Systems neuroscientist takes a new approach to uncover neural drivers of mental illness

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:50:00 -0400

A professor with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Michael Halassa is exploring intricate connections in the brain at the new Virginia Tech Patient Research Center at VTC, where he will conduct patient-based research in a clinical setting.

Neuroscientist Anthony-Samuel LaMantia to deliver Hylton Lecture on building the human brain

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:00:38 -0400

Anthony-Samuel LaMantia, a leading neuroscientist with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, will deliver a public lecture at Roanoke College this week exploring how the human brain is built and what happens when that process goes awry.

Brain School: An inside look at how our genes contribute to healthy brain development and what can go wrong

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:47:00 -0500

The public is invited to explore the body’s most complex organ on March 9 at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC.

Rare Disease Day: Virginia Tech researchers tackle uncommon conditions

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:01:00 -0500

From gene mutations to novel therapies, scientists are translating discoveries into meaningful progress for often overlooked patients.

From law and order to genetic disorders

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 07:40:00 -0500

Allyson Herriges spent 10 years as a military police officer before raising children with special needs led her to study neuroscience in Virginia Tech’s Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program. Now, a James R. Carter Sr. Memorial Award is supporting her research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC.

Learning how memories are saved and lost

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500

A fellowship will help Mayd Alsalman, a student in the Translational Biology, Medicine and Health Graduate Program, investigate the neurobiology behind memory disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

'Big Science, Small Pod' podcast: What makes seizures start?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:16:00 -0500

Neurobiologist Matthew Weston explains what happens in the brain during seizures and how his lab is researching their genetic roots to help develop new treatments for children.

Neurons within the brain localize genetic messages using simple rules, study finds

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500

A new eNeuro study from the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute reveals how neurons organize genetic messages that support learning and memory — and what that means for medical conditions.

Brain pathway may fuel both aggression, self-harm

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:15:00 -0500

A new study by Virginia Tech Assistant Professor Sora Shin shows that two behaviors — aggression and self-harm — can arise from a shared biological mechanism in how the brain processes pain, particularly in individuals exposed to early-life trauma.

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

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:09:00 -0400

With support from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Alzheimer’s and Related Diseases Research Award Fund, scientists Sharon Swanger and Shannon Farris will investigate the chemical culprits that contribute to the breakdown of memory circuits.

Summer research fellows showcase studies at annual symposium

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:41:00 -0400

Students in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC’s neuroSURF and cardioSURF programs, as well as students from other summer fellowships, shared posters and competed for prizes at the symposium.

Meike van der Heijden appointed to Dystonia Foundation’s medical and scientific advisory council

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 10:50:00 -0400

Council members are international leaders in dystonia care and research. They review research grants for funding and attend workshops to discuss the most pressing research directions.

Neuroscientist aims to decipher mechanisms that mediate dopamine’s role in brain and behavior

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Ryunosuke Amo will study dopamine system dysfunction and how opioids and other substances contribute to it.

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.

'Big Science, Small Pod' podcast: How does a brain even happen?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:19:00 -0400

Neuroscientist Meike van der Heijden of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC explains how understanding childhood brain development could guide treatments for movement disorders.

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.

Even under stress, male-female pairs had each other’s backs

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:00:13 -0400

In a new study, scientists at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found that coordination in fearful situations looks different in males and females.

Virginia Tech neuroscientists discover mitochondria’s role in shaping memory circuits

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 09:40:00 -0500

Researchers have revealed a critical process that supports the brain cells needed for learning, memory, and social recognition.

New lab explores the genetic and environmental factors related to psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and autism

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Ryan Purcell, an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, deploys advanced technology to investigate cellular and molecular neurodevelopment.

Neuroscientist awarded grant to study serotonin-based modulation to treat seizures

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:37:00 -0400

Sharon Swanger, an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, will use a $200,000 grant from the commonwealth to study how an approved drug impacts a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome.

'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.

Virginia Tech scientist awarded grant to study a debilitating neurological disorder

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Meike van der Heijden, assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, will use the award from the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation to study electrical signals in the brain connected to a movement disorder.

