Shining light on brain function: New optogenetics protocol poised to advance neuroscience
Rice neuroscientist Valentin Dragoi and Ariana Andrei from the Houston Methodist Research Institute developed a detailed, step-by-step guide for deploying optogenetics in nonhuman primates, providing critical guidance for researchers working to advance understanding of the brain’s complex networks and their relationship with behavior.
Rice labs tapped for brain research by UK funding agency with multimillion-dollar awards
Four Rice research groups are part of an inaugural cohort of 18 projects funded by the U.K.’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency to unlock cutting-edge brain-interfacing technologies.
The Brain House at Davos: Rice is helping lead brain health innovation at World Economic Forum
The Brain House at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) upcoming annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, is a marquee platform designed to spotlight the critical importance of brain health and how innovation in “brain capital” can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Sponsored by Rice University for the second consecutive year, The Brain House hosted by the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative Jan. 20-24 will showcase a series of events featuring leading experts in health and innovation who are advancing global brain health.
Emerging focus on brain health among several Rice researchers’ expertise
Rice is a hub of cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research on the brain. In addition to a critical mass of researchers in the field, Rice is home to entities dedicated to collaborative clinical and scientific research on the brain.
New insights into sleep uncover key mechanisms related to cognitive function
A new study by a team of researchers at Rice University and Houston Methodist’s Center for Neural Systems Restoration and Weill Cornell Medical College has uncovered a key mechanism by which sleep enhances neuronal and behavioral performance.
Researchers develop minimally invasive neural interface in revolutionary study
Researchers including Jacob Robinson have developed a technique for diagnosing, managing treating neurological disorders with minimal surgical risks.
Rice addressing ‘one of the most pressing issues of our time’: The brain’s role in America’s future
Neuroscience experts from government, medicine, business and academia came together at Rice’s Bioscience Research Collaborative (BRC) Aug. 27 to discuss the American “brain economy transition.” The role of the human brain in the wider economy is drawing increased attention, and brain capital is becoming a priority for business and individuals.
Rice lab pioneers noninvasive measurement of gene expression at target locations in the brain
Rice bioengineers have developed a noninvasive tool to measure gene expression and gene therapy delivery in specific brain regions using ultrasound.
Rice neuroscientists to build state-of-the-art neural recording system
Rice neural engineer Chong Xie and his team have won a $2.9 million R01 grant from the NIH to develop a state-of-the-art implantable neural electrode system that is highly biocompatible, untethered and capable of stable, long-term and large-scale neural recording and stimulation.
Rice engineers’ probe could help advance treatment for spinal cord disease, injury
Rice neuroscientists have used a nanosized sensor to record spinal cord neurons in free-moving mice, a feat that could lead to the development of better treatments for spinal cord disease and injury.
In the brain at rest, neurons rehearse future experience
New research from Rice and the University of Michigan sheds light on how individual neurons in the hippocampus of rats stabilize and tune spatial representations during periods of rest following the animals’ first time running a maze, offering first proof of neuroplasticity during sleep.
InterfaceRice 2024 conference convenes neuroengineering experts
The Rice Neuroengineering Initiative recently held its two-day InterfaceRice 2024 as experts in neuroscience, neuroengineering, neurotechnology and neurosurgery convened for an event that connects Rice and the Texas Medical Center with global researchers and clinicians.
Study uncovers neural mechanisms underlying foraging behavior in freely moving animals
Rice neuroscientist Valentin Dragoi and team shed light on what happens in the brain of freely-moving macaques engaged in foraging behavior.
Rice team demonstrates miniature brain stimulator in humans
Rice engineers have developed the smallest implantable brain stimulator demonstrated in a human patient that could revolutionize treatment for drug-resistant depression and other psychiatric or neurological disorders.
Live from the brain: Visual cues inform decision to cooperate
By combining behavioral and wireless eye tracking and neural monitoring, a team of Rice scientists and collaborators studied how pairs of freely moving macaques interacting in a naturalistic setting use visual cues to guide complex, cooperative behavior.
