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Released: 5-Dec-2023 12:05 PM EST
Researchers secure $2 million grant to develop airborne pathogen-monitoring technology
Virginia Tech

Bahareh Behkam and collaborators have received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue their fight against airborne pathogens. An associate professor of mechanical engineering, Behkam and her team will use the funding to further develop engineered living systems for indoor air monitoring. Currently, there is a lack of sensitive, specific, affordable, and easy-to-use airborne pathogen monitoring technology and an overwhelming need for innovative approaches to address this challenge.

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Released: 5-Dec-2023 11:05 AM EST
Medical school formally establishes Department of Neurosurgery
Virginia Tech

With the approval of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM) has established a Department of Neurosurgery.

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Released: 5-Dec-2023 11:05 AM EST
Virginia Tech expert shares ways to have a more sustainable and eco-friendly holiday season
Virginia Tech

From electricity usage to piles of presents and an overload of food, this time of year can take a toll on the environment. Virginia Tech sustainability expert  Jennifer Russell says even though it isn’t always what we want to hear during the holidays, it is really the “abundance” that is a challenge for sustainability. “Cutting back on the abundance is one of the most critical things we can do to make the holiday season more sustainable,” says Russell, who shared these five tips.

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Released: 4-Dec-2023 3:05 PM EST
Boiled bubbles jump to carry more heat
Virginia Tech

Water is often the go-to resource for heat transfer, being used in large-scale cooling operations like data centers that power the internet and nuclear power plants that power cities. Discovering dynamic phenomena to make water-based heat transfer more energy and cost efficient is the ongoing work of Jonathan Boreyko, associate professor and John R.

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Released: 4-Dec-2023 12:05 PM EST
Experts available: Smart toy safety, managing holiday stress, economics of Christmas music, and more
Virginia Tech

The Virginia Tech media relations office has the following experts available for interviews on holiday related topics. To schedule an interview, please contact [email protected]. Eco-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday From electricity usage to piles of presents, and an overload of food, this time of year can take a toll on the environment.

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Released: 4-Dec-2023 10:05 AM EST
Veterinary college promotes human, environmental, and animal health through One Health concept
Virginia Tech

Human, animal, and environmental are not three different kinds of health. They are One Health. One Health is the overarching concept that human, animal, and environmental health are inextricably linked and that professionals within the three realms should work together toward research findings and clinical applications that can improve the health in all three areas.

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Released: 28-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Horticulture agent offers tips on winter holiday plant acquisition and care
Virginia Tech

Ed Olsen, an agent at Henrico unit of Virginia Cooperative Extension, shares tips for holiday plant care.

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Released: 28-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Instead of calories and macros, think about the level of food processing, expert says
Virginia Tech

Scientific consensus is building around a clear recommendation: To improve health, we need to think differently about our diet of ultra-processed foods.

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Released: 20-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Virginia Tech opens world’s first fully automated AI and cyberbiosecurity water lab
Virginia Tech

In 2021, a water treatment facility in Oldsmar, Florida, was hacked by an unknown adversary. It was a cyberattack, and the sensor responsible for measuring how much sodium hydroxide is in the water was compromised. Within seconds, the hacker attempted to change the water supply's levels of sodium hydroxide, moving the setting from 100 parts per million to 11,100 parts per million.

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Released: 20-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Experts offer food safety tips for Thanksgiving and the holiday season
Virginia Tech

Meals at Thanksgiving and other holidays serve as great social occasions for catching up with family and friends — and for the sake of all gathered, the culinary delights on the table should be not just delicious and visually sumptuous, but also safe.   Melissa Wright, director of Virginia Tech’s Food Producer Technical Assistance Network, and Alexis Hamilton, assistant professor of food processing microbiology, are both faculty members in the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Food Science and Technology.

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Released: 20-Nov-2023 11:05 AM EST
Your Thanksgiving menu doesn't look like Colonial America's first celebration
Virginia Tech

Foodies aren’t the only people who appreciate the significance of the Thanksgiving feast. For most, the holiday conjures visions of turkey dinners and pumpkin pies replete with all the fixings, such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. But just as traditional Thanksgiving fare differs from foods served at the first Thanksgiving in Colonial America, the holiday’s modern spread is evolving to include global dishes that represent the diversity of today’s America.

