Health

The West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute will initiate first-in-the-world clinical research studies thanks to a $2 million supplemental appropriation approved during a recent special session of the West Virginia Legislature. Dr. Ali Rezai, executive chair of the RNI, and WVU President Gordon Gee welcomed Gov. Jim Justice, state lawmakers, and WVU academic and Health System leaders to campus Monday (Oct. 28) to make the official announcement.

Dr. Sally Hodder, director of the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, associate vice president for clinical and translational science at WVU, and Chancellor’s Preeminent Scholar Chair, was elected to the National Academy of Medicine for her accomplishments as an infectious diseases physician and researcher. She is the first person from WVU to be chosen for the National Academy of Medicine.

A decade of innovation, record-breaking research, historic donor support and an unwavering commitment to meet students’ needs for today and tomorrow have positioned West Virginia University for continued strength and success in the future, according to President Gordon Gee in his final State of the University address Monday (Oct. 14).

As cannabidiol products — commonly known as CBD — become more readily available, West Virginia University researchers are working to gain a broader understanding of how the substance influences driving performance and whether the effects differ between men and women.

As cooler temperatures arrive and the landscape changes across the region, West Virginia University health experts and care providers encourage residents to practice prevention to promote health and safety in communities statewide in preparation for respiratory illness season.

Since 1994, Dr. Peter Ngan has guided students at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry through a rigorous residency program to help them build successful specialty careers in orthodontics. After 30 years, alumni are sharing their gratitude for his dedication with gifts totaling more than $900,000 to name the orthodontic clinic in his honor.

West Virginia University scientists are building on their research to alter the immune system by inhibiting a certain enzyme responsible for the progression of pancreatic cancer, one of the most challenging cancers to manage.

With $343,719 in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding, a counseling expert at the West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences will oversee the development of training and other resources to prevent risky behaviors, like sexting and self-harm, among rural youth.

Three promising researchers pursuing doctoral degrees at West Virginia University are receiving a $34,000 stipend, a $2,000 travel grant and a tuition waiver from the Ruby Scholars Graduate Fellows Program, allowing them to continue their research at the University and to aid in their future academic endeavors.

At a time when usage of smartwatches and rings has become more common, a West Virginia University human performance researcher points out heart rate variability — the time between heartbeats — the devices report is different from what would be recorded in a clinical setting.