Can obesity make the brain age faster?

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:40:00 -0400

New research examines whether obesity accelerates memory loss — and whether the two conditions share the same molecular cause.

Fear memories form differently in male and female brains, study finds

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:33:00 -0400

The discovery could help explain why women are more likely to develop PTSD and may shape future treatments.

Veterinary neurosurgeon John Rossmeisl earns National Academy of Inventors recognition

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:51:00 -0400

Dogs and humans are the only mammals that commonly develop spontaneous brain tumors. John Rossmeisl has spent nearly three decades turning that coincidence into 21 patents — and treatments headed for human clinical trials.

A new spin on ADHD treatment

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:42:00 -0500

Researchers are studying how DJing and hip-hop music production could help improve ADHD symptoms in young adults through creative, non-drug therapy.

How hair-thin brain fibers could help treat Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:45:00 -0500

For more than a decade, Xiaoting Jia, an electrical and computer engineering professor at Virginia Tech, has been developing neural implant fibers — hair-thin, flexible tubes through which she can run electronics and deliver drug therapy to treat those devastating neurological conditions.

Engineering Explained: Neural implants

Can Alzheimer’s be reversed? What are fiber-based implants and how are they made? How could understanding the brain’s neural engineering shape our future? Xiaoting Jia, a professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, develops fiber-based neural implants that could help scientists better understand the brain’s circuitry. From exploring the potential to restore memory to advancing treatments for Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease, her work pushes the boundaries of engineering and human health through advanced manufacturing and interdisciplinary collaboration. Want to learn more? Visit here: https://ece.vt.edu/people/profile/jiax.html

Scientists find ways to boost memory in aging brains

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:43:00 -0400

In two separate studies, Virginia Tech researchers identified age-related molecular changes in the brain and adjusted them to improve memory.

'Curious Conversations' podcast: Julia Basso talks about mind-body movement

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:42:00 -0400

Basso talked about her research at the intersection of mind-body movement and neuroscience, particularly through the lens of dance. She explained how the Embodied Brain Lab explores the effects of dance on brain function, mental health, and social connections.

Printing brains and inspiring research

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:25:00 -0400

At the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, neuroscience participants leave studies with something remarkable — a 3D-printed replica of their own brains. The models help researchers studying adolescent decision-making and young adult eating habits keep participants engaged in long-term studies.

The biology behind uncontrolled aggression: How does early-life trauma shape brain circuit function?

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:19:00 -0400

Neuroscientist Sora Shin of the Fralin Biomedical Research received a $3.2 million grant to study how child abuse and neglect rewires the brain.

Neuroscientist explores ways to reduce seizures in children

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Matthew Weston, associate professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has received support from Actio Biosciences to study an experimental treatment that could reduce seizures caused by a childhood epilepsy disorder.

Pamela VandeVord named as research and scholarship director at Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:32:00 -0400

VandeVord will further the institute's interdisciplinary work by forging partnerships across disciplinary boundaries and ultimately enhancing research opportunities.

From child brain development research to Capitol Hill advocacy

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:35:00 -0400

Graduate student Blakely Lockhart has been named an Early Career Policy Ambassador by the Society for Neuroscience, the world’s largest organization of brain and nervous system researchers.

Virginia Tech study finds unique brain changes linked to witnessing trauma

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Researchers discovered distinct molecular differences in how the brain processes directly experienced versus witnessed trauma — a finding that could lead to more targeted treatments for PTSD.

Researchers receive $2.17 million grant to study noninvasive treatment for traumatic brain injury symptoms

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:27:00 -0400

Funding from the National Institutes of Health will allow the team to investigate how a technique called cranial osteopathic manual manipulation might affect brain fluid motion and help balance the autonomic nervous system.

Go behind the scenes of brain research at the 12th annual Brain School

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:28:00 -0500

Scientists will present their research through an interactive expo and panel discussion on focused ultrasound when the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC opens its doors for Brain School on March 10.

How your brain learns from rewards might hold the key to treating depression

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:06:00 -0500

In a new study, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute scientists Pearl Chiu and Brooks Casas investigate how brain signals involved in reward learning might help personalize depression treatment.

Words activate hidden brain processes shaping emotions, decisions, and behavior

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 13:53:00 -0500

An international team, led by Virginia Tech scientists, reveals the relationship of activity of neurotransmitters to how humans process the emotional content of language.

'Curious Conversations' podcast: Read Montague talks about brain chemistry and neuroeconomics

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Montague talks about the role of dopamine and serotonin in learning, motivation, memory, mood, and decision-making.

Researchers develop 'organ on a chip' for better drug testing

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:55:00 -0400

$2 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health made it possible to 3D-print synthetic models, which mimic part of the human brain and could replace the use of animals in developing treatments. 

Researching how stroke affects sense of touch

Ph.D. students, Anna Feldbush and Nahid Kalantaryardebily, in Netta Gurari's Robotics and Sensorimotor Control Laboratory are developing a diagnostic system to track how touch stimuli at the fingertip reach the brain. They are learning how stroke affects the nervous system and, in turn, causes movement dysfunction due to lost sensation. This work is supported by the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science at Virginia Tech and National Institutes of Health.

