D. Sarah Stamps will investigate volcano-tectonic interactions during early phase continental rifting at the Natron Rift in Tanzania using GPS and geochemical data. She aims to fill knowledge gaps and advance understanding of volcanic eruptive processes and early phase continental rifting.
A study led by Virginia Tech researchers explores the effects of mobile phones on Maasai women's lives, revealing that technology both empowers and hinders gender dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of understanding context-specific empowerment in rural communities.
A team of Virginia Tech researchers discovered a new biosynthetic pathway for allicin, the compound responsible for garlic's unique flavor and aroma. This finding enables farmers to predict and control the strength of their crops, leading to more consistent production and greater flavor profiles.
Researchers discovered abnormalities in communication between brain cells and molecular changes affecting protein production due to dysfunctional CASK gene. The study also suggests an unexpected role for CASK in regulating energy production in cells, which may explain diminished brain size and dysregulated function.
Researchers found that Fusobacterium nucleatum, a common mouth bacteria, can initiate cancer cell migration by sticking to and entering cancer cells using protein Fap2. This causes cancer cells to release cytokines IL-8 and CXCL1, leading to inflammation and attracting immune cells.
Researchers have developed a droplet biosensing method that can detect the presence of COVID-19 in a sample in just minutes. This fast and accurate method uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to analyze viral genetic material, reducing testing time and error margin.
The National Pediatric Rehabilitation Resource Center aims to promote clinical trials research in pediatric rehabilitation. The center will fund up to $150,000 per year for pilot studies and offer educational resources to support the growth of the field.
A doctoral student at Virginia Tech has been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to research how migratory birds transmit diseases and carry pathogens. She aims to screen birds for various diseases in Trinidad and Virginia, determining which vectors and viruses are introduced during the winter months.
A surface coating developed by Virginia Tech professor William Ducker has been shown to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, by 99.9% in one hour when applied to glass or stainless steel surfaces.
Scientists have discovered that inserting the Nix gene in female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes converts them to fertile males, which could aid in mosquito control strategies. The converted males cannot fly due to the lack of another essential gene, myo-sex.
A preliminary study suggests that the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, commonly administered to children in high-tuberculosis countries, may reduce mortality rates from COVID-19. The study found a correlation between higher BCG vaccination rates and lower peak mortality rates from COVID-19 in various countries.
Researchers are exploring how amyloid plaques degrade the brain's vascular system by impairing astrocytes, leading to a weakening of the blood-brain barrier. The study aims to pinpoint genes and proteins in astrocytes that contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression.
Scientists have developed a 3D mathematical model of the paradise tree snake's flight, revealing that aerial undulation enhances rotational stability. The team measured over 100 live snake glides and found that undulation is essential for maintaining control during glides.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified over 40 genes expressed in the vLGN and discovered six new neuron subtypes, each with unique molecules and clustered in tightly packed striped layers. The study provides a more precise tool kit to understand the function of the vLGN and its downstream connections.
Adenovirus, a common cold virus, can disrupt the heart's electrical system, leading to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Researchers used induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to confirm the virus's impact on the heart's ability to communicate with its neighbors.
A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that infectious disease-induced mass mortality events occur in 14% of marine mammal species, with viruses causing 72% of these events. Habitat breadth was also a key factor, with pinnipeds being overrepresented among affected species.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that transient attracting profiles (TRAPs) in ocean-surface velocity data can predict the convergence of drifting objects, such as persons and debris. This information enables search teams to set a tighter search grid and make faster rescues.
Researchers at Virginia Tech propose that high-energy cosmic rays, rather than neutrinos, are responsible for the mysterious signals detected by the ANITA experiment. The team suggests that sub-surface firn, a dense layer of compacted snow, is causing the reflections.
Researchers have identified a small mitochondrial uncoupler called BAM15 that decreases body fat mass in mice without affecting food intake or muscle mass. The molecule also shows promise in reducing insulin resistance and oxidative stress associated with obesity and related diseases.
Lyme disease is the most reported vector-borne disease in the country, with a dramatic increase in cases over the past 20 years. The research aims to understand how the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi causes sustained inflammation and Lyme arthritis symptoms.
Researchers have developed a material that can desalinate water up to 40 times faster than other materials, using electrostatic forces to attract salt ions. The porous carbon fibers have high surface areas and electrical conductivity, making them suitable for applications such as batteries and cars.
Virginia Tech researchers used CRISPR genome editing in zebrafish to find that PHETA1-like proteins are necessary for renal function and craniofacial development. The study linked the protein mutation to kidney and craniofacial problems observed in a patient with an undiagnosed disease.
The fog harp design uses parallel wires to collect ambient water from fog, gathering more water than existing mesh collectors. Field tests at Virginia Tech's Kentland Farm showed that the fog harp outperformed traditional mesh harvesters in even light fog conditions.
Gliomas alter astrocyte function, preventing the brain from removing excess excitatory chemicals, which can lead to seizures. The study found that scar-forming astrocytes surrounding tumors play a crucial role in this process.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered genes for cellular metabolic cycles in the genomes of giant viruses, challenging traditional views on viral life. These genes suggest that giant viruses can alter their hosts' metabolism, shifting nutrient balances and influencing aquatic biogeochemistry.
A new study reveals that Toxoplasma gondii parasite alters the behavior of microglia, leading to a loss of inhibitory signaling in the brain. This can result in seizures, personality changes, and vision problems, similar to neuropsychiatric disorders.