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Released: 20-Nov-2023 9:05 AM EST
Planning a holiday shopping budget is the best way to navigate the season, says Virginia Tech experts
Virginia Tech

As the holiday season approaches, it is important to begin budgeting for your gift shopping ahead of time. Taking proactive steps now will help you manage expenses wisely and make the most of the festive season.

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Released: 17-Nov-2023 9:05 AM EST
Tips to avoid charity scams during the holidays
Virginia Tech

For many people, the holiday season is a time to giveback. It’s also the time of year when scammers ramp up their efforts to take advantage of your goodwill to steal your hard earned money.  

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Released: 17-Nov-2023 9:05 AM EST
Cybercrime expert offers safety tips for online holiday shopping
Virginia Tech

The holiday shopping season is ramping up and unfortunately, so are criminals looking to take advantage of your urge to get discounted prices.

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Released: 15-Nov-2023 2:05 PM EST
Forget social distancing: House finches become more social when sick
Virginia Tech

Marissa Langager, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science, led a new study about the social behavior of sick house finches.

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Released: 15-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Virginia Tech and Arizona State researchers discover way to boost shelter dog adoptions
Virginia Tech

After a long day at work, you open the door to the place you call home. A chorus of furry happiness rushes toward you, the sound of unconditional canine love. With your return, your dog's world is whole. Virginia Tech and Arizona State University researchers are working to help more shelter dogs experience this kind of love, safety, and happiness in an adoptive home.

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Released: 14-Nov-2023 9:05 AM EST
Pioneering histotripsy device receives FDA clearance to treat liver cancer
Virginia Tech

In a groundbreaking achievement for cancer treatment, research, and medical technology, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for the HistoSonics’ Edison histotripsy device to treat liver tumors. 

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Released: 13-Nov-2023 10:05 AM EST
To avoid travel problems this holiday season, expert says to plan ahead
Virginia Tech

The holiday season can be a stressful time for those planning to travel. Between costs, short staffing, and limited bookings, a Virginia Tech travel and tourism expert says to plan ahead. “With the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year holidays coming soon, the best travel planning should start now, if not earlier,” says Mahmood Khan, professor and director in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Tech.

Released: 9-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Forecast predicts a warmer winter with more snow; expert explains why
Virginia Tech

Andrew Ellis, a hydroclimate scientist in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech, explains why the presence of El Niño in the latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration outlook suggests a warmer yet snowier winter season.

Newswise: Experts assess states’ case in lawsuit against Meta over youth mental health concerns
Released: 7-Nov-2023 3:05 PM EST
Experts assess states’ case in lawsuit against Meta over youth mental health concerns
Virginia Tech

Meta, the parent company of social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, faces federal lawsuits from 42 states’ attorneys general asserting that the company intentionally crafted features to make children and teens become addicted to their products. Virginia Tech experts Mike Horning and Donna Wertalik offer their perspectives on what the lawsuits mean for social media companies and users.

Released: 2-Nov-2023 3:00 PM EDT
Cancer drug shows promise targeting genetic weakness in some tumors, comments Virginia Tech expert
Virginia Tech

In an invited commentary, Kathleen Mulvaney, assistant professor with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, talks about the potential of a new drug that has shown early promise in clinical trials for solid tumors by killing cancer cells that lack specific tumor suppressor genes.

Newswise: Cancer drug shows promise targeting genetic weakness in some tumors, comments Virginia Tech expert
31-Oct-2023 12:00 AM EDT
Cancer drug shows promise targeting genetic weakness in some tumors, comments Virginia Tech expert
Virginia Tech

In an invited commentary, Kathleen Mulvaney, assistant professor with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, talks about the potential of a new drug that has shown early promise in clinical trials for solid tumors by killing cancer cells that lack specific tumor suppressor genes.

Released: 31-Oct-2023 10:05 AM EDT
Virginia Tech experts available to discuss the 2023 November election
Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech has a number of experts available to speak on topics surrounding the election including Virginia legislative races, issues such as abortion and education rights, campaign finance, and more. To schedule an interview, please contact [email protected]. Topics: Virginia legislative races, effects of redistricting, campaign spending, reproductive rights, public education, possible implications of state legislative results for policy/emphases in Virginia, what results tell us about the 2024 presidential race.

