Dateline Rice for Oct. 20, 2017

FEATURED ITEM

Could the world be in for a rapid burst of sea level rise?
Scientists from Rice University and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi have discovered that Earth’s sea level did not rise steadily but rather in sharp, punctuated bursts when the planet’s glaciers melted during the period of global warming at the close of the last ice age. Rice graduate student Pankaj Khanna, the lead author of the study, is quoted.
Earther
http://bit.ly/2zBzofT
Coral study: Previous warming period inspired sea level rise in fits and starts
United Press International
http://bit.ly/2xT0FYQ
Oceans can rise in sudden bursts
Scientific American
http://bit.ly/2yEkGXa

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

There’s a dangerous bubble in the fossil fuel economy, and the Trump administration is making it worse
Jim Krane, the Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is quoted.
The New Yorker
http://bit.ly/2yCkNCw

A tale of 2 Houstons: Inequality in America’s fossil fuel capital
A 2016 study by Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research that found high poverty areas in Houston had quadrupled and expanded beyond the city’s Interstate 610 Loop since 1980 is mentioned.
National Geographic
http://bit.ly/2xUrJvM

Runoff from Hurricane Harvey may harm coral reefs
The more than 13 trillion gallons of floodwater from Hurricane Harvey have created a massive plume of freshwater in the Gulf of Mexico that is threatening the coral reefs of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary about 100 miles offshore of Galveston. Rice marine biologist Adrienne Correa comments.
Axios
http://bit.ly/2yvV7Ia

More talk about bipartisanship
An Oct. 18 discussion on tax reform at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy that included House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, is mentioned.
Politico
http://politi.co/2xT4NIB

What they say
Rice President David Leebron provided commentary on the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China.
China Daily
http://bit.ly/2xTc8bb
John Harvard goes to Washington
Leebron is quoted in a story on what the next president of Harvard University faces.
Harvard Crimson
http://bit.ly/2yF2o8v

China’s new viral app could be straight out of Black Mirror
Steven Lewis, professor in the practice, research fellow at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and associate director at Rice’s Chao Center for Asian Studies, is quoted in a story on a popular but controversial new mobile game in China.
Wired
http://bit.ly/2xaGw11

Texas’ power may not be covered next time
Daniel Cohan, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, is quoted in a story on Texas’ utility sector and lessons learned from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey.
CNHI News (This story also appeared in the Weatherford Democrat.)
http://bit.ly/2zCVvT7

For Israel, concern over Iran leads to better ties with Arab states
Kristian Ulrichsen, fellow for the Middle East at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is quoted in a story on Arab countries’ dealings with Israel.
Daily Mail (This Agence France-Presse story also appeared in more than 10 other media outlets.)
http://dailym.ai/2gx13d7
Meet the UAE’s most important ambassador
Ozy
http://bit.ly/2gotgiu

HOUSTON/TEXAS

Jones School kindles entrepreneurial dreams at Rice
Rice’s Jones Graduate School of Business and its graduates are featured in a story on the school’s successful efforts to build a nationally recognized department with a focus on entrepreneurship.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required.)
http://bit.ly/2yCj8et

Data center coming to Houston — under UH’s wing
A story about the University of Houston starting an on-campus data science center mentions that Rice started a data science program in 2015 and the potential for collaboration with UH on its project.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required. This article also appeared in the Laredo Morning Times and on the front page of the Oct. 20 print edition of the Houston Chronicle with a different headline, “UH plan delves into data science.”)
http://bit.ly/2gU5lIk
http://bit.ly/2kZ3CGe
UH announces new data science institute
Daily Cougar
http://bit.ly/2iqnKjz

Attorney warns clients of economic consequences in dismantling NAFTA
Immigration and labor attorneys discussed the North American Free Trade Agreement Oct. 19 at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required. This article also appeared in the San Antonio Express-News and Conexión and on the front of the Business section in the Oct. 20 print edition of the Houston Chronicle with a different headline, “Visa program a NAFTA concern.”)
http://bit.ly/2zpyNga
http://bit.ly/2yW03Xy

Texas college campuses join voting push
Rice is one of almost 300 universities, including 19 in Texas, to participate in the All-In Challenge, which aims to increase voter participation among college students.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required.)
http://bit.ly/2gTa9h9
http://bit.ly/2hSmwd8

Rice innovation lab named for Houston entrepreneur Frank Liu to open
A new chapter in Houston’s entrepreneurship history begins Oct. 22 at Rice University with the opening celebration of the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie), which features new and expanded entrepreneurship courses as well as a variety of co-curricular activities and resources with the goal of supporting Rice students in entrepreneurial endeavors. The lab is funded by a $16.5 million gift from Houston entrepreneur and Rice alumnus Frank Liu ’75 and his family.
Houston Business Journal
http://bit.ly/2yUSDnB

