The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics develops advanced underwater robots and autonomy algorithms, enabling intelligent operation without human oversight. The research team has received $7.4 million in grants to continue their mission, advancing unconventional marine platforms and enhancing AUV capabilities.
A $50 million consortium, led by Virginia Tech, aims to develop high-energy, long-lasting sodium-ion batteries using abundant and inexpensive materials. The initiative seeks to reduce US dependence on critical elements in lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for a more sustainable future in electric-vehicle technology.
A new study estimates a 1-meter sea level rise by 2100 will affect over 14 million people and $1 trillion worth of property along the Southeast Atlantic coast. The study emphasizes the need for holistic coastal resilience strategies to address multiple climate-related hazards.
Greg Liu has developed a revolutionary way to convert certain plastics into soaps, detergents, lubricants, and other products through thermolysis. The process breaks down polypropylene and polyethylene molecules into chemical compounds, leaving minimal residual solids and usable oil.
A new two-year grant will support research on the intersection of alcohol use and intimate partner violence among bisexual+ young adults. The study aims to identify factors contributing to alcohol-related partner violence and inform interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.
A research team led by Virginia Tech will test the geologic conditions at the Roanoke Cement Plant for storing 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year for three decades. The project aims to prevent estimated 50 million metric tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute received nearly $1 million in grants to develop and enhance tractor-trailer educational programs. The programs focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and safer driving outreach, aiming to save lives by educating drivers on the benefits of these technologies.
Research from an interdisciplinary team at Virginia Tech has shown that sewage surveillance is more efficient and comprehensive than testing individuals in detecting antimicrobial resistance. The study revealed significant correlations between antibiotic resistance genes and socio-economic factors, highlighting the need to address thes...
Hoda Eldardiry receives $349,360 grant from NSF to develop practical competencies for students to apply ethical principles in AI system design. Her team aims to engage industry professionals to translate AI ethics into concrete decision-making.
The Macrosystems EDDIE modules have been effective in building student and instructor quantitative literacy and data science skills in ecological forecasting, reaching over 35,000 students globally. The modules aim to introduce students to core concepts of forecasting and complement educators' work teaching ecological concepts.
A groundbreaking study led by Virginia Tech provides the first direct geochemical evidence of a massive, rapid melting period on Earth after the last global ice age. The researchers analyzed lithium isotopes in carbonate rocks formed during this time and found strong evidence for freshwater meltwater interacting with the ocean.
A computer modeling study found that glacial isostatic adjustment caused downward movements in the eastern US, while upward movements occurred in eastern Canada, contributing to relative sea-level rise. The research will help generate maps for aquifer management and inform decisions on sea-level rise impacts.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found that restricting menthol cigarettes led to an increase in the purchase of nicotine replacement options. This shift is likely due to the fact that menthol flavors are perceived as more appealing, making alternative products a practical substitute.
A Virginia Tech-led team is searching for signs of dark matter in billion-year-old rocks. By analyzing crystal lattice structures, they aim to uncover miniature trails of destruction left by long-ago dark matter interactions.
A new study from Virginia Tech shows large language models can assess human-made environments using street-view images, similar to traditional methods. LLM-based performance offers a more accessible tool for users in small to medium-sized cities, making it easier to manage smart urban infrastructure.
Researchers developed a novel technique using liquid metal microdroplets to create stair-like structures forming vias that connect circuit layers without drilled holes. This approach enables rapid and parallel fabrication of soft electronic components, overcoming challenges in conventional rigid electronics.
A research team, led by Francesco Ferretti, located signs of white sharks at four sites in the Sicilian Channel, a stronghold of the endangered species. The team used improved methods and technologies, including eDNA sampling and camera traps, to detect the presence of the sharks.
A recent study by Virginia Tech's Abecedarian Project found that early childhood education significantly improves skills for disadvantaged children, particularly girls. However, long-term benefits for Black boys dwindle as they enter adulthood due to societal pressures and biases in the education system.
Researchers have identified a protein called PERM1 that regulates both energy and heart muscle contraction, offering a new therapeutic approach to systolic heart failure. By addressing the underlying problem of weakened heart muscle, PERM1 may help restore cardiac function and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed an octopus-inspired adhesive that can quickly grab and controllably release challenging underwater objects. The adhesive achieves high attachment strength on various surfaces, including rough and curved ones, within a fraction of a second.
Virginia Tech researchers publish real-time data to better understand what happens when people lose their balance. The study uses wrist-worn voice recorders to capture immediate, self-reported data from participants, providing a more reliable understanding of the circumstances surrounding balance loss among older adults.
A study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society uses wrist-worn voice recorders to collect real-time data on balance loss among community-dwelling older adults. The findings suggest that these recorders can capture the circumstances and context of balance losses more accurately than traditional recall methods.
A Virginia Tech research team has identified a molecular mechanism by which Shigella flexneri bacteria manipulate host molecules to ensure their survival. The study provides a new understanding of the infection pathway and its potential implications for preventing similar infections in other bacteria.
Scientists are investigating the basic biology of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), an enzyme found in 15% of human cancers. The goal is to understand its normal functions and avoid potential side effects when targeting it for cancer treatment.
A study by Virginia Tech undergraduate Megan O'Hara found that surface properties significantly influence bacterial twitching motility, allowing for rapid colonization and infection. By manipulating surface properties with detergents like bile salts, researchers can alter the functionality of type IV pili, a critical virulence factor.
Researchers in human nutrition developed an innovative tool to assign a healthy hydration recommendation score to governments, promoting water and discouraging sugary beverages. The study analyzed 93 countries with dietary guidelines, finding that 48 had complementary messages encouraging water and reducing sugary beverage intake.
A uniquely powerful geomagnetic storm led to unprecedented changes in the upper atmosphere, including location and spread of particles, composition, and temperature. These changes may pose significant risks to satellites and GPS systems, as well as impact navigation and communication technologies.
A March 2022 weather event in Antarctica caused record-high death rates for invertebrate organisms. The event, which resulted in a massive thaw, was studied to understand its impact on the ecosystem and predict future responses to climate change.
A mathematical model developed by Chris Zobel and colleagues optimizes resource allocation in urban infrastructure while considering social vulnerabilities and projected sea level rise impacts. The approach prioritizes investments that enhance resilience and mitigate socio-economic disparities, enabling informed decision-making that ba...
A new study reveals that Maasai women are gaining access to household decisions through livelihood diversification, education, and secure land tenure. This research contributes to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality, highlighting the value of empowering decision-making for women in pastoralist communities.
Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 in six common backyard species, including deer mice, Virginia opossums, and raccoons, with unique viral mutations found in some animals. The study highlights the need for broad surveillance and suggests that areas with high human activity may serve as points of contact for cross-species transmission.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that mothers' mental health suffers when their families lack food resources, especially if they are the ones going without food. The study highlights the need for strategies to help moms or caregivers manage their mental health during times of food insecurity.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a simulation model to examine how public health interventions affect fatalities among teens and young adults. The study found that a single measure is not effective in reducing alcohol-related crashes; instead, a combined strategy with three key tenets is necessary.
Researchers identified abnormalities in sex determination pathways of intersex mosquitoes, which can help develop strategies to create all-male populations to control mosquito numbers. Understanding these genetic factors also aids in identifying genes affecting female mosquito behavior.
A genome study has identified regional adaptations in American chestnut trees, informing restoration efforts and climate resilience. The research provides guidance for conserving genetic diversity across the Appalachian region, with a focus on preserving the most genetically diverse southern population.
Researchers have developed a new technique called burst sine wave electroporation (B-SWE) that can disrupt the blood-brain barrier around brain tumors without causing significant damage to healthy tissue. This method shows promise for treating aggressive brain cancers like glioblastoma, which currently have limited treatment options.
Researchers found that ants need three main things to succeed when hitchhiking: climbing ability, foraging/colonizing behaviors, and temperature tolerance. The study tracked the spread of invasive ants through non-commercial transport on personal vehicles, highlighting a significant threat to native species.
A new study found that market-ready steers can maintain high-quality beef even when fed lower-cost maintenance diets. The research showed no significant differences in meat quality between two diet groups, suggesting flexibility in feeding strategies.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a possible new pathway to treat colorectal cancer by targeting the NF-kB-inducing kinase (NIK) protein. The study, led by Irving Coy Allen, identifies changes in a significant signaling pathway in human patients and presents potential targets for therapeutics.
Researchers Audrey Ruple and Courtney Sexton urge scientists to collect data on a more diverse range of dog owners to better assess exposure risks for vulnerable populations. They advocate for standardized data collection on owner demographics, including age, gender, geographic location, and household composition.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that shelter dogs paired with suitable companions exhibited reduced stress levels and were adopted more quickly. The findings suggest that matching dogs with compatible roommates could alleviate stress and improve their adoptability, leading to better outcomes for animal shelters.
New research reveals that global recreational inland fishing contributes 11.3% to freshwater fish catch worldwide and has an estimated $9.95 billion value. The study challenges the notion of 'recreational' fishing as a food resource, highlighting its complex roles in nutrition, economics, and human science.
Zhen Yan and his team found thousands of molecular alterations in bodies after various durations of endurance exercise training, which have implications for human health. The study revealed that exercise can be a potent protection against diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered that controlling the precise timing of electrical pulses can rebalance synaptic connections between nerve cells, selectively up- or down-regulating those connections. This finding suggests potential avenues for more effective treatment strategies for mild traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers found that restricting menthol flavor in cigarettes while making nicotine replacement therapy more available can decrease socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use. The study used an online platform to simulate the effects of policy changes on purchase behavior, showing that policies must consider interplay to be effective.
A Virginia Tech researcher is helping implement the Food is Medicine concept across the US. Her studies found that electronic medical record functionality, provider support, and leadership alignment are key factors for successful implementation of these programs. The research team developed an implementation checklist to support health...
A team of researchers led by Virginia Tech's Shuhai Xiao discovered a 550 million-year-old sea sponge that challenges previous theories about its evolution. The fossil, found in China, suggests that early sponges may have had soft-bodied skeletons and only later developed mineralized structures.
Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a visual tool to assess the rewarding properties of foods, using images of minimally and ultra-processed foods matched across 26 characteristics. The study aims to provide better tools for measuring the effects of ultra-processed foods on health outcomes.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that agricultural demand for water is significantly higher than cities, with crops used for feeding cattle being the largest consumers. The researchers also found that reservoir levels are dropping due to overuse and climate change, highlighting the need for efficient water use strategies.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a new tool that uses robotics and acoustic energy to move small targets, such as cells and medicine, within the body without cutting or invasive procedures. The 'invisible tweezers' have potential applications in various fields, including engineering, biology, and chemistry research.