Virginia Tech researchers are studying xylan, the natural glue in wood, to develop new materials. They aim to understand the hierarchy of components assembled in composite materials by mimicking nature's structure at the nanoscale.
Biocompatible thin films have been successfully fabricated on various biomedical substrates using electrostatic self-assembly techniques. These films can inhibit restenosis, a tissue buildup that occurs in blood vessels after trauma, and have potential applications in stents and dialysis tubing.
Researchers have synthesized peptide mimics that may inhibit Pin1's action, which regulates cell division. The goal is to develop new anticancer therapies by targeting the cell-cycle-regulating enzyme Pin1.
Researchers found that iron oxide minerals are effective in removing lead from water, with synthetic manganese oxides showing high efficiency. Manganese oxides, especially the Birnessite form, also adsorb lead in similar amounts to naturally occurring iron oxides.
Researchers have successfully attached a water-soluble group to an 80-atom fullerene, creating a buckeyball with biological functionality. The aim is to get these molecules into the bloodstream for potential drug delivery. This innovation marks a first step in developing drugs and expands MRI reagents and nanotube applications.
McGrath has made significant contributions to the development of thermoplastic elastomers, which are widely used in fuel cells and other applications. His work on block copolymers and phosphorous-containing polymers has enabled the creation of materials with improved durability, reliability, and safety.
Researchers at Virginia Tech create flexible photovoltaic devices using nanometer-thick layers of self-assembling materials, increasing efficiency to up to 20% of silicon. Electrochromic films also improve response times, enabling faster color changes for applications in flat panel displays.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a technique to create nano-structured polymer films with tunable refractive index, enabling faster and cheaper conversion of electrical signals to optical signals. This innovation has the potential to speed up access to the Internet, making it more accessible and affordable for widespread use.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a more reliable and durable wood adhesive, polymeric isocyanate, to enhance the strength and stiffness of wood composites. The new adhesive reduces undesirable swelling caused by moisture and eliminates formaldehyde emissions.
Virginia Tech researchers are attaching DNA base pairs to polymer chain ends to create new materials with improved association, leading to stronger and reversible adhesives. The study explores how base pairs influence polymer structure, properties, and flow, paving the way for unique structures and applications.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing 'bursting' polymer molecules that can change their architecture in response to stimuli, offering potential solutions for drug delivery and novel wound dressings. The breakthroughs are driven by responsive groups on the ends of the polymer chain.
Computers can now simulate complex molecular reactions with larger molecule sizes, expanding the capabilities of quantum chemistry. Researchers aim to reduce computation time without losing accuracy.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have successfully synthesized a higher molecular weight polymer, which promises to create stronger materials. The new end groups and synthesis of the monomer could lead to improved mechanical properties, including increased elongation and stretchiness.
Scientists have measured the constants describing self-assembly in the creation of a supramolecular assembly that can potentially important to the processing of many novel materials. Pseudorotaxanes are chemical compounds containing non-covalent linkages, and researchers have explored their possibilities and applications.
A new framework for predicting underground rock geometry has been developed, enabling coal and gas companies to better understand their drilling operations. The research uses electric logs from wells and field work to interpret the types of sandstone bodies present, which are critical for finding deposits.
Researchers studied sandstone formation in Pennsylvanian time period to understand climate, environment, and grain influences on diagenesis. They found quartz cement played a significant role in storing silica-rich fluids, potentially leading to discoveries of oil, gas, or water.
Ray Dessy, a renowned chemist, has received the Dreyfus Foundation Senior Mentor Award to support undergraduate research in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) use. The award will fund projects with students from various fields, including chemistry, engineering, and computer science.
Researchers study composite materials made from small trees, finding they can be as strong or even stronger than solid wood due to uniform properties and improved durability. The team investigates molecular adhesion and chemistry under simulated conditions to enhance durability.
Researchers at Virginia Tech will develop plant-expressed antigens and adjuvants to create affordable, effective vaccines. The goal is to produce inexpensive, disease-fighting vaccines through plant-based delivery systems.
A portable wastewater treatment unit has been developed to treat wastewater in remote locations, using stainless steel screens and pressure filters with clay beads. The unit can treat 30,000 gallons per day of wastewater, producing partially dried sludge that can be disposed of with regular solid waste.
Researchers have developed a method to save endangered freshwater mussels by collecting and depositing parasitic larvae onto suitable fish hosts. This process allows for the mass production of juvenile mussels, which can then be released into the wild to improve water quality.
A recent study found that 69% of whistleblowers were fired after reporting wrongdoing, even when they only reported it to higher-ups. The study, conducted by Virginia Tech professor Joyce Rothschild, also found that 80% of those who reported misconduct to outside authorities faced severe reprisals.
A multidisciplinary program is underway to create computer software for modeling the genes and proteins that underlie cellular behavior. This research aims to understand molecular mechanisms underlying processes like bacterial contamination, jet lag, and wound healing. By developing accurate mathematical representations of these mechan...
A three-year study using Arabidopsis thaliana aims to define the roles of protein-degrading enzymes important to wood formation. The researchers hope to identify genes that regulate this process, which could have significant implications for forest product development and our understanding of plant development.
Arthur Buikema, a Fulbright fellow, developed two new courses in Environmental Science and Health at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe. He introduced alternative teaching strategies and integrated technology into education, giving students handouts instead of traditional lecture notes due to limited resources.