A four-year study led by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is developing practical guidelines for integrating automated driving systems into current fleets. The research will provide critical data to guide rulemaking and fleet operations, addressing challenges of deploying automated commercial trucks.
A mass study collaboration found that AI predictive models are not accurate in predicting life outcomes, particularly in the criminal justice system and social programs. The study used a large dataset of 13,000 data points from over 4,000 families, but even state-of-the-art modeling was not very accurate.
Researchers have developed antineutrino detection technology to monitor nuclear reactors and detect plutonium production, providing high-level assurances of treaty compliance. The technology has potential applications in near-field and far-field monitoring, as well as verifying treaty compliance by tracking spent fuel.
A team of astronomers led by Nahum Arav has discovered the most energetic outflows ever witnessed in the universe, which tear across interstellar space like cosmic tsunamis. These quasar outflows accelerate material to breathtaking velocities, carrying hundreds of solar masses of material each year and pushing galaxies' formation forward.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers found that pathogen levels in the environment play a major role in white-nose syndrome. The team discovered that contaminated environments, or 'hot spots,' result in higher disease impacts. By understanding this relationship, environmental sanitization can be used to reduce epidemic potential.
The study found that land type significantly influences the interaction of vigilance and scent marking behavior in banded mongooses. In environments with high predator presence, such as national parks, mongoose exhibited reduced scent marking behaviors, while in areas with low predator risk, like tourism lodges, these behaviors increased.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and UVA are working together to model the spread of Tuta absoluta, a devastating tomato pest native to South America. By forecasting its entry into the US market, they aim to prevent significant economic losses and protect the country's billion-dollar tomato industry.
Virginia Tech paleontologists have discovered 1 billion-year-old micro-fossils of green seaweeds that could be the ancestor of early land plants and trees. The fossils, found in rock near Dalian in northern China, are barely visible to the naked eye and display complex multicellularity.
A team of Virginia Tech researchers has developed a new wearable analyzer to measure hazardous air pollutants in real-time for truck drivers and other workers. The device, called iWAVE, provides a time-resolved measurement of exposure and is expected to revolutionize the way workers combat harmful pollutants on a daily basis.
Scientists at Virginia Tech explore a novel approach to treat alcohol use disorder by using behavioral analysis and neuroimaging to understand decision-making processes. By pre-experiencing future events, individuals can mentally construct how they will feel, reducing the value they place on alcohol.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a way to apply genetic sequencing technologies to identify plant pathogens, down to the strain level. This new approach uses an Oxford Nanopore Sequencing MinION device and computer algorithms to quickly and precisely diagnose diseases in crops.
A Virginia Tech assistant professor has received an NSF CAREER award to develop a system measuring air pollution using bicycles and smartphones, aiming to educate citizens about pollution and promote cleaner habits. The project will also explore alternative urban design approaches to reduce exposure.
Researchers discover chemical cues in orchid that stimulate mosquitoes' sense of smell, attracting them like flowers. The scent contains nonanal and lilac aldehyde, which stimulate mosquito antennae and draw in multiple species.
A recent study found that the burrowing mayfly population has declined by nearly 84% since 2015, mirroring a decrease in mayfly swarms during annual insect emergence events. This decline is attributed to human stressors such as climate change, runoff from agricultural land, and pesticide use.
Research by Virginia Tech scientists found that tiny titanium oxide nanoparticles in coal smog and ash can cause lung damage in mice after a single exposure. The particles trigger an immune response, leading to macrophage death and lung failure.
Plant scientists combined second- and third-generation genomic technologies to create a more accurate and efficient method for resolving plant pathogen genomes. This breakthrough reduces the time required to sequence genome data from one-and-a-half years to just nine days, while lowering costs from $2 million to $1,000.
The university received awards to support the purchase of state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, enhancing military research efforts. Virginia Tech researchers will gain valuable experience working on advanced projects, including a nano-calorimeter instrument and an aircraft engine test bed.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that individuals perceive fonts to have political attributes, with serif fonts viewed as more conservative and sans-serif fonts leaning liberal. The study suggests that font choices can convey ideology through letterforms, with implications for political campaign professionals.
Researchers analyzed data from over 100 youth football players, finding that they are more susceptible to concussion at lower levels of acceleration than older athletes. The study's findings provide critical information for designing and testing protective equipment.
Researchers reveal a key role for astrocytes in facilitating inhibitory neuron growth into the lateral geniculate nucleus during early brain development. Without retinal inputs, astrocyte function is disrupted, leading to the absence of inhibitory interneurons.
A new study explores how ranchers make decisions about managing their land, finding that cultural considerations and the desire to maintain traditional practices are key drivers. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex social-ecological factors at play in private lands conservation.
A study found that only a slight increase in walking occurred, while cycling rates remained stagnant, with significant disparities by education level and demographics. The study calls for greater investment in safe bike lanes, sidewalks, and education programs to promote walking and cycling among all age groups.
A new study reveals insects experience similar physiological effects of gravity as humans, with air sacs expanding in response to orientation. Insects have an active response called functional compartmentalization, allowing them to control pressure and maintain blood flow.
Researchers have developed predictive tools to tackle childhood diarrheal disease outbreaks in Botswana by analyzing atmospheric conditions and environmental variables. The study found a critical link between ENSO, El Niño-Southern Oscillation, and diarrhea rates, enabling the prediction of outbreak reoccurrence.