The project aims to address rising healthcare costs, health disparities, and expands digital health through advances in AI. It also trains students from different disciplines to develop and apply data science techniques.
Researchers at West Virginia University discovered a significant relationship between Christian nationalism and vaccine hesitancy, citing a national sample of 2,000 U.S. adults. They found that individuals embracing this ideology are less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and express skepticism towards science.
New research from WVU suggests that live music can reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric critical-care patients. In a study, babies who heard live music had lower heart rates and slower breathing rates compared to those who listened to recorded music.
Researchers are developing insect-like robots for agriculture, mining, and space exploration using dynamic force sensing and agile movement. The goal is to create robots that can navigate difficult terrains and interact safely with humans.
The PHAse Space MApping experiment, a complex plasma physics research project at WVU, aims to study the motion of ions and electrons in plasmas. The facility can measure three-dimensional motion at very small scales and is capable of performing detailed measurements.
Researchers at WVU will explore how a specific enzyme protects the brain from stroke effects and aging. Their findings may indicate a potential target for medications improving brain blood vessel function after a stroke.
West Virginia University researchers aim to create better connections with underserved populations to the blue economy, which defines sustainable use of ocean resources. They will analyze data and explore ways to package it in a way that encourages these traditionally underserved groups to utilize the blue economy.
Researchers at WVU aim to characterize autism patients' behaviors using behavior-tracking technology. They plan to use artificial intelligence to identify traits associated with ASD, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized interventions. The study also has the potential to improve early detection in young children.
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a solid oxide electrolysis cell that can produce high-purity green hydrogen from water. The technology has the potential to reduce carbon emissions in industrial applications, including manufacturing and power generation.
A nearly $2 million NSF grant will accelerate the hunt for low-frequency gravitational waves using high-precision timing observations of exotic stars called millisecond pulsars. WVU's Maura McLaughlin is principal investigator on the project, which aims to discover new types of gravitational waves and expand the IPTA's reach globally.
West Virginia University researcher Judith Feinberg is integrating services for opioid use disorder, the hepatitis C virus and HIV in 20 primary care clinics across the state. The project aims to address the intertwined opioid and HIV epidemics through efficient and comprehensive care.
Researchers reviewed 79 studies on neurocognitive impairments and brain abnormalities associated with nonfatal opioid overdoses in humans. The findings suggest a link between overdose, cognitive impairment, and brain changes, which could influence attention span, memory, and executive function.
A WVU-led research team will test the potential of geothermal energy by drilling three miles into the ground. The project aims to reduce carbon footprint and decrease energy costs for the university, with potential implications for industries across West Virginia.
Researchers at West Virginia University are monitoring wastewater statewide for COVID-19 using an egg-shaped robot that collects samples every 20 minutes. The project aims to develop a testing network throughout the state, providing early indicators of changes in community-level spread of COVID-19.
A new WVU study found that psychological capital, including self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resiliency, can help employees cope with the stress of working during a pandemic. Workers who used adaptive coping strategies fared better, but those relying on maladaptive behaviors experienced higher levels of stress.
West Virginia University engineers are working on a $750,000 award from NASA to improve data transfer efficiency during space exploration. The team is developing AI-based algorithms that can compress data while retaining maximum information content, which could enable more efficient NASA missions and sustain Earth and solar observations.
Researchers investigated high schools' safety policies to protect student-athletes from heat, cardiac arrests, traumatic brain injuries and more. Thirty-eight states have adopted legislative changes improving safety for student-athletes, including West Virginia.
The researcher is investigating the inflammatory responses produced by exposure to chemical agents, comparing different chemical exposures at both whole-body and tissue levels. The study aims to develop a common treatment for chemical exposures and diagnose the responsible chemicals.
Hailin Li, a WVU engineer, will lead a project to develop a software platform that simulates heavy-duty diesel engines with advanced after-treatment systems. The goal is to improve engine efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions, which will help cut greenhouse gases and pollutants from the transportation sector.
A WVU researcher is launching a pilot program to prevent amputations in West Virginia, utilizing an NIH grant. The program aims to reduce mortality rates by educating the population and primary care providers about peripheral artery disease and foot exams.
A recent award will aid a project that aims to produce more hydrogen gas while reducing electric power consumption. The goal is to increase clean hydrogen production, which can benefit various sectors such as household power, electric vehicles, and industrial applications.
A WVU-led team, supported by a $4.78 million NIH grant, has increased COVID-19 testing in rural West Virginia through mobile vans and community partnerships. The project has served 38 counties and administered over 2,265 tests, with a focus on communities of color.
A WVU researcher led a task group to develop guidelines for reducing data transfer errors in radiation therapy. The measures aim to safeguard against medical errors in treatments that over half of all cancer patients receive.
A study by West Virginia University researchers found that LGBTQ+ people can benefit from faith communities, experiencing a sense of indescribable joy and relief from inclusion. However, the fear of rejection poses significant psychological stress, leading to 'minority stress' with detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
West Virginia University has launched a new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between science and policy, with a focus on addressing the state's most pressing water issues. The Bridge Initiative brings together over two dozen faculty researchers to translate their work into actionable policies for policymakers.
West Virginia University researchers are working on a project to create a tomato that requires little to no pesticides. They aim to identify pest-resistant genes and make those new varieties available to breeders and farmers. The goal is to develop an environmentally friendly and sustainable crop that reduces pesticide use.
