Natural Sciences

Rice hosts International Space University’s Space Studies Program as attendees prepare to explore moon, Mars and beyond

More than 200 space industry professionals gathered at Rice for the opening ceremony of the International Space University’s Space Studies Program.

Rice researchers uncover surprising role of opioid receptors in gut development

Researchers at Rice have revealed a previously unknown function of opioid receptors in the development of the enteric nervous system.

Rice and Houston Community College collaborate to diversify access to biomedical research training

Rice and Houston Community College collaborate to diversify access to biomedical research training through program funded by a $1.8M NIH grant.

Amid projections of active hurricane season, Rice experts available to discuss variety of storm-related topics

Rice University experts are available to discuss a variety of hurricane-related topics with the media.

Provost announces newly promoted and tenured faculty

Provost Amy Dittmar announced Rice faculty member promotions who demonstrated excellence in scholarship, teaching, mentoring, service and leadership. Promotions are effective July 1.

Rice chemist Gustavo Scuseria wins 2024 Schrödinger Medal

Pioneering Rice chemist Gustavo Scuseria has won the 2024 Schrödinger Medal from the World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists.

Chemist Julian West makes C&EN magazine’s ‘Talented 12’ list

Rice University chemist Julian West is one of a dozen up-and-coming young scientists featured in Chemical & Engineering News’ (C&EN) 2024 Talented 12, an annual issue of the weekly news magazine that highlights rising stars across all chemistry research disciplines.

Swedish delegation visits Rice campus with eye on space exploration

A delegation from Sweden visited Rice to forge new pathways for collaboration and growth in space education and research.

Rice researchers stride to unlock mysteries of human development

A research team from Rice University led by Aryeh Warmflash has made strides in understanding the processes that guide human embryonic development. The group’s findings were published in the scientific journal Cells Systems May 15.

Rice study reveals insights into protein evolution

Rice University’s Peter Wolynes and his research team have unveiled a breakthrough in understanding how specific genetic sequences, known as pseudogenes, evolve. Their paper was published May 13 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Journal.

Rice undergraduates win coveted Goldwater Scholarship

Rice University students Emma Codianne and Daniel Wang have won the Barry Goldwater Scholarship , an annual award that recognizes pioneering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) undergraduates in the United States.

Rice honors achievements of over 700 advanced degree recipients

More than 700 of Rice University’s advanced degree recipients crossed the stage to thunderous applause and cheers from family, friends, faculty and staff during an afternoon graduation ceremony May 4 in Tudor Fieldhouse.

Rice researchers’ synthetic chemistry approach yields new compounds with potential biomedical applications

Researchers at Rice University have successfully synthesized a group of natural compounds known as fusicoccanes. The molecules, found in various living organisms, exhibit diverse biological activities, including the ability to modulate protein-protein interactions within biological systems.

Rice’s Class of 2024 lauded as ‘more resilient and adaptive than ever’ during university’s 111th commencement ceremony

During two days of festivities May 3-4, Rice University’s Class of 2024 graduates celebrated the culmination of their experiences on South Main while also looking forward to the bright futures that await them.

Aligned peptide ‘noodles’ could enable lab-grown biological tissues

A team of Rice researchers and collaborators have developed peptide-based hydrogels that mimic the aligned structure of muscle and nerve tissues, which could enable the development of functional lab-grown tissue.