Researchers found that even small exposures to oil caused hemolytic anemia in birds, affecting growth, organ function, and reproductive success. The study highlights the widespread impact of oil spills on avian health.
Global Change Center researchers developed a system to create real-time water forecasts for Falling Creek Reservoir in Roanoke, Va., using environmental data and local weather predictions. The system aims to predict times when water may require additional treatment due to environmental factors, improving drinking water quality.
A new analysis suggests the Trump Administration's proposal to rescind the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule inappropriately excludes wetlands-related values. The analysis found that benefits to rescind the rule were greater than costs, but only quantified benefits from wetlands-related values were considered.
The study, published in the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, compiles data on the Clinch dace from 70 stream segments in Tazewell and Russell counties. The fish can serve as an indicator of water quality due to their rarity and sensitivity to environmental changes.
Researchers found that adding healthy bacteria like Lactobacillus can reduce disease symptoms in female mice with lupus. The study suggests that a 'leaky gut' condition may contribute to the disease, and testosterone suppression may affect probiotic effects.
Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have successfully determined the full architecture of the BRCA1 protein, a key player in breast cancer susceptibility. By restoring its structural normalcy, they identified a potential route to revive the protein's cancer-fighting abilities.
A recent study published in the Annals of Biomedical Engineering suggests that unmanned aircraft pose a wide range of risks to people on the ground, with some small drones potentially safe to operate over people while others present significant injury risk. The research found that design features such as deflection and deformation can ...
A Virginia Tech research team found that oleuropein, an olive-derived compound, helps the body secrete more insulin and detoxify amylin, a signaling molecule linked to type 2 diabetes. This discovery could lead to new strategies to fight obesity and related diseases.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that a federal regulation aimed at promoting healthier snacks in schools had no significant impact on students' snacking habits. Despite improvements in nutritional value, teens did not report making healthier choices.
Environmental scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered that burning coal produces tiny titanium oxide nanoparticles, which can be toxic to humans. These nanoparticles were found in coal ash, city streets, and even wastewater treatment plants worldwide.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have made breakthrough discovery on optimizing dew droplet size to improve efficiency of removing condensation. By fine-tuning surface nanoscopic topography, they found that droplets can be made small enough to jump off surfaces as early as 2 micrometers.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers emphasizes the need to sustain benefits from voluntary conservation incentive programs after they end. The authors identified five research-based explanations for persistence outcomes, including landowners' attitudes and motivations, habit formation, access to resources, and social influences.
Scientists have developed a method to defrost surfaces 10 times faster than normal using a superhydrophobic coating. The 'dynamic defrosting' technique involves creating air pockets under frost, allowing it to slide off easily and leaving the surface dry.
Researchers from Virginia Tech and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a new method to study the role of biomechanical forces in diseased pathologies. The technique, called nanonet force microscopy (NFM), measures single cell-fiber forces under both passive conditions and disease conditions.
A study led by Lindsey Rich demonstrates that camera traps are an effective method for collecting data on species populations. The research found that prey availability can determine carnivore distributions, while human development and influence also impact population sizes.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers breaks down the ideas driving pro- and anti-vaccination stances, revealing that both sides focus on different concerns and interests. The study's findings suggest that understanding these core concepts can help address public concerns about vaccination safety.
A new study found a connection between common household chemicals and neural tube birth defects in mice and rats. Exposure to these quaternary ammonium compounds, used as disinfectants and preservatives, was shown to cause birth defects even at low concentrations.
A team of researchers led by Esteban Gazel discovered deep portions of Earth's mantle might be as hot as it was more than 2.5 billion years ago. They found magnesium concentrations and textural evidence similar to the mysterious Archean komatiites in rocks from the 90 million-year-old Tortugal Suite in Costa Rica.
Oscar Alcoreza, a Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine student, has been awarded a highly competitive HHMI fellowship to devote a year to in-depth biomedical research in epilepsy. The fellowship will enable him to investigate the transition from a healthy to an epileptic brain and explore potential interventions.
Sai Veeraraghavan, a research assistant professor at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, has received the George Palade Award for his work on conductive behavior between heart cells. His novel analysis software, STORM-RLA, allows researchers to quickly parse through the locations of single molecules to determine protein interact...
A Virginia Tech researcher found that social media, particularly Facebook, is negatively correlated with corruption across over 150 countries. The study shows how Facebook serves as a peer to the press, spreading unbiased information and facilitating multi-way communication that is harder for governments to control.
A study suggests that increasing women's access to education, reproductive health services, and contraceptive technologies is crucial for achieving sustainable development. Empowering women can help slow down population growth, reduce consumption of resources, and protect biodiversity.
A six-year study finds that the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill caused $17.2 billion in damage to the Gulf of Mexico's natural resources. The study uses a survey to determine household willingness to pay for measures that would prevent similar damages in the future.
A new species, Teleocrater rhadinus, discovered in Tanzania, has a long neck and tail, but walks on four legs like a crocodile. The finding sheds light on the distribution and diversity of ancestors of birds, crocodiles, and dinosaurs.
Researchers have re-evaluated and re-classified Diandongosuchus fuyuanensis, a reptile previously labeled as a poposauroid, linking it to the phytosaurs. The fossil's shape reveals its connection to this extinct group of semi-aquatic reptiles that lived during the Triassic Period.