Controlling the precise timing of electrical pulses may offer promise for treating mild traumatic brain injury

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:59:00 -0400

An awkward beat doesn't help on the dance floor, but it could help people who are recovering from mild traumatic brain injury.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute team unpacks genetic mysteries behind childhood epilepsies

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:24:00 -0400

Researchers are exploring how gene variants identified in children with severe epilepsy can have an impact on neurons, leading to abnormal electrical activity in the brain and recurrent seizures.

11th annual Brain School digs into mysteries of the brain, emerging science behind weight-loss drugs

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 10:50:00 -0500

Researchers invite the community to the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute to share in their passion for science during an interactive brain awareness event, including presentations and panel discussion on “The Craving Brain: Food and Drugs.”

Rare Disease Day brings worldwide attention to more than 7,000 rare diseases

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Virginia Tech research into rare diseases — those that individually affect 200,000 or fewer but collectively touch 1 in 10 people in the U.S. — provides hope in identifying, treating, and supporting patients.

A challenge of rare disease: Roanoke woman went undiagnosed for nearly seven decades

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 13:48:00 -0500

Susan Wallace, who thrived in the face of many struggles, was in her late 60s when she was diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome. Then her brother learned research into the rare genetic disorder was taking place within walking distance of his home.

New Fralin Biomedical Research Institute neuroscientist decodes developmental disorders

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Assistant Professor Meike van der Heijden studies the cerebellum, a brain region that supports the development of many behaviors.

M.D./Ph.D. student awarded prestigious NIH fellowship

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 09:36:00 -0500

In a first for Virginia Tech, Katelyn Stebbins received a competitive National Institutes of Health F30 award to fund her remaining neurobiology doctoral program and medical degree.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC scientist identifies a connection in the brain between stress and emotional eating

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 09:13:00 -0500

In a study published in Nature Communications, Assistant Professor Sora Shin describes the role of a molecule in the brain that may be responsible for triggering overconsumption of comfort foods after a threatening event.

Researchers use pioneering new method to unlock brain’s noradrenaline system

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:01:00 -0400

An international team of researchers has provided valuable insights into the brain’s noradrenaline system, which has been a longtime target for medications to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Pioneer of ‘mind-reading’ AI to open Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lecture series in Roanoke

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:03:00 -0400

World-renowned computational neuroscientist Read Montague will share insights into how machine learning is advancing brain research at an unprecedented scale. His talk on Sept. 28 marks the first in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC’s annual Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lecture Series.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC: Growth of an innovator

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:33:00 -0400

Since its founding in 2010, the research institute has become a focal point for biomedical research across Virginia Tech. It now has more than 450 faculty, staff, and students in Roanoke and Washington, D.C., supporting research fueled by $173.7 million in external grants.

Lecture series features experts in addiction research, cardiovascular science, child development, metabolic disease

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:33:00 -0400

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute launches the 12th season of the Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series on Sept. 8.

Scientists discover brain circuit underlying spontaneous synchronized movement of individuals in groups

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:33:00 -0400

Individual fish in schools scatter in unison when a predator is in their midst. Precisely coordinated group movements and immobility during threats have long been observed in insects and mammals. Now, for the first time, a brain pathway has been discovered that enables individual animals to rapidly coordinate a unified response with no rehearsal required.

Virginia Tech scientist identifies narrow opportunity to address a disease connected with autism, schizophrenia

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 06:53:00 -0400

A National Institutes of Health grant will allow a team led by Anthony-Samuel LaMantia, a professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, to further his 20-year deep dive into DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic disorder that is usually diagnosed too late for treatment.

Everyone invited to learn about our ‘electric’ brains at 10th annual Brain School

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 10:50:00 -0500

Neuroscientists with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and the School of Neuroscience will celebrate the amazing brain with their 10th annual Brain School program, “The Electric Brain,” starting at 5 p.m. March 13 at 4 Riverside Circle in Roanoke.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC professor celebrates authoring ‘tour of the human brain’

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 08:35:00 -0500

The seventh edition of “Neuroscience” introduces undergraduate, graduate, and medical students to the field.

