By Hunter Grove, Jacob Jenkins and Timothy Kwon, science and technology reporters
In this episode of The News Feed NRV Podcast, Hunter Grove, Jacob Jenkins and Timothy Kwon discuss Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed mission around the Moon in more than 50 years, and why it marks a major step in the future of human space exploration. Featuring insight from Virginia Tech aerospace and ocean engineering professor Dr. Samantha Parry Kenyon, the podcast looks at the mission’s significance, its technology, and how it may shape future lunar and Mars missions.
In this special Talk Show Edition of The News Feed, an exploration into the increasing use of technology and its impact on mental well-being and quality of life, with a specific focus on students.
by Owyn Dawyot, Josie Sellers, Sarah Schrader, and Hayden McNeal. Health & Wellness Beat
Along with his research team, Dr. Mike Zhang has been working on a vaccine to help prevent opioid addiction. Stemming from his work with nicotine addiction vaccines, Dr. Zhang believes this might help kick addictions or future addictions to opioids.
By Jacob Jenkins, Timothy Kwon & Hunter Grove, science & technology reporters
A mix of man-made and natural impacts has caused the Chesapeake Bay to sink. New research has discovered that although changes may not be much to the eye, they have dramatic impacts for the region. We sit with Virginia Tech Geosciences faculty Sarah Stamps as she discusses her research tools, experience, and input on the matter.
The emergence of Artificial intelligence has rapidly changed the way people communicate, work, and consume information. While it has its benefits, AI has also begun transforming the world of fraud. From voice-cloning technology used in phone calls to hyper-realistic phishing messages, scammers are now using AI to make their scams more convincing than ever before. As these technologies become cheaper and more accessible, the scams behind them are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect.
Fraud tied to everyday online AI or telephone scams is rising quickly, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting $470 million in losses from text-based scams in 2024 alone. At the same time, AI-driven job scams are surging as well, with losses climbing into the hundreds of millions, according to the FTC. These scammers typically target those with little technological experience, like the elderly, making the scams even more effective. Since AI significantly improves the realism of messages, voices, and online identities, it’s become increasingly difficult for those who are more technologically unadvanced to keep up and tell the difference.
As technology evolves, so must our awareness of it, because in a world shaped by AI, seeing and hearing are no longer really believing.
Marijuana use is becoming more widespread, especially among younger Americans. A 2024 study found that usage in the United States has increased by 65.2% over the past 10 years. With many members of Generation Z opting for marijuana over alcohol, that figure may continue to rise.
With more people using the drug, it is important to understand both its benefits and risks. Marijuana has several potential positives, including reducing anxiety, stimulating the appetite of chemotherapy patients, and helping treat seizures. However, there are downsides as well, such as an increase in people developing cannabis use disorder and more marijuana-related traffic accidents.
Virginia Tech’s Prototyping Studio gives students access to tools like 3D printers and fabrication equipment to turn ideas into real projects. This story looks at how the space supports creativity, experimentation, and hands-on learning across campus.
Just as Blacksburg began to see warmer temperatures, it was hit with a wintry mix. St. Patrick’s Day saw freezing temperatures and even light snowfall. Locals are confused by the varying weather, which does not fit common expectations for springtime.
Since the exponential growth of data centers in Northern Virginia and newly proposed complexes in Roanoke and Wythe County, The New River Valley, Blacksburg, and the rest of Southwestern Virginia might be next due to its available land, power capacity, and location near Virginia Tech.
Since 2016, Virginia Tech turfgrass researchers have been studying “Bluemuda”, a grass seeding system meant to keep grass green all year. While it shows promise, managers say it can be tricky to maintain in practice.
