Climate catastrophe produced instantaneous evolutionary change
A unique experiment by Rice University biologists in the wake of 2017’s Hurricane Harvey that revealed species can instantly evolve when they move in response to a climate catastrophe.
Rice Biotech Launch Pad introduces external advisory board
Rice University today announced its external advisory board for the Rice Biotech Launch Pad, the new accelerator focused on expediting the translation of the university’s health and medical technology discoveries into cures.
You can leave your gloves on: Rice-developed material burns viruses, safe for skin
A new material that packs deadly heat for viruses on its outer surface while staying cool on the reverse side could be used to make sustainable, multiuse personal protective equipment. Marquise Bell, a Rice graduate student who is the lead author of the research, was also part of this year’s NextProf Nexus workshop, a national, competitive faculty development program for engineering students from underrepresented groups.
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.