New enzyme could aid anticancer drug development
June 27, 2023
Retracing nature’s steps, Rice University engineer Xue Gao and her team mapped out the full series of enzyme-powered reactions a marine fungus uses to produce a complex molecule with anticancer properties. In the process, the Gao lab uncovered the first fungal enzyme of its kind known to break an amide bond.
DNA test could broaden access to cervical cancer screening
June 21, 2023
Rice bioengineers have demonstrated a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that could make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries where the disease kills more than 300,000 women each year.
Upgraded tumor model optimizes search for cancer therapies
March 20, 2023
Rice U. bioengineers have developed an upgraded tumor model that houses bone cancer cells beside immune cells inside a 3D structure engineered to mimic bone and, through research using the model, found that the body’s immune response can make tumor cells more resistant to chemotherapy.
Lab Notes for Feb. 20, 2023
February 20, 2023
Rice joins neutrino megaproject. Engineering launches energy transition initiative. McHugh lands cancer research grant. Keck Foundation funds quantum research. West named Cottrell Scholar.
Naomi Halas named University Professor
January 23, 2023
Rice University has promoted nanotechnology pioneer Naomi Halas to its highest academic rank, University Professor. Halas, a 33-year member of Rice’s faculty, becomes only the 10th person and second woman to earn the title in Rice’s 111-year history.