Algorithm maps genetic connection between Alzheimer’s and specific neurons
Rice researchers and collaborators developed a computational tool that can help identify which specific types of cells in the body are genetically linked to complex human traits and diseases, including in forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Rice study reveals Parkinson’s protein clumps rob brain cells of vital energy
A new study has revealed that protein clumps associated with Parkinson’s can actively drain energy from brain cells.
Rice, Houston Methodist developing soft ‘sleep cap’ to advance dementia prevention research
Rice researchers are working with physician scientists at Houston Methodist to develop a soft, wearable “sleep cap” designed to measure and improve deep sleep, a process critical for protecting the brain against dementia and related diseases.
Exploring links between AI and the brain as Texas weighs Proposition 14
LLMs and the Brain, a symposium featuring researchers from Rice, Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Montreal and other institutions explored the intersection between neuroscience and AI. The conversation around brain research extends beyond the university and is unfolding at the state level. On Nov. 4, Texas voters will decide on Proposition 14, which would fund the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) with $3 billion over 10 years, creating the largest state-funded dementia research program in the country.
New AI tool makes medical imaging process 90% more efficient
Rice researchers developed an AI tool that makes a medical imaging process 90% more efficient.
Rice Chemistry chair Martí discusses role in brain health, impact of Prop 14
Angel Martí is leading efforts to highlight chemistry’s role in advancing brain health research.
Brain inflammation treatment could be ally in fight against dementia
Scientists from Rice and Houston Methodist have developed a new way to reduce inflammation in the brain, a discovery that could help fight diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
‘Rhythm beats volume’: How the brain keeps the world looking familiar
Rice scientists’ custom, large-scale neurorecording array sheds light on how the brain keeps the world looking familiar.
Wireless implant network could transform cardiac, neurological care
Researchers at Rice and collaborators have developed a wireless network of miniature bioelectric implants that could transform treatment for heart failure, spinal cord injury and other chronic conditions. The system would integrate with patient anatomy easier than conventional medical implants, eliminating the need for batteries and invasive wiring.
Energy and health care industries come together at the Business Collaborative for Brain Health
The Business Collaborative for Brain Health, an alliance of private sector partners developing effective solutions to optimize cognitive health, hosted a program May 21 and 22 that brought together two of Houston’s largest industries: energy and health care.
Light-based data made clearer with new machine learning method
Rice researchers have developed a new machine learning algorithm that excels at interpreting optical spectra, potentially enabling faster and more precise medical diagnoses and sample analysis.
Bioelectronic devices, neural interfaces, biosensors and AI hardware are now easier to make thanks to a streamlined method for fabricating a key material.
Rice’s Kaiyuan Yang and his team recently unveiled a first-of-its-kind authentication protocol for wireless, battery-free, ultraminiaturized implants that ensures these devices remain protected while still allowing emergency access.
A recent symposium organized by the ENRICH office and the Rice Neuroengineering Initiative as part of the Meeting of the Minds NeuroNetworking Series explored ethics and policy in brain science today, including in the context of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
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.
