Modern simulations could improve MRIs
Rice University engineers improve simulations that analyze gadolinium-based contrast agents used in clinical magnetic resonance imaging. More efficient simulations could help make better compounds for imaging technologies.
For some peptides, killing bacteria an inside job
Rice scientists study the dynamics of the immune system’s antimicrobial peptides, which attack and eliminate harmful bacteria. They find peptides that invade bacteria and do their damage from the inside are underrated.
Rice cuts ribbon on Maxfield Hall
Renovation of the historic Mechanical Engineering building, now called Maxfield Hall is complete.
Tweezer grant pleases Rice researchers
Rice researchers have won an NSF grant to acquire a sophisticated optical tweezer microscope to manipulate, measure and monitor micron-scale particles.
‘Smart’ shirt keeps tabs on the heart
Carbon nanotube thread woven into athletic shirts gathered electrocardiogram and heart rate data that matched standard monitors and beat chest-strap monitors. The fibers are flexible and the shirts are machine washable.
Woven nanotube fibers turn heat into power
Carbon nanotubes woven into thread-like fibers and sewn into fabrics become a thermoelectric generator that can turn heat from the sun or other sources into energy.
‘Smart cells’ show promise to treat disease
Laura Segatori wins NIH backing to develop synthetic biological circuits for cells that may someday sense trouble and respond by making just enough of the appropriate drugs.
Enzyme from fungi shows molecules which way to turn
A small fungal enzyme could play a significant role in simplifying the development and manufacture of drugs, according to Rice University scientists.
Quantum dots keep atoms spaced to boost catalysis
Rice engineers use graphene quantum dots to trap transition metals for high atom loading in single atom catalysis.
Solar energy collectors grown from seeds
Rice University engineers have created microscopic seeds for growing remarkably uniform 2D perovskite crystals that are both stable and highly efficient at harvesting electricity from sunlight.
Absorbent aerogels show some muscle
A simple chemical process developed at Rice University creates light and highly absorbent aerogels that can take a beating.
Molecular jiggling has implications for carbon nanotube fibers
New research suggests the jiggling motion of carbon nanotubes suspended in liquid solutions could have implications for the structure, processing and properties of nanotube fibers formed from those solutions.
Rice names architect for new engineering and science building
With the imminent demolition of Rice University’s Abercrombie Engineering Laboratory, the space will soon be cleared for a new engineering and science building, according to Rice administrators. International architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has been selected as lead architect for the new building. Houston’s Scientia Architects will consult on laboratory design.
Silver ions hurry up, then wait as they disperse
There’s gold in them thar nanoparticles, and there used to be a lot of silver, too. But much of the silver has leached away, and researchers want to know how.