Released: 30-Oct-2023 4:05 PM EDT
Daylight saving can create driver fatigue and hazards on the road, says expert
Virginia Tech

As clocks “fall back” and daylight saving time ends, many Americans will be driving longer at night which could translate to more driver fatigue and hazards on the road, says Virginia Tech Transportation Institute expert Matt Camden.   Camden says that any time change can exacerbate drowsiness and your body may need a few days to adjust accordingly.

   
Released: 30-Oct-2023 3:05 PM EDT
Trick or treat - how long is Halloween candy safe to eat?
Virginia Tech

Every year, millions of kids go to houses for ubiquitous trick-or-treating. To ensure what’s put into each trick-or-treater’s bag is a safe treat when eaten, Alexis Hamilton, an assistant professor of food processing microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Food Science and Technology, has some tips and tricks.

Released: 30-Oct-2023 1:30 AM EDT
New study finds global climate change could impact the flavor and cost of American beer
Virginia Tech

There are few things tastier than the crisp bite of a cold IPA…for now.   A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications found the changing global climate may be affecting the flavor and cost of beer.   A warmer and drier climate is expected to lower the yield of hops — the aromatic flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant that give beer its signature bitter flavor — in Europe up to 18 percent by 2050.

Released: 30-Oct-2023 1:30 AM EDT
Stink bugs: The good, the bad, and how to get rid of them
Virginia Tech

With summerlike temperatures on their way out and cooler temperatures moving in, homeowners may start to see more uninvited guests inside, particularly the brown marmorated stink bug. Virginia Tech experts say not only are these bugs a nuisance, they also pose an economic threat to farmers. But, there are some positives to having them around as well.

Released: 25-Oct-2023 11:05 AM EDT
Nostalgia fuels hype for adult Barbie costumes, fashion design expert says
Virginia Tech

This Halloween is expected to look a lot like Barbie’s Dreamland. The widely successful summer film’s stars Barbie and Ken have found their way onto the top Halloween costume lists for this year. 

Released: 16-Oct-2023 11:05 AM EDT
Experts available to discuss many facets of Israel-Hamas conflict
Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech has several experts available to speak on various topics surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Israeli politics and foreign policy Joel Peters is a professor of government and international affairs in the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech located in the Washington, D.C., metro area. His research interests and publications cover Israeli politics and foreign policy, the Arab-Israeli peace process, regional cooperation in the Middle East and Europe’s relations in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Released: 16-Oct-2023 10:05 AM EDT
Horticulture expert shares best ways to preserve pumpkins throughout the season
Virginia Tech

With autumn in full swing, pumpkins are flying off store shelves and into homes for carving. Those who are putting jack-o-lanterns out for display may be wondering how to preserve their pumpkins as long as possible.  “Pumpkins are very sensitive to temps below 45 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Virginia Cooperative Extension horticulture expert Ashley Edwards.

Released: 13-Oct-2023 1:05 PM EDT
Fall leaves - to bag or not? Turf experts explain why mulching leaves is a better solution
Virginia Tech

October is peak season for admiring fall foliage and soon those leaves will begin to fall, if they haven’t already done so. Before you start to clean them up, Virginia Tech turf experts suggest that you try a different approach instead of bagging and tossing.

Released: 12-Oct-2023 11:05 AM EDT
International team of scientists says identifying some foods as addictive could stimulate research, shift attitudes
Virginia Tech

Researchers from the United States, Brazil, and Spain, including scientists with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, published an analysis in a special edition of the British Medical Journal with a timely and controversial recommendation: It’s time for an international shift in the way we think about ultra-processed food.

Released: 12-Oct-2023 11:05 AM EDT
How do tax proposals affect cancer health of tobacco users based on income, education?
Virginia Tech

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and cigarette smoking causes three in 10 of all cancer deaths. Smoking also accounts for more than 30 percent of the difference in life expectancy among different socioeconomic groups. Roberta Freitas-Lemos, research assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, recently received a career development award to explore the ways in which nicotine tax policies can influence health disparities.

Released: 9-Oct-2023 9:05 AM EDT
Record $80 million grant to fund pilot program encouraging the implementation of climate-smart practices on farms
Virginia Tech

With the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture, which is now underway, Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will distribute more than $57 million of the largest grant in the university’s history to producers to enact climate-friendly practices and serve as a pilot program for a national model.

