Tracey Peake

Oct 28, 2010

NC State Develops More Precise Genetic ‘Off Switches’

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a way to “cage” genetic off switches in such a way that they can be activated when exposed to UV light. Their technology gives scientists a more precise way to control and study gene function in localized areas of developing organisms. The off switches,  called morpholino oligonucleotides,… 

Oct 27, 2010

Too Much SP2 Protein Turns Stem Cells Into “Evil Twin” Tumor-forming Cancer Cells

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that the overproduction of a key protein in stem cells causes those stem cells to form cancerous tumors. Their work may lead to new treatments for a variety of cancers. Dr. Jon Horowitz, associate professor of molecular biomedical sciences, and a team of NC State researchers looked at… 

Oct 11, 2010

NC State Researcher Receives Grant to Uncover Genetic Causes of Intestinal Deformity

A North Carolina State University researcher has received a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Heath  to study the genes responsible for intestinal formation. This work may lead to improved diagnosis and prevention of intestinal malrotation – or twisting – in human infants. Dr. Nanette Nascone-Yoder, assistant professor of developmental biology in… 

Oct 7, 2010

Technique Allows Researchers to Examine How Materials Bond at the Atomic Level

An approach pioneered by researchers at North Carolina State University gives scientists new insight into the way silicon bonds with other materials at the atomic level. This technique could lead to improved understanding of and control over bond formation at the atomic level, and opportunities for the creation of new devices and more efficient microchips.… 

Oct 6, 2010

The Eyes Have It

When a team of undergrads announced the results of their senior research project, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Literally. The five NC State biomedical engineering (BME) students had developed a special lens for patients suffering from forms of paralysis that leave them unable to blink and hydrate their eyes. 

Oct 5, 2010

Structure Of Plastic Solar Cells Impedes Their Efficiency, Researchers Find

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University and the U.K. has found that the low rate of energy conversion in all-polymer solar-cell technology is caused by the structure of the solar cells themselves. They hope that their findings will lead to the creation of more efficient solar cells. Polymeric solar cells are made… 

Oct 5, 2010

March of the Fossilized Penguins

Dr. Daniel Ksepka talks about finding fossilized feathers from a 36 million-year-old species of penguin that lived near the Equator during the Eocene period. 

Sep 30, 2010

Fossilized Giant Penguin Feathers Reveal Color, Feather Structure of Ancient Birds

A North Carolina State University researcher is part of a team that has discovered fossilized feathers from a giant penguin that lived near the Equator more than 36 million years ago. These feathery fossils reveal color patterns in an ancient extinct penguin species, and offer clues to how modern penguin feathers evolved. The penguin in… 

Sep 17, 2010

NC State Launches “Springboard” to Job Creation

North Carolina State University has promised by 2012 to double the number of startup companies it launches each year, creating much-needed jobs for workers statewide. NC State’s new innovation “hub,” called the Springboard Innovation Partnership Portal, will play a key role in achieving this goal by facilitating business partnerships and speeding up the pipeline through which… 

Sep 16, 2010

Pristine Rainforests are “Biogeochemical Reactors;” Produce Fuel for Rainclouds

A multinational team that includes a North Carolina State University researcher has found another piece of the atmospheric puzzle surrounding the effects of aerosol particles on climate change. Their findings will contribute to our ability to more accurately measure human impact on climate, and to determine how much pollution may “mask” the actual rate of… 

Sep 1, 2010

Where the Wild Nanoparticles Are

What happens to a nanoparticle when it enters your body? Where does it go, and what does it do when it gets there? Researchers at NC State are helping to answer those questions—they’ve developed a  screening tool that will allow scientists to predict where nanoparticles will most likely end up when they enter the human body, … 

Aug 26, 2010

NC State’s 19th Dog Olympics To Feature Canine Paralympic Contests

What: North Carolina Sate University’s Dog Olympics is an annual charitable event organized by veterinary students that is open to dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes. Medal events include athletic and non-athletic competitions such as doggie limbo, musical sit, look-a-like, high jump and many more. College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) faculty members will oversee… 

Aug 23, 2010

Researchers Find Gene Responsible for Neurodegenerative Disease in Dogs, Possibly in Humans

A North Carolina State University researcher has helped to locate and identify a gene responsible for a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects American Staffordshire terriers. This same gene may be responsible for a similar rare, fatal disease in humans. Its discovery will lead to improved screening and diagnosis of the disease in dogs and is… 

Aug 20, 2010

NC State Faculty Named Fellows Of American Statistical Association

Two North Carolina State faculty members have been named Fellows of the American Statistical Association. Statistics professors Dr. Subhashis Ghoshal and Dr. John Monahan were among 53 statisticians worldwide to receive the honor this year. They were recognized at a ceremony on Aug. 3 at the annual association meeting in Vancouver, B.C. Ghoshal received his… 

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.…