Heart Researchers (IMAGE) Virginia Tech Caption Patrick Calhoun (left), and mentor James Smyth, an associate professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, conducted first of its kind research applying human adenovirus to induced pluripotent stem cell derived-cardiomyocytes - human skin cells converted to heart cells -- that determined the virus disrupts the electrical system that keeps the heart beating regularly, sometimes causing sudden cardiac death. Credit Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.