NEWS
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
New Study Links Popular Vape Flavorings to Increased Nicotine Reward
A study led by Marshall University researchers reveals that flavor additives commonly used in e-cigarettes may increase the likelihood of vaping behavior in adolescents— even in the absence of nicotine. Published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, the preclinical study found that certain popular flavorings, including vanilla and cherry, can drive reinforcement-related behaviors similar to those associated with nicotine exposure.
“ These findings are significant because they demonstrate that some electronic nicotine delivery systems flavors can modulate the brain’ s dopamine system— specifically in the nucleus accumbens, a key reward center— even without nicotine present,” said Brandon J. Henderson, PhD, lead investigator and associate professor of biomedical sciences for Marshall’ s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.“ This raises important questions about the potential for addiction-like behaviors in adolescents who use flavored vape products marketed as nicotine-free.”
Image: Henderson and vape study research team
Marshall University Joins National Study on Hepatitis C Treatment in Pregnant Women
Marshall medical school researchers have joined a team of scientists across the U. S. to study the safety, tolerability, and outcomes of Sofosbuvir / Velpatasvir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus( HCV) during pregnancy. The study aligns with the World Health Organization’ s goal to eliminate hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030.
“ As a community with a significant HCV burden, we aim to provide effective treatment for mothers and prevent transmission to their newborns,” said Todd Davies, PhD, associate professor for the School of Medicine.“ One patient at a time, we hope to gradually reduce the spread of this disease and work toward its eradication over time.”
Marshall Medical Student Granted Fulbright U. S. Student Award
Katherine Germann, a student at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, has received a Fulbright U. S. Student Program award from the U. S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Germann currently serves in the U. S. Navy while pursuing her Doctor of Medicine degree. She has been awarded a Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowship in Public Health and will conduct research in Peru during the 2025 – 26 academic year. Her research will focus on enhancing surveillance of respiratory infections by utilizing artificial intelligence technologies to streamline data mining and analysis, ultimately supporting stronger public health responses in the region.
Image: Katherine Germann
Hannah Turner: On the Path to PhD
Hannah Turner, a first-generation college student from Matewan, West Virginia, is blazing a trail as the first student to enter the
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