Yaling Yang's research aims to categorize and analyze cross-layer incompatibility issues in wireless networks, improving compatibility and flexibility. The goal is to enable faster Internet access, more wireless traffic, and increased remote work opportunities.
A national database called WATERiD will provide accurate predictions of when underground water and wastewater pipes might fail. The database, launched on Sept. 1, aims to create a single point for utilities to access relevant information and accelerate decision-making.
The photonics center will develop novel sensing technologies for remote oil storage measurement, gasifier refractory wall monitoring, and on-line dissolved gas detection in transformers. This will improve the efficient operation of advanced power systems and reduce costs associated with transformer failures.
The new NSF grant will leverage Convey's hybrid-core platform and technologies to process vast amounts of biological data. Researchers can extract meaningful information from this environment using cutting-edge tools, leading to incredible breakthroughs in the biosciences.
Veterinary researcher Scott Kenney received a prestigious USDA grant to investigate the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis behind porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. The two-year grant aims to better understand how the virus causes reproductive failure in sows and respiratory diseases in piglets.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia are creating a portable fall prediction monitoring system that can identify individuals most at risk for falling. The system, called ROOP-Alert, uses sensors to measure gait, posture, and mobility, providing early diagnosis and treatment before falls occur.
The National Institutes of Health has renewed funding for a research project at Virginia Tech to develop computational models to assist policymakers and researchers in making better-informed decisions about emerging infectious diseases. The project aims to refine existing models to provide software tools that can help public health off...
Researchers found that making goal attainment visual provides motivation, even in abstract contexts. Studies showed that participants who could easily visualize their progress were more energized and motivated to reach their goals. The study suggests that visualization can be a powerful tool for increasing motivation and commitment.
Researchers found that cocaine addicts prioritize immediate rewards over delayed ones, regardless of the commodity involved. This study has implications for developing drug treatment programs based on incentives for delaying drug use.
Researchers report that people over age 50 tend to miss the metallic taste of iron in water, even at levels above EPA thresholds. This decline in taste perception raises health concerns for older adults who may be at increased risk for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other age-related issues.
A survey of 4,639 Virginia Tech students found that 15.4% experienced high levels of posttraumatic stress three to four months after the shootings. The study suggests that social relationships and anxiety about friend safety were key factors in symptoms of posttraumatic stress.
Stephanie Lewis, a graduate student at Virginia Tech, is using computational modeling and experimental methods to identify molecules that can activate PPAR\u00b71, a therapeutic target for suppressing inflammation in chronic diseases. Her research aims to find novel compounds with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory actions.
Researchers aim to enhance knowledge of barriers and opportunities for improving food security and economic viability through local and regional food system development. A thriving local food system provides ample opportunity to improve human health, reconnect people with the land, and attract new farmers.
Researchers from Virginia Tech and the Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium successfully sequenced the genome of a diploid potato variety, revealing approximately 39,000 protein coding genes. The study provides insights into the evolution of the potato tuber and its genetic variation.
A four-year project aims to test CO2 injection methods and enhance coalbed methane recovery. The research is part of a larger DOE effort to develop safe and environmentally secure carbon dioxide storage practices.
Researchers led by Virginia Tech biochemist Bob White are studying Methanocaldococcus jannaschii to understand the origin of life. They have found that this ancient organism uses a primitive metabolic process, which could help unravel the mystery of how life first emerged on Earth.
Using mice, researchers identified differences in viscoelastic properties between early and advanced stages of ovarian cancer. They found that benign cells are stiffer and more viscous than malignant cells, which is consistent with previous studies on other types of cancer.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered how to manipulate Nafion's internal structure to enhance its applications in energy-related industrial fields. By analyzing the material's molecular motion and alignment, they found that stretching the material influences its conduction properties, enabling new designs for batteries and wate...
Researchers have sequenced two isolates from an E. coli outbreak, providing valuable genomic information to aid in understanding the origins of highly pathogenic strains. The genome annotations reveal unique islands and proteins that may hold clues to virulence or intervention strategies for the new strains.
Researchers will study the effects of carbon tetrachloride and dichloroethylene on engineered liver tissue. The goal is to understand cell-and organ-wide effects of toxic substance mixtures, a crucial step in preventing chronic health problems.
Researchers found that domain expertise insulates experts from biases caused by monetary favors, using functional MRI scans. Non-experts, however, are more susceptible to such biases, which can affect their judgments in various areas, including politics and medicine.
Researchers discovered Sox6 gene regulator that maintains fast muscle type and inhibits slow muscle development. Adult mice lacking Sox6 in fast muscles showed changes in muscle performance, including slower contraction speed and reduced fatigue.
Kathy Lu, a renowned materials scientist at Virginia Tech, has been awarded the Humboldt Foundation research award for her pioneering work on nanomaterials. She will spend a year collaborating with Ralf Riedel in Germany to advance her research on fuel cell material design and composites.
Researchers are using computational approaches to analyze and unify data on plant responses to environmental stresses, aiming to improve crop stress adaptation abilities. The Beacon database will facilitate the curation and archiving of signaling pathways for abiotic stress responses.
Three Virginia Tech researchers, T.M. Murali, Padma Rajagopalan, and Rich Helm, are developing innovative solutions to study inter-cellular signaling in complex environments. They aim to provide a comprehensive picture of how cells communicate to maintain their phenotypes and optimize functions.
