A WVU biologist is studying how genes establish animal body plans and contribute to regenerative abilities. He has identified Hox genes as key players in planarian regeneration, suggesting their functions may differ in highly regenerative versus poorly regenerative organisms.
A WVU team investigates how different management practices affect Appalachian forest life and carbon sequestration capabilities. Preliminary data reveals changes in species distribution and ecosystem resilience to climate change.
Researchers at WVU created a motion-compatible brain scanner that allows patients to move around during imaging. The Ambulatory Motion-enabling PET (AMPET) scanner can help study human behaviors, balance, and emotions, and may be used to monitor brain activity for PTSD treatment and mindfulness meditation.
Researchers study T cells and monocytes interaction in the meninges before they attack the brain and spinal cord, potentially leading to new disease progression targets. The findings could provide a pathway to treating other neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The West Virginia University athletic training researcher developed a new national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports. The recommendations aim to reduce catastrophic injuries by designating an emergency action plan coordinator who collaborates with other athletic staff.
The WVU researchers developed a non-invasive, at-home sleep apnea detection device that uses artificial intelligence technology to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Early detection can help prevent worsening of underlying comorbid conditions and reduce healthcare costs, according to Dr. Sunil Sharma.
Researchers found that hospitals that implemented standardized protocols from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association saw significant reductions in stroke treatment times. The protocols, which include specific limits on time between symptom onset and hospital arrival, helped medical teams respond more quickly to ...
Researchers at WVU are exploring the potential of solar panels to generate energy on grazing lands, diversifying farmers' income streams and promoting more sustainable practices. The study aims to understand how dual-use solar systems impact soil health and animal performance.
The study expands the Correlates of War Project's Militarized Interstate Dispute Data, adding new data spanning 2014-2024 and launching MID Live, an early detection mechanism for interstate hostilities. This helps inform security policies and strategies by analyzing evolving patterns of conflict and competition between states.
Sean McWilliams' team will study stellar-mass and massive binary inspirals, improving modeling accuracy for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). The project aims to enhance the instrument's science mission by making necessary dramatic improvements in modeling accuracy.
The WVU Research Experience for Undergraduates program aims to solve real-world problems in Appalachia using mobile robotics. Students will conduct independent research in areas like drone navigation and swarming behaviors, focusing on enabling change with robotics tools.
A 23-year 'megadrought' in the western US is being studied by WVU researcher Steve Kannenberg to understand its effects on natural ecosystems, agricultural systems and human water resources. The research aims to identify areas with depleted groundwater and soil moisture, as well as assess carbon capture and storage in dryland plants.
Researchers investigate how early-stage Alzheimer's disease affects memory formation by examining synaptic connections and amyloid beta. The study aims to understand the role of NMDA receptors in synaptic plasticity and how they might be hijacked by amyloid beta, leading to memory dysfunction.
A researcher at West Virginia University is using 'reverse engineering' to study the structural characteristics of slot machines and their impact on players. The study aims to understand what makes these games immersive and how they interact with individual vulnerabilities, ultimately informing the development of safer gambling products.
The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health is leading a five-year, $8.5 million cooperative agreement grant to support underserved farmers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. The project aims to increase agricultural production, provide working capital, and create farm-to-institution markets.
A WVU researcher is studying newly released records of private communications between U.S. Supreme Court justices to learn how they interact and relate behind the scenes. The data, donated by Justice John Paul Stevens, may reveal insights into the collegiality between justices and their interactions on landmark cases.
A WVU study found that treating work like a game improves workers' productivity and engagement, but also increases stress levels. Gamification can boost completion times for repetitive tasks, but may push employees past their tolerance threshold, leading to frustration and physical demands.
Researchers at WVU are developing solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, with the goal of cutting production costs to $1 per kilogram. The projects focus on improving SOEC design and manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Researchers at WVU are developing an AI tool to reduce medication errors that lead to hospital readmissions, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs. The tool will analyze patient records and identify high-risk patients, alerting pharmacists to potential issues.
West Virginia University researchers introduced a new database showing occupational licensing's impact on the workforce, highlighting how licenses increase cost and time to enter professions, affecting consumers. The database encompasses 50 jobs across all 50 states, providing insights into licensing standards, fees, and requirements.
A new study aims to enhance and prolong vaccine effectiveness by delivering adjuvants to white blood cells using lipid nanoparticles. The research, led by WVU professor Sharan Bobbala, has the potential to provide broader protection against evolving viruses and multiple diseases.
Researchers at WVU have developed a microwave technology that can significantly reduce industry's energy consumption and carbon emissions. The technology, which uses microwaves to carry out chemical reactions, has the potential to produce ethylene and ammonia in a single reactor, leading to increased efficiency and lower emissions.
A study by WVU researcher Nancy McIntyre reveals that individuals with ADHD tend to use routines and patterns to store stimuli from their environment, allowing them to make connections and file away resources for future use. This helps entrepreneurs with ADHD excel in qualities such as alertness, adaptability, and entrepreneurial intent.
West Virginia University has been awarded a $1 million National Science Foundation grant to drive energy technology and infrastructure development in the region. The initiative aims to identify pathways for workforce development and policy development that accelerates adoption of energy technologies.
