Dateline Rice for July 27, 2017

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

Isolated Qatar hires firm founded by Trump aide
Kristian Ulrichsen, fellow for the Middle East at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is quoted in articles on Qatar and North Korea.
Associated Press (This also appeared in the Houston Chronicle, Bloomberg, Yahoo! News, Business Insider, ABC News and over 350 other media outlets.)
http://bit.ly/2v0SOeB
UAE will ‘have to go on without Qatar,’ says Gargash
The National
http://bit.ly/2u01m0w
The strange role North Korea is playing in the Persian Gulf crisis
The Washington Post (This also appeared in the Standard Examiner, Yahoo! Japan, The Straits Times, MSN and NDTV.)
http://wapo.st/2vM9BQ3

Wider US sanctions on Venezuela risk biting both countries
Francisco Monaldi, a fellow in Latin American energy policy at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is quoted about President Donald Trump’s proposed economic sanctions against Venezuela.
New York Times
http://nyti.ms/2v2AVvo
Venezuela will be the 1st sovereign oil producer to see an ‘all-out collapse’
One News Page
http://bit.ly/2vM7Ouv

Trump’s tweets may leave transgender service members ‘in harm’s way’
Tom Kolditz, director of Rice’s Doerr Institute for New Leaders, is quoted.
NBC News (This also appeared in True Viral News.)
http://nbcnews.to/2v0e3Nm

In Texas, it’s businesses versus the bathroom bill
Mark Jones, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies, professor of political science, fellow in political science at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and fellow at Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, is quoted.
CBS News (This also appears on WDEF.)
http://cbsn.ws/2uFsDaO
Bathroom bill signals widening GOP rift in Texas
Fox Business
http://fxn.ws/2v3muHu
KRLD-AM
http://bit.ly/2uGp6cc (Click on the audio button to listen to the broadcast.) 
KLBJ-AM
http://bit.ly/2tH3RWw (Click on the audio button to listen to the broadcast.) 
KRLD-AM
http://bit.ly/2eR7cj2 (Click on the audio button to listen to the broadcast.) 

Here’s a tip: Indented cement shows unique properties
Rice University scientists have determined that no matter how large or small a piece of tobermorite is, it will respond to loading forces in precisely the same way. But poking it with a sharp point will change its strength.
National Science Foundation
http://bit.ly/2v14IVT

Catalyst can split water into atoms for less
Splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen to produce clean energy can be simplified with a single catalyst developed by scientists at Rice University and the University of Houston. Kenton Whitmire, associate dean of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences and professor of chemistry, and graduate student Desmond Schipper are quoted.
Futurity (This article appeared in the July 27 issue of Futurity Today.)
http://bit.ly/2u0jV4J
Scientists produce robust catalyst to split water into hydrogen, oxygen
Phys Org (This also appeared in Before It’s News and Graphene-Info.)
http://bit.ly/2eOIhfU
Triple-layer catalyst does double duty
Nanowerk (This also appeared in Health Medicine Network and 4-Traders.)
http://bit.ly/2uFGgGN
Researchers develop catalyst to help get energy by splitting water
Xinhua (This also appeared in China.org, The Global Times China and Asia Pacific Daily News.)
http://bit.ly/2tN0XmW
New robust triple-layer bifunctional catalyst for water splitting with earth-abundant materials
Green Car Congress
http://bit.ly/2vMDvUe
Single catalyst could split water into oxygen and hydrogen to produce clean energy
AZO Cleantech
http://bit.ly/2h6HGXG

Using biochar on farms may cut health costs
Biochar from recycled waste may both enhance crop growth and save health costs by helping clear the air of pollutants, according to Rice University researchers. Rice researchers in Earth science, economics and environmental engineering have determined that widespread use of biochar in agriculture could reduce health care costs, especially for those who live in urban areas close to farmland. Ghasideh Pourhashem, a postdoctoral fellow at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy; Carrie Masiello,professor of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences, of chemistry and of biosciences; and Daniel Cohan, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, are quoted.
Futurity (This article appeared in the July 27 issue of Futurity Today. This article also appeared in Science Daily, Phys.org and Feedstuffs.)
http://bit.ly/2h6aCzj

