Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a new family of molecules with metal atoms inside a carbon cage. The discovery has significant implications for various fields such as medicine, optics, and electronics. The researchers found that they can produce these molecules in high yield and purity using a unique process.
Dillard and Tiwari discovered that the process used to prepare the surface of the alloy contributes to degradation. At high temperatures, aluminum forms aluminum fluoride from left-over oxide in the anodization process, weakening the bond. The research aims to improve durability for future aircraft.
Biotechnology graduates need to expand their course load and vary their skills to succeed in careers like regulatory affairs, clinical trials coordination, and bioinformatics. Many biotech companies require employees with degrees in scientific disciplines to transition into management, information technology, and marketing roles.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified a protein molecule involved in dioxin-induced cell killing, known as CD-95 ligand. The team aims to develop antibodies to neutralize this molecule, potentially leading to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dioxin's toxic effects.
A Virginia Tech research group is studying secondary crystallization in semicrystalline plastics to understand how their properties change over time. They aim to create models that help chemists design new materials with improved long-term properties.
Researchers have developed a one-step process to create thermoplastic nanocomposites from cellulose fibers. The resulting material retains the virtues of cellulose fibers while combining them with thermoplastics' strengths, including resistance to water and heat.
A team of Virginia Tech researchers has developed new oligoetherimides with improved secondary bonding adhesive applications. The new materials exhibit high adhesive strengths and retain most of their strength at different aging conditions.
The use of computers has transformed the field of chemistry, enabling researchers to automate large-scale testing of compounds and speed up drug discovery. Electronic lab notebooks are also being adopted to share information and streamline the process.
Electronic theses and dissertations are gaining popularity worldwide, with hundreds of thousands of downloads from around 10,000 sites. The Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations aims to promote education and research through digital libraries and preservation programs.
A study by Virginia Tech found that a $0.45 per-pack price increase for cigarettes leads to a 9% reduction in overall domestic consumption, with a notable impact on young smokers. The study suggests that the price hike will discourage youth from starting smoking and reduce existing habits.
Pharming Healthcare Inc. plans to invest $37 million in Virginia to produce Human Factor VIII and Fibrinogen in the milk of transgenic animals, treating patients with hemophilia and controlling bleeding in surgery and trauma. The company's production techniques are partially based on technologies developed at Virginia Tech.
A genetically altered vaccine has been approved for commercial use to prevent swine pneumonia, a major cause of production losses in the swine industry. The vaccine, developed by Virginia Tech researcher Thomas Inzana, confers excellent immunity in pigs with minimal side-effects.
Researchers at Virginia Tech created an environmentally safe bait to control carpenter ants by understanding the insects' foraging behavior and diet. The bait was developed using a combination of proteins, sugar, and other compounds, and has been shown to be effective in reducing ant populations and improving homeowners' quality of life.
A study by the Virginia Tech Center for Housing Research found that low-income families spend over half of their income on rent in Virginia. The rent burden index for these families increased from 42% to 51.2% between 1989 and 1996, with some localities having rent burdens exceeding 70%.
PhD researcher Jason Todd earned a patent for his research on a new, low-cost material for purifying proteins using chitosan beads. The technology has been licensed to LigoChem Inc., allowing them to purify antibodies at a lower cost.
Archaeopteris, an extinct tree, had a structure similar to modern trees, with woody strength and protective bark. The tree lived for 10-50 years or more, predating the evolution of seeds in trees.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are using molecular modeling to help chemistry students better understand molecules and their properties. Students explore specific molecules on the computer before making actual compounds in the lab, resulting in improved student engagement and outcomes.
Researchers have developed new polyester materials that can retain carbon dioxide longer, leading to improved packaging and shelf life for food and drinks. Additionally, these polyesters can be used in electronic components, such as computers and automobiles, due to their environmental friendliness and recyclability.
Researchers have discovered a way to describe how molecules self-assemble into cell-wall-like polymers without requiring biochemistry. This understanding could lead to the production of wood-like materials from other plant-derived molecules, such as straw, and help conserve forests.
Ulrike Becker and Wolfgang Glasser's research on fluorine-containing cellulose esters reveals a way to change adsorption in fibers, improving cigarette filter performance. The study also advances the understanding of cotton's structure.
Scientists Nori Yamaguchi and Harry Gibson have developed a reversible process to form supramolecular polymers, which can be used to create fibers or transport target molecules. The polymers are formed through hydrogen bonding and can be undone at the molecular level using heat or pH.
Researchers use explosive shock waves to break apart protein filaments in meat, reducing toughness and improving tenderness by 40-70%. This process also has the potential to kill harmful microorganisms, increasing food safety and shelf life.
The Virginia Tech Center for Transportation Research is developing an integrated traveler information system, called Travel Shenandoah, for the Shenandoah Valley region. The system will provide comprehensive traffic and travel conditions information to travelers, while also supporting VDOT's efforts to work with the private sector.
The donation will aid researchers in developing composite materials for recyclable automotive parts, low-cost aircraft parts, and bridge beams. The gift includes thermoplastic composites technology patents and related materials.
A CDC pilot study developed an integer programming model to optimize vaccine selection and procurement, potentially saving millions of dollars in health care costs. The study examined the economic value of combining vaccines and identified opportunities for reducing medical staff time and storage costs.
