Six West Virginia University (WVU) professors have each been awarded $10,000 research grants to study a complex array of shale gas-related issues in the state and across the world. WVU’s National Research Center for Coal and Energy issued the grants as part of its newly launched WVU Shale Gas Network. The professors will study the potential impacts of shale gas drilling, ranging from heart health and water resources, to the chemical industry and policy development. The projects are aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of shale gas exploration and production, developing new methods for shale gas use in chemical manufacturing and finding out more about the industry’s effects on public health. The Appalachian Basin, Asia, South America and Europe will be among the regions of focus.