The CHAT program aims to strengthen nutrition, reduce loneliness, and support overall well-being among older adults receiving behavioral health services. The initiative connects Tennesseans aged 60+ with local senior meal sites, leveraging community partnerships and resources.
Dr. Lindsey Cochran's work combines technical modeling with community conversation to protect cultural heritage sites along Florida's Apalachicola Bay. Her approach has earned a national honor and reflects ETSU's commitment to research that serves both academic inquiry and public need.
Researchers at ETSU's Gray Fossil Site have discovered the first fossil deer in North America, dating back 5 million years. The newly described fossils reveal the likely ancestor of modern white-tailed deer and highlight the incredible diversity of life that once flourished in Tennessee.
Dr. Aruna Kilaru has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Plant Biologists for her outstanding work in plant biology. Her research spans critical issues like food insecurity, biotechnology and clean energy, and she has secured over $3 million in grant funding.
The Appalachian region is vulnerable to flash flooding due to the concentration and catching of rain. Experts predict an above-average number of storms for 2025, posing a significant threat to the area's safety.
A researcher at East Tennessee State University is working on a potentially groundbreaking study to increase the vitamin content in seeds. The goal is to craft tools that can activate genes responsible for producing essential vitamins like provitamin A and folate, addressing global micronutrient deficiencies.
A giant flying squirrel, weighing around three pounds, once soared through the skies over Southern Appalachia, gliding above rhinos and mastodons. The finding confirms that these ancient creatures crossed the Bering Land Bridge alongside other mammals about 5 million years ago.
Record-breaking temperatures and devastating floods ravaged Southern Appalachia in 2024, claiming lives and destroying homes. The region faced unpredictable conditions, including scorching heat and heartbreaking losses from flooding.
Researchers at East Tennessee State University examined how the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic disproportionately impacted Appalachian communities, exacerbating long-standing health disparities such as limited healthcare access and systemic poverty. The study draws striking parallels to the challenges faced by the region during the CO...
A global team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery of a new skeletal tissue called lipocartilage, composed of fat-filled cells that provide super-stable internal support. This unique tissue has immense potential for treating facial defects, birth injuries, and cartilage-related conditions.
The US Department of Defense has awarded East Tennessee State University's Research Corporation over $900,000 to create a biomanufacturing facility that turns waste streams into valuable products. The project aims to bolster domestic bioindustrial manufacturing and advance sustainable manufacturing goals in Northeast Tennessee.
A state-of-the-art flood monitoring dashboard is being developed in Central Appalachia to test its reusability and replicability. The project uses generative artificial intelligence to provide communities with the information and tools needed to build resilience in the face of climate change.
A recent survey found that Tennesseans value higher education, with 45% considering it very important for young people to succeed. The survey also showed that different generations and demographics have varying views on the roles of colleges and universities.
The Appalachian Region's mortality rate from diseases of despair decreased by 4% between 2021 and 2022, while remaining virtually unchanged outside of Appalachia. However, the region still experiences higher rates of mortality from these diseases across all age groups, particularly among those in their prime working years.
East Tennessee State University has been awarded $2.8 million to continue its Rural Health Equity Research Center for four more years. The center will conduct studies exploring rural health inequities, focusing on access to healthcare and behavioral health services. This funding is critical for the research and reflects the impact it h...