November 2011

Nov 22, 2011

How Does Faster-Than-Light Quantum Communication Work?

Every so often, I ask readers to submit their sci/tech questions, so that I can go pester people until I have some answers that I can share with the rest of the class. One  recent question was: “How does faster-than-light quantum communication work?” Short answer: it doesn’t. But of course there’s more to it than… 

Nov 21, 2011

Trustees Approve Tuition Package

The Board of Trustees has approved a $330 increase in resident undergraduate tuition for the 2012-13 academic year as part of a tuition and fee package. 

Nov 21, 2011

NC State University Aims to Increase Diversity in Geosciences

A new initiative from North Carolina State University will address the need for increased awareness of, and participation in, geosciences fields from traditionally underrepresented groups. NC State has received a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to increase diversity in geoscience fields such as geology, marine science and atmospheric sciences. The grant will… 

Nov 21, 2011

How To Spend Thanksgiving Not Barfing

Editor’s Note: This is a guest piece written by Dr. Ben Chapman, an assistant professor and food safety expert at NC State. My parents are coming to visit Raleigh this week – their first trek to the U.S. for Thanksgiving. I’m Canadian and, while Canada has its own festivities in October, there’s something different about the… 

Nov 21, 2011

Events Preceding the Helvetican Renaissance (Part I)

Editor’s Note: Readers of The Abstract are generally interested in research, science and technology. People who fall into that camp are often also devotees of science fiction. So, in a throwback to the serialized storytelling of the golden age of sci-fi, we decided to serialize some science fiction by one of our favorite authors –… 

Nov 20, 2011

Sweet possibilities

NC State research is yielding a new understanding of how the sweet potato can be used. More than just a food source for people, the sweet potato holds potential as a fuel source, a base for pet foods and a safe starch for diabetics. 

Nov 18, 2011

NC State Board of Trustees Approves Proposed Tuition and Fee Package

The North Carolina State University Board of Trustees this morning approved a proposal to increase resident undergraduate tuition by $330 for the 2012-13 academic year. The increase, part of a tuition and fee package designed to help offset nearly $125 million in state funding reductions to the university over the last five years, now will… 

Nov 18, 2011

Why Thanksgiving Might Make You Sleepy

Well folks, it’s almost Turkey Day again. Last year I tackled some questions about tryptophan, and why Thanksgiving dinner can make you pass out on the floor in front of the football game. Super-short version: tryptophan isn’t the culprit, gluttony is. When you gorge yourself, your body diverts blood away from your brain to help… 

Nov 17, 2011

NC State Homecoming Parade, Pep Rally Slated for Friday, Nov. 18

North Carolina State University will welcome back alumni and celebrate Homecoming with a parade on Hillsborough Street from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, followed by a pep rally and comedy show at Reynolds Coliseum from 7 to 11 p.m. Media coverage of both events is invited. The parade begins at Hillsborough Street… 

Nov 17, 2011

Study Details Links Between Climate, Groundwater Availability – Will Help Water Managers Prepare For Drought

Everyone knows that climate affects our water supply, but new research from North Carolina State University gives scientists and water-resource managers an unprecedented level of detail on how climate and precipitation influence groundwater and surface water levels in the Southeast. 

Nov 17, 2011

Turf War

NC State may have had the home field advantage on Saturday, but Clemson has the edge in a scientific turf war. Find out why. 

Nov 16, 2011

Raising Kane

Sports broadcaster and former Wolfpack basketball player Tommy Kane returns for a homecoming gig with his award-winning show, "ACC Road Trip." Watch for his high-energy antics in classrooms and at the game. 

Nov 15, 2011

Register for Free Simulcast of Shelton Forum

Find out how to register for a free simulcast of Friday's Shelton Leadership Forum, featuring Tom Brokaw, Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst and Gallezes Inc. founder Verne Harnish.