Weaker transcription factors are better when they work together
Rice bioengineer Caleb Bashor and colleagues have developed a generalizable method to address “off-target” gene activation, a significant problem in the field of synthetic biology. Taking a cue from nature, the researchers showed they could all but eliminate the activation of off-target genes by designing weak transcription factors that cooperatively assemble.
Education program tackles race-based cancer health disparities
Rice U.’s Carolyn Nichol has won a competitive 5-year, $1,038,544 NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) award to address race-based cancer health disparities by increasing underrepresented minority student populations’ engagement and participation in biosciences education.
Four Rice undergraduates latest Owls to win coveted Goldwater Scholarship
Rising Rice seniors Maria Hancu, Alex Lin, Ryan Wang and Ruofeng “Charlie” Liu are the latest Owls to win the coveted Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious honors bestowed each year upon pioneering STEM undergraduates across the country planning to pursue doctoral degrees.
Rice chemist wins $3.2M National Cancer Institute grant
Rice University chemist Han Xiao has won a $3.2 million research project (R01) grant from the National Cancer Institute to develop the first tissue-specific epigenetic inhibitor drug to treat bone metastasis.
Cellular process that fuels plant growth yields surprising insights
A new study by Rice University bioscientists explains how structures inside plant cells collaborate to fuel germination. The findings could shed light on corresponding mechanisms in human cells.
Study finds human impact on wildlife even in protected areas
The largest long-term standardized camera-trap survey to date finds that human activity impacts tropical mammals living in protected areas and sheds light on how different species are affected based on their habitat needs and anthropogenic stressors.
Ancient viruses discovered in coral symbionts’ DNA
Rice bioscientists have discovered fragments of ancient RNA viruses in the genomes of the symbiotic organisms that live inside corals and provide them with their dramatic colors.
Rice, Baylor developing ‘glyco-immune’ checkpoint inhibitor
Researchers from Rice and Baylor College of Medicine are developing a first-of-its-kind “glyco-immune” checkpoint inhibitor for breast cancer survivors who develop metastatic bone cancer.
Experimental model gets cells to behave as they would in utero
Rice U.’s Aryeh Warmflash wins $1.9 million NIH grant to develop experimental cell models that can shed light on critical embryonic developmental processes.
Fish thought to help reefs have poop that’s deadly to corals
Rice bioscientists have discovered the feces of fish that were long thought to promote healthy reefs can damage and, in some cases, kill corals.
Rice pre-med students advocate for immigrant health equity
Shonik Ganjoo has spent his time as president of the Rice Doctors for Change chapter — in between the commitments that come with being a biosciences major and an anthropology minor — researching and advocating for immigrant health equity. He and the chapter’s vice president, Ritesh Dontula have been creating opportunities for Rice students to interact with Texas legislators on real-world issues.
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. Here are recipients of some of this year's awards.
A new medical device developed by Rice University students will help premature babies in developing countries receive life-saving oxygen without damaging their eyesight.
32 Rice students, alums win NSF Graduate Research Fellowships
The National Science Foundation has awarded Graduate Research Fellowships to 32 current, incoming and former Rice students, and selected another six for honorable mention.
Ocean warming intensifies viral outbreaks within corals
A groundbreaking three-year study has found evidence that ocean warming can trigger outbreaks of viruses that attack the symbiotic algae inside corals.
