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Though a lot was not known immediately about the cause of the deadly collapse of a high-rise residential building in Surfside, Florida on June 24, Hota GangaRao, a civil and environmental engineering professor at West Virginia University’s Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, has identified three possible contributing factors: quality of construction, subsidence and corrosion.

Prepare to say hello to cleaner windshields and goodbye to a distinct, deafening buzzing sound – for four years, at least. Brood X (“ten”), the noisy batch of cicadas running rampant throughout the East Coast and Midwest, will be departing over the next couple of weeks.

Five years after devastating flooding in central and southeastern West Virginia that claimed 23 lives, a project from Jamie Shinn, an assistant professor of geography in West Virginia University’s Department of Geology and Geography, highlights the ongoing effects of the storms coupled with COVID-19.

Bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators play a crucial role in growing our state’s food crops. But, Sheldon Owen, West Virginia University Extension Service associate professor and wildlife specialist, reminds us that populations of these important insects have declined across the nation and need to be protected. As part of National Pollinator Week (June 21-27), Owen challenges residents to learn more about the pollinators found in West Virginia and their important role in nature. Owen provides helpful information about insect pollinators and how people can help sustain their populations.

Few people regularly consider the history of the land where they do their grocery shopping, get gas or pick up dinner. What came before, though, serves as inspiration for Michael Sherwin, an associate professor of art in West Virginia University’s School of Art and Design, whose new book, Vanishing Points,” is due to be released on July 6.

The United States Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, should not come as a total surprise despite the conservative efforts to invalidate the law, according to West Virginia University policy and law experts.

Drought conditions in a number of states west of the Mississippi River point to widespread problems across the U.S. as water use is restricted, affecting farmers and the food supply chain, as well as economic supply chains that support the country’s economy, according to West Virginia University experts.

West Virginia University and DataRobot will host a news conference Wednesday, June 9 to announce a partnership to create economic development opportunities.

As Gen Zers consider what their futures hold in a post-pandemic world, the majority of high school students who are considering college now value affordability, community and an immediate career path over the student experience – and hundreds are earning credits toward their degree by taking college-level coursework through the West Virginia University High School ACCESS program.

As a sweeping federal infrastructure plan looks to tap into enhancing the nation’s water systems - from drinking water to wastewater to water reclamation projects, West Virginia University scientists agree that access and quality remain a most pressing need for rural communities.