Tracey Peake

Aug 19, 2010

NC State Researchers Receive Grant to Convert Lignin into Chemical Feedstocks

Researchers at North Carolina State University have received a grant aimed at finding an energy efficient and environmentally friendly method for breaking down lignin—a renewable, energy-rich raw material found in plants—into feedstock for  the petrochemical industry, which produces everything from fuel to pharmaceuticals. NC State scientists Dr. Dimitris Argyropoulos, Finland Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, and Dr.… 

Aug 19, 2010

“Service NC State” Weekend Features 500-Pint Blood Drive, Stop Hunger Now Food-Packaging Event

North Carolina State University will wrap up students’ first week back on campus with a service event featuring a blood drive for the American Red Cross and a Stop Hunger Now meal-packaging project to benefit Haiti relief. The Service NC State (SNCS) weekend is designed to introduce new students to NC State’s community of service. Media are… 

Aug 16, 2010

Predicting Nanoparticle Interactions in Human Bodies

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method for predicting the ways nanoparticles will interact with biological systems – including the human body. Their work could have implications for  improved human and environmental safety in the handling of nanomaterials, as well as applications for drug delivery. NC State researchers Dr. Jim Riviere, Burroughs Wellcome… 

Aug 13, 2010

Comins Named Fellow of the American Chemical Society

Dr. Daniel L. Comins, professor of chemistry at North Carolina State University, has been named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Comins is one of 192 distinguished scientists to receive the honor this year. They will be recognized on Aug. 23 during the ACS’ national meeting in Boston. Comins’ research deals mainly with… 

Jul 29, 2010

NC State Expert: Oil Spill Not Likely to Reach N.C.

As the disaster in the Gulf continues to unfold, the southeastern U.S. is preparing for the potential economic  and environmental repercussions should the oil reach its shores. Fortunately, current models indicate that the N.C. coastline may end up unscathed. North Carolina State University experts can address the likelihood of the oil spill reaching the N.C.… 

Jul 9, 2010

Making a Difference

When disaster struck the Gulf Coast, experts and alumni from NC State quickly headed to the region to assist in cleanup efforts and to help restore wildlife and local beaches. And although oil continues to wash ashore, Dr. Greg Lewbart said he's encouraged by what he and other volunteers have been able to accomplish. 

Jun 28, 2010

Making Order Out of Chaos

Editor’s Note: This is the second post from Dr. Greg Massey, DVM, DVAPB, a postdoctoral research associate at NC State.  Massey is currently using his expertise to help wildlife – particularly birds – who have been affected by the oil spill on the Gulf Coast. He will be writing about his experiences periodically on The Abstract.… 

Jun 24, 2010

NC State Provides Hot Tips for Keeping Pets Cool and Safe This Summer

It’s official: the dog (and cat) days of summer are upon us. When you’re taking steps to beat the heat, don’t forget your furry friends – they suffer the same ill effects that we do when it gets too hot. “If you are uncomfortable, it’s safe to say that your pet is as well,” says… 

Jun 7, 2010

Fetching a Cure for Cancer

Golden retrievers are highly susceptible to cancers arising in the blood, lymphatic and vascular systems, cancers that also afflict humans.  NC State is partnering with a team of researchers from the U.S. and Europe to find out why these dogs — and by extension, their owners — get cancer. The researchers’ goal is to discover the… 

Jun 3, 2010

NC State, International Researchers Receive Grant to Examine Why Fido – and His Owner – Get Cancer

Golden retrievers are highly susceptible to cancers arising in the blood, lymphatic and vascular systems. Now, canine cancer scientists at North Carolina State University, the University of Minnesota, the Broad Institute in Massachusetts and Uppsala University in Sweden are teaming up with two animal-health foundations to find out why. Their findings may benefit humans as… 

May 27, 2010

OMG! Predicting the Path of an Oil Spill

It’s not what you’re thinking: in this case OMG stands for Ocean Modeling Group. The group is led by Dr. Ruoying He and if you want to know the latest on where the oil from the BP spill may end up, then He is your go-to guy. He, a professor of marine, earth and atmospheric… 

May 24, 2010

Super-Cali-Fragilistic Cytauxzoonosis

The sound of the word Cytauxzoonosis (pronounced Sight-Oh-zO-un-Osis) is not the only atrocious thing about it, as more North Carolina cat owners are discovering. That’s because this tick-borne illness, if untreated, can be fatal to cats. Cytauxzoonosis is related to malaria and is caused by the parasite Cytauxzoon felis (C. felis), which is found in… 

May 24, 2010

Incidence of Tick-Borne Illness Fatal to Cats Increasing in N.C.

Veterinarians at North Carolina State University have seen a recent increase in cases of a tick-transmitted infectious disease that, without proper treatment, can be fatal to cats. The disease, Cytauxzoonosis (pronounced sight-O-zO-un-Osis), is related to malaria and is caused by the parasite Cytauxzoon felis, (C. felis) which is found in ticks carried by host bobcats.… 

May 21, 2010

Plant Pharmacy

Can an apple a day keep malaria at bay? Well, maybe not an apple specifically, but other plants?  Definitely.  Dr. Mary Ann Lila studies so-called “pharmaceutical plants” that are full of chemical compounds that can stave off human disease, promote endurance, improve metabolism and erase signs of aging. Lila, a professor in the Department of… 

May 14, 2010

An Itch That Needs Scratching

The Internet – it’s not just for weight-loss spam and flame wars anymore.  Thanks to an NC State veterinarian, it can help your itchy dog stop scratching. Canine atopic dermatitis is one of the most common dog skin allergies, affecting up to 10 percent of all dogs in the United States.  While it isn’t a life-threatening…