Good morning, Blacksburg.

Scientists detected a possible sign of life on exoplanet K2-18b— a planet eight times as massive as Earth— using the James Webb Space Telescope.

A Virginia Tech astrophysicist urged caution, noting that the weak signal of molecules made only by living organisms on Earth means further analysis will be needed.

Local middle school students competed in the National Civics Bee at Roanoke College today in a contest hosted by the Roanoke Regional Chamber — Elliot Catherwood-Ginn won first place and will move on to the state contest on June 7th.

BEAM hosted National Biomechanics Day on April 16 by inviting local high school students to campus for hands-on activities in biomechanics and research—showing how studies of movement can lead to careers in STEM.

The event allowed students to interact with faculty and explore labs that focus on sports medicine, engineering, and recovery practices.

On April 11, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets honored alumnus John G.

Rocovich Jr. ’66 with the Distinguished Alumni of the Corps Award for his service to Virginia Tech as president of the Foundation and Alumni Association boards and as a member of the Board of Visitors. He also co-led a fund drive during the COVID-19 pandemic and played a key role in starting the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (supporting community-focused education).

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a low-pressure treatment—making plant-based packaging stronger while using less energy—so companies can reduce plastic use.

The breakthrough may soon lead to a cost-effective shift to biodegradable packaging.

Sen. Mark Warner met with biotech leaders and university officials in Roanoke on Wednesday to discuss a proposal that would give taxpayers a small rebate on profits from university research (a plan aimed at offsetting steep federal funding cuts to research costs).

The meeting comes as legal challenges continue over proposed reductions in indirect cost rates that could affect funding for major research projects.

Virginia Tech researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute studied a new treatment using milder electrical pulses in mouse models of breast cancer— the treatment increased blood and lymph vessel growth and could help guide immune cells to the tumor.

Future tests will see if combining this method with other therapies can improve cancer treatment.

Bonsai Painting Night at Beliveau Farm Winery

6-8 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — Ticket sales end March 21st, 2025 — Unleash your creativity while sipping wine and painting your own bonsai masterpiece.