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Real World Research Expertise

Real World Research Expertise

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Every day regional, national, and global media are tapping into Virginia Tech expertise to help make sense of the world.

By sharing their insights, Virginia Tech researchers are helping you better understand today and how to prepare for tomorrow.

Research Expertise

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    a pile of gifts surrounded by ornaments and pine cones
    The right way to ship holiday gifts, according to a packaging expert , article

    If your gift can’t survive a 12-inch drop, it’s not ready to ship. That’s a test Virginia Tech packaging expert Laszlo Horvath, director of the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design, wishes everyone would use before sealing a box. Horvath says a few smart decisions, starting with that one-foot-drop rule, can mean the difference between a smooth arrival and a broken surprise.

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    multi-colored lights
    Holiday lighting recommendations from an energy efficiency expert , article

    Whether they’re hanging a single string of fairy lights or enough blinking bulbs to be visible from the North Pole, two-thirds of Americans decorate their homes with holiday lights. It’s festive, yes — but even a modest display can add to soaring electricity bills. So what does an electrical engineer who’s an expert in energy efficiency recommend for saving energy and money this holiday season?

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    An assortment of holiday cookies
    Realistic ways to maintain health habits during the holidays , article

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    A senior dog laying together with a cat in front of a lighted tree and presents
    How to navigate 'anticipatory grief' for aging pets this holiday , article

    It can be challenging to navigate the holidays when thinking about aging pets or missing those we've lost. Veterinary social worker Augusta O’Reilly from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine offers guidance on coping with anticipatory grief and establishing new traditions that honor the memory of beloved companions.

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    Teen girl in bedroom on landline phone.
    Experts: Why landlines make sense for parents in digital age , article

    If you have a child, chances are you’ve already been asked, “When can I have a cellphone?” For many kids, a smartphone is at the top of their Christmas wishlist. But a growing number of parents are putting something more old-fashioned under the tree this year: a landline. Virginia Tech child psychology and development experts say this trend is a positive shift, explaining its benefits, potential drawbacks, and other ways parents can manage their child’s use of smartphone technology.

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    Table with turkey in the center, wine glasses, and other holiday food items.
    Budget for your holiday meal with these chef-approved tips , article

    In homes around the world, food is often the centerpiece of any holiday celebration. Yet, like many other aspects of the holidays, cooking the meal can be stressful. According to Dave Yanisko, a culinary expert in the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech, budgeting can ease the stress of planning and preparing meals.

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