NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL
A Fertilizer Made From Human Urine Is Coming to the US
Rachel A. Meidl, deputy director of the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, offered insight on the sustainability benefits of urine-based fertilizer. Meidl noted that recovering nutrients from human urine can help reduce waste, lower costs and support more sustainable fertilizer production.
Food & Wine
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-fw
Trump is trying to create a ‘Red Scare on steroids’: Presidential historian
Rice presidential historian Douglas Brinkley joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss the historical precedent of vilifying opponents and weighs in on the state of the U.S. presidency as America celebrates its 250th birthday.
Meet the Press NOW, NBC News
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-nbc
Brinkley on News Nation to discuss America at 250
Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley assesses the state of the United States ahead of its 250th birthday.
News Nation
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-nn
Species are climbing higher as the planet warms
Rice University researchers analyzed global observations of plant and animal species moving to higher elevations as climate change alters wildlife habitat distribution. The study, among the largest of its kind focused on climate impacts at high altitudes, offers new insight into how species are shifting in search of cooler environments.
The Times of India
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-toi
Turkey intensifies crackdown on public life in run-up to Nato summit in Ankara
David Satterfield, director of Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey, spoke to Reuters about concerns over Turkey’s democratic backsliding ahead of the NATO summit.
The Guardian
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-tg
Platner’s collapsing campaign in Maine adds new midterm pressures for Democrats nationwide
Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, provided analysis on how developments in Maine’s U.S. Senate race could affect Democratic strategy in Texas. Jones said Democrats may invest more heavily in the Texas race if they can no longer count on Maine as reliably in their path to Senate control.
Los Angeles Times
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-lat
My Fourth of July
Bill King, a fellow at the Baker Institute, wrote a commentary about how he spent his 4th of July in New York City.
RealClear Politics
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-rcp
HOUSTON/TEXAS
Houston needs a public scorecard that measures equity
Kinder Institute study cited that researchers found Harris County home prices rose 43% from 2018 to 2023 while median buying power rose just 1.2%, pushing the affordability gap up 275% . Only seven of the county’s 143 neighborhoods were affordable to a median-earning household.
Houston Defender
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-def
You Might Not Want to be in Texas if You’re Having a Miscarriage
Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy issued a lengthy report in 2024 pointing out that unclear guidelines following the Dobbs decision “blur the distinction between miscarriage care and abortion.”
Houston Press
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-hp
Texas state senator plans to introduce new THC ban bill in upcoming session
Katharine Harris, a drug policy fellow at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, weighed in on renewed efforts to regulate THC in Texas. Harris noted that lawmakers still have policy options available, including a state product registration list, and urged them to approach the issue with nuance while prioritizing public health.
CBS Austin
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-cbsa
Texas Senate panel lays groundwork for renewed push to ban THC products
Katharine Neill Harris provided context on THC’s public health impacts. Harris cautioned against conflating cannabis use with broader issues such as mental illness, homelessness and youth learning, noting the importance of nuance when weighing potential risks and regulation.
The Texas Tribune
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-ttt
Texas smoke shops turn to THCP as THCA ban takes effect
Katharine Neill Harris offered insight into the evolving legal landscape around hemp-derived products in Texas. Harris explained that while state regulators have focused on THCA, other compounds such as THCP remain in a gray area, leaving businesses to navigate uncertain rules around what can be sold.
Spectrum News 1
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-sn
Harris County Elections Could Be in Turmoil
Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, provided context on Gov. Greg Abbott’s appointment of former state Rep. Nate Schatzline to an election integrity advisory role. Jones noted that criticism centers on Schatzline’s conservative views and lack of election administration experience, which could become more significant if the role serves as a pathway to a higher-profile elections post.
Houston Press
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-hph
New study that looks at how the brain supports bilingualism
Benjamin Hayden, an adjunct professor of electrical and computer engineering and linguistics at Rice University, discusses a new study that looks at how the brain supports bilingualism and translates thoughts between different languages.
