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Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States but a Virginia Tech expert says steps can be taken to reduce high crash rates for new drivers, an important message during this week’s National Teen Driver Safety Week.

The intensity of the deadly wildfires in Northern California can be attributed, in part, to a lack of controlled fires, which can help thin the forest and reduce the amount of fuel for a fire, says a Virginia Tech expert who researches the impacts of wildland fire on ecosystem processes.

Unusually dry conditions in August and September have set up what is potentially the most disappointing season for fall color in many years. Virginia Tech tree physiology expert John Seiler says he’s not encouraged about the outlook for a brilliant autumn season this year.

Reports that Russia purchased Facebook ads and used Twitter bots to influence the 2016 election paints a picture of interference, says a Virginia Tech expert whose research focuses on the intersection of political participation and digital media.

As recovery efforts continue for the devastated island of Puerto Rico, Virginia Tech expert Marc Fialkoff says that “relaxing the Jones Act would provide humanitarian support and provide economic relief for those on the island, given that shipping and air are the primary modes for transporting goods to the island.”

Detecting and preventing data breach requires a broad range of security mechanisms, strong commitment from leaders, and continuous effort from everyone involved, says Virginia Tech cybersecurity expert.

Virginia Tech President Tim Sands will deliver his second State of the University Address on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. Doors will open at 3:00 in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theater, located within the Moss Arts Center’s Street and Davis Performance Hall. A student performance will precede the address and a community reception will follow.

A Virginia Tech financial planning expert, while encouraging most savers to leave retirement accounts alone, says disaster recovery withdrawals may be a reasonable exception.

Large-scale evacuations during severe storms like Hurricane Irma cause ripple effects that clog and stall transportation and communications infrastructure, says a Virginia Tech expert.

Vehicle automation is quickly becoming a reality and regulations must be put in place to ensure safe mobility and quality of life, says a Virginia Tech expert.

The Trump administration's decision to end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), fails to fit into a broader policy platform, says a Virginia Tech expert whose recent research focuses on critiques of immigration and border policies.

“If the U.S. demands North Korea begin dismantling its arsenal in exchange for talks then North Korea has little incentive to negotiate,” says Paul Avey who teaches courses in national security, strategy, and world politics. “On the other hand, if the two sides and other key regional actors can enter talks, potential solutions continue to exist."

As recovery efforts continue in the days following Hurricane Harvey, Virginia Tech expert Madeleine Flint says “When flooding occurs the foundation of infrastructure becomes vulnerable to erosion, which can lead to its collapse.”

Young children may have less difficulty coping with the storm due to their inability to fully comprehend what has taken place. One predictor of how well they will do is often based on how well parents do.

“It is difficult if not impossible to gain community trust when communities are treated like enemies under occupation,” said Wornie Reed, director of Virginia Tech’s Race and Social Policy Center. “Military-style equipment is rarely needed for public safety.”

“The danger with confirmation bias is that it allows us to easily dismiss facts, because there are always alternative facts to confirm a bias,” says Hull, whose research is focused on helping leaders and organizations achieve more sustainable futures. “So If someone presents a counter argument, it is in our nature to dismiss it as fake news. At this Trump is a master.”