What’s a prairie doing in the middle of the Medical Center?
A story on “pocket prairies” in Houston mentions Rice.
Houston Chronicle (This appeared in the Chronicle’s “Gray Matters” online magazine.)
http://bit.ly/2yBcl6O

Ted Cruz versus Beto O’Rourke called the ‘marquee race in Texas’
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 in a story on the U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and his Democratic challenger, Rep. Beto O’Rourke. Jones also is mentioned in a story on Republican state Rep. Briscoe Cain.
El Paso Times
http://bit.ly/2gTbrsv
The Cain Mutiny: On the shouting down of Briscoe Cain
Austin American-Statesman
https://atxne.ws/2yCqeRV

That time Russians posed as conservative Texans on Facebook
A story by alumnus Casey Michel ’10 is mentioned in an article on Russian influence during the 2016 U.S. election cycle.
Texas Standard
http://bit.ly/2xT3UQp

Ruth J. Simmons named sole finalist for president of Prairie View A&M
Ruth Simmons, a member of Rice’s Board of Trustees, is the sole finalist to become Prairie View A&M’s president.
KBTX.com (A similar story appeared in Houston Style Magazine.)
http://bit.ly/2xbA5e2

BROADCAST

‘New Day’
Rice Professor of History Douglas Brinkley commented on past presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama’s speeches criticizing sitting President Donald Trump.
CNN
http://bit.ly/2znG28y

Flood insurance: The good and the bad
Jim Blackburn, a professor in the practice of environmental law and the co-director of Rice’s Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters Center, comments on flood insurance policies.
KHOU-TV (Houston)
http://bit.ly/2xVox31

TRADE/PROFESSIONAL

Creating a better RNA switch
James Chappell, assistant professor of biosciences, authored a paper while at Northwestern University on the development of a “switch” that achieves gene activation, which could help turn off genes responsible for illness and disease and turn on those that enhance health and the immune system.
Science Daily (Similar articles appeared in Phys.org, Scienmag, US Weekly, Health Medicine Network and True Viral News.)
http://bit.ly/2yC0XqR

Expert: Be concerned about how apps collect, share health data
As of 2016 there were more than 165,000 health and wellness apps available though the Apple App Store alone. According to Kirsten Ostherr, professor of English and director of Rice’s Medical Futures Lab, the Food and Drug Administration regulates only a fraction of those. Americans should be concerned about how these apps collect, save and share their personal health data, she said.
Medical Xpress (A similar article appeared in Science Codex, Scienmag and Health Medicine Network.)
http://bit.ly/2gwYI1E

Microfluidics devices clarify how dispersants modify asphaltene to keep pipes open
It sounds cliché, but things do get worse before they get better when oil and gas lines are being cleared of contaminants, according to Rice researchers. Asphaltene, a complex of hydrocarbon molecules found in crude oil, is the source of valuable asphalt and can also be made into waterproofing and roofing materials, corrosion inhibitors and other products, but when it builds up in a pipeline, it’s trouble. Sibani Lisa Biswal, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and of materials science and nanoengineering, is quoted. Postdoctoral researcher Peng He and graduate student Yu-Jiun Lin are pictured.
Phys.org (A similar article appeared in Science & Technology Research News and 4-Traders.)
http://bit.ly/2zEC3pd

Light-powered molecules penetrate cells
Motorized molecules that target diseased cells may deliver drugs to or kill the cells by drilling into the cell membranes. Scientists at Rice, Durham (U.K.) and North Carolina State universities have demonstrated them on cancer and other cells.
Labmate
http://bit.ly/2zptQUW

‘I see racism in the market’: Brokers get candid on race in a new study
Real estate agents in New York tend to work in white and Asian neighborhoods, in addition to neighborhoods with higher home values, according to new research from Max Besbris, an assistant professor of sociology in Rice’s School of Social Sciences, and Jacob William Faber at New York University.
Brick Underground
http://bit.ly/2xLOygk

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

What will the Kirwan Commission mean for Baltimore’s children?
A study by Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Wisconsin that found more children are living in high-poverty neighborhoods following the Great Recession is mentioned in a story on Baltimore schools.
Afro
http://bit.ly/2gpy9b1

LC honors Simon Tudor at annual Founders Day
Bobby Tudor, chairman of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. and chair of the Rice Board of Trustees, is mentioned in a story on his grandfather, Simon Tudor.
Baptist Message
http://bit.ly/2xTw3GF