Virginia Tech researcher’s discovery may lead to a better understanding of mental health disorders related to stress, anxiety

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:24:00 -0500

By studying zebrafish, Albert Pan and his team found a molecule critical in development of the brain’s stress response. The findings may may lead to new therapies for stress-related disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Virginia Tech scientist uncovers possible neural link between early life trauma and binge-eating disorder

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 11:01:00 -0500

Research led by principal investigator Sora Shin revealed how a pathway in the brain that typically provides signals to stop eating may be altered by early life trauma. Shin is a primary faculty member of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and an assistant professor of human nutrition, foods, and exercise at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

11th season of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute’s Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series launches Sept. 16

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:49:00 -0400

The full slate features 29 experts sharing leading discoveries in cardiovascular science, cancer research, neuroscience, biomedical imaging, addiction, and health behaviors.

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.

Neuroscientists will probe the functional brain circuitry that underlies learned preferences for tasty food

Tue, 24 May 2022 09:49:00 -0400

Sora Shin, an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, will analyze the functional neuronal circuitry in the brain that lead to overconsumption of high-fat foods with new National Institutes of Health funding.

International Precision Neuroscience Conference to explore brain cancer, mental health, neurodegeneration

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 10:04:00 -0400

The biennial conference, hosted by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, is expected to attract neuroscientists, physicians, and trainees from across the world to Roanoke this spring.

Medical student searches for dynamic cellular organelles in molecular memory lab

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 10:47:00 -0500

Working in the lab of Shannon Farris, assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Dinesh Lal undertook the challenge of looking for a specific structure, the Golgi apparatus, inside cells of the brain’s hippocampus.

Rare disease research gives families hope, ‘vital’ to advancing medicine

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:01:00 -0500

Rare diseases afflict 300 million people worldwide. Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC researchers are bridging a gap in scientific knowledge by studying some of the diseases that together add up to a formidable public health challenge. Feb. 28 marks the 14th international Rare Disease Day.

Scientists identify neural disruptions underlying feeding, swallowing disorders in children

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 10:05:00 -0500

In a new study published in Disease Models & Mechanisms, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC scientists led by Anthony-Samuel LaMantia depict the early development of pain-sensing and movement-sensing neurons in the face and throat. The findings reveal a previously unexplored feature of brain and cranial nerve development underlying eating, swallowing, and speech.

Surprising discovery about nature of CASK gene disorders may influence potential treatments

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 07:59:00 -0500

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC scientists determine CASK gene disorder is defined by damage to neurons, not the developmental course of the disease.

Researchers identify behavioral adaptations that may help Antarctic fishes to adapt to warming Southern Ocean

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0500

In a new study published in PLOS ONE, Michael Friedlander and his team at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute describe how Antarctic fishes with and without hemoglobin react to acute thermal stress. The findings characterize species-specific behavioral responses that may help these endemic species withstand the impacts of climate change.

Neuroscientists explore differences in mitochondria of memory cells in the brain with new NIH funding

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 13:00:00 -0500

With a new five-year, $2-million National Institutes of Health grant, Shannon Farris, assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, is mapping out the diverse bioenergetic and molecular characteristics of CA2 neuronal circuits to learn more about how social memories are formed, stored, and forgotten.

Researchers improve method to map brain cell connectivity in zebrafish

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 09:53:00 -0400

The advance could improve understanding of how the human brain functions.

Nature, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC host international Glial Biology in Medicine Conference

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:32:00 -0400

The virtual conference, which took place Oct. 25–26, featured talks on how glial cells develop, age, adapt to injury or disease, and are involved in learning and memory.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC scientists identify beacon molecule that prevents vision, behavioral problems in mice

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 08:44:00 -0400

The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, help decode how these complicated brain circuits form, laying a potential foundation for future research into how these pathways may be coaxed to regenerate.

Researchers identify key brain circuit regulating cocaine addiction, relapse

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 08:09:00 -0400

In new findings published in Neuron, neuroscientists at the University of California San Diego and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC singled out the specific brain circuit that triggers cocaine relapse in mice.

