BioSciences

Rice researchers uncover surprising role of opioid receptors in gut development

Researchers at Rice have revealed a previously unknown function of opioid receptors in the development of the enteric nervous system.

Rice researchers stride to unlock mysteries of human development

A research team from Rice University led by Aryeh Warmflash has made strides in understanding the processes that guide human embryonic development. The group’s findings were published in the scientific journal Cells Systems May 15.

Rice’s Yousif Shamoo elected AAAS fellow

Rice University bioscientist Yousif Shamoo has been elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science.

Rice cell biology student named Watson Fellow

When Trinity Eimer, a senior at Rice University, applied for the prestigious one-year postgraduate Thomas J. Watson Fellowship last September, she knew exactly what project to pitch to the evaluation committee. The cell biology and genetics major began her college career during the COVID-19 pandemic and wanted to spend her next 12 months studying the cross-cultural impact of grief caused by it.

Faculty, staff, students honored for excellence in teaching, mentoring, service

Each year, Rice honors members of the university community who have served students through outstanding teaching, dedication and service.

Luay Nakhleh elected to AIMBE College of Fellows

Rice’s Luay Nakhleh has been elected a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) for his achievements in computational biology.

Rice biologists uncover new species of tiger beetle: Eunota houstoniana

Rice University evolutionary biologist Scott Egan and his research team have unearthed a new species of tiger beetle, deemed Eunota houstoniana, honoring the region of Houston, where it predominantly resides.

Rice breakthrough could make automated dosing systems universal

Automated insulin dosing systems combine low-cost blood-glucose monitors with insulin pumps that use precision dosing to continuously regulate blood-sugar and hold it steady. Rice synthetic biologists have found a way to piggyback on the technology and make it universally applicable for the precision dosing of virtually any drug.

Rice Biotech Launch Pad adds William McKeon to external advisory board

Rice University today announced the addition of William (Bill) McKeon to its external advisory board for the Rice Biotech Launch Pad, a Houston-based accelerator focused on expediting the translation of the university’s health and medical technology discoveries into cures.

Data-processing tool could enable better early stage cancer detection

A team of Rice researchers has developed a tool that is better at integrating single-cell DNA and RNA data than more recent, state-of-the-art technologies. The findings could lead to better early stage cancer detection.

Rice Biotech Launch Pad startup Motif Neurotech closes Series A financing of $18.75 million

Rice University today announced that Motif Neurotech, a neurotechnology developing minimally invasive bioelectronics for mental health formed through the Rice Biotech Launch Pad, closed an oversubscribed Series A financing round of $18.75 million.

Rice University launches Rice Synthetic Biology Institute to improve lives

The Rice Synthetic Biology Institute aims to catalyze collaborative research in synthetic biology and its translation into technologies that benefit society.

Rice Biotech Launch Pad adds pharmaceuticals pioneer Robert Ruffolo to external advisory board

Rice University today announced the addition of Robert Ruffolo Jr. to its external advisory board for the Rice Biotech Launch Pad, a Houston-based accelerator focused on expediting the translation of the university’s health and medical technology discoveries into cures.

Friedman Holistic Garden Director Joseph Novak honored by Rice Board of Trustees

Rice University’s Board of Trustees recently recognized Joseph R. Novak, faculty lecturer in the biosciences department and director of the Betty and Jacob Friedman Holistic Garden, for his contributions to both the university and the community.

Rice receives $2.5M grant to support inclusive STEM education

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute awarded Rice University with $2.5 million spanning over five years as part of its Driving Change initiative designed to connect research universities that are working to build inclusive learning environments for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.