News Releases

Less may be more in next-gen batteries

Rice University engineers build full lithium-ion batteries with silicon anodes and an alumina layer to protect cathodes from degrading. By limiting their energy density, the batteries promise excellent stability for transportation and grid storage use.

Uighur humanitarian crisis in focus at Rice event

HOUSTON – (Jan. 21, 2020) – Rice University's Islamophobia Resistance Campaign and the Muslims in American Society sociology course will host "Voices From the Uighur Community" Jan. 23 to shed light on the humanitarian crisis in China.

Study finds billions of quantum entangled electrons in 'strange metal'

Rice physicists and collaborators have observed quantum entanglement among "billions of billions" of flowing electrons in a quantum critical material.

Media advisory: 'Radical Revisionists' opening Jan. 24 at Rice’s Moody Center for the Arts

HOUSTON – (Jan. 16, 2020) – Rice’s Moody Center for the Arts will unveil its spring exhibition Jan. 24 with an opening reception for “Radical Revisionists: Contemporary African Artists Confronting Past and Present.”

USMCA trade pact will reap 'significant economic benefits,' says Baker Institute expert

HOUSTON – (Jan. 15, 2020) – The Senate is expected to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement this week, and the deal stands to benefit all three countries, according to an expert at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. David A. Gantz, the Will Clayton Fellow in Trade and International Economics at the Baker Institute, is available to discuss this development and its implications.

Rice engineers find a way to turn water pollution into valuable chemicals

Rice University researchers have identified a simpler way to rid water of cancer-causing pollutants and turn them into valuable chemicals.

Rice PR expert weighs in on Astros cheating scandal

HOUSTON – (Jan. 14, 2019) – Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch were fired by team owner Jim Crane Monday after Major League Baseball suspended them for a year each following an investigation that discovered Houston cheated using technology en route to winning the 2017 World Series. "Sports is a unique context where (fan) loyalty persists in spite of transgressions by the team or its players," said Anastasiya (Annie) Zavyalova, associate professor of strategic management at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business. "Considering the Astros' recent victory right after Hurricane Harvey, I expect Astros fans to continue to support the team in light of this scandal."

Not so fast: Some batteries can be pushed too far

Fast charge and discharge of some lithium-ion batteries with intentional defects degrades their performance and endurance, according to Rice University engineers.

Vigil and program to celebrate MLK Jan. 19

HOUSTON – (Jan. 14, 2020) – In celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr., Rice University's Black Male Leadership Initiative will host a vigil and program, “Keeping the Dream Alive,” at 6 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Rice Memorial Chapel.

Abbott's refugee refusal sets 'dangerous precedent,' says Baker Institute expert

HOUSTON – (Jan. 13, 2020) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has become the first U.S. governor to announce his state will refuse to admit federal resettled refugees in 2020, citing the "broken" U.S. immigration system he said has put unfair pressure on border states.

Federal food program needs more 'clearly defined objectives,' Baker Institute expert says

HOUSTON – (Jan. 13, 2020) – Public health and anti-hunger advocates want an effective food assistance program for low-income Americans, but they disagree on several fundamental issues involved in tackling the problem, according to a new issue brief from the Center for Public Finance at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Media advisory: Rice U. Visiting Artist Lecture Series to feature cutting-edge conversations with black artists

HOUSTON – (Jan. 13, 2020) – Black culture, representation and history will be among the broader topics addressed by three well-known contemporary artists during talks this semester co-sponsored by Rice’s Visual and Dramatic Arts Department (VADA) and the Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS).

Gasification goes green

Rice University engineers have created a light-powered nanoparticle that could shrink the carbon footprint of syngas producers.

Rice, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur sign memorandum

Rice University and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on investing resources and research in the development of energy solutions, materials and sustainable technologies.

Former Russian foreign minister Kozyrev to speak at Rice's Baker Institute

HOUSTON – (Jan. 7, 2020) – Andrei Kozyrev, who served as foreign minister of Russia from 1991 to 1996, will discuss his book, "The Firebird: The Elusive Fate of Russian Democracy," and current developments in Russia at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy Jan. 14.