Science and Technology Notes

WV STeP provides nonpartisan research information in Science and Technology Notes. These notes are intended only for informational purposes and do not indicate support or opposition to a particular bill or policy approach. S&T Notes produced by the West Virginia University Bridge Initiative, our predecessor, can be viewed here.

Economic Development

Inside a large greenhouse, rows of strawberry plants with green leaves and red strawberries growing on them.

Hydroponic Farming in West Virginia

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Two construction workers wearing yellow helmets and safety gear working on a scaffolding near a large, rusty vertical pipe at a construction site, with metal pipes and a modern building in the background.

PACE Funding in West Virginia

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Data center server racks branded with ImglX logos, containing network and storage equipment, in a well-lit, organized server room.

Data Centers in West Virginia

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Education & Youth Services

Overhead view of a wooden table with lunch trays, fast food items including fries, a salad, a burger, dipping sauces, and drinks, with people reaching for food.

School Lunch Programs in West Virginia

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A person sitting on the sidewalk in an urban area at dusk, wearing a red knit hat, black jacket, beige pants, and black shoes. They are next to a sign and a small container, with blurred city buildings and people walking in the background.

Unhoused Youth in West Virginia

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Students seated at desks in a classroom listening to a teacher standing in front of a whiteboard.

Chronic Absenteeism in West Virginia Schools

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Energy

Industrial electrical transformer on concrete pad with gray and yellow safety barriers and dark asphalt in foreground, overcast sky background.

Microgrids in West Virginia

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Night view of an industrial factory with illuminated pipes, tanks, and structures under a dark sky with a full moon.

Potential Lithium Production from Natural Gas in West Virginia

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A sunset scene with multiple electrical transmission towers and power lines stretching across the landscape.

West Virginia Electric Utility Regulation

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Environment

A forest scene with tall trees, green foliage, and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

West Virginia Oak Restoration Through Forest Management

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Sun shining through clouds in a sky with soft pastel colors, creating rays of light.

Geoengineering and West Virginia

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Night sky with the Milky Way galaxy, stars, and a silhouette of trees and mountains in the foreground.

Light Pollution in West Virginia

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Forensics & Criminal Justice

Close-up of molecular structures resembling DNA helices coated with small blue and white beads, floating in space against a dark background with scattered white particles.

DNA Use in Law Enforcement

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A wall covered with vintage maps, black and white portraits, illustrations, and old documents, creating a collage of historical and geographical materials.

Genetic Genealogy Services and Law Enforcement

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Health

A newborn baby crying and being cradled by a woman who appears to be the mother in a hospital. The baby is wrapped in a yellow hat and blue medical gown.

Certified Professional Midwives in West Virginia

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A smartphone screen displaying a folder labeled 'Social Media' with app icons for Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X.

Social Media Regulation for West Virginia Teens

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A woman with blonde hair smoking a vaporizer pen, with visible vapor near her face, outdoors with greenery in the background.

Vaping and E-Cigarette Use in West Virginia

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