Water filter invented by high school student removes 99 percent of heavy metals
Carbon nanotubes immobilized in a tuft of quartz fiber have the power to remove toxic heavy metals from water, according to researchers at Rice University. Andrew Barron, the Charles W. Duncan Jr.-Welch Professor of Chemistry and professor of materials science and nanoengineering, is quoted.
United Press International
http://bit.ly/2eQQpwJ
Reusable, carbon nanotube-reinforced filters clean toxins from water
Nanowerk (This also appears in Science Daily, Science News, SpaceWeekly.com, Quo, Lab Manager, Domain-B and #follownews.)
http://bit.ly/2tGDKyG
Research shows reusable, carbon nanotube-reinforced filters clean toxic heavy metals from water
MTNV
http://bit.ly/2w3KxDC

Scientists journey to the world’s ‘lost’ 8th continent
Thirty scientists sailed from Australia July 27 on a two-month ocean drilling expedition to the submerged continent of Zealandia in search of clues about its history, which relates to key questions about plate tectonic processes and Earth’s past greenhouse climate. Gerald Dickens, professor of Earth science, is quoted.
Fox News (This also appeared in AboNewsCast.)
http://fxn.ws/2u0ftD4
Researchers plan to drill into the sunken continent of Zealandia
True Viral News
http://bit.ly/2h5qQbQ
ANU research ship searches for lost continent Zealandia
Sydney Morning Herald (This also appeared in The Age.)
http://bit.ly/2vbO5ai
Australian expedition set to study continent of Zealandia
Herald Sun (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/2v1W61e
Zealandia: What secrets does the world’s hidden 8th continent hold?
The Telegraph
http://bit.ly/2vMPQbj

Scientists seek to engineer chatter among cells
Communities of cells communicate to coordinate their actions, but how do they coordinate with other communities? Scientists at Rice and the University of Houston are preparing to find out.
National Science Foundation
http://bit.ly/2eQZIwu

US attorney: Making Tensing decision as Trump watches over shoulder
Alumnus Benjamin Glassman ’97 is mentioned.
Cincinnati.com
http://cin.ci/2w1nOrU

Musk’s hyperloop plan is fantasy, we should make it reality anyway
President John F. Kennedy’s famous “Moon Speech” delivered at Rice Sept. 12, 1962, is referenced.
Forbes Kazakhstan
http://bit.ly/2tMTuV2

Cabrillo festival welcomes a new artistic leader
Karim Al-Zand, associate professor of composition and theory, is featured.
San Francisco Chronicle
http://bit.ly/2w3sflF

This Greek resort just unveiled its own James Turrell Skyspace installation
James Turrell’s “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace on the Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion on the Rice campus is mentioned.
Condé Nast Traveler
http://bit.ly/2v0KYSo

HOUSTON/TEXAS

Rice University’s new Saturday dinners may keep students ‘within the hedges’
Rice will now include Saturday dinners in its on-campus meal plan for the benefit of undergraduate students who prefer not to eat off campus for financial or other reasons. President David Leebron is mentioned. David McDonald, senior business director of Housing and Dining, is quoted.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. This story appeared in the July 27 print edition with a different headline, “Keeping it ‘within the hedges’ at Rice.”)
http://bit.ly/2v8saRt
http://bit.ly/2tZtHEy

Listen: The history of Houston barbecue
Alumna Alison Cook ’69 is interviewed about the history of Houston barbecue.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/2eQlHnq

Citing rail safety, Metro to change its colors
Pending approval by its board, Metropolitan Transit Authority is planning to spend $326,000 to affix a more colorful pattern to the front of all its light rail vehicles. The upcoming work builds on previous jobs adding the decals to 19 trains, which occurred after two high-profile incidents where bicyclists pedaled in front of oncoming trains. Marjorie Corcoran, a professor of physics and astronomy who was killed Feb. 3 in a train-cyclist accident, is mentioned.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. This story appeared in the July 27 print edition with a different headline, “Brighter shades of Metro.” The online version appeared in the July 26 Dateline.)
http://bit.ly/2v1cizK

Stanart questions Russian hacking claims, says elections secure
An article cites an essay by Dan Wallach, professor of computer science and of electrical and computer engineering and a Rice Faculty Scholar at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, stating that Harris County’s elections were vulnerable to Russian hackers.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/2eRoBbl

Malfaro: Tell the Legislature our kids are worth it
Steve Murdock, the Allyn and Gladys Cline Professor of Sociology and director of Rice’s Hobby Center for the Study of Texas, is mentioned.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/2uBaxIo

