News Releases

Researchers can ‘see’ crystals perform their dance moves

Rice University researchers already knew the atoms in perovskites react favorably to light. Now they’ve seen precisely how the atoms move when the 2D materials are excited with light. Their study this week in Nature Physics details the first direct measurement of structural dynamics under light-induced excitation in 2D perovskites.

Volcanolike rupture could have caused magnetar slowdown

In October 2020, a highly magnetic neutron star called SGR 1935+2154 abruptly began spinning more slowly. In a Nature Astronomy study this month, Rice astrophysicist Matthew Baring and colleagues showed the magnetar’s rotational slowdown could have been caused by a volcanolike rupture near its magnetic pole.

Rice scientists’ discovery could lead to new Alzheimer’s therapies

A new approach to the study of amyloid-beta, a peptide associated with Alzheimer’s disease, has led Rice University scientists to findings that could have a significant impact on the understanding and potential treatment of the disease.

Rice Business’ online MBA program rises in US News rankings

MBA@Rice, the online program at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business, climbed higher in four categories in the latest edition of U.S News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings out today.

Naomi Halas named University Professor

Rice University has promoted nanotechnology pioneer Naomi Halas to its highest academic rank, University Professor. Halas, a 33-year member of Rice’s faculty, becomes only the 10th person and second woman to earn the title in Rice’s 111-year history.

Can you judge trustworthiness based on looks? Rice research says no

How many times have you heard someone say, “He looks trustworthy”? As it turns out, you can’t trust appearances..

Andrew Grams to lead Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra as major ensembles kick off spring semester

Andrew Grams, former music director of Elgin Symphony Orchestra, will lead the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra as the school’s major orchestra ensembles kick off their spring semester performances Feb. 3 and 4. Both performances are free to the public and will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Alice Pratt Brown Hall’s Stude Concert Hall on the campus of Rice University.

Experts to discuss Pakistan’s energy and water security challenges at Baker Institute event

How can Pakistan ensure its energy and water security while facing geopolitical turmoil and the ravages of climate change? Experts will discuss these and other critical issues in the country during a Jan. 26 event from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

New enzyme could mean better drugs

Biomolecular engineers at Rice University identified a new enzyme that catalyzes the Nobel Prize-winning Diels-Alder reaction.

Report predicts Mexico’s economy, politics will deteriorate in 2023

Elections, a slow-growing economy and conflicts between organized criminal groups are expected to drastically impact Mexico this year, according to a new report from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Rice expert available to discuss new refugee Welcome Corps

An expert from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy is available to discuss the Department of State’s Welcome Corps, a new sponsorship program for refugee resettlement in the U.S.

Partnership to develop free education resources for nursing students

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and Rice University's OpenStax are building on their existing partnership to address staffing shortages in the nursing profession and reduce financial barriers for nursing students. In collaboration with postsecondary institutions in Texas and stakeholders nationwide, OpenStax will launch a comprehensive free online curriculum for nursing education in spring 2024. 

Rice Business creates Hybrid MBA program to utilize benefits of both on-campus and online learning experiences

For working professionals who want to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree with a flexible schedule, the new Hybrid MBA program at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business opens this summer.

Rice’s Jamie Padgett wins Texas academy’s O’Donnell Award

Rice University structural engineer Jamie Padgett has received the 2023 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Engineering from The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas.

Research on televised opera, slave voyages honored with National Endowment for the Humanities grants

A Rice University musicologist and history professor are among the recipients of 2023 grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for their research projects on televised opera and tracking historical slave trading voyages.