The project aims to advance scientific research against bioterrorism agents and emerging infectious diseases through a unified proteomics data management system. The system will store proteomics information from six Proteomics Research Centers, providing free public access and enabling direct queries.
The Virginia Tech National Bioinformatics Resource Center will focus on Brucella, Caliciviruses, hepatitis A, Rabiesvirus, and Coxiella burnetii/Rickettsias. The center will enable researchers to access, analyze, and study molecular data for these infectious diseases.
A team of researchers has successfully enhanced the structure of paclitaxel, a widely used anticancer drug, to make it more effective against cancer cells. The new design, validated by computer modeling and experiments, results in an analog that is 20 times more active than natural paclitaxel in one assay.
Researchers have successfully mapped the genomes of two devastating fungal pathogens, Phytophtora sojae and Phytophtora ramorum, which causes sudden oak death disease. The genome sequences will aid in developing better detection methods and tracking the spread of the disease.
Researchers will examine submicroscopic bubbles in Martian meteorites to search for evidence of water on Mars. They will also use a new instrument to predict future volcanic eruptions by analyzing fluid inclusions in rocks.
A new, low-cost hand-held magnetic surgical tool has been developed to reduce X-ray exposure during long bone repair surgeries. The device uses electronic sensors instead of X-rays to locate screw holes, making the process precise and reducing radiation exposure for surgeons.
Researchers found that glaciers grind down mountains at a rate comparable to tectonic plate movement, validating the 'glacial buzz saw' hypothesis. This suggests that glacial erosion plays a significant role in shaping mountain landscapes and redistributing rock masses.
Dr. Hou's project aims to develop a theoretical foundation for wireless sensor network design and deployment, focusing on optimal routing, performance limits, and energy-related problems. The goal is to fill gaps in current understanding and enable the growing field of wireless sensor networks to realize its potential.
Researchers found that birds' photoreceptors can detect the Earth's magnetic field by sensing changes in light energy. This process involves specialized visual systems that allow animals to navigate using the magnetic compass. The discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms behind animal magnetism and its potential applications.
Researchers pinpoint CO2 sources, geological and terrestrial sinks, and transport requirements in Virginia. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gases and mitigate global warming by developing technologies for removing carbon from the atmosphere.
A team of geologists has discovered evidence of at least three Cryogenian glaciations, with ages estimated to be around 663 million years ago. The new findings confirm a previously hypothesized 'snowball Earth' scenario and suggest significant climate changes may have led to extinctions.
A team of researchers has successfully synthesized polyols from soy oil through air oxidation, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to the development of biocompatible and biodegradable materials for various industries.
Amanda Rudisin, a Virginia Tech undergraduate, has developed polymers that can transport DNA across cell membranes. Her research found that linear and branched molecules have varying effects on complexation with DNA.
Virginia Tech researchers are creating biocompatible adhesives that can be activated with light to mend vascular tissue. The novel polymer has been shown to have promising properties for laser-assisted vascular repair, potentially speeding up the healing process and reducing complications.
The study reveals that nanoparticles are 30 times more efficient at promoting manganese oxidation than bulk material. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that manganese oxidation requires bacteria, suggesting particle size may play a key role.
The team uses heterocycles from DNA to recognize specific complementary groups, creating a reversible surface that can be modified and reused. The new technology has potential applications in body armor and films.
A Virginia Tech undergraduate, Cindy Schreiber, developed a PCR machine that rapidly identifies mismatched base pairings and mutations in DNA samples. The machine also automates the process, making it more efficient and cost-effective for high school and undergraduate labs.
Researchers have developed a new class of hyperbranched polymers with excellent mechanical properties and lower viscosities. These polymers can be easily processed and are suitable for various applications such as fuel cell materials, biocompatible elastomers and photo-curable adhesives.
Scientists have engineered a tobacco plant to produce a toxin derived from the defense system of the flesh fly, which has shown promise in repelling parasitic weeds. The toxin, sarcotoxin IA, is produced only where the parasite attacks the host and accumulates more on the parasite than on the host.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new paclitaxel analog that is more effective than the natural compound in killing cancer cells. The analog has been shown to be up to 20 times more active in one assay and three times more deadly to cancer cells than current treatments.
A team of Virginia Tech researchers is assessing the reliability of measuring photos of fossils to compile body size data. They found that while the method has some bias, it can still be useful in answering important questions about the history of life.
A new method for studying pollution history using shell remains has been developed, allowing scientists to track environmental changes without harming endangered species. By analyzing geochemical and taphonomic signatures of dead mussel shells, researchers can determine the impact of pollution on ecosystems and track population decline.
Researchers used quantitative data to analyze the evolution of acritarchs, a group of ancient microfossils. They found that complexity increased over time but leveled off, with post-Ediacaran acritarchs reaching high levels of morphological complexity but not large sizes.
A study found that adolescent girls and boys drink fewer soft drinks than perceived, with an average of one can per day. Despite this, younger children and African-American children have lower calcium intakes. The study suggests increasing milk consumption and calcium supplements to improve dietary habits.
The Virginia Tech trio of Tom Ward, James McGrath, and Garth Wilkes has been awarded the Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award by the American Chemical Society Division of Polymer Chemistry for their long-term efforts in educating students in polymer science and engineering. The award recognizes the trio's creation of an interdisciplin...
