Research into how natural compounds affect cancer cell growth is the focus of a new video released by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s (HEPC) Division of Science and Research.

In a two-minute videoYi Charlie Chen, Dr. Yi “Charlie” Chen specifically describes a natural compound that’s found in fruits and vegetables, kaempferol, that has been found to inhibit cancer cell growth. Chen is a professor of biology at Alderson Broaddus University in West Virginia. The documentary-style video is part of an ongoing series about scientists from around the state.

Dr. Jan Taylor, Director of the Division of Science and Research said, “Scientific research can lead West Virginia into a new economy, and this begins with our colleges and universities. Our hope is that our video series will help people understand the impact of science and technology on modern life in our state.”

A link to the video series can be found on the Division’s homepage, www.wvresearch.org. Videos are available for free for local schools and education programs. For more information, contact the Division of Science and Research at 304-558-4128.

The Division of Science and Research directs the federal EPSCoR program in West Virginia, while also managing other state and federally-funded academic research programs across the state. The program provides strategic leadership for infrastructure advancement and development of competitive research opportunities in STEM disciplines.