosses react influences whether workers speak up

A new study from Rice University psychologist Danielle King found that how leaders respond to employee suggestions can impact whether or not the employee opens up in the future. Employees who receive sensitive explanations for rejected ideas are more likely to offer suggestions again in the future.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateJun 11, 2019

Sellers on classified ad websites favor buyers from affluent neighborhoods

A study by Rice University researchers found that people selling items on online resale websites tend to favor buyers from wealthier areas. The findings suggest that geographic location plays a significant role in shaping interactions and outcomes in mundane settings, revealing the far-reaching effects of segregation.

SourceRice University·JournalCity and Community·DateJun 10, 2019
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.

Nanomaterial safety on a nano budget

Researchers at Rice University have developed a cheap and clean method to handle carbon nanotubes, improving lab safety. The protocol involves proper attire, containment systems, and efficient transfer procedures, making it possible for labs to safely work with these materials on a large scale.

SourceRice University·JournalSN Applied Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

Flexible generators turn movement into energy

Researchers at Rice University have created a material that generates electricity from movement, enabling the creation of wearable devices powered by human activity. The triboelectric effect is used to harness energy from contact and separation between materials, producing enough power to charge small capacitors.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 31, 2019

Outstanding university computing students recognized

The ACM Student Research Competition, sponsored by Microsoft, recognizes promising computer science students who receive travel grants to present their original research at well-known conferences. The top three winners in both graduate and undergraduate categories receive prizes of $500, $300, and $200, respectively.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateMay 29, 2019

Driverless cars working together can speed up traffic by 35%

Researchers at the University of Cambridge programmed a fleet of miniature robotic cars to demonstrate how autonomous vehicles can communicate with each other and improve safety. In experiments, cooperative driving improved traffic flow by 35%, while aggressive driving increased this improvement to 45%.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateMay 19, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.