Elementary students at Christiansburg Elementary School are participating in a wildlife mapping program, recording animal sightings and sending data to the state. The project uses GPS technology and bird specimens from Virginia Tech's Museum of Natural History to teach students about conservation and habitat patterns.
The study found that public perceptions of the forest prioritize residential quality of life, community, and environmental ethics. This differs from land managers' focus on tangible aspects like water, wood, and wildlife.
The Virginia Tech research group has developed new dimethacrylate monomers that can be used to create dental fillings with improved mechanical properties and reduced water absorption. The new materials require only one step of photopolymerization to harden, resulting in longer-lasting fillings and faster processing times.
Researchers at Virginia Tech successfully cultivated pharmaceutical-producing tobacco, with the goal of producing human proteins for use in pharmaceuticals. The high-density plant cultivation method produced encouraging data and demonstrated flexibility in tobacco varieties.
Researchers at Virginia Tech will study the potential connection between pesticide exposure during the Persian Gulf War and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's Disease. The three-year project aims to investigate neurochemical changes in mice exposed to insecticides, which could provide insights into the disease.
A veterinary parasitologist and his team have demonstrated that dogs are definitive hosts for Neospora caninum, a single-celled parasitic organism causing cattle abortions. This discovery has led to recommendations for improved cattle management strategies to reduce economic losses estimated at $35 million per year.
Researchers are exploring transgenic mosquitoes capable of transmitting nitric oxide, which can kill parasites. This approach may offer a key to disrupting the complex relationship between mosquitoes and malaria parasites.
Researchers from Virginia Tech are training Jamaican agricultural personnel to use GIS in integrated pest management, reducing pesticide use and environmental harm. The system helps analyze spatial patterns of variables relevant to solving pest management problems.
Notter's research helps farmers worldwide develop breeds suited to their environments, reducing pressure on the environment through gradual introduction of new breeds. His work also informs global strategies for livestock management.
Researchers are studying the genetic mechanisms of Nostoc commune, a microorganism that can survive in dry conditions for hundreds or thousands of years. The goal is to understand how it protects itself from heat, desiccation, and UV radiation, with potential applications for stabilizing other living cells.
Virginia Tech is conducting a national study on long-haul drivers' sleep quality and performance. The research aims to evaluate the effects of sleeper berth use on driver alertness and driving performance.
A five-year study on salamander populations in southern Appalachian forests reveals that canopy disturbance has a significant impact on their abundance. The results suggest that forest managers may need to adopt more intensive management practices to maintain salamander populations.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a protein called Replication Protein A (RPA) that plays a crucial role in regulating cell differentiation and proliferation. The study's findings suggest that RPA could be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment, offering new hope for gene therapy.
Researchers found that urbanization reduces stream diversity, but tolerates insects like midges, which are pollution-tolerant. Stream quality is affected by factors like road runoff, pavement pollution, and sediment, highlighting the need for sustainable land use practices to preserve aquatic ecosystems.
The Virginia Tech Biotechnology Conference brings together experts to share knowledge on cutting-edge topics like gene therapy, mammalian cloning, and the impact of the Human Genome Project. The conference offers a range of workshops and lectures for high school and community college educators, as well as full-time students.
A Virginia Tech researcher is studying the life cycles of black bears, including their mating habits and hibernation patterns. The study has revealed that bears implant embryos before denning, but the exact timing may vary from year to year.
Researchers have synthesized the major human metabolite of Taxol, 6-alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel, for the first time in a laboratory setting. This breakthrough will enable easier identification and quantification of the metabolite in complex mixtures, crucial for maximizing the clinical effectiveness of paclitaxel.
A Virginia Tech student group, led by Kimberly Phillips, has been named a semi-finalist in the TI Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Solutions Challenge. They have developed a theoretical design to triple cellular communications system capacity and improve reliability of wireless calls, promising reduced tower size and increased range.
The Virginia Tech researchers have identified 30 unique extracts with activity and isolated 20 chemical compounds with bioactivity. The ethnobotanical approach has shown a slight benefit, yielding 3.8% of plants that were bioactive in yeast assays compared to 2.8% of randomly collected plants.
A new book on composite materials has been published by Virginia Tech professor Michael W. Hyer, focusing on the mechanics aspects of fiber-reinforced composite materials. The book provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the stresses due to applied deformations, loads, and temperature changes.
The Fiber and Electro-Optics Research Center at Virginia Tech has received a $9.6 million grant from the Naval Research Laboratory to develop new technologies in microelectronics and nanostructured materials. Researchers aim to create more efficient devices with improved electronic, optical, mechanical properties.
Kenneth Crews, a copyright expert, warns that existing and pending copyright rules are severe constraints on creativity in higher education. These changes require educators to approach copyright in an informed and flexible manner to fulfill the university's research and teaching mission.
A team of 13 Virginia Tech researchers is developing a comprehensive model to assess the hydrologic, ecological, and economic effects of urban development on watersheds. The project aims to help local governments manage urban growth while sustaining good environmental quality.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are testing UV technology to enhance night visibility, with the goal of improving road safety. The project aims to increase drivers' visibility distance by up to 30% and make pedestrians more visible.
A team of researchers has successfully created a genetically engineered Salmonella bacterium that can serve as an oral contraceptive for feral cats. The vaccine induces antibodies that block sperm fertilization, potentially helping to control the nation's stray cat population and mitigate their impact on songbird populations.