Natural Sciences

Rice scientists pioneer method to tackle ‘forever chemicals’

A new study unveils a method that eliminates PFAS from water systems and also transforms waste into high-value graphene.

Rice physicists use quantum entanglement to crack mystery of strange metals

Led by Qimiao Si, a research team has shown that electron entanglement peaks at a quantum critical point.

Thomas Killian reappointed dean of Wiess School of Natural Sciences

Thomas Killian has been reappointed dean of Wiess School of Natural Sciences.

Rice’s DesRoches, Nakhleh, Marti elected as AAAS fellows

Rice President Reginald DesRoches and faculty members Luay Nakhleh and Angel Martí have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Beason-Abmayr honored with Arthur C. Guyton Distinguished Educator Award

Beth Beason-Abmayr has been awarded the Arthur C. Guyton Distinguished Educator Award by the American Physiological Society.

Sustainable practices can be based in nature, expert says

Rice biogeochemist Carrie Masiello was a headliner in CERAWeek’s “lyceum” where experts from industry and academia present research and technical expertise at the annual energy conference in Houston.

Rice research team creates universal RNA barcoding system for tracking gene transfer in bacteria

An interdisciplinary group of researchers at Rice University has developed an innovative RNA “barcoding” method to track these genetic exchanges in microbial communities, providing new insights into how genes move across species.

Scientists gain insight into RNA-editing protein that could lead to improved treatment for cancer, autoimmune diseases

A research team led by Rice's Yang Gao has uncovered new insights into the molecular mechanisms of ADAR1.

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 Killian calls for sustained research funding: ‘A strong nation must be a leader in science’

Rice’s Thomas Killian, dean of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences, calls for sustained research funding.

Angel Martí honored with Robert Holland Jr. Award

Rice chemist Angel Martí has been named a recipient of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement’s Robert Holland Jr. Award.

Study reveals how rising temperatures could lead to population crashes

Researchers at Rice have uncovered a critical link between rising temperatures and declines in a species’ population, shedding new light on how global warming threatens natural ecosystems.

Nobel laureate Whittingham engages with Rice researchers, leaders on battery research and innovation during campus visit

Nobel laureate M. Stanley Whittingham shared insights from his pioneering work on lithium-ion batteries and addressed the future of energy storage during the Adams-Hauge Fund Smalley Lecture in Materials Science and Nanoengineering delivered at Rice.

Rice’s Gustavsson receives NSF CAREER Award to investigate dynamics of gene regulation

Rice’s Gustavsson has been awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to advance her research on gene regulation dynamics.

McCary earns NSF CAREER Award to address invasive plants’ disruption to native ecosystems

Matt McCary, assistant professor of biosciences at Rice, has been awarded a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation.