A team of researchers has discovered a method to create the Leidenfrost effect at lower temperatures using engineered surfaces. By creating micropillars on a surface, they can increase the temperature at which water droplets hover, improving heat transfer applications.
A team of scientists, led by Warren Booth, solved the 250-year-old mystery of the German cockroach's origin by analyzing genomic data from over 280 specimens across 17 countries and six continents.
Researchers found that blocking PI3K-beta makes glioblastoma cells more sensitive to temozolomide treatment, slowing down tumor growth. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for patients with chemotherapy-resistant glioblastoma.
Research in the Alaskan-Aleutian subduction zone found evidence of splay fault uplift generating additional tsunami activity in half of last eight earthquakes. Splay faults can create local tsunamis reaching shores in under 30 minutes, exacerbating coastal destruction.
Researchers discover a microscopic phenomenon that enables hydrogels to swell and contract quickly, improving the flexibility of soft robots. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more agile robots with applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and search and rescue operations.
Researchers are exploring the connection between high-fat diets and Type 2 diabetes, with a focus on the REDD1 protein in heart cells. Insulin resistance in heart cells doubles the risk of heart failure and death, highlighting the need for new treatments for diabetic heart disease.
A recent study found that the sensitivity of freshwater fish to climate change varies depending on spatial extent, with some species appearing more or less sensitive than national indexes suggested. Researchers used open-source data from various sources to create an RCS index for 137 freshwater fish species in the US.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology highlights the importance of testing for measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing bone marrow transplants. The researchers found that detecting MRD can help predict cancer recurrence and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that chatbots like ChatGPT can provide accurate information on climate change-related topics, but not all responses are reliable. The study compared the chatbots' answers to hazard risk indices generated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and found more accuracy with tropical storms than droughts.
Researchers developed a novel way to localize cancer-killing cytokines in tumors to improve treatment effectiveness. The approach ensures that immune cell-stimulating cytokines remain within the tumor for weeks, reducing toxicity to healthy cells.
Researchers have discovered that non-native invasive plants can affect an ecosystem's sound patterns, potentially revealing physical and biological changes. By analyzing the acoustic landscape of areas invaded by these plants, the study aims to better understand the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.
A third of China's urban population is at risk of city sinking, with 45% of 82 cities showing signs of subsidence, threatening roadways, runways and building foundations. Groundwater withdrawal and human activities are main drivers of land sinking, which can be mitigated by recharging aquifers and reducing pumping.
Researchers found that birders with disabilities face constraints such as lack of accessible features and safety concerns, but also expressed interest in access to high-quality birding locations and information. The study aims to promote broader social inclusion for people with disabilities through wildlife recreation.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to spatially characterize and map brain epigenomes, providing a comprehensive map of the brain's biology at genome scale. The approach enables understanding of gene activity outside of DNA sequences and has implications for treating brain disorders.
Virginia Tech researchers have received a five-year National Science Foundation grant to develop an open-source automated forecasting system for lakes. The system will enable real-time data collection and publishing, allowing researchers to predict water quality in lakes around the globe.
Researchers discovered a DNA shift in innate immune memory cells that contributes to severe immune conditions like sepsis. By blocking this change, therapeutic interventions can restore normal monocyte activity, offering new hope for treating such conditions.
Researchers found that viral infections like adenovirus create conditions for arrhythmias by disrupting gap junctions and ion channels in the heart. This discovery opens new directions to diagnose and treat viral infections affecting the heart, particularly for individuals with acute infections.
A new study projects that as many as 500,000 people could be affected and 1 in 35 properties damaged by flooding in 32 US coastal cities by 2050. The research highlights racial and socioeconomic demographics of those potentially affected.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown neurochemical mechanism behind human tendency to make decisions based on social context. The study reveals the dynamic interactions of dopamine and serotonin in the brain's substantia nigra area, which contribute to our brain's overall assessment of value during social interactions.
A study published in Global Change Biology found that low deep-water oxygen concentrations lead to increased algae growth and further oxygen declines. This positive feedback cycle can result in frequent algal blooms, disrupting lake ecosystems and human health.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found applying low-intensity focused ultrasound to the brain can reduce pain perception, brain activity, and cardiac responses. The non-invasive technique may provide a new therapeutic option for chronic pain treatment.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that blocking two enzymes in the malaria parasite prevents it from growing, offering a potential new way to fight the disease. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used an in vitro culture dish and discovered compounds that can inhibit parasitic growth.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a simple, noninvasive, rapid screen to detect cancer in dogs using urine analysis. The test is more than 90% accurate and provides a preliminary understanding of whether a dog has cancer markers in minutes.
Researchers created mathematical models to examine aspects of human behavior affecting pandemic trends. They found that risk perception and adherence to preventive measures are crucial in understanding why similar policies resulted in different outcomes.
Researchers used low-intensity focused ultrasound to target the insula, a brain region associated with pain processing. The study found that participants experienced an average reduction in pain of three-fourths of a point, as well as decreased physical responses to pain-induced stress.