West Virginia University engineer Yuhe Tian is developing powerful artificial intelligence tools that can reimagine the sustainability of chemical manufacturing. She aims to harness quantum intelligence to innovate environmentally friendly chemical plant designs.
A West Virginia University study found that teens' personality traits and social media platform use are linked to depressive symptoms. Teens with higher levels of extraversion tend to experience fewer depressive symptoms on Instagram, while those with lower extraversion may be at risk for more severe symptoms.
Researchers at West Virginia University are using artificial intelligence to analyze habanero peppers and develop new methods for predicting genetic traits. The goal is to improve crop yields and prevent genetic diseases, with potential applications in human health.
Researchers at WVU develop a cotreatment process that reduces demand for chemicals to soften wastewater, allowing treated water to be reused up to 99% of its original volume. The study's findings offer a potential solution to the industry's water use challenge and could close the cycle of treating cooling tower blowdown and reusing it.
A West Virginia University research team aims to remove human-made radio interference from cell phones, televisions and radar systems to improve astronomical signal detection. The project will develop new algorithms and hardware with potential applications beyond astronomy.
Researchers from West Virginia University are conducting experiments on 3D printing in microgravity conditions to develop materials for long-term space exploration. They found that a titanium dioxide foam can effectively block UV radiation and purify water, making it suitable for use in space habitats.
Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the effects of acid rain on forests and watersheds, a project involving middle school students. The team aims to understand how ecosystems respond to chronic changes in environmental conditions, including the recovery phase after acid rain stops falling.
The WVU School of Medicine and Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will support clinical trials and engineering technology development. The project aims to improve care and rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders through novel physician-engineer programs and human research.
A WVU team is providing free technical assistance to local industrial facilities to reduce their impact on environmental and community health. The project aims to support businesses in making changes that benefit their communities while maintaining profitability.
A WVU researcher is developing new methods to fast-track the discovery of quantum materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in fields like quantum computing and superconductors. The goal is to streamline the discovery process using computational and experimental tools.
A coordinated network of space lasers could prevent collisions with manned and unmanned space assets by nudging debris off potential collision courses. The artificial intelligence-powered lasers can maneuver and work together to respond rapidly to debris of any size.
Researchers aim to access ocean waters hidden beneath ice shelves, where critical information about climate change is stored. An intelligent mothership and coordinated marine robots will communicate data from under-ice cavities, optimizing sampling and configuration.
Jennifer Kane is studying how microbes interact with Miscanthus roots to boost productivity and sustainability. The research aims to understand what conditions enable the plant to prosper, with potential implications for bioenergy production on marginal lands.
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a technology that can capture carbon dioxide from the air of buildings and use it to produce methanol, a common chemical with numerous applications. The process is expected to increase the sustainable supply of methanol while removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
A WVU astronomer is searching the Milky Way for debris left behind by supernovas, with $331,170 in NSF funding. He hopes to discover new supernova remnants using radio wavelength data from telescopes and machine-learning software.
The WVU team evaluated Code Interpreter's features, finding it accessible to students but limited for scientists working with biological data. The plugin breaks down barriers for coding, but lacks internet access and parallel processing capabilities.
WVU linguists analyze speech recordings to determine how intensity and duration shape pronunciation in American English and Spanish. The two-year study aims to redefine sound patterns across languages.
Researchers at West Virginia University are tracing the cause of diabetic heart disease using diabetic animal models to examine mitochondrial function. They hope to understand how faulty protein import affects the mitochondria and explore potential treatments to improve energy production and reduce cardiovascular risk.
A WVU team is developing technology to detect and track lethal non-trackable space debris. The project aims to identify objects that can cause mission-ending damage to satellites and other space assets. The researchers will use a digital twin and simulation environment to test and evaluate their findings.
A WVU study found that U.S. cities with new professional sports teams saw increased influenza mortality rates, with the NHL teams causing the largest increase. The researchers analyzed data from 122 cities and controlled for factors like population and temperature to find a significant correlation between team arrival and flu deaths.
Forensic scientists at West Virginia University have developed a systematic approach to compare pieces of trace evidence, including duct tape, using a novel method. The technique evaluates fracture edges and demonstrates physical fit, providing a foundation for evaluating error rates and improving accuracy in crime scene investigations.
Researchers at WVU have developed a way to view synthetic DNA at the atomic level, enabling them to understand how to change its structure for enhanced scissor-like function. This breakthrough could lead to new technology for medical diagnoses and treatments, including potential therapies for diseases like retinal degeneration and cancer.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing a hydrogen flexible boiler to decarbonize the food and beverage industry. The technology, proposed by Hailin Li, will supply thermal energy by burning clean fuel rather than traditional fossil fuels.
Researchers at WVU's forensic lab discovered how organic and inorganic compounds in gunshot residue differ in their persistence on surfaces and transfer. This breakthrough allows crime scene investigators to distinguish between 'greener' and traditional ammunition, enabling faster and more informed decisions at crime scenes.
A WVU researcher is working to understand the unknowns about microorganisms growing inside pipes that bring drinking water to homes and businesses. Biofilms can be detrimental to drinking water quality, but the researcher aims to develop strategies for maintaining water quality throughout complex infrastructures.
Researchers from West Virginia University have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves, which can only be perceived with a detector much larger than the Earth. The signal was detected using pulsar timing arrays and has significant implications for understanding spacetime dynamics.