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

What cardboard can tell us about the economy

As the impact of tariffs starts to take hold on the American economy, the state of cardboard is one place to look for potential fallout, says economist Jadrian Wooten. It is estimated that close to 75–80% of all non-durable goods are shipped in corrugated cardboard containers; if companies expect stronger demand, they order more boxes. If they anticipate slower sales, orders dry up fast. Several U.S. box makers have announced closures or cutbacks equal to shutting down about 9% of domestic production capacity, putting thousands of workers out of jobs. That’s the steepest pullback the industry has made since the 2008 financial crisis. “If we’re to assume that cardboard boxes are a leading indicator, it could be a bad sign of what’s ahead,” says Wooten. Limited availability Mon.-Tue.; more availability starting Wednesday

National Guard coming to Chicago

President Trump announced the impending deployment of the National Guard to Chicago. Political expert Cayce Myers says that unlike Washington, D.C., which operates under a unique governance structure that gives the federal government and President more power, other states and cities in the U.S. have more autonomy. “This presents a novel Constitutional question around executive power and the National Guard and whether such actions violate the Posse Comitatus Act, a federal law that limits military from civil law enforcement,” says Myers.

ChatGPT to implement parental controls later this month

Amid growing concerns about how children and teens engage with AI chatbots, including a tragic suicide reportedly linked back to a teen’s use of ChatGPT, OpenAI announced plans to roll out parental controls later in September. According to the company, these tools will allow parents to set usage limits and get notifications if the chatbot detects “acute distress.” Experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and child psychology at Virginia Tech view this more as progress, but caution that it might not be enough to prevent harm. More here.

Success in recovery: Science-driven approaches to addiction

September is National Recovery Month — an opportunity to spotlight promising research to support those in recovery. Ongoing and recently published studies from the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute’s Addiction Recovery Research Center and Center for Health Behaviors Research provide hope in areas such as relapse, decision-making, and support for long-term recovery, including:

  • Brain scans show therapeutic approach to address addiction. 

  • Relapse is common, and multiple attempts at quitting are part of the process. 

  • What food addiction can teach us about substance use.

  • Can diabetes and weight loss drugs help treat alcohol use disorder? 

  • Menthol restrictions may help smokers substitute healthier alternatives.

Researchers from the Addiction Recovery Research Center and the Center for Health Behaviors Research are available for interviews. More here.

Successful strategies for fantasy football

Matthew Zimmerman, sports media analytics expert at Virginia Tech, offers his top tips for a successful fantasy football season. Thoughtful consideration and planning play key roles, but not sentimentality, he said. “Be ready to react to an injury by swapping in a backup player, if that player has potential.” Use caution and consider past performance before dropping a player from your roster, but “don’t fall in love with a player because he helped you or your real-life team reach the semifinals a couple of years ago.”

Rainy summer could lead to spectacular fall foliage, expert explains

Should rainy weather keep up, we’ll see especially spectacular fall foliage, says John Seiler, a Virginia Tech forestry professor and expert in tree physiology. “Good moisture and cooler temperatures are the ticket. We have had a moist summer, so trees are generally in good shape.” Read more of his tips for viewing here.

How can businesses use your data to charge you more? 

From airline tickets and e-commerce to rideshares and food delivery, some companies are quietly using your personal data to decide how much you pay — and it could mean you’re paying more than the person next to you. France Bélanger, a University Distinguished Professor in the Pamplin College of Business, is an expert on privacy and surveillance pricing — a growing practice where businesses use consumer behavior, market trends, competitor prices, and real-time data to tailor costs to each individual. More here.

Curious Conversations Podcast: 3D Printing

Professor Chris Williams joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the evolution and significance of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing. He explained the differences between additive and subtractive manufacturing, the various materials used, and the advantages of this technology. He also shared some of the ongoing additive manufacturing projects he and his colleagues are working on. 

Research Highlights

Researchers investigate why memory circuits break down in Alzheimer’s disease

One of the first parts of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease is the entorhinal cortex — a region that plays a big role in memory, spatial navigation, and the brain’s internal mapping system. Now, thanks to support from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Alzheimer’s and Related Diseases Research Award Fund, Virginia Tech scientists Sharon Swanger and Shannon Farris are working to understand why this area is especially vulnerable. More here.

Conference spotlights SWVA as a hub for advanced manufacturing

Virginia Tech is becoming a global destination for cutting-edge additive manufacturing and advanced materials solutions, from 3D metal printing to robotics to digital twin modeling. As national calls for reshoring manufacturing grow louder, the university is primed to partner with SWVA’s unique assets — including advanced research labs, industry expertise, and strong community partnerships — to strengthen the U.S. supply chain and accelerate the transition to next-generation, sustainable production methods. On Sept. 15–17, leaders from across the country will converge in Blacksburg for the Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials (AM²) Hub Conference and the Future Manufacturing Workforce Workshop at The Inn at Virginia Tech for sessions. Media-friendly conference events will include tours of some of Virginia Tech’s 19 state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing labs. More here.

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