West Virginia University is part of a team awarded $17 million from the National Science Foundation to renew the NANOGrav Physics Frontiers Center. The center aims to detect gravitational waves using pulsar timing arrays and will advance research in fundamental physics.
Researchers analyzed obituary data to examine excess deaths among the Amish population in 2020, finding a spike in November that mirrored general COVID-19 infection waves. The study suggests that face-to-face interactions and distrust in preventative medicine contributed to these 'excess deaths', which may or may not be directly relate...
A study from West Virginia University suggests that pollutant exposure can lead to increased free-radical damage, which speeds up aging. This occurs when pollutants break down into highly reactive molecules that damage biomolecules, leading to premature aging.
A West Virginia University study found that college students' initial status of self-control is partly dependent on their willingness to try new things and their maternal attachment. Students who are less interested in trying new things and have a secure attachment to their mothers tend to maintain stable control throughout the year. C...
A study by West Virginia University found that most animal studies disregard the rodents' natural circadian rhythms, leading to issues with reproducibility and validity. Researchers recommend using techniques such as housing animals in darkness during the day to simulate nighttime conditions.
A West Virginia University study shows that faith communities have the potential to promote physical wellbeing along with emotional or spiritual health. A 12-week program led by faith-community nurses encouraged better time management, provided participants with more energy, and improved comfort with exercise on a regular basis.
The West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute Project ECHO program has been recognized as an ECHO Superhub, enabling outreach support to healthcare providers nationwide. With this designation, WVCTSI can offer training and expertise to establish new ECHO programs, reducing health disparities in underserved areas.
Researchers found higher rates of testing and positivity in areas associated with food insecurity, which could obscure prevalence estimates. The study used Census-level data to compare testing and positivity rates with demographic data, highlighting disparities among Black residents.
A new study by West Virginia University researcher Jonathan Busada found that testosterone can help regulate the immune response and prevent stomach inflammation. The study suggests that androgens may act as a 'brake pedal' on the immune system, protecting men from chronic inflammatory diseases such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosi...
A three-year study at West Virginia University is exploring the effects of vaping during pregnancy on long-term health outcomes in offspring. The research team has found that vaping can cause a similar dysfunctional response in blood vessels as smoking, leading to potential serious issues.
Assistant Professor Aaron Maxwell uses big data analytics and deep learning to map West Virginia's surface over the last 60 years. The research aims to understand natural landscapes and predict future changes such as landslides and river erosion.
A systematic review of studies on telehealth and chronic conditions found that frequent services benefited patients more when continued for about a year. However, the optimal frequency and duration of telehealth services remain unknown. Researchers are working to measure dose in standard ways to inform best practices.
Jessica Wilkerson, WVU associate professor, is recognized with a prestigious Andrew Carnegie Fellowship to research the overlooked stories of women's activism in the American South. Her project aims to integrate the stories of unsung heroes into the history of women's progressive activism since the 1960s.
The Brownfields Assistance Center at West Virginia University has helped communities resurrect once lifeless properties since 2006. The Center's expertise and guidance have enabled neighborhoods in the Mid-Atlantic region to transform brownfields into community assets, generating economic opportunity and jobs.
The International Culture Collection of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi will be relocated to the University of Kansas due to a grant from the National Science Foundation. WVU researchers will duplicate the collection and send it to Jim Bever at KU for cultivation, with the goal of sustaining cultures in perpetuity.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing a technology to extract rare earth elements from acid mine drainage, producing up to 400 tons annually. This process could help address water pollution and dependence on imports, as the US currently imports nearly all its rare earth elements.
A recent study from West Virginia University reveals that rural e-cigarette users are more likely to develop severe respiratory failure and require critical care. The study found a high correlation between lung injury and toxic volatile organic compounds in e-liquids, particularly in those produced by garage labs.
Researchers used SOFIA to study the effects of stellar winds on RCW 120, finding it expands rapidly at 33,000 mph, indicating a young age limit of less than 150,000 years. This discovery suggests that positive feedback processes trigger high star formation rates during the early universe.
A new model in physical therapy education aims to address opioid use disorder by incorporating topics such as women's health, pediatric care, and sports therapy. By understanding the complex interplay between physical activity, pain perception, and addiction, physical therapists can provide holistic care to patients across the lifespan.
A West Virginia University biologist is developing student-led research projects to study genomics and bioinformatics using parasitic orchids. The project aims to close the STEM skills and interest gap in rural West Virginia high schools and make orchids more sustainable.
Under a potential new rule, the Biden administration aims to expand healthcare protections for the LGBTQ community. The move seeks to safeguard against verbal abuse, physical abuse, and denials of basic care services. By including gender identity and sexual orientation in existing laws, advocates hope to prevent discriminatory practice...
A new radiology research study suggests that focused ultrasound treatment may induce an immunological healing response in Alzheimer's patients, and open the blood-brain barrier. The treatment targets the hippocampus, which plays a large role in learning and memory.
Researchers are examining how Amish and Mennonite communities are responding to COVID-19, including their social distancing practices and health misinformation. They are using community newspapers and local health data to track pandemic-related behaviors and identify factors driving misinformation.
The opioid and HIV epidemics in West Virginia are deeply interconnected, requiring a comprehensive approach to address both issues simultaneously. Stigma is a significant barrier to combating these epidemics, particularly in rural areas with limited resources.