July 2008

Jul 31, 2008

New Study Shows Compounds From Soy Affect Brain and Reproductive Development

Two hormone-like compounds linked to the consumption of soy-based foods can cause irreversible changes in the structure of the brain, resulting in early-onset puberty and symptoms of advanced menopause in research animals, according to a new study by researchers at North Carolina State University. The study is a breakthrough in determining how these compounds can… 

Jul 30, 2008

NC State Engineer Taps Heat-Loving Bacteria for Hydrogen

A North Carolina State University engineer has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to learn more about the microbiology, genetics and genomics behind how and why heat-loving bacteria called thermotogales produce large amounts of hydrogen with unusually high efficiencies. These microorganisms are found all over the globe in areas… 

Jul 28, 2008

Gift of $2.2 Million from Caterpillar Foundation and James E. Owens Helps Build a Global Supply Chain Management Program at NC State University

A gift commitment of $2.2 million from the Caterpillar Foundation and James E. Owens, Caterpillar Inc., chairman and CEO of Caterpillar, will enable North Carolina State University to expand its academic, research and outreach activities in supply chain management (SCM). 

Jul 24, 2008

Groundbreaking Surgical Procedure Will Allow Dog with Amputated Limb to Walk on Four Legs Again

Note to editors: Media are invited to view the surgery described below, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 31. Photographers may shoot video and stills from outside the surgical theatre; footage from inside the theatre will be available immediately following the surgery. Interviews with Dr. Marcellin-Little and Dr. Harrysson will be available… 

Jul 21, 2008

New Textiles Lab Aims to Advance Functionality of Protective Garments

A new facility at North Carolina State University will help provide increased protection to first responders by testing their turnout gear against potentially harmful chemical and biological threats. 

Jul 21, 2008

NC State Researchers Discover Novel Method for Activating Enzymatic Reactions

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a new method for “switching on” enzymatic reactions with precise energy delivery: by using microwave radiation. 

Jul 17, 2008

Protective Garment Test Lab to Open at NC State

North Carolina State University will open a new state-of-the-art laboratory funded by a Department of Defense grant secured by U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge that will enable researchers to test and enhance protective garments worn by first responders to protect against chemical and biological agents. 

Jul 16, 2008

New Paper Addresses Myths, Realities of Government Retiree Health-Care Crisis

While some states are taking adequate steps to address the cost of retiree health-care benefits, others – including New Jersey, New York, California and North Carolina – are facing tens of billions of dollars in so-called “unfunded liabilities.” The myths and realities of this potential crisis are laid out in a new issue brief written… 

Jul 16, 2008

Study Shows Increased Education on Nanotech, Human Enhancement Increases Public Concerns

Educating the public about nanotechnology and other complex but emerging technologies causes people to become more “worried and cautious” about the new technologies’ prospective benefits, according to a recent study by researchers at North Carolina State University. 

Jul 16, 2008

NC State Vet School Receives Gift to Fund Clinical Research

North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has received a five-year, $625,000 gift from Novartis Animal Health U.S. to help support the clinical trials program in the college’s Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research (CCMTR). The gift will fund a clinical trials veterinarian, a veterinary research technician, and laboratory space and equipment that… 

Jul 15, 2008

As Economy Slumps, New Study Highlights Tools For Avoiding Fiscal Crises in Local Government

As news reports focus on the shaky footing of the national economy, a researcher from North Carolina State University has released a study laying out several best practices that can be implemented by state governments to prevent or mitigate fiscal distress at the local government level. In his paper, Dr. Charles Coe urges state governments… 

Jul 7, 2008

Lay Your Eggs Here: NC State Scientists Discover Chemical Cues That Stimulate Egg Laying by Pregnant Mosquitoes

North Carolina State University scientists have figured out one reason why pregnant yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti), one of the most important disease transmitters worldwide, choose to lay their eggs in certain outdoor water containers while eschewing others. 

Jul 2, 2008

Study Shows Quantum Dots Can Penetrate Skin Through Minor Abrasions

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that quantum dot nanoparticles can penetrate the skin if there is an abrasion, providing insight into potential workplace concerns for healthcare workers or individuals involved in the manufacturing of quantum dots or doing research on potential biomedical applications of the tiny nanoparticles.