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Laura Oleniacz

Dead ponderosa pine trees in California.

Nov 1, 2021

During An Historic Drought, Higher Temperatures Helped a Beetle Kill More California Pine Trees

Higher temperatures during an historic California drought helped a beetle kill more ponderosa pine trees. 

Woman wears virtual reality headset.

Nov 1, 2021

Expert: Technology Could Help Clothing Retailers Become More Sustainable

NC State's Byoungho Ellie Jin explores the role that technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality and 3D printing could play in addressing industry problems like oversupply. 

Baby copperhead

Oct 21, 2021

Subconscious Bias Drives Negative Attitudes Toward Snakes

A new study from NC State finds that the dislike of snakes is subconscious and, to some extent, learned. 

Digital denim visual assessment set-up.

Oct 20, 2021

‘Digital Denim’ Is a Pretty Good Match for the Real Thing, Experts Say

NC State researchers printed ink on cotton fabric to make “digital” denim fabric resembling six styles of jeans. 

A park in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Sep 29, 2021

Study Raises Questions About Access to Urban Parks During the Pandemic

A study led by researchers from NC State found the use of outdoor parks and trails in urban areas of North Carolina declined in the summer of 2020. 

Children in nature

Sep 21, 2021

Study Finds Natural Outdoor Spaces Are Less Common at Schools

NC State researchers found natural spaces like woods or gardens were relatively rare in a small sample of elementary and middle schools in Wake County. 

Mountain forests

Sep 10, 2021

Saving America’s Forests Could Help Curb Climate Warming

NC State researchers modeled the role that forestry and agriculture could play in reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions across multiple future economic scenarios. 

Black bears captured on camera in North Carolina.

Sep 9, 2021

When Do Black Bears Have Cubs?

Young female bears living in Asheville, North Carolina, had their first litter of cubs earlier than expected. 

Black bears in Asheville.

Sep 9, 2021

Young Female Black Bears in Asheville, North Carolina, Are Big, Have Cubs Early

A new study found urban female black bears in Asheville were larger and had cubs earlier than rural bears. 

School textbooks

Sep 9, 2021

Uncertainty on Climate Change in Textbooks Linked to Uncertainty in Students

A study by an NC State researcher found textbooks that portray climate change as uncertain can influence students. 

Sep 8, 2021

Why Disinfecting Your Mask with Alcohol or Bleach Is Almost Certainly a Bad Idea

NC State researchers evaluated impacts on health and the environment from improper use of chemical disinfectants. 

School buses

Sep 3, 2021

What is the Future of Desegregation in N.C. Public Schools?

Researchers discuss factors that could impact whether North Carolina public schools can deliver on the promise of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. 

Mask demonstration

Sep 1, 2021

Researchers Are Developing Better Tests for Face Coverings With New Tech

Backed by a grant from the CDC, NC State researchers are working on new technology to simultaneously test face coverings' breathability, filtration and fit. 

Public park.

Aug 6, 2021

4 low-cost ways to create safe public spaces where all kids can play

Experts describe four ways for communities to create opportunities for more play for children. 

Aerial view of the Amazon rainforest.

Aug 3, 2021

Saving the Brazilian Amazon Sustainably Is a Team Effort

An NC State-led study analyzed a state program in Brazil designed engage local governments in rainforest protection.