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.
Researchers created a database linking utility patents and NIH funding to assess translational efficiency. The Translational Ratio metric provides insights into patenting efficiency and its impact on drug innovation and treatment development. Institutions with strong engineering operations tend to be more successful in producing patents.
A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has developed a new method for upcycling plastics into high-value chemicals used in soap production. By heating and cooling polyethylene, they break down the long carbon chains into short-chain waxes that can be converted into fatty acids and soap.
Scientists have found several genes that produce minimal RNA fluctuations, shedding light on gene expression and noise. These ultra-low noise genes provide a unique window into understanding how cells function optimally.
A recent study published in Nature Mental Health emphasizes the need for further research on sex differences in depression. The study, led by Georgia Hodes and Dawson Kropp, aims to uncover effective and sex-specific biomarkers for depression onset and target better treatment options.
A historic study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that e-scooter riders face significant safety risks from infrastructure, environmental factors, and their own behaviors. Transitions between surfaces proved to be the riskiest, with riders facing nearly 60 times more likelihood of a crash or near-crash experience.
A Virginia Tech study found that hellbender fathers are more likely to eat their eggs in deforested areas, leading to a drastic increase in filial cannibalism. The research suggests that protecting and re-establishing forest cover around streams is crucial for the species' survival.
A recent study published in Science of the Total Environment found a scarcity of studies on microbial and chemical drinking water contamination in Appalachia and associated health outcomes. Only 85 publications met the criteria, with many gaps remaining to be filled.
Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a method to create adhesives with both strong bonds and easy removal using the ancient Japanese art of cutting paper. This innovation has potential applications in robotic grasping, wearables for health monitoring, and manufacturing for assembly and recycling.
A recent study published in Behavioral Sciences demonstrates the effectiveness of ACQUIRE Therapy in improving functional outcomes for children with various motor impairments. The framework provides a standardized approach to intensive therapy, emphasizing the importance of therapists' dynamic awareness and adaptability.
African Superplume is responsible for rift-parallel deformation and seismic anisotropy in the East African Rift System, contradicting previous theories on plate-driving forces. The study uses 3D thermomechanical modeling to explain this phenomenon.
Researchers found two antimicrobial agents that are more effective in treating the disease-causing agent Treponema pallidum in a laboratory setting. The discovery opens new doors in understanding the disease and finding ways to prevent infection and intervene.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that officers' first 45 words during a vehicle stop with a Black driver can indicate how the stop will end. The study discovered a unique 'linguistic signature' that characterizes escalated stops, where officers give an order without stating the reaso...
Researchers at the Center for One Health Research have found that antiviral drugs can make antifungals work again by blocking efflux pumps in Candida auris. This approach may be a key treatment strategy against the deadly fungal pathogen, which has a 60% mortality rate.
A multi-institutional team of experts is studying how to use focused ultrasound to create a temporary gateway through the blood-brain barrier to deliver cancer medicine. Researchers aim to develop a personalized medicine approach in which they can test drugs on patient tumors and predict treatment effectiveness.
Researchers discovered a specific form of ubiquitin protein selectively involved in forming fear memories in female brains, providing a potential target for therapeutic treatments. The finding could lead to more effective treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in females.
Cocaine use disorder has been rising for over a decade, with no robust treatment available. Researchers are using cocaine contingency management to provide cash or value in exchange for drug-free urine samples, aiming to change an individual's temporal horizon and reduce consumption. The study aims to guide innovative interventions tha...