Research on super-Earths and mini-Neptunes suggests more Earth-like planets may exist
A new study by Rice researchers Sho Shibata and Andre Izidoro presents a compelling new model for the formation of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes — planets that are 1 to 4 times the size of Earth and among the most common in our galaxy.
Rice’s Sylvia Dee battling climate-driven diseases through Texas Virosphere Project
Rice’s Sylvia Dee has joined forces with Peter Hotez and a team of scientists at Baylor College of Medicine on a groundbreaking initiative called the Texas Virosphere Project.
Pioneering geologist and Rice professor emeritus Peter Vail remembered for ‘passion for discovery’
The Rice community mourns the passing of Peter Vail, the W. Maurice Ewing Professor Emeritus of Oceanography, who passed away Dec. 28, 2024, at the age of 94.
New evidence exists for hidden water reservoirs and rare magmas on ancient Mars
A new study explores how variations in Mars’ crustal thickness during its ancient history may have influenced the planet’s magmatic evolution and hydrological systems.
Deep-sea marvels: How anglerfish defy evolutionary expectations
A groundbreaking Rice University study sheds light on the extraordinary evolution of anglerfish, a group of deep-sea dwellers whose bizarre adaptations have captivated scientists and the public alike.
Rice’s O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science now houses an immersive public art installation titled “Climate Parliament,” a thought-provoking work by Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.
Rice Sustainability Institute and Chevron partner to empower next-gen sustainable energy leaders
The Rice Sustainability Institute announces the inaugural recipients of the newly created Rice Chevron Energy Graduate Fellowship.
Researchers unveil mysteries of ancient Earth
A research team led by Rice’s Duncan Keller and Cin-Ty Lee studied massif-type anorthosites to test ideas about the magmas that formed them.
Rice’s Sylvia Dee working to improve projections of extreme droughts, floods
Rice climate scientist Sylvia Dee has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the agency’s most prestigious early career honor.
Exploring climate change through wine
Among the courses recently offered at the Rice Global Paris Center was “Climate Change, Economics and the Wine Industry,” which brought students to Paris for three weeks in May.
Rice University and the Houston Independent School District (HISD) will collaborate on a space and planetary science pilot program to inspire the next generation of Earth, planetary and space enthusiasts and professionals.
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.
Rice to offer new master’s in energy transition and sustainability
Rice University will launch a Master of Energy Transition and Sustainability (METS) program this fall designed to equip students with the tools needed to thrive in the evolving energy industry landscape.
Rice’s Mark Torres wins NSF CAREER Award to examine river water chemistry
Mark Torres, assistant professor of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences at Rice University, has won a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award to unlock new insights in river water chemistry, including its implications for addressing environmental concerns.
Study sheds light on how Earth cycles fossil carbon
Rice’s Mark Torres and collaborators used rhenium as a proxy for fossil carbon in order to quantify the rate at which Earth naturally releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and found that high rates of carbon breakdown persist across the different geographical profiles of a river basin.
