A case for science -- and investing in higher ed in W.Va.

Jan. 18—Just in case you question the state's investment in higher education and the role that science can play in the betterment of life here on planet Earth, news broke recently about research at West Virginia University into the use of ultrasound to help people suffering from substance abuse disorder.

Featured on two segments of "60 Minutes" on CBS, Karyn Wallace, director of WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI), and Dr. Ali Rezai explained their research into directing an ultrasound beam to "reset" the area of the brain associated with addiction.

The addiction treatment comes out of a study on the effects of drugs that treat Alzheimer's and other illnesses that are often limited by a blood-brain barrier. In addition to treating drug addiction, the breakthrough discovery at RNI could help move Alzheimer's drugs into the brain quicker by temporarily breaching its protective shield.

As was to be expected, after the airing of the program, RNI has been flooded with calls from around the world expressing interest in the remarkable research and developments happening right here in the Mountain State. Clearly, WVU had a well-deserved day in the sun.

"Since the '60 Minutes' airing Sunday night, the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) has received more than 1,500 inquiries from people in 46 states and five foreign countries," Wallace told MetroNews. "This number continues to grow each day. We are actively triaging the calls based on people interested in being seen clinically, wanting to participate in our research clinical trials, wanting to collaborate on our research, or seeking additional information."

Rezai said that the goal is to make the treatment available to more people, possibly in an out-patient setting.

The treatment for drug addiction?

"You come in, lay down in the MRI, a helmet goes on your head, and the ultrasound beam is delivered to the part of the brain involving addiction, then you get off the table and go home," Rezai said. "Our goal is to work harder, do more research, and get more clinical trials."

In other words, stay tuned. But in a state that leads all others in drug overdose deaths, this clearly deserves two thumbs way up.

Now, our Legislature and governor need to see and embrace the potential and possibilities of a first rate land grant university and prioritize the state's investment in higher education, which has been waning this past decade to dangerously low levels. With renewed enthusiasm and dollars, maybe then the state could better tackle some of the problems out here in the real world that our lawmakers have not found answers for back in their Capitol cocoon. — By J. Damon Cain, editor of The Register-Herald

----Thumbs up to the West Virginia Division of Highways crews who have worked diligently to keep the roads open for the traveling public despite the mounting snow and bitter cold temps of the week's back-to-back winter storms.

Thumbs up also to utility company employees who have confronted the brutal weather conditions to keep the lights and, more importantly, the heat on for residents.

Thumbs up also go to emergency services personnel — law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, towing services, doctors and nurses, among numerous others — who have battled the winter storms to provide protection, aid and comfort to those suffering during Mother Nature's savage winter storms.

Without these selfless service providers — our first line of defense — a great number of residents could still be suffering in the dark and the dangerous cold. — By Mary Catherine Brooks

of The Wyoming County Report

for The Register-Herald.

----Thumbs up to the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce/New River CVB and its employees for presenting a late Christmas gift to the county's Historic Fayette Theater.

Earlier this month at their office in Oak Hill, representatives of the Chamber and CVB presented officers from the theater group with the proceeds from a December gift-wrapping project undertaken by the business group.

According to chamber official Megan Weatherford, the wrapping endeavor resulted in $323 from the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce to be donated to the Historic Fayette Theater.

Chamber representatives wrapped 152 Christmas gifts prior to Christmas 2023, she said. It was the second year of the project. In 2022, funds were donated to the Humane Society, said Weatherford.

Neither organization requested the funds, Weatherford said. "We knew that people were in need for different things," she said.

Any individuals, organizations or businesses wanting to donate to the theater group to help defray operating expenses can visit fayettetheater.com or mail checks to PO Box 448, Fayetteville, WV 25840. — By Cheryl Keenan

of The Fayette County Tribune

for The Register-Herald.