A longitudinal study of 96 children found that high-quality early education improves social skills, employment status, and parent-child relationships. The treatment group showed significant advantages in middle age, with improved family bonds, assets, and a greater sense of social equality.
Researchers found that bat ear movements can pack extra information into ultrasonic pulses, improving echolocation accuracy. Combining data from different configurations increased a sensor's ability to localize sound waves by a factor of 100 to 1000.
Virginia Tech researchers discovered that Android apps collude to mine user information, compromising security. The study found thousands of pairs of apps that could leak sensitive data, with the biggest risks coming from seemingly innocuous apps like ringtones and widgets.
A Virginia Tech research team found that manure from cattle administered antibiotics drastically changes the soil's microbial community, leading to ecosystem dysfunction. The amount of antibiotic-resistant genes in soil near manure piles was 200 times greater than in unaffected areas.
Brain imaging can determine whether someone is acting knowingly or recklessly during criminal activity, according to a new study. The discovery has implications for the emerging field of neurolaw and could inform punishment decisions.
Scientists discovered that resveratrol preserves neuromuscular synapses and muscle fibers in aging mice, mirroring the effects of a low-calorie diet and exercise. Metformin also showed neuroprotective qualities, slowing muscle fiber aging without affecting neuromuscular junctions.
Researchers have found that mitochondria aren't producing the same levels of energy as those in a healthy heart, leading to impaired cellular energy production and potential new approaches for treating heart disease. Understanding this abnormality could influence future treatments for millions of people worldwide.
Researchers discovered that breast cancer cells trigger the self-destruction of mutated BRCA1 proteins through ubiquitination, resulting in compromised tumor suppressor function. This process can be targeted for potential therapeutic treatment.
A Virginia Tech research team has received a $431,126 NIH grant to improve the malaria compound MMV008138. The team aims to create more potent versions of the drug targeting the parasite's ability to produce isopentenyl pyrophosphate.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a groundbreaking, portable tuned mass damper that reduces structural vibrations by up to 75% in tests. The device is compact, affordable, and easy to integrate into building designs, making it an accessible solution for reducing unwanted movements.
Virginia Tech researchers have discovered that modifying IRAK-M protein can significantly reduce inflammation and cancer progression in pre-clinical animal models. The team's findings suggest that designing therapeutics targeting IRAK-M could be a viable strategy for preventing these diseases.
Researchers found that observing trauma can change brain information flow, making individuals more vulnerable to mental disorders like PTSD. The study suggests witnessing fear can physically redistribute brain signals, potentially enabling new communications and shedding light on the disorder's causes.
A research team has discovered that soil microbial diversity is lower than previously estimated due to the presence of relic DNA. However, thousands of species of microbes still exist in one gram of soil, making it comparable to a 'poor man's rainforest'.
Researchers discovered that early dinosaurs had a far higher level of variation in growth patterns than birds and crocodiles. This variation may have allowed them to survive harsh environmental challenges, but its evolutionary origin remains unclear.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found that new LED lighting in milk display cases can enhance the taste of milk, improving its sweet and rich flavors. The study also highlights the importance of protecting nutrients like riboflavin from light exposure to maintain milk's nutritional value.
A naturally occurring growth factor called FGFBP1 is secreted by muscle fibers to maintain neuromuscular junctions. However, ALS patients have reduced levels of FGFBP1 due to the accumulation of TGF-beta, a growth factor associated with the immune system.
Researchers confirm massive volcanic eruptions occurred 170-90 million years ago, triggering environmental catastrophes and mass extinctions. The study suggests interaction between deep mantle upwellings and mid-ocean ridges enabled the formation of these massive eruptions.
Researchers created a new cancer drug using gold nanoparticles to deliver paclitaxel directly to tumors, increasing effectiveness while reducing devastating side effects such as hair loss and nerve pain. Early lab tests showed the therapy to be nearly as effective as a high dose of paclitaxel alone.
Research predicts an increase in water availability in the Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia due to climate change, potentially allowing for two crops per year. However, increased sediment transport poses a challenge, highlighting the need for conservation practices and efficient irrigation development.
A team of researchers has unraveled the mechanism of a key enzyme involved in bacterial antibiotic resistance. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry and PLOS One, reveals the structure of Rifampicin monooxygenase and provides detailed information on its mechanism of action.
Researchers from Virginia Tech discovered that birds' slender necks and pointed beaks reduce drag force during dives, allowing them to plunge safely. The team also found that contracting neck muscles before impact helps prevent buckling.
A team of paleontologists identified a new species of extinct reptile, Triopticus primus, estimated to be 230 million years old. The fossil bears an extremely thickened skull roof similar to pachycephalosaur dinosaurs and many other extinct animals resemble later dinosaurs.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have named a new species of extinct reptile, Vivaron haydeni, discovered in New Mexico. The species, related to crocodiles and dinosaurs, is the sixth known rauisuchid found in the region.
According to a Virginia Tech researcher, replacing just one calorie-laden drink with water can have significant benefits for overall health. By reducing daily calories from sugary beverages, individuals can lower their risk of weight gain, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A Virginia Tech researcher found that students from low-income families and those living in the Northeast, South, and rural America are most susceptible to obesity due to government-funded school meal programs. Long-term participation posed the largest risk of being overweight.