Daniel Crawford's research focuses on studying the structure and properties of large chiral molecules, such as amino acids, to predict experimental data. His proposed work aims to speed up the synthesis of natural products with biological importance.
The new sensor can detect specific biological agents even at trace amounts in air or water, enabling quick diagnosis and treatment in remote medicine scenarios. The device's optical-based system improves response time and enables personalized medicine through genotyping.
Huang will teach an MBA course and conduct research to assess the impact of information technology on supply-chain management in Portuguese companies. His previous research explored aggregate production planning models that reflect business practices and culture.
Kingston's work led to a semi-synthetic process for creating Taxol, improving the efficiency of a potent anti-cancer drug. His research also contributed to saving vital tropical forests in South America by preserving traditional herbal remedies.
Glacial geologists and wildlife biologists in Alaska study dendrochronology and Stellar Sea Lion eating patterns using satellite and Internet2 technology. The research is made available to 4th-9th graders in Virginia through a distance learning experiment, enhancing STEM education and making it more accessible for rural students.
A Virginia Tech engineer is developing advanced control systems for unmanned underwater vehicles to perform complex maneuvers, such as evasive actions and tracking El Niño boundaries. His research aims to create protected controls mechanisms for long-duration autonomous operations in the ocean.
Di Ventra's award will support his work in computer simulations and theoretical models to advance the development of molecular electronics. His research aims to understand electron transport properties at the atomic level, enabling the creation of faster and more efficient electronic devices.
Erik Westman aims to reduce fatalities, lower construction costs, and improve environmental protection through a practical method for predicting failures in rock masses. He's adapting tomographic imaging technology for field use, enabling engineers to monitor stress redistribution in rock masses.
Researchers are creating a genetic database for ornamental trees by analyzing the DNA of George Washington's trees. The project, led by Virginia Tech and the USDA Forest Service, aims to understand the genetics of specific tree species.
The collaboration will focus on understanding infectious disease pathogens, host interactions, and environmental factors. Researchers will develop technologies for rapid detection, identification, and remediation of pathogens.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are exploring the development of new sensor approaches using nanotechnology, aiming to detect DNA and other biological compounds. They also aim to improve computational capacity by understanding electronic transport properties in molecular wires.
Researchers will study the functions of beta-glucosidase and beta-galactosidase gene families in Arabidopsis, a small but useful model for understanding genetic processes. The goal is to determine the functions of approximately 25,000 genes, which can be extrapolated to other plants like wheat and soybeans.
A Virginia Tech researcher is working on a project to reduce the use of toxic solvents in polymers processing, replacing them with carbon dioxide. The goal is to decrease environmental contamination by 36 billion pounds of solvents used annually, offering cost and environmental benefits.
John Seiler, a tree physiology specialist, has received the USDA teaching award for his exceptional teaching skills and innovative approaches to educating students about forestry. He is also a recipient of several prestigious awards for his academic achievements in forestry education.
Kilkelly's research explores the historical performances of jazz-tap dancing, considering constructions of gender, race, class, and sexuality. She aims to increase appreciation for tap dancing as a valuable art form revealing American culture.
Researchers are studying ancient plant fossils in the Arctic to understand how plants adapted to harsh climates and survived continental-drift events. By analyzing fossilized leaves, stems, and roots, scientists can infer climate conditions and predict where tropical forests once existed.
A Virginia Tech team has won a grant to develop mathematically rigorous decomposition theories for solving large-scale design problems on massively parallel supercomputers. The project aims to reduce communication bottlenecks and improve concurrency in the design process.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the San Andreas Fault using a new technique for seismic imaging. The study has provided valuable information on the properties of rocks near the surface and the deep fault line, shedding light on the potential risks and opportunities associated with drilling through the fault.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a wireless broadband communications network for rapid deployment in disaster response and recovery efforts. The system uses the 28 GHz band to connect remote stations and provide GIS access, audio/video conferencing, and collaborative decision-making tools.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that proteins making up the Golgi apparatus are constantly being renewed, allowing potential new medical applications such as targeted medicine delivery. The discovery also suggests a method to modify cells to produce compounds for pharmaceuticals.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers may lead to more effective methods for cleaning up gasoline spills, which can contaminate groundwater. The research focuses on the role of iron reduction and methanogenesis in bioremediation, aiming to improve modeling and cleanup efficiency.
Researchers are studying Mulinia congesta to determine change in organism shape and size due to environmental changes. The study focuses on a gradual environmental change in Southeastern Virginia over 500,000 years.
A new database using Geographic Information System (GIS) allows geologists to interpret large amounts of data more easily. The system enables scientists to query and analyze data over a large area in various ways, leading to new insights into the tectonic history of regions. This advancement in science helps understand the Earth's regi...
Researchers are using a technique called fluid inclusion micro thermometry to determine the formation temperature of quartz cement in 300-million-year-old sandstones. The study aims to understand the thermal history of these ancient rocks and its implications for understanding oil and gas formation.
The NSF-funded Expresso project develops a computational system for microarray bioinformatics, enabling the automation of tedious methodological aspects. The project will be used for various experimental biology research projects, including Loblolly Pine tree drought resistance and human tissue analysis.