News Releases

Shining light on brain function: New optogenetics protocol poised to advance neuroscience

Rice neuroscientist Valentin Dragoi and Ariana Andrei from the Houston Methodist Research Institute developed a detailed, step-by-step guide for deploying optogenetics in nonhuman primates, providing critical guidance for researchers working to advance understanding of the brain’s complex networks and their relationship with behavior.

Science, technology and presidential policymaking to be highlighted by Rice’s Baker Institute

Three former presidential science advisers will speak on how science and technology play a critical role in addressing complex challenges such as climate change, public health, national security and economic competitiveness at a March 8 event hosted by Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The discussion — free and open to the public — will be complemented by an exhibit inside Baker Hall that displays the history of science advisers and the role of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in presidential policymaking.

Rice Business to host ceremony marking milestone in new building construction

Rice Business will celebrate the completion of the highest point of its new building with a "topping out" ceremony Feb. 28. This milestone marks the structural peak of the project, and the event will bring together university and school leaders to sign the building's final beam before it is lifted into place atop the structure. 

Rethinking equity in electric vehicle infrastructure

Xinwu Qian, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University, is spearheading research that reimagines how and where charging stations should be deployed.

Rice researchers unravel menopause timing, shedding light on ovarian aging and fertility

Led by Rice's Anatoly Kolomeisky, researchers have developed a theoretical framework that quantitatively predicts menopause timing.

Rice researchers team up with UT, A&M to help rural Texas communities overhaul flood management system

Avantika Gori, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University, is leading an innovative project to address flooding in rural communities.

British alt-rock band bôa to headline Moody X-Fest

Rice will welcome bôa as the headline music act at the third annual Moody X-Fest April 25 at Founder’s Court. The signature, rain-or-shine event celebrates the Moody Experience and will include free food, swag and games.

Rice-led study finds focused ultrasound therapy improves cancer treatment

Combining an existing small-molecule protein therapy called tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand with focused ultrasound can significantly reduce tumor size and burden in prostate cancer models, according to a new study published in Advanced Science by researchers at Rice and Vanderbilt.

Rice appoints Susan Christian to lead new campus events unit, establish conference services division

Rice has named seasoned special events executive Susan Christian as the first senior director of campus and community engagement and conference services.

Rice Business Plan Competition, world’s largest and richest intercollegiate student startup competition, selects 2025 ventures

The 2025 Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC) announced today the 42 startups invited to compete for more than $1 million in prizes April 10-12 at Rice University and the Ion in Houston.

US research universities’ innovation and future to be examined at Ion event Feb. 24

Rice President Reginald DesRoches and ASU President Michael Crow, two distinguished leaders in higher education and public service, will discuss the evolving role of U.S. research universities in driving innovation, equity, accessibility and affordability and more Feb. 24 at the Ion — Houston’s innovation hub powered by Rice. The event will include a livestream option with the recording available afterward.

Harnessing failure as an asset: How Rice researchers are innovating smarter wearable tech

A new study by mechanical engineers at Rice’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing explores how programmed failure in heat-sealable, sheet-based systems can be used to protect devices, enable complex sequencing of actions and even streamline control mechanisms.

Rice computer science department invites Houston industry, community partners for discussion on generative AI and DeepSeek

The Rice Department of Computer Science and Ken Kennedy Institute invite Houston industry and community partners to an evening discussion on LLMs, DeepSeek and the future of generative AI.

Rice-led study finds 2D carbon material is 8 times tougher than graphene, resists cracking

Rice researchers found that a carbon material known as monolayer amorphous carbon is eight times tougher than graphene.

Annual event showcases AI and high-performance computing advances in energy

Rice’s Ken Kennedy Institute will host its annual Energy HPC Conference Feb. 25-27.