The 'Mountaineer Mathematics Master Teachers' project aims to improve math outcomes in West Virginia by supporting 40 secondary math teachers as master teaching fellows. The project will research the impacts of teacher retention, leader development, and student achievement in mathematics.
West Virginia University is spearheading a $10 million project to develop a perennial multi-feedstock production system for sustainable energy and products. The Mid-Atlantic Sustainable Biomass for Value-Added Products Consortium will leverage research, education, and extension strategies to increase biomass utilization in the region.
The WVU Robotic Technology Center and Maxar are collaborating on the SPIDER project to demonstrate in-space assembly of a satellite using a lightweight robotic arm. The technology developed under SPIDER could enable self-assembling commercial satellites, human space exploration, and in-space telescope assembly.
A West Virginia University-led study found a significant increase in seasonal flu deaths in US cities with professional sports teams. Researchers analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and discovered that flu mortality rates rose by 5-24% during pro sports seasons, with the largest jump observed in NHL games.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing reusable, environmentally friendly mask filters using wood-derived materials to address PPE shortages. The filters, made from polylactic acid, nanocellulose, and nano copper, aim to prevent viruses and microorganisms from penetrating masks.
A WVU study found that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be life-saving for some critically ill COVID-19 patients, particularly those with lung dysfunction. However, older patients with pre-existing conditions and heart function impairment may not benefit from ECMO treatment.
A new photosensitizer compound created by West Virginia University researchers has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of solar panels and other technologies. The compound, made from zirconium, can convert light into electrical energy, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for renewable energy.
A new study by West Virginia University researchers found that economic development incentives may contribute to the decline of middle-class jobs. The study examined the impact of tax breaks on employment trends in two cities, San Antonio and Birmingham, and found that incentivizing creative-class industries led to job losses in workin...
A new study by West Virginia University researcher Nancy Lan Guo found that printer toner nanoparticles can change genetic and metabolic profiles, increasing disease risk. The study used rat models and found significant genomic changes linked to cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic disorders.
A new study by West Virginia University found that 8.10% of newborns in the state had PETH levels consistent with late-pregnancy alcohol use, associated with developmental problems and cognitive deficits. The prevalence varied across the state, with higher rates in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
A new study by West Virginia University researchers links higher concentrations of perfluorodecanoic acid in children's blood to increased tooth decay rates. The chemical, found in some drinking water systems, may disrupt the healthy development of enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities.
A WVU engineer is developing a new model to improve understanding of energy transfer between the sun's solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere. The goal is to create more accurate space weather forecasts to prevent devastating effects on power grids and technology.
A WVU project uses the Intelligent Retinal Imaging System to detect diabetic retinopathy in West Virginians, reducing risk of severe vision loss by 90%. Over 5,400 patients have been screened, with 21% showing evidence of retinopathy.
A new clinical trial tests a cell-phone-sized device that stimulates the vagus nerve to prevent and treat migraine attacks. The device has shown promise in preventing and combating migraine attacks through its proprietary stimulation method, offering a non-invasive treatment option with minimal side effects.
Researchers used tree-ring dating to determine when trees were cut down for construction and what the forests were like before European immigration. They found evidence of forest regrowth after Native American population decreases, shedding light on a previously poorly understood period in history.
A team of international scientists has localized a repeating fast radio burst to a region approximately seven light years across, shedding new light on the mystery surrounding its origins.
West Virginia University researcher Shane Kaski found that combining nalfurafine with morphine reduces pain while minimizing morphine's addictive potential. This could lead to lower doses of morphine and reduced risk of addiction, combating the opioid epidemic.
High helicopter parenting can result in 'hothouse children' who lack autonomy, struggle with anxiety and internalizing problems, and may repeat their parents' behaviors.
Researchers Karen Culcasi and Cynthia Gorman examine how international laws formed after WWI contributed to today's hostile climate for refugees. They found that the creation of new countries, nationalism, and the establishment of international governance entities like the League of Nations shaped refugee law.
The RNI is conducting a clinical trial using deep brain stimulation to treat patients with treatment-resistant opioid use disorder. The trial aims to investigate the mechanism of addiction in the brain and potentially provide a new tool to help those severely impacted by opioid use disorder.
In West Virginia, only 1.8 percent of students are identified as gifted, despite the state's rural communities having untapped talent. Researchers aim to develop universal screening norms and increase parent advocacy to boost access to gifted services for low-income students.
Researchers studied the contents of exosomes released by melanoma cells and found that they selectively package certain proteins and RNAs to influence immune cell response. This finding suggests that cancer cells may use their exosomes to avoid eradication by subduing T cell activity.
Kathy Benison, a WVU geologist, has been chosen as part of the Return Sample Selection Participating Scientist team for NASA's Mars 2020 expedition. She will help select promising rocks and sediments for the rover to cache or study on Mars.
Researchers are examining prescription practices before and after the law took effect to understand how it has shaped healthcare providers' prescribing habits. The study will also investigate the impact on patients, including those with chronic pain, and potential unintended consequences of shorter opioid prescriptions.
Engineers at WVU have created a liquid form of electricity that can be transported using existing infrastructure, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The technology has the potential to improve American economic and energy security, and can also be used as fertilizer or generate electricity again.
