The Latest Breaking News from Rice University

Why it’s more important than ever to jump-start entrepreneurial careers from the college classroom

Recent college graduates are facing a job market that’s only getting tougher. Their unemployment rate hit 5.7%, compared to 4.1% for all workers, in June 2026. That may not sound like much, but it’s one of the worst rates in the past 20 years.

The Conversation · Oct 5

In 2023, Rice researchers flashed mixed waste plastic for about 4 seconds at 3,100 K; the process recovered up to 68% of its hydrogen at purities reaching 94% and produced graphene

A group of researchers has pioneered a groundbreaking technique that transforms landfill plastic into hydrogen gas, a valuable energy source. By employing flash Joule heating, this process effectively disintegrates plastic waste, resulting in a cleaner alternative for hydrogen production. Additionally, it produces graphene, a byproduct that can finance the hydrogen…

The Economic Times · Aug 31

Jordanian athlete missing status update: Rice University reveals where 24-year-old soccer player with cerebral palsy was found after his mysterious disappearance

Jordanian athlete missing update: The search for the Jordanian athlete missing from Rice University has ended after the 24-year-old soccer player with cerebral palsy was found safe in Illinois. Officials say he traveled there on his own, though the reason for his sudden departure remains under investigation and is yet…

The Economic Times · Jul 30

Researchers find a way to heat 3D printer filament using microwaves, enabling fusing circuits inside printed objects — tech supports precise heating down to the width of a human hair

Researchers from Rice University have developed new microwave technology giving 3D printers the ability to heat ink with extremely high precision. The new tech is already being used to develop new 3D-printed tech that would be impossible without it, and to improve 3D printing efficiency.

Tom’s Hardware · Apr 19

Pro-gambling interests fail to gain ground in Texas primaries as legislative roadblocks remain

Despite slow progress, casino empire Las Vegas Sands promised to continue investing in candidates who support bringing destination resort casinos to Texas.

The Texas Tribune · Mar 6

Nanoparticles and artificial intelligence can help researchers detect pollutants in water, soil and blood

Across the U.S., hundreds of sites on land or in lakes and rivers are heavily contaminated with hazardous waste produced by human activity. Many of these places, designated as Superfund sites by the Environmental Protection Agency, can be found in Houston, Texas, the city where my colleagues and I live…

The Conversation · Feb 27

Giant 'spiderwebs' on Mars contain tiny egg-like structures that scientists 'can't quite explain,' NASA rover reveals

New photos captured by NASA's Curiosity rover show that Mars' giant, spiderweb-like "boxwork" features are covered in tiny, never-before-seen nodules that bear a striking resemblance to arachnid eggs. And researchers are struggling to explain them.

LiveScience · Feb 26

Lack of Trump endorsement rocks GOP Senate primary in Texas

President Donald Trump is resisting appeals from national Republicans to endorse Texas Sen. John Cornyn in his critical primary next week.

Roll Call · Feb 23

Former Elon Musk lawyer emerges as frontrunner in GOP primary for Michael McCaul’s congressional seat

Ten Republicans, including Trump-endorsed attorney Chris Gober, are competing for the red-leaning 10th Congressional District in Central Texas.

The Texas Tribune · Feb 12

Texas labor unions are increasingly divided on which candidate to endorse for governor

Gov. Greg Abbott was endorsed by Texas Teamsters, a labor union that has historically supported Democrats. Other large unions still back his Democratic opponent.

The Texas Tribune · Feb 11