The Virginia Tech media relations office has the following experts available for interviews this week surrounding issues in the news. To schedule an interview, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu.

Virginia Tech experts available to discuss headlines in the news

Looming effects of tariffs and stock market volatility

Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on 25% on all imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as an extra 10% on products from China. The U.S. has been putting tariffs on Chinese goods for a long time. Some of the more recent tariffs were even able to push Mexico back into the top trading spot with the United States, says. Virginia Tech economist Jadrian Wooten. He can speak on why the U.S. imposes tariffs even though they increase costs for American consumers. He can also discuss recent stock market volatility related to AI technology. Available starting Tuesday.

Radon: The invisible danger to homes and health

January 27 - 31 is Radon Awareness Week. The National Cancer Institute lists radon as the second-leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. Much of Southwest Virginia is at high risk for this colorless, odorless gas, which threatens indoor air quality and poses long-term health threats. Philip Agee, an assistant professor of building construction explains the risks and what you need to know to test your home. More here. 

*** B-roll and interview can be found here.***

What you need to know about Red Dye No. 3

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food, decades after concerns that it is a significant cancer risk and contributes to hyperactivity in children. Virginia Tech food safety expert Melissa Wright says manufacturers will now have to find suitable alternatives that maintain the quality customers expect. She’s available to explain what it is, why it’s harmful, and next steps. More here.

Ceasefire in Gaza — will it hold?

Tens of thousands of Palestinians are returning to the decimated northern sections of Gaza as a tentative truce continues between Israel and Hamas, a ceasefire that has run into frequent snags and required ongoing negotiations. “The ceasefire is far from a done deal,” says Virginia Tech foreign affairs expert Ariel Ahram, a specialist in international security and Middle East politics. “There are many steps yet to implement in the prisoner exchange. And the United States is vacillating in its commitment to make the deal work.” Available starting Wednesday.

Senate confirmation hearings for Trump cabinet picks continue

The U.S. Senate has committee hearings scheduled to consider confirmation of some of Trump’s most controversial cabinet selections, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services director, and Kash Patel for FBI director. Virginia Tech political scientist Karen Hult can give context to the hearings. Note: Dr. Hult has limited availability this week.

Guidance to poultry owners following highly contagious avian flu outbreak in Virginia

Following the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Accomack County, Virginia, poultry owners are being urged to take action to protect their flocks. Virginia Cooperative Extension is joining the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in offering guidance to help prevent the spread of the virus in Virginia. Michael Persia, a poultry expert with Extension and professor in Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, stresses that a proactive approach to biosecurity – whether managing backyard coops or large-scale commercial operations — is essential. More here.

Experts look ahead to the top stories of 2025

With the Trump administration’s promises of transformative policies across the economy, international relations, and climate action, Virginia Tech's experts are ready to add insights and context to your stories. Topics include economics, climate and environmental challenges, international relations and security, health and wellness, water quality and sustainability, science and technology, and sustainable infrastructure. Read the full list of experts here.

Podcast: Computer security in the age of artificial intelligence

Matthew Hicks joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations”  to discuss how computer users can be more secure heading into 2025. He shared insights about the evolving landscape of computer security, particularly related to artificial intelligence (AI) and generative technologies, and the implications of these technologies on personal security, including the rise of sophisticated phishing attacks. He also provided guidance on some commonly overlooked aspects of computer security.

Hicks is an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech and also holds a courtesy appointment in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His research interests include software, hardware, and embedded system security, as well as the Internet of Things and energy harvesting.

Research Highlights

Virginia Tech researchers ask how many attempts it takes to quit substance abuse

Relapse is common when someone is trying to quit, regardless of whether they’re giving up opioids or alcohol or cigarettes. To better inform treatment, researchers with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC’s Addiction Recovery Research Center wanted to better understand how the experience of quitting differed across substances. 

The work, scheduled for publication in the Feb. 1 issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, found that:

  • Substance use disorder is a chronically relapsing condition that often requires multiple quit attempts before successful abstinence.

  • The number of quit attempts varies by substance, with opioids and pain medication requiring significantly more attempts than all other substances.

  • Hallucinogens are less challenging to quit, requiring fewer attempts.

  • People who meet the criteria of having a more severe or longer history of substance use disorder might need more attempts before achieving abstinence.

More here.

Virginia Tech chemist makes strides in drug discovery for chronic kidney disease

One in seven U.S. adults — about 37 million people — are affected by chronic kidney disease, a condition where kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as they should. This causes a host of nasty symptoms and can lead to further worsening health conditions. Even more U.S. adults are affected by diabetes and high blood pressure, two of the most common causes of kidney disease. Notwithstanding the poor quality of life, chronic kidney disease’s cost to the health care system is also a major problem, estimated to be $87.2 billion in 2019.

Webster Santos, professor of chemistry, is developing a molecule to disrupt the cellular signaling that occurs when a patient has kidney disease. The potential of this drug could have significant impacts, both on the health of patients and the economic pressure that comes with hospital stays. Santos cites the example of patients going in for cardiac bypass surgery, where they are at a high risk for acute kidney injury and eventually chronic kidney disease. Further, kidney complications could mean longer hospital stays, resulting in more pain and a higher hospital bill. 

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