Across southeastern US, weedy rice steals herbicide resistance from crop rice
Weedy rice is a close relative of cultivated rice that infests rice fields worldwide and drastically reduces yields. To combat this agricultural pest, rice growers in the southeastern United States have been planting rice cultivars that were tweaked.....»»
Microbial biofertilizers and algae-based biostimulants found to boost tomato crop yield and quality
A team of researchers in Italy have shown that use of microbial biofertilizers and algae-based biostimulants can significantly enhance both the yield and quality of organic tomatoes. Published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, th.....»»
Indigenous US farm workers face greater job-related pain compared to undocumented peers, study suggests
Farming is a notoriously hard profession with long hours spent operating dangerous equipment and performing other arduous tasks. New Rice University research finds that Indigenous farm employees—many of whom have legal status in the U.S. after movi.....»»
We’re only beginning to understand the historic nature of Helene’s flooding
How does a region that is nearly 500 miles from the Gulf become devastated by flooding? Enlarge / Hurricane Helene transported moisture from both the Gulf and Atlantic into the southeastern United States. (credit: NOAA).....»»
New synthesis strategy could speed up PFAS decontamination
Rice University engineers have developed an innovative way to make covalent organic frameworks (COFs), special materials that can be used to trap gases, filter water and speed up chemical reactions. COFs have the potential to address significant envi.....»»
Death toll soars in US from storm Helene, North Carolina reeling
The death toll from powerful storm Helene jumped to at least 93 on Sunday, with one county in North Carolina alone reporting 30 deaths, authorities said, as rescuers battled to reach people in need across the southeastern United States......»»
Exploring the role of hydrogen sulfide in the expression of iron uptake genes in E. coli
Antibiotic resistance and oxidative stress response are important biological mechanisms that help bacteria thrive, especially pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a chemical messenger molecule, regulates several intracel.....»»
Injecting manure into growing cover crops can cut pollution, support corn crops
Nitrogen in the soil, where plants can readily utilize it, benefits crop growth and health. However, nitrogen leaving the soil—whether through leaching into the groundwater table, flowing with surface runoff into streams or escaping into the air as.....»»
Identifying the top hazardous polluters in the path of Tropical Storm Helene
Recent projections show that Tropical Storm Helene, the latest storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, is heading for Florida and tracking toward the state's panhandle. An interactive map developed by Rice University's Center for Coastal Futures and Ada.....»»
Tailwinds don’t help “everesting” cyclists
"There are no clever tricks to get around the necessary diet and exercise." Enlarge / Physicist Martin Bier in an aerodynamic tuck, a cycling position that reduces wind resistance. (credit: Martin Bier) Many avid bicycli.....»»
Sustainable metal-recycling method reduces cost and greenhouse gas emissions
A research team led by Rice University's James Tour has developed a method to recycle valuable metals from electronic waste more efficiently while significantly reducing the environmental impact typically associated with metal recycling......»»
Graphene spike mat uses ordinary fridge magnet tech to fight antibiotic resistance
With strong bactericidal properties, graphene has the potential to become a game changer in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So far there have been no efficient ways to control these properties—and thus no way to make use of graphen.....»»
Obama"s 2012 reelection tied to better mental health in educated Black men, study suggests
Following Barack Obama's reelection as U.S. president in 2012, the mental health of college-educated Black men improved significantly, while those who didn't attend college reported worse mental health, according to new research from Rice University.....»»
VW CEO Oliver Blume expects significant concessions from unions in crunch talks
VW Group CEO Oliver Blume said the automaker's costs in Germany are too high compared to international competition, setting up a clash with unions who have pledged fierce resistance to job cuts and plant closures......»»
Potential breakthrough in battle against antibiotic resistance from historic brine
A historic brine bath is the site of a potential breakthrough in the prevention of antibiotic resistance in relation to MRSA, and other hospital pathogens......»»
Researchers uncover key insights into cholesterol"s structure in cell membranes
A new study by Rice University researchers led by Jason Hafner could open new pathways for understanding how cholesterol influences cell membranes and their receptors, paving the way for future research on diseases linked to membrane organization. Th.....»»
Human urine could be used as eco-friendly crop fertilizer: Study
Bacterial communities in soil are as resilient to human urine as synthetic fertilizers—making recycling the bodily fluid as a fertilizer for agricultural crops a viable proposition, according to a new study......»»
Woman Steals Porsche, Then Runs Over Car Owner: Cops
Woman Steals Porsche, Then Runs Over Car Owner: Cops.....»»
Genome sequence analysis identifies new driver of antimicrobial resistance
Antibiotics are a lifesaving tool. Yet, due to their chronic overuse, microbes are evolving and developing immunity against them. As a result, once-effective medications can no longer stave off infections, complicating treatment and increasing mortal.....»»
Researchers explore physiological and molecular processes underlying graft healing
Grafting has long been a cornerstone in agriculture and forestry, allowing for the propagation of desirable plant traits and improved resistance to environmental challenges. Despite its widespread application, grafting still encounters obstacles, inc.....»»
Plant pathogen battle: A tomato protein"s dual role in defense and susceptibility
Tomatoes, a staple crop worldwide, are increasingly threatened by biotic stressors such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria, with the effects worsening under climate change. These challenges lead to reduced yields and compromised nutritional quality, hig.....»»