Tenth season of Fralin Biomedical Research Institute’s Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series launches Sept. 3

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 07:36:00 -0400

With topics ranging from addiction, autism, and obesity to 3D silicon brains and the world’s fastest, deepest penetrating camera, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC's Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series features 26 leaders from the frontiers of cardiovascular science, cancer research, neuroscience, biomedical imaging, and health behaviors.

Virginia Tech scientist awarded NIH grant to study CASK-related severe brain disorder

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 08:16:00 -0400

Sarika Srivastava, a research assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, is undertaking a five-year study to investigate the mechanisms of CASK loss-of-function mutation associated epileptic encephalopathy, funded by a $2 million grant.

TBMH graduate student awarded NIH fellowship to study how the CASK gene regulates brain function

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:11:00 -0400

Paras Patel, a Virginia Tech translational biology, medicine, and health graduate student working at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, was awarded a National Institutes of Health grant that will fund his remaining predoctoral research exploring how a rare mutation in the CASK gene causes certain brain regions to deteriorate shortly after birth.

Medical student’s research offers insight into neural changes caused by parasitic infection

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:20:00 -0400

Michael Shlossman, a fourth-year student at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, researched Toxoplasma and its effect on alterations in four areas of the brain. His research focused on dopamine, a neurotransmitter made in the body and used to send messages between nerve cells.

Faculty academies recognize new inductees for outstanding leadership, service

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 10:55:00 -0500

Academies honor the exemplary contributions of faculty members of all classifications in formal service roles or in areas of leadership.

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.

Early career biomedical researcher gets professional boost through NIMH diversity supplement program

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Niesha Savory, a clinical neuroscience and psychology undergraduate student at Virginia Tech who conducts research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has always been fascinated with how the brain works.

Meet a Neuroscientist: Shannon Farris, Ph.D.

In honor of International #WomenInScience day, we'd like to introduce you to one of our faculty members, Dr. Shannon Farris! Her #neuroscience lab studies how the genes in a specific cell type, located in the brain's hippocampus, enable memory storage.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute’s 2021 Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series starts Jan. 29

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 12:33:00 -0500

The seminar series, presented virtually due to the ongoing pandemic, is intended primarily for an academic audience but is open to all members of the Virginia Tech community as well as the public. Events in the program, set for Friday at 11 a.m. of most weeks, offer the expertise of a wide range of scientists exploring frontiers in biomedical research.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC scientists identify an elusive link between seizures, cell signaling protein

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 08:53:00 -0500

A team of Virginia Tech scientists identified a new link between seizures and deficits in connexin 36, a protein essential to the development of electrical synapses connecting neurons. The discovery, published Jan. 11 in Frontiers of Molecular Neuroscience, found that this interaction may make the brain more prone to having seizures.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute scientists uncover mechanisms that wire the brain’s cerebral cortex

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 11:48:00 -0500

A research team led by Michael Fox, a professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has identified the type of brain cell that produces collagen 19, a protein that is crucial for the formation of inhibitory circuits in the brain.

Forbes names graduate student at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC to list of '30 under 30' to watch

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 11:01:00 -0500

Ubadah Sabbagh, a fifth-year student in Virginia Tech’s Translational Biology, Medicine and Health program, is included in Forbes Magazine’s 2020 list of 30 young innovators in science with potential to make it big.

Undergraduate Scientist Awarded National Institute of Mental Health Research Supplement

Niesha Savory, an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech working in the Farris Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research at VTC, was recently awarded a Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research from the National Institute of Mental Health. She studies memory and learning in the lab of Shannon Farris, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the research institute in Roanoke. She previously completed a competitive neuroSURF Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in 2019, and Savory aspires to pursue graduate studies in medicine and biomedical research after graduation.

Graduate student receives highly competitive NIH award to fuse immunology and neuroscience research

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 12:11:00 -0400

Gabriela Carrillo, a Virginia Tech translational biology, medicine, and health (TBMH) doctoral candidate, has been awarded a six-year $445,000 National Institutes of Health award that will fund her remaining TBMH predoctoral research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, as well as her postdoctoral research.