Released: 6-Oct-2023 1:05 PM EDT
Sam Bankman-Fried trial shines light on the rise and fall of cryptocurrency and concerns about its use in white-collar crime
Virginia Tech

The trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, is underway in New York. Some are calling his crimes one of the biggest financial frauds in decades. The 31-year-old former crypto mogul is charged with orchestrating a conspiracy to use $10 billion that FTX’s customers had entrusted to him for venture capital investments, political donations and luxury real estate purchases.

Released: 5-Oct-2023 10:45 AM EDT
Taylor Swift Is Good for the NFL, Says Virginia Tech Sports Media Expert
Virginia Tech

Taylor Swift’s Swifties and professional football fanatics typically do not rub elbows. But in the past two weeks, they’ve been finding some common ground.   When the pop superstar attended a Sunday night prime time NFL match-up between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Jets, her appearance set in motion a frenzy of attention and situated the league in front of a new fan base.

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Released: 4-Oct-2023 3:05 PM EDT
Virginia Tech’s Linsey Marr named 2023 MacArthur Fellow
Virginia Tech

Linsey Marr, the Charles P. Lunsford Professor and a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, has been named a 2023 MacArthur Fellow, a highly prestigious award commonly called a “genius grant.” The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced Wednesday that Marr is one of 20 fellows who will receive an $800,000 award.

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Released: 4-Oct-2023 10:05 AM EDT
2023 GAP Report: Only by working together will agricultural productivity meet demand
Virginia Tech

Agricultural productivity growth is crucial for ensuring food security and for meeting the nutritional needs of a growing global population while simultaneously meeting environmental goals. However, the growth of global agricultural productivity has significantly contracted and current efforts to sustainably expand production are inadequate, according to the 2023 Global Agricultural Productivity Report, or GAP Report, that was released through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech on Oct.

Released: 3-Oct-2023 10:05 AM EDT
$10 million award from the Department of Defense will fund pioneering Sensing and Cyber Center of Excellence
Virginia Tech

The Virginia Tech College of Engineering has received a $10 million, five-year Department of Defense award to fund groundbreaking research with potential military and commercial implications.

Released: 3-Oct-2023 10:05 AM EDT
Enhancing the efficiency of plant regeneration
Virginia Tech

Crop modification can be traced to the beginning of agriculture and human civilization. Native Americans, for example, developed corn from a wild grass called teosinte more than 7,000 years ago. Methods to increase crop resiliency and sustainability have evolved, and improved, over time.

Released: 3-Oct-2023 10:05 AM EDT
Not all viruses are harmful
Virginia Tech

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people became well aware that viruses can be extremely harmful. But can viruses also be helpful? Bryan Hsu aims to find out by studying viruses that infect bacteria in the bellies of mammals. 

Released: 3-Oct-2023 10:05 AM EDT
Jiangtao Cheng receives international funding to study spiderwebs as biosensors
Virginia Tech

The dew-covered spiderweb you see in your yard might soon become a platform to detect airborne viruses. This is the objective of Jiangtao Cheng, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering,.

Newswise: New Edgar Allan Poe Netflix adaptation set to premiere; expert discusses his legacy
Released: 28-Sep-2023 4:05 PM EDT
New Edgar Allan Poe Netflix adaptation set to premiere; expert discusses his legacy
Virginia Tech

As Netflix prepares to release a new streaming miniseries, "The Fall of the House of Usher," Ashley Reed, an associate professor of English at Virginia Tech, discusses author Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy and the evolving impacts of his work on literature and film.

Released: 25-Sep-2023 11:05 AM EDT
"Barbie" is strong on entertainment value, soft on social change, says Virginia Tech expert
Virginia Tech

The “Barbie” buzz continues, even months after the blockbuster movie’s release. The box office record-breaking film now is available to rent or buy through various video on demand platforms, including Prime Video and Apple TV.

Newswise: Certain dog breeds will suffer from climate change, says expert
Released: 25-Sep-2023 11:05 AM EDT
Certain dog breeds will suffer from climate change, says expert
Virginia Tech

Bulldogs, pugs, and boston terriers all have one thing in common - their short snouts, and experts say as climate change worsens, they are going to suffer.



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