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Expert Pitches

WVU expert supports Facebook’s ban of high profile uses for ‘dangerous speech’

According to Elizabeth Cohen, associate professor of communication studies at West Virginia University, Facebook’s analysis of the hate speech expressed by Louis Farrakhan and Alex Jones as dangerous is correct because they have a large following and wield a lot of influence. Banning Farrakhan and Jones “makes a statement,” Cohen said.

WVU researcher says black hole photo confirms long-held suspicions about gravity, light and galaxies

The first photo taken of a black hole underscores the astrophysics research happening at the Center for Gravitational Waves Cosmology at West Virginia University. Associate Professor Sarah Burke Spolaor is part of the WVU team that explores the origins of the universe and the fundamental processes involved in galaxy formation, stellar evolution and star formation through observations with telescopes across the electromagnetic and gravitational wave spectrum.

WVU expert calls new country music a major testament to musicians’ hard work and the role music plays in our everyday lives

American filmmaker Ken Burns will in 2019 release "Country Music," highlighting the history of the genre and chronicling the characters who created it. West Virginia University expert Travis Stimeling says Ken Burns’ 'Country Music' is a major testament to the important work of country musicians and to the role that country music has played in the lives of everyday people throughout the United States.

Alliance of American Football shutdown is a shock

The sudden cease of operations for the Alliance of American Football came as a shock to everyone involved, including sport communication scholars. Jennifer L. Harker., assistant professor at the West Virginia University Reed College of Media, has been researching the AAF since before its inaugural launch in February.

Chambers College fraud experts to speak to congressional watchdog General Accounting Office

In its charge as the investigative, auditing arm of Congress, the U.S. General Accountability Office has reached out to two fraud experts from the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University. Drs. Richard Riley and Scott Fleming will lead discussion with the GAO on Wednesday (April 10), covering issues ranging from fraud topics and trends to what drives people to commit fraud.

WVU public health expert calls on Congress to support study of health impacts of mountaintop removal mining

A West Virginia University expert is scheduled to testify in support of the proposed Appalachian Community Health Act, which calls for scientific studies on the health impacts of mountaintop removal mining. In his testimony prepared for delivery before the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Michael McCawley will discuss previous studies that have found higher rates of disease in MTR areas and exposure assessments that indicate a causal – not just correlative – relationship between MTR air pollution and increased rates of chronic disease.

WVU Extension Service expert offers solutions for farmers dealing with excess mud

After a nearly yearlong battle with unusually wet weather in West Virginia, farmers around the state are now dealing with another troublesome consequence – mud. Once cattle have been turned out to pasture this spring, WVU Extension Service expert Ed Rayburn recommends farmers reseed muddy terrain as quickly as possible. He’s provided some simple suggestions to help our state’s farmers combat the mud and keep their soil as healthy as possible.

Reduce the risk of pesticides by washing produce (but don’t stop eating your veggies)

As the Environmental Working Group releases its “Dirty Dozen” list of fruits and vegetables that are high in pesticide residue, a West Virginia University expert says highest concentration of many pesticides is on the surface of the fruit or vegetable and washing the produce can greatly reduce the risk of exposure to chemicals. Plant pathologist James Kotcon said the risk of eliminating fruits and vegetables from your daily diet is greater than the harm that might be caused from ingesting pesticides.

WVU Extension Service experts offer farmers advice for managing dwindling hay supplies

For many farmers across West Virginia, an abundance of wet weather in 2018 has created concern for a potential shortage of hay, which farmers will use to feed livestock through spring 2019. West Virginia University Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources Specialists Ed Rayburn and Kevin Shaffer have provided a few management options available to help concerned farmers stretch their resources and keep their herds healthy.

Monday’s West Virginia earthquake rare in magnitude, likely a natural occurrence

A rare earthquake between Lewisburg and Beckley Monday (March 4) is only one of 25 that were larger than a magnitude 2.5 in the past 40 years, according to a West Virginia University expert. Because of its depth and location, Monday’s event is likely a natural occurrence unlike earthquakes of a similar magnitude in Braxton County in 2010-2011, said Jaime Toro, professor of geology in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.