WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY

Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute developed a treatment for acute flaccid myelitis, helping children walk again; Lunar Outpost raised capital to build a 'space truck' for NASA; scientists created a blood vessel-like coating for medical devices to prevent clots; Rocket Lab sold its first launch contract for the Neutron rocket.

Matica Biotechnology, based in Texas, is poised to benefit from industry shifts in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, securing $10 million in contracts by year-end. The company, part of CHA Bio Group, leverages its global network and strategic location to offer a seamless transition for biotech companies entering the U.S. and Asian markets.

Neurotech startups must address clinical need, IP, regulation, reimbursement, security, market access, and resource prioritization to survive the 'Valley of Death' and scale to commercial success.

Six finalists in the Houston Innovation Awards discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the local innovation ecosystem, focusing on diversity, industry diversity, and the need for early-stage funding. They share their efforts to improve the ecosystem, including creating talent development programs, organizing pitch events, launching incubators, and addressing economic disparities.

Rice University scientists developed molecular jackhammers using near-infrared light to destroy cancer cells, achieving 99% effectiveness in lab-cultured melanoma cells and complete remission in half of treated mice.

Rice University faculty and alumni are featured in various news articles discussing topics such as early voting in Texas, the impact of Senate Bill 1 on voters, and the launch of RBL LLC, a biotech startup creation company. Additionally, Rice's Baker Institute for Public Policy is highlighted for its research on hospital price increases and the weakening faith of American evangelicals in Donald Trump.

Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine researchers developed a treatment combining cytokine 'drug factory' implants and checkpoint inhibitor drugs, which eradicated advanced-stage mesothelioma tumors in mice within days. The treatment involves tiny IL-2-producing beads implanted near tumors, showing promising results in preclinical trials and paving the way for clinical trials in ovarian and mesothelioma patients.

Kamala Harris pledges to fully legalize adult recreational cannabis if elected president, aiming to benefit Black men disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. Experts view the move as politically strategic, targeting Black voters. Harris's stance contrasts with Biden and Trump, who support some level of legalization but not complete prohibition removal. The challenge lies in implementing social equity provisions effectively, as past initiatives have often failed to address industry barriers for marginalized groups.

MTM Critical Metals secures $8M in oversubscribed capital raise to commercialise Flash Joule Heating technology, aiming for 1-tonne-per-day demo plant by late 2025, addressing global supply challenges for critical metals.

Abria Magee, senior program manager for CPRIT, discussed CPRIT's efforts to fuel cancer research innovation at the AI in Health Conference. She highlighted CPRIT's $6 billion investment in cancer research and prevention, and Rice's strategic alignment with CPRIT through initiatives like the Rice Biotech Launch Pad and the Cancer Bioengineering Collaborative. Magee focused on CPRIT's Product Development Research program, which funds Texas-based companies developing cancer-related products, emphasizing the new Texas New Technologies Company Award for AI and machine learning innovations.