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February 2009

Feb 25, 2009

Cards On the Table: Risk Tool Spots Software Flaws During Development

A new risk management tool can help software developers identify security vulnerabilities in their programs early in the planning process, effectively solving problems before they exist, simply by having the developers lay their cards on the table. The system, called “Protection Poker,” was developed by computer security experts at North Carolina State University and is… 

Feb 24, 2009

New Tool Improves Productivity, Quality When Translating Software

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a software tool that will make it faster and easier to translate video games and other software into different languages for use in various international markets – addressing a hurdle to internationalization that has traditionally been time-consuming and subject to error. 

Feb 23, 2009

NC State Study Finds Genes Important to Sleep

For many animals, sleep is a risk: foraging for food, mingling with mates and guarding against predators just aren’t possible while snoozing. How, then, has this seemingly life-threatening behavior remained constant among various species of animals? A new study by scientists at North Carolina State University shows that the fruit fly is genetically wired to… 

Feb 23, 2009

Study Shows Father/Daughter Relationships Lead To More Girls Following Dad’s Career Path

Good news, dad! All those times your daughter appeared to be tuning you out? She was probably paying more attention than you thought. In fact, a new study co-authored by a researcher from North Carolina State University says the relationship between fathers and daughters is leading to an increase in the number of daughters who… 

Feb 20, 2009

Larick Named Dean of NC State Graduate School

Dr. Duane K. Larick, interim dean of North Carolina State University’s Graduate School and a professor of food, bioprocessing and nutrition sciences at NC State, has been named dean of the Graduate School, effective March 1. Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies Terri Lomax announced the appointment, saying, “Professor Larick has strength and experience in… 

Feb 17, 2009

Defying the Disaster: NC State Researcher Explores Resilient Housing

Researchers at North Carolina State University are determining ways to speed the return of residents to their homes in the wake of natural disasters. The first step is providing better, more accessible information about available tools and technologies to homeowners, builders, architects and others says Dr. Dave Tilotta, associate professor of wood products at NC State. 

Feb 16, 2009

Good Bacteria Can Be ‘EZ Pass’ for Oral Vaccine Against Anthrax

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that the good bacteria found in dairy products and linked to positive health benefits in the human body might also be an effective vehicle for an oral vaccine that can provide immunity to anthrax exposure. The approach could possibly be used to deliver any number of specific… 

Feb 16, 2009

Look At More Than Just Price To Find the Best Travel Bargains, New Study Says

If you’re looking for bargain air travel, a new study finds that you should look at more than just the ticket price. Instead, a researcher at North Carolina State University who co-authored the study says that consumers need to consider the quality of the flights being offered in order to get the best “price efficiency.” 

Feb 12, 2009

Nanoparticle “Smart Bomb” Targets Drug Delivery to Cancer Cells

Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully modified a common plant virus to deliver drugs only to specific cells inside the human body, without affecting surrounding tissue. These tiny “smart bombs” – each one thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair – could lead to more effective chemotherapy treatments with… 

Feb 3, 2009

Holy Guacamole: NC State Researcher Tracks Invasive Beetle Threatening Florida’s Avocados

A researcher at North Carolina State University is tracking the movement of the Redbay Ambrosia beetle, an invasive insect that, if it spreads to southeast Florida, may severely affect the production of avocados, a $15 million to $30 million industry in the state. 

Feb 2, 2009

Three to Receive Prestigious Watauga Medal

A former trustee, a professor emeritus and a longtime state official will be honored with the prestigious Watauga Medal by North Carolina State University for their distinguished service to the university. C. Richard Vaughn, Dr. J. Lawrence Apple and E. Norris Tolson will received the awards, the highest nonacademic honor bestowed by NC State, at the… 

Feb 1, 2009

Glues to Fuels: NC State, Partners Get Grant to Make Low-Cost Fuels from Forest Biomass

Create liquid fuels out of biomass products like wood waste and sawdust. Prove that this biofuels production technology can be performed on a larger scale than just the lab bench. And then show that the process is cheaper than coaxing ethanol from crops like corn.