Research Library

The work of Katalin Karikó, 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine recipient, laid a foundation for the development of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines that saved close to 20 million lives worldwide. But her discoveries almost did not happen, writes Alicia L. Johnson, a civic science postdoctoral associate at the Baker Institute Center for Health and Biosciences. Karikó’s story highlights the vital importance of supporting women in STEM.

As China appears ever closer to attempting a coercive annexation of Taiwan, this report explores how such a move could trigger a chain of nuclear proliferation — potentially adding thousands more warheads to stockpiles globally.

Prioritizing the safety and capacity of reconstruction workers can speed up the disaster recovery process and make communities more resilient to future hazards, write Drs. William Brett Perkison and Bill Christian, researchers at UTHealth Houston.

The Arab Gulf is protecting its own interests by pushing to keep fossil fuels in the mix. But more crucially, its agenda is in line with the world’s economic growth and development goals, writes Osamah Alsayegh.

The surprise attack on Israel by the militant group Hamas has raised a number of critical questions related to geopolitics, aid, energy, and other global affairs. Baker Institute fellows and scholars are continuing to provide expert analysis on the conflict.

Like the 1973 embargo, today’s crises have rendered the future of energy massively uncertain, write fellows Jim Krane and Mark Finley.

Fellow Harris Eyre calls for strategic investments in R&D and the application of brain-related technologies to harness the full potential of our minds.

Supply chains: what are the alternatives if climate change restrictions on transiting the Panama Canal become a regular occurrence?

The surge in brain disorders is having a notable effect on the economy. Brain Capital, which takes into account cognitive and non-cognitive brain abilities as well as brain health, is becoming increasingly essential to the world's economies. This is particularly evident in light of the progression of AI technology, which is substituting positions that require minimal skills.

In months and years following Hurricane Harvey, the vast majority of Harris County residents supported policy action to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters. On this episode of Baker Briefing, fellow Edward Emmett and Rice faculty scholar Jim Blackburn explore a critical question: Is Houston ready for the next big storm?