Brain Day encourages students to make healthy decisions

Brain Day is a collaboration between the Virginia Tech Department of Psychology and the Department of Neuroscience. The workshop and demonstrations encourage Pulaski County High School students to learn about substance use prevention with an educational focus.

Virginia Tech researchers discover a new role for a protein that helps form memories

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:58:00 -0500

Researchers in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have discovered a new function for a common protein in the brain. Their findings, published this month in the Journal of Neuroscience, hold promising implications for the treatment of memory loss and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Fundamental understanding of a molecule‘s normal function could inform treatments for a variety of disorders

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:37:00 -0400

A team of investigators in John Chappell’s lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC made a discovery that could inform new therapies.

Study from School of Neuroscience urges more research into sex differences in depression

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:13:00 -0400

Neuroscientists Georgia Hodes and Dawson Kropp propose that future studies go beyond whether there are sex differences — the question researchers have focused on since 2016 — and start asking why there are sex differences and how these differences can help with developing personalized therapeutics.

Eat your vegetables to protect your brain

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 11:04:00 -0400

A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease by a Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine faculty member shows that brain levels of dietary lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and vitamin E in those with Alzheimer’s disease are half those in normal brains. Higher dietary levels of lutein and zeaxanthin have been strongly linked to better cognitive functions and lower risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Seed planted in neurotrauma research consortium hoping to harvest multimillion-dollar grants

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:15:00 -0400

Michelle Theus leads the new consortium for neurotrauma research, which has been awarded a $300,000 seed grant from the Fralin Life Sciences Institute to engage in groundbreaking scientific investigation of traumatic brain injury and its long-term effects.

Fralin Life Sciences Institute initiates long-term seed investments for future centers

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 08:33:00 -0400

Two research teams have been awarded the institute’s first center planning grants. The inaugural effort will provide a significant investment over three years in support of affiliated faculty’s quest to pursue federally funded, prestigious multi-million dollar center or program project grants.

Cancer researchers team up against deadliest brain tumors in children

Experts from Children's National, Virginia Tech, and Columbia University join forces to explore new tactics to fight lethal childhood brain cancer.

Researchers make a new discovery in the regulation of PTSD in the female brain

Post-traumatic stress disorder is more commonly diagnosed in women than in men. Researchers in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have uncovered how a common protein could lead to better therapeutic treatment for females with PTSD.

Neuroscientist to explore how diversity of neurons supports learning and memory in mammals

Fri, 05 May 2023 08:32:00 -0400

With support from the Whitehall Foundation, Daniel English will explore how anatomical differences among neurons of the hippocampus translate to differences in how they support behaviors like episodic memory, the brain’s ability to hold onto sequences of experienced events.

Brain School 2023 at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute

An annual Brain Awareness Week campaign hosted by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC that included brain-healthy foods, hands-on exploration, and short seminars by Virginia Tech brain experts.

Neuroscientists learn why PTSD patients relive highly charged fear memories in sleep

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 10:19:00 -0500

Sujith Vijayan of the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience has led a research team in creating biophysically based models of the sleeping brain to explore at a deeper, mechanistic level how the brain may — or may not, with PTSD — effectively process and extinguish fear memories.

Virginia Tech researchers receive $3.3 million in Department of Defense grants to study deadly virus

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Researchers led by Professor Kylene Kehn-Hall at Virginia Tech’s Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine will study mouse models of how the Eastern equine encephalitis virus changes the brain.

Blasts and gaps: How a biomedical engineering doctoral student is solving gaps in treatment for blast-induced neurotrauma

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 10:35:00 -0400

After enduring head trauma as a teenager and going through a challenging recovery, Carly Norris knew she wanted to help address others with similar issues. Now, through her research in the Traumatic Nerve Technologies Lab, she examines each of the brain’s regions to determine which are more susceptible to blast-induced neurotrauma.

So long, Roanoke; get ready, Denmark, for the 2024 Precision Neuroscience conference

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:37:00 -0400

Researchers, clinicians, and students from four countries recently worked side-by-side for three days in Roanoke, sharing ideas to help the nearly 1 billion people worldwide coping with brain disorders.

Neuroscience’s Michael A. Fox to hold I.D. Wilson Chair in the College of Science

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 09:26:00 -0400

A member of the Virginia Tech faculty since 2012, Fox is a nationally recognized neuroscientist and an expert on understanding how neuronal circuits form in the developing brain.

Biomedical and veterinary sciences Ph.D. candidate receives National Institutes of Health grant

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Jatia Mills said that the majority of the grant will go toward her research on investigating the neuroinflammatory response that occurs because of traumatic brain injury.

How much is too much? Researchers receive grant to study brain cells after trauma

Wed, 25 May 2022 09:32:00 -0400

Researchers Pamela VandeVord and Scott Verbridge of Virginia Tech's Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics will use 3D gels, rather than flat, 2D models, to gain a more precise understanding of how brain cells respond to trauma such as blunt impacts from car crashes or blasts.

