April 2010

Apr 12, 2010

Study Shows That Size Affects Structure of Hollow Nanoparticles

A new study from North Carolina State University shows that size plays a key role in determining the structure of certain hollow nanoparticles. The researchers focused on nickel nanoparticles, which have interesting magnetic and catalytic properties that may have applications in fields as diverse as energy production and nanoelectronics. 

Apr 12, 2010

It’s like that guy at the party that everyone loves. No substance, but TONS of charisma.

Here we are at hour 59 since they gave me Donovan, and I have to say he definitely has his role. (What? I name things. It gives them character. And personality. Besides, I just cannot continue to use the label "iPad'. It gives me the creeps every time I even think it.) 

Apr 9, 2010

The iPad has a place in this world, sort of…

Well, one of the things that I've heard most about the iPad is that people expect it to replace a Netbook as a computer-on-the-go. I'm currently on a lengthy bus ride to Atlanta so, for once, my ability to be productive is not so much an issue of efficiency. 

Apr 9, 2010

Will this be for here or to go?

Following the trend of my fellow bloggers, I am going to add my two-cents about the portability of the iPad. I must agree that the iPad does seem a bit "slippery," but overall, I think the iPad, which was designed for portable use, is quite portable. 

Apr 9, 2010

Kindle Killer! (What?)

In case you haven't heard, Amazon released an E-book reader called the Kindle in 2007. When the iPad was announced, certain news sources immediately dubbed it the "Kindle Killer." iPads are really, really cool, but the Kindle is a superior digital reading device. No contest. 

Apr 9, 2010

I’m already an Apps addict

It showed up! Are you surprised? I have to tell you, I kind of am. I received an onslaught of emails, gchats, and texts via my PunkBerry informing me my iPad was ready for pickup, and I immediately began to think of the possibilities. "I can charge my phone with the USB port! I can transfer files from my iPod to the iPad! I can look at my Design PowerPoints on it rather than print them out!" Sadly, none of those things happened. 

Apr 8, 2010

Mathematics Singled Out

The mathematics department received the 2010 American Mathematics Society Award for an exemplary program or achievement. 

Apr 8, 2010

Colby Wins Turner Award

Jack Colby, assistant vice chancellor for facilities operations, received the Frank B. Turner Award, given to a state employee who makes an outstanding professional contribution to the built environment. 

Apr 8, 2010

Great Chemistry

Incoming Chancellor Randy Woodson discusses everything from his plans for the university’s future to his passion for bluegrass. 

Apr 8, 2010

Roll Out the Research

Curiosity is brewing about whether hops, a key ingredient in beer, could be a viable crop in North Carolina. Researchers, growers and beer makers intend to find out. 

Apr 8, 2010

Benefits Blitz

Benefits specialists are wrapping up a final blitz, contacting employees who have not visited the online portal to fill out a tobacco attestation – a new requirement this year. 

Apr 8, 2010

Researchers Find Compound Effective In Destroying Antibiotic-Resistant Biofilms

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a chemical compound that, when used in conjunction with conventional antibiotics, is effective in destroying biofilms produced by antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as the Staphylococcus strain MRSA and Acinetobacter. The compound also re-sentsitizes those bacteria to antibiotics. Infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA are especially… 

Apr 8, 2010

Two NC State University Students Win Goldwater Scholarships

North Carolina State University undergraduates Nathan Bihlmeyer and Patrick Bowen, both of Wake Forest, N.C., have won prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships for the 2010-11 academic year. Bihlmeyer and Bowen are among 278 recipients of the honor. They were selected from a field of 1,111 mathematics, science and engineering students who were nominated by the… 

Apr 8, 2010

Test Drive

NCSU Libraries has long been a technology incubator for the university, helping students with budgets based around Ramen Noodles to have free access to the latest computing platforms, ebooks and multimedia gear. This week, we put iPads in the hands of five students, who agreed to blog about the gadget as they head to class, do their work, and surf the Web. 

Apr 8, 2010

Compare and Contrast

While a friend was going to class, I asked if I could test out their netbook, just to see what it was all about. He willingly gave it to me and said, "You'll love it!" So, here I am, typing this blog on this netbook, just to try it out – all while my iPad is sitting right next to me, taunting me.