Art gallery and museum listings: July 27-Aug. 2
Rice’s Moody Center for the Arts will present “David Scanavino: Repeater” through Aug. 26 and teamLab’s “Flowers and People, Cannot Be Controlled But Live Together — A Whole Year Per Hour” through Aug. 13.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required. This also appeared in My San Antonio and LMT Online.)
http://bit.ly/2uYuRod
http://bit.ly/2tEkVMw

Homecoming for Baylor’s new president: Livingstone returns to school where she served on faculty
Will Rice College senior Shelby Livingstone is mentioned.
The Waco Tribune
http://bit.ly/2tMCI8K

BROADCAST

How do immigrant smuggling operations work?
Kerry Ward, associate professor of history, is quoted about human smuggling.
Houston Public Media
http://bit.ly/2h39jB9

KPRC-TV
Bernard “Bun B” Freeman, former distinguished lecturer at Rice, is interviewed.
http://bit.ly/2vbuwPs

‘Most diverse’ Fort Bend Co. to host culture lesson for police, residents
A Rice demographic study is mentioned.
KTRK-TV
http://abc13.co/2eQOV5t

TRADE/PROFESSIONAL

Russia’s use of the energy weapon in Europe
Although it has not been widely successful to date in the former Soviet zone, Russia’s use of the “energy weapon” against Western European countries in various forms still constitutes a strategic threat that warrants close attention from policymakers in Washington and throughout Europe, according to an issue brief by Gabriel Collins, fellow in the Center for Energy Studies at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Tek-Think
http://bit.ly/2v1n8G3

Rice U. scientists map ways forward for lithium-ion batteries for extreme environments
Lithium-ion batteries are popular power sources for cellphones and other electronics, but problematic in extreme heat or cold. A Rice University laboratory has suggested ways to extend their range. Pulickel Ajayan, the Benjamin M. and Mary Greenwood Anderson Professor in Engineering and founding chair of the Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, and postdoctoral research associate Hemtej Gullapalli are quoted.
ECN (This also appears in Topix, Health Medicine Network, Tech Xplore, Laboratory Equipment, AZO Cleantec, Domain-B and R&D.)
http://bit.ly/2uxXabY
Rice University researchers eye high-temperature battery technology
Texas TechPulse
http://bit.ly/2v2Wigo

New FlatScope microscope could restore lost sight
Rice engineers are building a flat microscope, called FlatScope, and developing software that can decode and trigger neurons on the surface of the brain. Jacob Robinson, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is quoted.
Gadget Z Tech
http://bit.ly/2v249KX

Best universities in the US for technology jobs at top financial services firms 2017
Rice is mentioned as the 36th best university for technology jobs at top financial services firms in the U.S.
CEO World Magazine
http://bit.ly/2v10NIv

Oil States adds Robert L. Potter to its board
Alumnus Robert Potter ’73 is mentioned.
Morningstar (This also appears in Oil & Gas Financial, Guru Focus, Stockhouse, Benzinga and EconoTimes.)
http://bit.ly/2 tMTFj2

Plasmon-powered upconversion
A Rice professor’s method to “upconvert” light could make solar cells more efficient and disease-targeting nanoparticles more effective. Experiments led by Gururaj Naik, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, combined plasmonic metals and semiconducting quantum wells to boost the frequency of light, changing its color.
Optics & Photogenics News
http://bit.ly/2w3a0Ns

DREAMers at greater risk for mental health distress
Immigrants who came to the United States illegally as small children and who meet the requirements of the Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, more commonly known as DREAMers, are at risk for mental health distress, according to a new study from researchers at Rice University. Luz Garcini, postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Psychology, is quoted.
Medical Xpress
http://bit.ly/2eRkyvB

Laying the foundation for new energy technology
Alumnus Troy Van Voorhis ’97 is featured.
The Energy Collective
http://bit.ly/2u2FfXr

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

Piano superstar Yuja Wang and maestro Jaap van Zweden open the HK Phil 2017-18 season
Alumnus Andrew Ling ’10 is mentioned.
Broadway World China
http://bit.ly/2tN97fn

People and flashes
An article mentions a student who hopes to attend Rice.
Acadiana Business
http://bit.ly/2vaVUx5