The study proposes a novel molecular mechanism for detecting chromosome alignment on the mitotic spindle, preventing errors in cell division. The checkpoint mechanism ensures irreversible progression through the cell cycle, blocking further progress until problems are corrected.
Comparing the genomes of plant parasites has provided insights into their invasion strategies and sabotaged plant immune responses. This knowledge can be used to develop new tools for diagnosis and disease forecasting, as well as breeding crops with stronger disease resistance genes.
The Virginia Tech study provides a comprehensive rating system for adult football helmets, with the Riddell Revolution Speed earning the highest '5-star' rating. Five helmets received the '4-star' rating, including Schutt ION 4D and Xenith X1, which showed significant reductions in concussion risk.
Virginia Tech researchers aim to fuse top-down and bottom-up approaches to study cells, combining computational models with experimental analysis to understand cellular responses.
A Virginia Tech researcher is working on developing mathematical-based computer models to help emergency managers better plan, train, and carry out complex evacuation tasks. The goal is to create efficient and safe evacuation strategies for hospitals and entire coastal communities.
Dr. Jamie Tyler will discuss medical uses of ultrasound in treating neurological disorders such as depression and anxiety through selective brain stimulation. The presentation aims to explore the safety and efficacy of emerging technologies like ultrasound for non-invasive therapies.
Rafael Davalos has developed a method to treat cancerous tumors using irreversible electroporation, achieving complete remission in a seven-year-old dog. He aims to explore its potential in treating other pathologies, such as cardiac arrhythmias and glioblastoma multiforme.
Researchers have identified key aspects of learning based on decades of research, including repetition, reward, visualization, active engagement, and others. These neurobiology-based strategies can improve retention and depth of understanding in medical education.
Virginia Tech forest researcher Jason Holliday has received a $1.5 million NSF grant to investigate how tree populations adapt at the genomic scale in response to climate change. The study aims to improve breeding applications for poplar planting stock in a changing climate.
A rigorous bioinformatic analysis of the strengths and limitations of a screening protocol method recommended by the federal government was conducted, leading to the development of GenoTHREAT. The software tool helps detect the use of synthetic DNA as bioterrorism agents and is being released in an open-source format.
A Virginia Tech researcher is working on a new device that uses electrical stimulation to help stroke patients regain their voice. The device, which is still in development, aims to improve the quality of life for patients with vocal paralysis and other neuromuscular disabilities.
A $20 million grant will study the effects of climate change on southern pine forests, a major economic engine in the US economy. The research aims to improve forest health, productivity, and sustainability while providing tools for landowners to adapt to climate change.
A Virginia Tech engineer is leading a government team to investigate the geotechnical impacts of the magnitude 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. The team will focus on documenting extreme events and their effects on infrastructure.
Virginia Tech researchers have discovered an enzyme mixture that can work in the presence of toxic infused liquid biomass, eliminating the need for detoxification and reducing production costs. The enzyme cocktail increases biofuel yields by avoiding the production of by-products and synthesis of cell mass.
Researchers have developed a new DNA microarray technology that can measure the unique genetic changes in breast cancer patients. This technology has the potential to identify new biomarkers for various types of cancer and serve as a universal cancer biomarker.
Scientists discovered fossils of large seaweeds and worm-like animals, revealing brief oxygenation episodes in the Ediacaran Period. The findings suggest that complex eukaryotes evolved tens of millions years after the snowball earth event, which ended 635 million years ago.
A new method has been developed to estimate uncertainty in particle image velocimetry, a widely used technique in fluid mechanics. The approach allows for more accurate results and increased reliability in flow measurements, with potential applications in fields such as aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and biomedical research.
Warren K. Bickel's research focuses on the brain processes that support dysfunctional decision-making, including addiction. His work has demonstrated a novel therapeutic approach to changing the preference for immediate rewards over future health benefits.
Researchers discover nematodes stick together like Cheerios in milk, but surprisingly don't gain mechanical advantage by grouping. This phenomenon sheds light on capillary forces in colloidal particles.
The partnership aims to fund six Ph.D. scholarships over three years in areas such as power electronics and transportation engineering. The collaboration will also facilitate post-doctoral research appointments and series of exchanges between the two institutions.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that airborne influenza A viruses can remain suspended in the air for hours and are associated with fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers. The average concentration of viruses was 16,000 per cubic meter of air, which is sufficient to induce infection.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals a common set of dysregulated miRNAs in murine lupus models, which may lead to the development of molecular markers for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. The findings could ultimately improve the treatment and management of autoimmune diseases like lupus.
A study found that memory training can decrease delay discounting in stimulant addicts, which is the tendency to choose short-term rewards over long-term benefits. The researchers believe this could lead to improved rehabilitating brain function and potential therapeutic strategies for addiction treatment.
Scientists will launch two NASA sounding rockets to study the Whirlpool Galaxy and measure nitric oxide in the upper atmosphere. The launches are scheduled for January 26 and January 30, with researchers using ultraviolet instruments to capture images of distant galaxies and stars.
Researchers are developing efficient spectrum-sensing technologies to support high-speed internet in rural areas and enable super Wi-Fi networks. The goal is to efficiently use limited radio spectrum resources to meet the growing demand for wireless technologies.