Research

​​​​​​​Computational sleuthing confirms first 3D quantum spin liquid

Physicists have confirmed the first 3D quantum spin liquid, a solid material with a liquidlike magnetic state.

Crystal study may resolve DNA mystery

Rice University bioscientists have uncovered a tiny detail that could help understand how DNA replicates with such astounding accuracy.

Daniel Preston wins NSF CAREER Award

Daniel Preston wins a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to develop textile-based wearable robots.

Rice ‘metalens’ could disrupt vacuum UV market

Rice photonics researchers have created a potentially disruptive technology for the ultraviolet optics market.

Subtle racial slights at work cause job dissatisfaction, burnout for Black employees

Black employees face a host of subtle verbal, behavioral and environmental slights related to their physical appearance, work ethic, integrity and more, causing job dissatisfaction and burnout, according to a new study from Rice University.

Rice process aims to strip ammonia from wastewater

Engineers develop a high-performance nanowire catalyst that pulls ammonia and solid ammonia (fertilizer) from nitrate in wastewater.

Rice U. students reverse engineer drug-smuggling drone for US Coast Guard

An award-winning team of Rice University engineering students that includes three Rice football players has reverse engineered a robotic drug-smuggling semi-submersible to help the U.S. Coast Guard fight foreign drug cartels.

Study of ancient predators sheds light on how humans did – or didn’t – find food

A new Rice University-led analysis of the remains of ancient predators reveals new information about how prehistoric humans did – or didn’t – find their food.

Automatic admissions policies increased diversity at rural Texas high schools, says report

A Rice University study found “race-blind” automatic admissions policies at Texas’ state universities boosted diversity in highly segregated school districts, especially in rural areas of the Lone Star State.

Houston birdwatcher turned to listening in the pandemic

A Rice geologist’s birding hobby branched out into citizen science during the pandemic.

English learners more successful when they stick with one program, especially if it supports their home language

A new research brief from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research has found that English learners have the most success when they stick with a single program — regardless of program type — and skills from their home language are incorporated in their education.

Rice University geobiologist tapped for Antarctic drilling mission

Rice geobiologist Jeanine Ash is participating in an Antarctic mission that’s studying climate change.

Rice trains postdocs for nano-cancer future

The National Institutes of Health extend a grant to help future medical professionals understand nanotechnology-enabled tools to treat cancer.

Electric vehicle supply chains owned mostly by China jeopardize US energy transition, says Baker Institute report

The global push to convert the world to electric vehicles will cause supply chain complexities that could undermine the alternative energy transition in the United States, according to a new report from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Lithium’s narrow paths limit batteries

Study suggests that lithium batteries would benefit from more porous electrodes with better-aligned particles that don’t limit lithium distribution.