A star Athens Lady Hornet athlete, Mayse becomes a dentist
Alumna Morgan Mayse ’11 is mentioned.
Athens Daily Review
http://bit.ly/2v17vy8

Guilford College makes the Fiske list of the top 38 ‘best buy’ schools
Rice is mentioned as being on the Fiske list of the top 38 “best buy” schools in the country.
The Guilfordian
http://bit.ly/2v2CVnr

Maana CEO Babur Ozden on building companies and learning to love the chaos
Alumnus Babur Ozden ’04 is mentioned.
The PE Hub Network
http://bit.ly/2eQwNJ5

Norwegian entrepreneurs come to Questrom
Rice is mentioned.
BU Today
http://bit.ly/2v34Fbu

Rain or shine, Vt. Mozart Festival continues summer tradition
Rice graduate student Megan Wright is mentioned.
Shelburne News
http://bit.ly/2v1pynY

Antarctica by way of the UK
Alumnus Alexander Simms ’06 is mentioned.
The Santa Barbara Current
http://bit.ly/2uC6R9t

Col Legno Duo, bassoon and marimba, next at Penn Alps
Rice is mentioned.
The Garett County Republican
http://bit.ly/2w3QUXs

SPORTS

Around Sports: Novak Djokovic goes to sidelines for rest of the year
Rice alumnus David Aardsma ’05 is mentioned.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription required.)
http://bit.ly/2eR3tSE

After conquering 3,000-mile trail, coach faces new challenge: Jets QBs
Alumnus Jeremy Bates ’00 is discussed.
ESPN
http://es.pn/2tN5nKM

Ince to compete for USA at World Championships
Rice student Ariana Ince, Brown College, is mentioned.
USA Track and Field (This also appears in All-Athletics.)
http://bit.ly/2vMxqHv

Former Texans exec Tony Wyllie going into National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame
Alumnus Tony Wyllie ’07 is mentioned.
My San Antonio
http://bit.ly/2vMcZKI

Swish Inc.
Lovett College senior Dylan Jones is mentioned.
The Acorn (This also appears in Thousand Oaks Acorn.)
http://bit.ly/2tG3yep

UNT, conference officials see growth in C-USA heading into 5th year in league
Rice football is mentioned.
Denton Record-Chronicle
http://bit.ly/2w4aKlk

Campbell to begin pro career
Rice is mentioned.
Hub City Spokes
http://bit.ly/2u2eItn

Chancellor Sharp hopes to revive Texas A&M-Texas football game
Rice football is mentioned.
The Eagle
http://bit.ly/2h6EXNZ

NSU men’s basketball to host Rice, make trips West in nonconference play
Rice football is mentioned.
Kalb
http://bit.ly/2h6HTu0

(2007) The year of the Stanford football turnaround
Rice football is mentioned.
SBNation
http://bit.ly/2uGlzuh

NEWS RELEASES

Biochar could clear the air in more ways than one
Biochar from recycled waste may both enhance crop growth and save health costs by helping clear the air of pollutants, according to Rice University researchers. Rice researchers in Earth science, economics and environmental engineering have determined that widespread use of biochar in agriculture could reduce health care costs, especially for those who live in urban areas close to farmland.
http://bit.ly/2uXU3eI

DREAMers at greater risk for mental health distress
Immigrants who came to the United States illegally as small children and who meet the requirements of the Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, more commonly known as DREAMers, are at risk for mental health distress, according to a new study from researchers at Rice University.
http://bit.ly/2uGDpO9

Heavy metals in water meet their match
Carbon nanotubes immobilized in a tuft of quartz fiber have the power to remove toxic heavy metals from water, according to researchers at Rice University. Prize-winning filters produced in the lab of Rice chemist Andrew Barron by then-high school student and lead author Perry Alagappan absorb more than 99 percent of metals from samples laden with cadmium, cobalt, copper, mercury, nickel and lead. Once saturated, the filters can be washed with a mild household chemical like vinegar and reused.
http://bit.ly/2v1Mvrb

Rice U. expert available to discuss ban on transgender service in the military
As the public reacts to President Donald Trump’s July 26 Twitter announcement banning all transgender individuals from military service, Tom Kolditz, director of Rice University’s Doerr Institute for New Leaders and a retired brigadier general, is available to discuss the topic. Kolditz served on two national commissions studying transgender service in the military and has significant knowledge of the studies of this issue.
http://bit.ly/2tNxqK1