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July 2013

Jul 29, 2013

No Rest for the Tornado

Do tornadoes take the weekends off? Researchers from NC State University examined the question of the connection between tornado frequency and aerosol pollution, and found that any link between the two is tenuous at best. Aerosols are tiny airborne particles, many of which are associated with air pollution. Previously, some scientists had hypothesized that these aerosols,… 

Jul 29, 2013

More Than a Library

The Hunt Library's immersive spaces bring learning to life for NC State students and faculty. See how it's transporting midshipmen, English students and forensic scientists. 

Jul 26, 2013

Researchers Find New Way to Create ‘Gradients’ for Understanding Molecular Interactions

Scientists use tools called gradients to understand how molecules interact in biological systems. Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for creating biomolecular gradients that is both simpler than existing techniques and that creates additional surface characteristics that allow scientists to monitor other aspects of molecular behavior. 

Jul 25, 2013

Researchers Get Better Metrics on Laser Potential of Key Material

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed more accurate measurements of how efficiently a polymer called MEH-PPV amplifies light, which should advance efforts to develop a new generation of lasers and photonic devices. 

Jul 23, 2013

Hare-Raising Therapy Helps Bunny Stay Mobile

At NC State, underwater treadmills aren’t just for humans undergoing physical therapy. They’re also proving useful for treating hares – as in rabbits – suffering from degenerative illnesses. Meet Edie, a five-year-old Belgian hare (which is a breed of domestic rabbit, not an actual hare) who came to NC State’s exotic animal service and was diagnosed with… 

Jul 22, 2013

Coastal Upwelling Linked to Upsurge in Algal Toxicity

Toxic algal blooms affect more than just the shellfish supply – they can sicken or kill marine life and people. That’s why marine scientists are interested in figuring out what triggers them. Astrid Schnetzer studies Pseudo-nitzschia, the alga that causes amnesic shellfish poisoning, and is particularly troublesome along portions of the California coast. When Pseudo-nitzschia… 

Jul 18, 2013

New Technique for Assessing Calorie Absorption Sheds Light on Genetic Driver of Obesity

Researchers from Harvard, NC State and five other universities have found a specific genetic on-off switch associated with obesity in both mice and humans, raising the long-term possibility of developing new treatments for obesity. As part of the study, NC State researchers had to develop a new technique for assessing calorie absorption in small laboratory animals, which… 

Jul 18, 2013

Irish Potato Famine-Causing Pathogen Even More Virulent Now

The plant pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine in the 1840s lives on today with a different genetic blueprint and an even larger arsenal of weaponry to harm and kill plants. 

Jul 17, 2013

Huntington Named ASAS Fellow

The American Society of Animal Science has honored NC State researcher Gerald Huntington for his contributions to the industry. 

Jul 17, 2013

Enroll Rover in New Study

NC State is seeking healthy terriers, spaniels and poodles to join a canine heart disease study. 

Jul 17, 2013

A STEM Leader

NC State is feeding the economy's fastest-growing fields better than any other land-grant university. A recent US News & World Report study NC State produces a higher percentage of science, technology, engineering and math grads than any other land-grant. 

Jul 17, 2013

Injectable ‘Smart Sponge’ Holds Promise for Controlled Drug Delivery

Researchers have developed a drug delivery technique for diabetes treatment in which a sponge-like material surrounds an insulin core. The sponge expands and contracts in response to blood sugar levels to release insulin as needed. The technique could also be used for targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. 

Jul 16, 2013

New Model to Improve Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication for ‘Intelligent Transportation’

Imagine a transportation system where vehicles communicate directly with each other in real time, giving drivers warnings about traffic delays, allowing a single driver to control multiple vehicles or routing vehicles around hazardous road conditions. Those are all aspects of the “intelligent transportation” concept. And researchers have developed a model to improve the clarity of… 

Jul 15, 2013

Parker Steps Up as Williams Steps Down

Student Senate president Alex Parker takes the helm of student government's executive branch when NC State's newly elected student body president resigns. 

Jul 15, 2013

Blood Drive Aug. 23

The 4th annual Service NC State blood drive will be held Friday, Aug. 23, with the goal of collecting a record-setting 1,250 pints.