Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is exciting to see scientists at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute focus on some of the world’s leading health challenges, including brain disorders, heart disease, and cancer. We, along with our staff and students, especially love to share our work with area residents at our many public events, including the Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lectures and our annual Brain School.
In that spirit, as part of the global Brain Awareness activities in March, 11 of our graduate students and two medical students who work in the research institute's labs visited six different high schools in the Roanoke Valley to talk about their scientific journeys. They reached over 400 students.
These interactions are just one way in which we promote “Trust in Science,” which also happened to be the subject of a Research!America panel discussion we recently participated in at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Many members of the scientific community are concerned about a decline in the public’s trust, even though surveys show strong support for scientific research and innovation.
During that panel discussion, the importance of reminding people about the scientific process emerged. The process can be confusing to the unacquainted. Scientists develop hypotheses and then attempt to falsify them, in order to move on to refine and improve ideas. Along the way, bits of information may get picked up and amplified by the media before there is scientific consensus and validation – and that can be a source of misunderstanding.
We at the research institute try to avoid those misunderstandings by not publicizing discoveries without peer review, validation, or context. All of us, including students, faculty and staff, are committed to serving as honest brokers on behalf of the value of biomedical research for the betterment of the health of all. And we look forward to seeing you at our events, which we have held since we opened in 2010.
Yours truly in the spirit of Ut Prosim,
Michael J. Friedlander, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
Vice President for Health Sciences and Technology, Virginia Tech
Senior Dean for Research, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
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Virginia Tech leaders explore issues of trust in science during high profile Research!America panel discussion
Michael Friedlander and Heywood Fralin received awards of distinction from the Arlington-based advocacy organization. Read Story
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Researchers associate early life stress with pro-inflammatory processes later in life during pregnancy
Sharon Ramey and co-investigators find that women who experienced high stress during childhood and adolescence may be preset for inflammation during maternity. Read Story
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Researchers hope to uncover the science behind why ultra-processed foods are so rewarding
A new grant will help Alexandra DiFeliceantonio uncover the allure of highly processed foods at the neurological level. Read More
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NIH grant will advance LaMantia's 20-year deep dive into DiGeorge syndrome
The Virginia Tech scientist has identified a narrow opportunity to address a disease that causes autism and schizophrenia. Read More
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Brain School 2023 showcased the electric brain
The annual program hosted by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute included brain-healthy foods, hands-on exploration and lightning lectures from researchers. Watch Video
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Stories about a Pittsburgh family that benefited from therapy at the Neuromotor Research Clinic brought significant media coverage of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute recently, followed by research into ultra-processed foods.
- The Neuromotor Research Clinic was featured widely in stories about two sisters facing a rare genetic disorder, including reports in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, WVTF's Radio IQ, Fox5 Atlanta, and more than 40 CBS stations across the country.
- Stephanie DeLuca was also interviewed by Univision Arizona about a family that visited the research clinic for therapy.
- Salon and WIRED magazines interviewed Alexandra DiFeliceantonio about her research into ultra-processed foods and their effect on the brain.
- National Geographic highlighted research by Joseph Hoyt and Carla Finkielstein about COVID in wildlife.
- Jeff Stein's efforts to recruit more participants for a study on remote management of Type 2 diabetes was featured on WDBJ TV in Roanoke.
- WDBJ TV also previewed Brain School, a community event hosted by the research center to spread awareness of neuroscience.
- In recognition of Rare Disease Day, The Roanoke Star and WSLS TV featured the institute's rare-disease research, and Michael Friedlander wrote an op-ed that appeared in The Roanoke Times.
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Here's how you can support the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute's mission:
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