Virginia Tech biologist Virginia Tyson earns top scientist award for his work in computational cell biology and mathematical models of molecular mechanisms controlling cellular growth and division. His research aims to understand and treat medical problems caused by molecular dys-regulation, such as cancer and nerve-cell regeneration.
The MILES IGERT program aims to develop antioxidant delivery systems, novel biocompatible synthetic polymer delivery systems, and natural and synthetic macromolecular antioxidants. Researchers are exploring controlled release of antioxidants by polymeric films and investigating the biomedical implications of oxidation processes.
Researchers aim to develop enhanced warning signals to aid elderly drivers in detecting critical information, as visual and auditory abilities decline with age. The study will examine the relationship between warning signal perceptions and driving skills in both young and elderly drivers.
A computer scientist at Virginia Tech has designed an innovative software framework called iDesign to enhance the virtual environment experience for designers. The framework is being used to develop immersive design applications in structural engineering, interior design, and architectural design.
Scientists have discovered that rapidly evolving genes can reveal more historical signals than slowly evolving genes, providing a new perspective on plant classification. This approach has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of plant evolution, ecology, genetics, and biodiversity.
Scientists are working to create an animal that lacks the genomic architecture to code for normal prions, which cause Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease. The goal is to produce a cow that is genetically incapable of producing prions, which could potentially contain the risks of this disease.
The NIH is funding a project to develop a user-friendly website for senior citizens to access healthcare services. The project, led by Athman Bouguettaya and Denis Gracanin, aims to incorporate the latest privacy protection techniques and graphical user interfaces to make healthcare more accessible.
The Virginia Tech International Cooperative Biodiversity Group has received a three-year grant to study biodiversity in Madagascar and develop potential cancer compounds. Researchers will focus on tropical plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms, while also supporting local communities with economic projects.
A $1.6 million federal allocation will support polymer research initiatives at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Southside Virginia. The funding aims to stimulate economic growth through the development of new technologies, businesses, and job creation.
A Virginia Tech researcher has been awarded $1.8 million to investigate the Arabidopsis genome, a key plant model organism. The project aims to understand the function of SABATH faculty of methyltransferase genes in plants, which could lead to breakthroughs in plant physiology and reproduction.
The Honeywell center at Virginia Tech fosters collaboration between faculty and students on creative research projects. These partnerships have led to significant revenue increases for companies like Honeywell Specialty Materials.
Virginia Tech's HCRC is the largest horseshoe crab research institution in the country, supporting research on sustainable management practices. The new funding will support a range of studies, including population size estimation, spawning habitat identification, and dynamics between horseshoe crabs and shorebirds.
Virginia Tech researchers are developing wireless video sensor networks that can provide real-time visual data in critical situations. The goal is to improve the government's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to natural and man-made disasters.
The Virginia Tech 'X' supercomputer boasts 10.28 teraflops performance, a remarkable feat considering its construction took just two months and $5.2 million price tag. This achievement ranks X as the third fastest globally, outperforming many high-end supercomputers
Researchers are studying Sulfolobus solfataricus, an extremophile from the Archaea domain, to understand protein phosphorylation networks. By identifying key proteins and enzymes involved, they hope to create a molecular map describing how these networks function.
Virginia Tech leads a national initiative to enlist high school students in analyzing plant genes, leveraging Arabidopsis thaliana's 25,500 genes. The Partnership for Research and Education in Plants aims to bridge the gap between university-based scientists and high school science labs.
A new grant from NSF's ITR Program will support the development of an integrated system, AMADEUS, which uses IT for real-time data gathering and computational modeling. This can lead to safer, more efficient, and economical underground construction methods.
Michael Hsiao is developing graph-theoretic algorithms to reduce chip verification time, which could decrease costs and improve accuracy. His tools will be useful for the entire semiconductor industry, addressing the increasing complexity of modern chips.
Virginia Tech researchers are developing a brain impact monitoring system using the HITS sensor system, which measures impacts in football helmets. The system aims to identify the level at which impacts begin to result in injury and inform the design of better sports headgear.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and UTA develop software simulator for future wireless networks. The project involves six faculty members and 15 students.
Researchers have confirmed that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels were between 10-200 times higher 1.4 billion years ago than they are today. The discovery provides a geological context for CO2 evolution and climate change.
A digital library is being developed to gather, preserve, and publicize historical and real-time data for archaeologists, humanists, and social scientists. The library will focus on ancient Near Eastern studies and include electronic tools like DigKit and DigBase to collect, record, and share data.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed a process to create acrylic fibers without solvents, reducing processing time and environmental impact. The new method uses a photocrosslinkable group that reacts with UV light, allowing for faster and more efficient production of carbon fibers.
Researchers at Virginia Tech used an atomic force microscope to measure the sticking efficiency of live Enterococcus faecalis bacteria. They found that the bacteria were surprisingly robust and could withstand various conditions, which can help design more effective filters for water treatment.
The Virginia Bioinformatics Institute is at the forefront of a new regional center of excellence for biodefense and infectious disease research. This initiative aims to combat infectious diseases, including potential bioterrorism threats, by leveraging genomics, bioinformatics, and supercomputing capabilities.