Researchers have discovered a new function for the protein RPT6, which helps form memories. RPT6 binds to DNA and increases gene expression during memory formation, playing a dual role in memory processing.
Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Carilion Clinic found that preserving leg vein grafts in heparinized arterial blood, rather than saline, improves their health and viability. This discovery could lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft procedures.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, can decrease cravings for alcohol and lead to reduced consumption in individuals with obesity. The findings add to a growing literature on the potential of GLP-1 agonists to curb dangerous drinking habits.
Agricultural productivity growth has significantly contracted; researchers need collaboration to tap into new technologies like wearable sensors, IoT-enabled devices, and AI. These cutting-edge tools can enhance monitoring of food safety, quality, and plant health.
A new study reveals that major cities on the US Atlantic coast are experiencing rapid subsidence, with areas like New York City and Baltimore sinking up to 5 millimeters per year. The research highlights the risks of land subsidence to critical infrastructure and populations, particularly in high-density areas.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that ChatGPT can identify location-specific environmental justice challenges in large, high-density population areas. However, the tool was limited in its ability to provide contextualized information on local environmental justice issues.
Researchers identify Caribbean Islands as prone to rapid drought conditions known as flash droughts. A new drought index considers atmospheric demand for moisture to predict drying conditions earlier.
A team of researchers finds that human demand for salt comes at a cost to the environment, affecting ecosystems and human health. Salt ions have increased in streams and rivers over the last 50 years, coinciding with an increase in global salt use and production.
A team of researchers led by Virginia Tech's Ashley Dayer is conducting the first large-scale bird feeding study that also incorporates observing humans. The project aims to engage over 10,000 bird feeders across the US and gather insights into how human well-being is impacted by regularly feeding birds.
A team of researchers, led by Jonathan Boreyko, has engineered a surface that makes bubbles jump, carrying more heat and improving the efficiency of water-based cooling operations. The jumping bubbles are able to carry energy away from a heated surface more effectively than traditional boiling methods.
Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute present comprehensive findings from the Abecedarian Project on early childhood education and development. The study, spanning five decades, shows that coordinated education, healthcare, and social services can improve community quality of life and attract businesses.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a key brain molecule responsible for triggering overconsumption of comfort foods after stressful events. The lateral hypothalamic proenkephalin neuron plays a crucial role in driving threat-induced eating associated with negative emotional states.
Researchers predict that vampire bats will expand their locations in search of more stable climates, potentially linked to a spillover of rabies. The team's work aims to identify and track the bats by traveling to Colombia to contain the spread.
A Virginia Tech scientist has identified a molecule in the hypothalamus region of the brain linked to stress-induced emotional overeating. The discovery may lead to new therapy targets for alleviating emotionally triggered eating.
Virginia Tech researchers analyzed partisan media sentiment toward AI and found that liberal-leaning media tend to have a more negative tone than conservative media. The study suggests that this opposition can be attributed to concerns over AI amplifying existing social biases, such as racial and income disparities.
Elea Abisamra's STEM writing program at Virginia Tech has been recognized by the journal Cell for its innovative approach to teaching science through storytelling. The program has already helped 95 kids publish books with over 150 tutors as editors, and plans to expand globally.
A collaborative research project found that shelter dogs with brief outings or fostering stays were more likely to be adopted, increasing adoption outcomes by five and 14 times. Short-term fostering programs can improve a dog's life in the shelter and help them find forever homes.
A study of house finches found that sick birds are more social than healthy ones, preferring to eat with their flock. This behavior may be driven by the benefits of group living for sick birds, but also poses a risk to healthy birds due to increased disease transmission.
Researchers developed a new class of drugs targeting PRMT5 enzyme, exploiting genetic vulnerability in tumor suppressor genes. Early clinical trials show promising results for patients with specific types of cancer, including melanoma and mesothelioma.
An international team recorded real-time chemical activity in the human brain using clinical electrodes, providing insights into the brain's chemistry and its implications for various medical conditions. The groundbreaking methodology has opened a window to never-before-seen brain activity.
A collaborative study published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters uses computer algorithms to generate molecular adaptations for COVID-19 medications. The researchers identified a functionalized molecule that showed promise against SARS-CoV-2, with enhanced potency compared to its parent compound.
An international team of scientists recommends a global shift in food choices due to the potential for addiction. They suggest that certain ultra-processed foods have characteristics similar to addictive substances, which may improve global health.
The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC will accelerate health sciences research with a focus on cancer and brain disorders. The institute will recruit 14 researchers and support six major projects.
Researchers developed a modeling system utilizing publicly accessible fishing data to estimate shark catch and mortality rates within eight sanctuary areas. The study found that 286,820 large sharks were caught, with 109,729 dying as a result of capture, highlighting the need for better conservation strategies.
Researchers found that dietary energy has a more significant impact on body mass and fatty tissue reserves than egg production in laying hens. This discovery could lead to more efficient feeding practices, reducing the environmental footprint of egg production.