Premier Research

Hidden costs of gig work: Job insecurity and customer ratings impact worker well-being

New research from Rice sheds light on a hidden downside of gig work.

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.

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.

Rice researchers develop efficient lithium extraction method, setting stage for sustainable EV battery supply chains

In the race to meet the growing global demand for lithium — a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles — a team of researchers from Rice’s Elimelech lab has developed a breakthrough lithium extraction method that could reshape the industry.

Rice researchers harness gravity to create low-cost device for rapid cell analysis

A team of researchers at Rice has developed an innovative AI-enabled, low-cost device that will make flow cytometry ⎯ a technique used to analyze cells or particles in a fluid using a laser beam ⎯ affordable and accessible.

Research universities enable innovation by doing much of the behind-the-scenes work

Two university presidents hosted a conversation at the Ion Feb. 24 to discuss how American research universities serve the public. Rice University President Reginald DesRoches and Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University (ASU), shared how research universities are engines of innovation, economic growth and social mobility while educating millions and driving scientific and technological discovery to help sustain U.S. global competitiveness.

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 researchers team up with UT, A&M to help rural Texas communities overhaul flood management system

Avantika Gori, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University, is leading an innovative project to address flooding in rural communities.

Salas, King named associate vice presidents for research

Rice's Office of Research has named Eduardo Salas and Michael King as associate vice presidents for research.

Rice-led study finds focused ultrasound therapy improves cancer treatment

Combining an existing small-molecule protein therapy called tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand with focused ultrasound can significantly reduce tumor size and burden in prostate cancer models, according to a new study published in Advanced Science by researchers at Rice and Vanderbilt.

Rice and UTHealth Houston advancing innovation in translational science

As a partner institution of the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences at UTHealth Houston, Rice has received approximately $1.69 million in grant funding to support pilot projects, student training and collaborative research in bioengineering, informatics, team science and related areas.

Rice-led study finds 2D carbon material is 8 times tougher than graphene, resists cracking

Rice researchers found that a carbon material known as monolayer amorphous carbon is eight times tougher than graphene.

Annual event showcases AI and high-performance computing advances in energy

Rice’s Ken Kennedy Institute will host its annual Energy HPC Conference Feb. 25-27.

Rice’s Lydia Kavraki elected to National Academy of Engineering

Rice computer scientist Lydia Kavraki has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional honors accorded to an engineer, for her work on “developing randomized motion-planning algorithms for robotics and robotics-inspired methods in biomedicine.”

Mothers with incarcerated children shoulder emotional and financial burdens

The financial and emotional toll borne by mothers whose adult children have experienced incarceration is often overlooked but can exacerbate financial burdens, especially for Black mothers, according to new research from Rice sociologist Brielle Bryan.