Swallowing difficulties in children with developmental disorders may be due to misfiring brain cells

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 13:19:00 -0400

Problems ingesting, chewing, or swallowing food occur in up to 80 percent of children with developmental disorders and can lead to food aspiration, choking, or life-threatening respiratory infections.

Scientists identify how a nonfunctioning CASK gene creates chaos in the brain

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:36:00 -0400

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute scientists have revealed how a nonfunctioning version of an ordinary gene impairs brain structure and function. The findings help explain a genetic form of microcephaly — a condition where babies’ heads are small and grow more slowly than their peers' heads.

Scientists discover cellular structure of poorly understood visual brain region

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 11:10:00 -0400

The brain’s ventral lateral geniculate nucleus receives signals from the eye, but it is not associated with classical image-forming. In a new study, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC neuroscientists reveal newly identified brain cell subtypes unique to this region that form a striking layered formation.

Acclaimed neuroscientist to head Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC's Center for Neurobiology Research

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:22:00 -0400

Anthony-Samuel LaMantia, a developmental neurobiologist and a professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has been named the new director of the institute’s Center for Neurobiology Research, according to Michael Friedlander, executive director of the research institute and Virginia Tech vice president for health sciences and technology.

Michael A. Fox named new director of Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:11:00 -0400

Fox, director of the Center for Neurobiology Research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, will move from his current leadership position into a new role as director of the School of Neuroscience, taking over a position held by founding director Harald Sontheimer.

New Fralin Biomedical Research Institute neuroscientist studies long-lasting impacts of stress

Wed, 13 May 2020 13:28:00 -0400

Sora Shin, a new assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, studies how stress can induce psychiatric disorders. She hopes to develop new targeted therapeutics to help patients with mental illness.

Virginia Tech scientists link rare medical condition to its cause

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 10:51:00 -0400

Using CRISPR genome editing in zebrafish, scientists with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC linked an undiagnosed human disease with a rare genetic mutation that causes craniofacial abnormalities.

New study shows how common parasitic infection can cause seizures and psychiatric illness for some

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 13:01:00 -0400

Forty million Americans are infected with a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. New research by scientists at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC describes how brain circuits change as the parasite finds long-term shelter inside brain cells.

Neuroscientists show how common parasitic infection causes seizures and psychiatric illness for some

Forty million Americans are infected with a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. For most patients, the infection is mild, while others develop seizures or psychiatric disorders. A new study led by Michael Fox at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute describes how brain circuits change as the parasite finds long-term shelter inside brain cells. The study’s first author and doctoral candidate, Gabriela Carrillo, explains this discovery.

Fralin Biomedical researchers shed light on how to protect optic nerve from genetic harm

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:10:00 -0400

Virginia Tech scientists at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute have developed a new insight about the most common form of inherited childhood blindness known as optic nerve hypoplasia.

Doctoral student named Society for Neuroscience Policy ambassador

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:36:00 -0500

Ubadah Sabbagh, a doctoral candidate in Virginia Tech’s translational biology, medicine, and health program who conducts research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has been selected as one of 10 members of the Society for Neuroscience to participate in the Society’s annual Capitol Hill Day on Thursday.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute scientists shed light on surprising visual development patterns

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 15:15:00 -0500

The discovery shows for the first time that retinal cells recruit astrocytes to facilitate growth in visual processing brain regions.

Virginia Tech faculty receive top honors from the American Association for the Advancement of Science

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0500

Elected by their peers and representing a broad range of AAAS “sections,” including statistics, neuroscience, engineering, psychology, and geology/geography, the Virginia Tech professors are among 443 newly elected scholars.

Zebrafish study reveals developmental mechanisms of eye movement

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 15:31:00 -0500

Zebrafish research is a promising way to understand the neural and genetic causes of eye movement problems in people, according to multi-university research led by Albert Pan of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC.

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

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute scientist earns grant to examine ‘catastrophic’ seizure disorder

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 10:21:00 -0400

Sharon Swanger, an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has won a $150,000 Dravet Syndrome Foundation research grant.