A West Virginia University researcher is studying the connection between caffeine consumption, sleep deprivation, and alcohol use among middle school students. The study aims to identify factors that increase the risk of substance use initiation, with potential preventive measures such as curbing energy drink consumption.
A recent study found that pro sports events do not significantly impact hotel demand or revenues in Los Angeles. Despite lower average daily rates and reduced room rentals, hotels still experience no change in overall revenue due to the economic hype surrounding professional sports.
A new mobile app, SexEx Rural, is being developed to train public school personnel and county health department staff to recognize the physical, emotional, and interpersonal signs of child sex trafficking. The app includes interactive quizzes, real-world examples, and a searchable resource center for reporting and supporting victims.
A team of WVU chemists has created a new molecular research tool that simplifies experiments in mass spectrometry, enabling non-invasive analysis of biological systems. The instrument, developed by Assistant Professor Peng Li, uses a vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization device to collect and ionize samples on the spot.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing an autonomous robotic system to monitor the structural integrity and safety of underground mines. The system will provide high-resolution 3D maps for assessment of pillar and roof damage, enabling a rapid response to detected degradations in stability.
Researchers at WVU are using artificial intelligence to develop more efficient and accurate diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases, potentially leading to cost savings and improved patient outcomes. The four-year project aims to address research challenges associated with AI in healthcare, including data analysis efficiency and privacy m...
A WVU-led study found an uptick in suicides and fatal drug overdoses among black and Hispanic individuals, as well as women. The research, published in Injury Prevention, suggests that self-injury mortality should be reported alongside detected suicides.
The West Virginia Prevention Research Center will receive $750,000 in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address vaping and substance abuse issues. The grant aims to reduce rates of youth substance use and foster community resilience through a prevention model focused on building local capacity.
Researchers found a significant correlation between low birth weight and cardiovascular risk factors in fifth-grade children, including high levels of 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides. The study suggests that early intervention during pregnancy and childhood can help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions later in life.
The West Virginia Water Research Institute will scale up its Rare Earth Recovery Project with the new funding, which includes building a facility at an acid mine drainage treatment plant near Mount Storm. The project aims to extract rare earth elements from coal and coal byproducts, reducing dependence on China.
A WVU researcher recorded single neurons in epilepsy patients to study the pre-supplementary motor area's role in visual search tasks. The study found that 40% of neurons signaled target detection, regardless of task format or cue.
A new study from West Virginia University found that 78% of applicants claimed to have at least one publication, with 56% listing inaccurate or unverifiable publications. The researchers hope their findings can inform recommendations for improving the academic hiring process and increasing transparency.
Researchers add archaeal DNA to mouse models' genes to assess resistance to retinal degeneration and potentially develop new methods to prevent incurable eye diseases. The goal is to understand how molecular chaperones can help avoid misfolded proteins that cause blindness.
A West Virginia University chemical engineer is developing an online monitoring tool using AI to predict boiler behaviors and optimize power plant operations. The project aims to reduce forced outages, increase flexibility and profitability, and improve the nation's existing coal-fired power fleet.
West Virginia University astronomers have detected the most massive neutron star ever measured, weighing 2.17 times that of the sun. This groundbreaking discovery was made possible through the Green Bank Telescope and sheds light on the mysteries surrounding these exotic celestial objects.
A West Virginia University researcher used science and data to uncover the impact of nature on microorganism traits. The study found that evolutionary history shapes microbial characteristics more than local environment, with potential implications for predicting ecosystem responses to climate change.
A WVU biologist is using a $2 million grant to study the genomic basis of invasive traits in Japanese stiltgrass. The project aims to understand how plants undergo rapid evolution to become invasive species, with potential implications for managing and preventing their spread.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that rural residents in the US are disproportionately affected by suicide, with socioeconomic deprivation being a significant factor. The researchers suggest that improving access to mental healthcare and reducing social isolation may help mitigate this issue.
A new study led by WVU researcher Jennifer Franko explores the role of short-chain fatty acids in altering sex-specific immune responses. The study aims to determine if SCFAs influence immune activation differently in males and females, with potential implications for vaccine efficacy and autoimmune disorder prevention.
Researchers at WVU are developing a method to create a self-supply of rare earth elements in the US from coal waste. This is crucial due to China's dominant role in global rare earth element supplies, and the US Department of Energy's investment in domestic sourcing.
Researchers are studying how cells remove non-coding junk DNA to make sense of the remaining RNA instructions. By examining how simple organisms perform this task, scientists can gain insights into more complex lifeforms, including humans, and develop RNA-based therapeutics for diseases.
Agricultural production is likely to increase in West Virginia due to longer growing seasons, despite traditional crops declining. Climate change brings increased precipitation, but also higher humidity that hampers plant growth.
A WVU researcher is working to preserve pertussis vaccines' effectiveness by exploring ways to improve their recognition of emerging bacterial strains. By incorporating iron-acquisition proteins into the vaccine, Barbier hopes to boost its protection.
West Virginia University is creating 40 annual scholarships to support students in cybersecurity roles. The program aims to address the growing demand for cybersecurity experts amid escalating cyber threats and unfilled positions globally.
West Virginia University research predicts a 10-degree spike in average temperature by the end of the 21st century, leading to more frequent droughts, heat waves, and flooding. Increased evaporation due to warmer air temperatures exacerbates these extremes, threatening water security and ecosystem health.