Hello Houston
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-hh
Red card reversal of Folarin Balogun only latest example of politics entering sports arena
Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, offered analysis to ABC13 on the intersection of sports and politics following FIFA’s reversal of a red card suspension against U.S. player Folarin Balogun. Ulrichsen said FIFA’s decisions increasingly carry political dimensions, particularly under President Gianni Infantino’s leadership and his close relationship with President Donald Trump.
KTRK, ABC 13
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-ktrk
New Houston Ship Channel bridge named in honor of longtime Rice professor
Local leaders and community members gathered on Wednesday, May 27 for a ceremony to celebrate the naming of the new Houston Ship Channel Bridge in honor of late Rice mathmatician Richard A. Tapia. Following the ceremony, a sign was unveiled with the bridge’s official name.
Houston Business Journal
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-hbj
Interim Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong wants a court to decide if he should remain in office
Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, provided context on the legal uncertainty surrounding whether Interim Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong should remain in office. Jones noted that the situation is highly unusual, with no clear legal precedent for how such cases should be handled.
KTRK, ABC 13
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-abc13
Delays in federal research funding hit Texas universities
David Sholl, Rice’s executive vice president for research, spoke with the Houston Chronicle about delays in federal research grants to Texas universities. Sholl said that disruptions to National Science Foundation funding could harm American competitiveness, emphasizing the importance of sustained federal investment in science and technology.
Chron.com
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-cc
TRADE/PROFESSIONAL
Gen AI's creative boost fades over time unless users co-develop ideas, study finds
Rice researchers found that generative AI's early creative advantage fades by round seven. Unless users shift from generating ideas to co-developing them, joint creativity plateaus.
Complete AI Training
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-cai
Researchers automate defect detection in diamond, other advanced semiconductors
Materials scientists at Rice University have developed a new workflow methodology for measuring microscopic defects in diamond and other advanced semiconductor materials. By making it easier to spot flaws that can undermine performance, the approach could accelerate the development of more reliable electronic and quantum devices.
Technology.org
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-to
Researchers Use AI to Accelerate Superconductor Discovery
Rice University collaborators played a key role in confirming a new machine-learning-assisted materials discovery, synthesizing and testing two newly identified kagome superconductors.
Let's Data Science
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-lds
AI just supercharged the race to find room temperature superconductors
Scientists have combined machine learning with quantum physics to discover two new superconductors and create a much faster way to search for many more. The technique could bring researchers significantly closer to the long-sought goal of a room-temperature superconductor.
ScienceDaily
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-sd
Chemo-Free Technique Destroys 99% of Cancer Cells in The Lab
Rice scientists may have found a way to destroy cancer cells without initially relying on chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The approach is called 'molecular jackhammer', and it relies on little more than light and a well-established medical molecule.
Science Alert
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-sac
OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST
Rice, Max Planck Forge Quantum Materials Partnership
The partnership brings together leading researchers to advance basic research and accelerate discoveries in computer, sensor, and energy technologies. Although theoretical models predict many quantum materials, the practical identification of suitable materials remains a major challenge.
Mirage News
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-mn
Rice, NASA Unveil Open-Source Space Robotics Simulator
Researchers at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston and Rice University have launched the iMETRO Dynamic Simulation — the world's first open-source dynamic simulation environment to develop robots used in space vehicles and indoor space habitats.
Mirage News
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-nasa
SPORTS
South Walton linebacker Connor Rooney commits to Rice football
For South Walton's Connor Rooney, Rice University offered "the best of both worlds." One of the top business schools in the country and an opportunity to start immediately at inside linebacker.
Northwest Florida Daily News
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-sw
Sports Stars of Tomorrow
A profile on Sawyer Rice, a senior from Duncan High School in Oklahoma who will be attending Rice University.
NBC Sports California
http://dateline.rice.edu/july-8-sst