Walden Chamber Music presents 1st seasonal concert Oct. 29
Violinist Yi Zhao ’13 will perform Oct. 29 in Salida, Colo.
The Mountain Mail
http://bit.ly/2yDQObx

SPORTS

College football preview: Rice at UT-San Antonio
Rice’s Oct. 21 football game against the University of Texas at San Antonio is featured.
Houston Chronicle (Subscription is required.)
http://bit.ly/2gvMRkz
http://bit.ly/2yWE9mZ
KIAH-TV (Houston)
http://bit.ly/2gUJT69
KSAT-TV (San Antionio)
http://bit.ly/2xb64Lk
College football picks: Predicting every game in Week 8
Athlon Sports & Life
http://bit.ly/2yuEX1W
UTSA Roadrunners seek return to winning ways against the Rice Owls
Underdog Dynasty
http://bit.ly/2xTBvtl
Homecoming game on deck Saturday
GoUTSA.com
http://bit.ly/2hSN7qj

Kansas’ Meacham faces No. 4 TCU’s defense for real
A story on University of Kansas offensive coordinator Doug Meacham mentions that Jayhawks’ head football coach David Beaty was an assistant coach at Rice.
Houston Chronicle (This Associated Press story also ran in more than 25 other media outlets.)
http://bit.ly/2yAQKsV

Eric Singletary is building something big at Sidwell Friends in D.C.
Former Rice basketball player Eric Singletary ’98 is featured. Former Owls baseball player Ian Graham ’98 is mentioned.
The Shadow League
http://bit.ly/2znSWTZ

Boyd, Gilpin, Sulaimon lead Examiner alumni
Rice’s season-opening volleyball match against Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi is mentioned.
Houston Chronicle
http://bit.ly/2gTtyi7

Texas sports notebook: Soccer’s Haley Berg was a Longhorn even before she was a Longhorn
A story on University of Texas soccer player Haley Berg features a photo of Rice’s Aug. 18 match against the Longhorns.
Austin American-Statesman
https://atxne.ws/2gRzI2f
Soccer comes from behind to remain unbeaten in conference play
North Texas Daily
http://bit.ly/2yCWcLS

UF basketball team checks in at No. 7 in coaches’ poll
A story about the University of Florida men’s basketball team mentions former Rice player Egor Koulechov, who now plays for the Gators.
Sun Sentinel (This story also appeared in the Orlando Sentinel.)
http://bit.ly/2gv0vo4

Roadrunners head out for Rice, WKU weekend roadtrip
Rice’s Oct. 20 volleyball match against the University of Texas at San Antonio is mentioned.
GoUTSA.com
http://bit.ly/2gV5s6x

Men’s tennis readies for ITA Texas Regionals
Rice players will compete in the ITA Texas Regionals Oct. 20-23 in College Station.
BaylorBears.com
http://bit.ly/2yw0qaK
Men’s tennis to compete at ITA Texas Regional this weekend
GoUTSA.com
http://bit.ly/2yDHWEW

Agenda Weekender: Over 85 things to do this weekend, including the South End Wine Fest, 24th Annual Apple Harvest Festival and GUTS
The Rice soccer team’s Oct. 22 match against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is mentioned.
Charlotte Agenda
http://bit.ly/2zDWrqu

NEWS RELEASES

Microfluidics probe ‘cholesterol’ of the oil industry
It sounds cliché, but things do get worse before they get better when oil and gas lines are being cleared of contaminants, according to Rice University researchers. Asphaltene, a complex of hydrocarbon molecules found in crude oil, is the source of valuable asphalt and can also be made into waterproofing and roofing materials, corrosion inhibitors and other products, but when it builds up in a pipeline, it’s trouble. Asphaltenes are often called the “cholesterol” of the oil industry since they are known to coagulate and slow or even stop the flow of oil and gas in reservoir rock.
http://bit.ly/2yU8JxQ

Rice expert: Be concerned about how apps collect, share health data
As of 2016 there were more than 165,000 health and wellness apps available though the Apple App Store alone. According to Rice University medical media expert Kirsten Ostherr, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates only a fraction of those. Americans should be concerned about how these apps collect, save and share their personal health data, she said.
http://bit.ly/2l0zHgX

Baker Institute expert: Recycling water produced during development of Texas oil fields threatens landowners’ profits
Landowners who depend on sales of water and disposal services in the oil field may oppose plans by oil and gas companies to save money by recycling the water from their fracking operations. A new issue brief by an expert in the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy explores the economic and legal realities that will influence the conversation between these two parties and, ideally, inform potential business-side and legal resolutions to conflicts over water-recycling issues.
http://bit.ly/2gxe9XY