News

Human genome. Concept art. (Getty Images)

Study identifies 579 genetic locations linked to anti-social behavior, alcohol use, opioid addiction and more

Aug. 26, 2021

The study, published today in the journal Nature Neuroscience, is one of the largest genome-wide association studies ever conducted.

In a new study to be published in the journal Motivation Science, 1,500 participants across six experiments were given the opportunity to repeatedly choose between a small amount of immediate retaliatory aggression or a larger amount of delayed revenge. Across the experiments, the researchers found a clear and consistent preference for immediate revenge. (Getty Images)

Is revenge a dish best served cold? For most, ‘hot and ready’ is preferable, VCU study finds

Aug. 5, 2021

Across six experiments involving 1,500 participants, researchers found a clear and consistent preference for immediate revenge.

A new study led by VCU and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU researchers found that meals selected by students at six Title I elementary schools met most federal nutrient recommendations. But it also found that fewer children met recommendations for intake of total calories, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber. (Getty Images)

Analysis of school lunches suggests federal nutrition standards should be maintained, or strengthened

July 15, 2021

A new study led by VCU researchers examined nutrient composition of what children chose and what they actually ate through the National School Lunch Program.

The Primary Care Psychology Training Collaborative embeds clinical psychology doctoral trainees from VCU in health safety net clinics in Richmond. (Courtesy photo)

$1.4M grant will support free behavioral health services to underserved youth

July 6, 2021

The grant will expand VCU’s Primary Care Psychology Training Collaborative with a focus on rural and low-income minority youth and their families.

Once fully funded, the Dorothy Fillmore Scholarship — named for a longtime VCU employee and diversity and inclusion champion — will be awarded to full-time, degree-seeking students actively engaged with the LGBTQIA+ community. (Getty Images)

New scholarship will support students and honor a longtime LGBTQIA+ champion

June 23, 2021

The Dorothy Fillmore Scholarship will help VCU students actively engaged with the LGBTQIA+ community who face housing instability, food insecurity, tuition issues or other financial hurdles.

A new study by VCU researchers finds that behaviors directly under our control — such as diet, how physically active or sedentary we are, and how much time we spend watching TV, reading, on the internet, and on social media — are associated with sleep health across the lifespan. (Getty Images)

Want better sleep? Less fast food and screen time, and more physical activity may be key.

June 22, 2021

A new study led by VCU researchers sheds light on lifestyle factors associated with healthy and unhealthy sleep.

New research from Mount Holyoke College and Virginia Commonwealth University finds that people with a history of adverse childhood experiences were more likely to bear a heavier burden during the pandemic’s initial surge. (Getty Images)

What was COVID-19’s impact on mental health, well-being and substance use early in the pandemic?

June 2, 2021

Research shows that those with a history of adverse childhood experiences were more likely to bear a heavier burden during the pandemic’s initial surge.

The development of an accurate teacher-report measure would support schools’ efforts to implement evidence-based programs for children at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders in elementary schools. (Getty Images)

$2M grant to support programs for elementary school students at risk of social, behavioral, and emotional problems

May 28, 2021

The award, from the Institute of Education Sciences, will fund a four-year project co-led by researchers from VCU and the University of Minnesota.

Joseph Porter taught "tens of thousands of VCU students" in a nearly five-decade career at the university. (Julia Rendleman, University Marketing)

Joseph Porter, a ‘dedicated scientist’ and psychology professor, retires after 46 years

May 19, 2021

He built his first lab at VCU with his own hands and taught thousands of students at the university. And his research broke ground in the understanding of antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs.

Michael Southam-Gerow in the Department of Psychology at VCU, says it’s perfectly normal to experience stress as society opens back up, and he offers a few strategies anyone can use to help manage it. (Getty Images)

The transition out of COVID may be stressful, too

May 17, 2021

We might experience stress and anxiety as society gradually opens back up and we reemerge from our bubbles. VCU psychology professor Michael Southam-Gerow says there are ways to cope.