Researchers study the connection between dance and autism

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 09:39:00 -0400

Julia Basso and Rachel Rugh embarked on a research project to test a hypothesis that dance stimulates the social elements of the brain, and thus individuals with autism spectrum disorder may feel more connected at both the physical and psychological levels.

Memphis Jookin' at the Embodied Brain Lab

Renowned dancer Lil Buck and others from “Memphis Jookin’: The Show,” visited the Embodied Brain Lab where Julia Basso and her team were able to record their brain activity and body physiology as they performed a variety of choreographed and improvised material. The artists visited the lab following a performance the previous day at the Moss Arts Center.

Shima Shahab receives NSF CAREER Award to develop innovative methods for delivering ultrasound treatments

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 07:53:00 -0400

Shahab, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has worked with her team to develop focused ultrasound as an effective tool for treating issues within the brain.

Scientists to present ninth annual 'Brain School' event for the community to celebrate Brain Awareness Week

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:29:00 -0500

Our brains enable us to understand the world, to build memories, to create, and to feel emotions. They endow us with all the qualities that make us human. Now, for the ninth straight year, Virginia Tech scientists will celebrate the amazing brain with its annual Brain School program, “The Adaptive Brain in Health and Disease,” from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 14.

To sleep, perchance to learn

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 08:02:00 -0500

Sujith Vijayan, an assistant professor in the School Neuroscience, has received a National Science Foundation CAREER award to study whether the brain’s work during sleep can also help people learn tasks associated with brain computer interfaces.

Virginia Tech graduate student receives three awards for research and community outreach

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 10:15:00 -0400

Rachana Deven Somaiya recently received the Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Award from the National Institutes of Health, the Virginia Tech Aspire! Award for student learning, and the 2021-22 Gaskins Graduate Scholarship.

Double major Christine Faunce named 2021 Outstanding Senior for the College of Science

Tue, 11 May 2021 09:04:00 -0400

Faunce, who is earning dual degrees in experimental neuroscience and medicinal chemistry in the College of Science, will pursue a Ph.D. in pharmacology.

Virginia Tech students present at ACC Meeting of the Minds research conference

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 19:45:00 -0400

Virginia Tech students from various programs and disciplines highlight their research and how their work seeks to benefit their communities in solving real-world problems.

Neuroscience’s Michelle Olsen using NIH grant to study one of the final frontiers: the brain

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 11:08:00 -0400

Olsen will study the yet unknown functions of the astrocyte cell as part of a new five-year, $1.6 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute scientists to present virtual Brain School lectures for March’s Brain Awareness Week

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 11:06:00 -0500

Four brain scientists at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC will share extraordinary insights and emerging concepts about the brain in one-hour interactive programs.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC partners with Thermo Fisher Scientific, bringing state-of-the-art imaging equipment to Roanoke lab

The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC’s Fox Laboratory recently received a brand new scanning electron microscope, allowing for unprecedented visualization of cellular architecture with automated 3D reconstructions. The research institute collaborated with Thermo Fisher Scientific to purchase a state-of-the-art Thermo Scientific Volumescope. This equipment will help researchers at the institute continue to work at the frontiers of biomedical discovery to address cancer, neurological and behavioral disorders, and heart disease.

Step Inside the New Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC Expansion in Roanoke

We welcome you to take a virtual tour through the new Fralin Biomedical Research Institute expansion. Michael Friedlander, Ph.D., Virginia Tech’s vice president for health sciences and technology, and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute’s founding executive director, will walk you through each wing, describing some of the latest instrumentation and research projects along the way.

Scientists discover cellular structure of poorly understood visual brain region

The brain’s ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) receives signals from the eye, but it is not associated with classical image-forming. For decades little was known about this brain region’s cellular structure and purpose. In a new study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC neuroscientists reveal newly identified brain cell subtypes unique to this region that form a striking layered formation.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute expansion melds world-class research and sustainable architecture

From its meadow garden green roof to its underground rainwater cistern, the new research expansion located at 4 Riverside Circle in Roanoke is a model for smart green design. The building is currently being evaluated from the U.S. Green Building Council for a LEED Version 4 Rating.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute expansion building moving forward

Take a peek inside the new VTC Biomedical Research Addition, a 139,000-square-foot building slated for a grand opening in fall 2020 at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke. The state-of-the-art facility will be home to at least 25 new teams of Virginia Tech biomedical researchers specializing in cardiovascular research, obesity and metabolism, body-device interfaces, cancer, and more. The building will also feature a green roof, classrooms, wet and dry lab space, offices, and a LINAC particle accelerator to help pets with cancer. Stay tuned for more updates as construction nears completion this spring!

New faculty member links nature, nurture, and early brain development

Brittany Howell, assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, studies how maternal characteristics and behavior impact brain development in infants. Howell will start recruiting new mothers to participate in her lab’s research studies in 2020.

Welcome to the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute

Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC is an exciting place to research, train, and work. Established in 2010, the research institute is doubling in size and is actively recruiting 20-25 new core research teams to join the Virginia Tech Health Sciences Campus in Roanoke, Virginia. For more information about the research institute and employment opportunities, please visit: www.research.vtc.vt.edu

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