Graduate student earns prestigious NIH award to map unexplored brain region, study optic nerve regeneration

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 10:15:00 -0400

Ubadah Sabbagh, a Virginia Tech translational biology, medicine, and health (TBMH) graduate student, has won a National Institutes of Health award that will fund his remaining TBMH predoctoral research and his future postdoctoral research. The award supports outstanding graduate students of underrepresented backgrounds in neuroscience research.

Graduate student in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health program receives prestigious Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Ben Barres Fellowship

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 12:32:00 -0400

Ubadah Sabbagh, a Virginia Tech translational biology, medicine, and health graduate student working at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, won the award as the most distinguished graduate student.

Virginia Tech graduate students selected to join competitive Society for Neuroscience program

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 11:24:00 -0400

Amnah Eltahir and Alyssa Brunal-Brown, Virginia Tech graduate students at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, were accepted into the Society for Neuroscience’s fellowship and associate programs, respectively.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute neuroscientist awarded NIH grant to study brain cell receptors involved in epilepsy

Thu, 30 May 2019 12:12:00 -0400

Sharon Swanger, an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC’s Center for Neurobiology Research, was recently awarded a $1.7 million grant through the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to study glutamate receptor modulation.

Medical student’s Fralin Biomedical research contributes to visual system understanding

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 09:57:00 -0500

Gail Stanton has her sights set on residency in radiology. Her research on the visual system as both an undergraduate and medical student has helped inspire her path to that specialty.

VTCRI summer undergraduate neuroscience research federally funded for five more years

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0500

A summer pilot program for undergraduate neuroscience research at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute proved so successful that National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, of the National Institutes of Health, has provided $500,000 of funding for another five years.

Graduate student recognized with professional development award by Society for Neuroscience

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 09:30:00 -0500

The award promotes the advancement of career training for neuroscientists and includes registration for the recipient to attend the society’s annual meeting.

Research at VTCRI reveals biological mechanism of a leading cause of childhood blindness

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 12:20:00 -0500

The discovery in a rodent model may provide insight into what happens in the visual systems of children born with a condition that prevents the optic nerve from fully developing. The condition is also associated with autism spectrum disorder.

Eminent scholar in developmental neuroscience joins Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Albert Pan moved his laboratory this summer to join VTCRI. He also serves as the Commonwealth Center for Innovative Technology Eminent Research Scholar in Developmental Neuroscience.

Developmental and Translational Neurobiology Center to open at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 00:00:00 -0400

Led by Michael Fox, an associate professor at the institute, the center will enhance existing strengths in cell and molecular neuroscience and create a collaborative community for scientists.

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists find molecular clue in development of schizophrenia

Thu, 02 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0400

Scientists at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have found that a small protein fragment significantly contributes to the brain’s healthy wiring.

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists find brain plasticity assorted into functional networks

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 00:00:00 -0500

Scientists at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have made a key finding of the striking differences in how the brain’s cells can change through experience.

'Brainbow' tagging research reveals surprising data about visual connections in brain

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists examine evidence – gathered from visual circuits – that disputes a widely accepted belief about brain development.

Scientists receive grant to study the leading cause of childhood blindness

Thu, 28 May 2015 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists receive a grant to study the leading cause of childhood blindness: optic nerve hypoplasia.

Research team heads to Antarctic to get icy insight into how brain adapts to temperature change

Thu, 21 May 2015 00:00:00 -0400

Scientists are heading to Antarctica to find out, for the first time, exactly how the rising temperatures are affecting the icefishes’ brains and hearts – and what it means for the rest of the world.

Michael Friedlander’s research continues to be lauded 40 years later

Fri, 27 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0500

The early work of the executive director of the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute helped set the stage for future neuroscience studies.

Seeing trees for the forest: Scientists find new aspects to visual system development

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:00:00 -0400

Seeing is not a direct line; Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists examine the structure of circuits that transmit visual information.

New, surprising roles indicated for critical neurodevelopmental agents

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Researchers from the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute recently got a surprise after performing what they assumed to be a routine experiment in neurodevelopment. It was thought that taking away the receptors for an important glycoprotein called Reelin would hinder a developing brain the same way as taking away Reelin itself. The results, however, revealed major differences, indicating that both Reelin and its receptors have more roles than anyone knew.

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