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Matt Shipman

Jul 27, 2011

What Do Bees See? And How Do We Know?

I was reading a children’s book about insects to my daughter recently, and it said that bees see colors differently than humans do. My daughter immediately asked, in short succession: “What colors do they see? Why? How do we know?” I did some homework to find out, and discovered that bees see flowers much differently… 

Jul 19, 2011

Breaking Down Innovation

NC State researchers test innovative construction materials and designs to ensure they're safe. And that process involves breaking stuff. Big stuff. 

Jul 19, 2011

Jell-O Memory

Researchers have come up with memory technology that feels like Jell-O. It’s made of water-based gels and liquid metal, and it works just fine when it is completely underwater. The device could be the first step towards developing a new generation of biocompatible electronics – such as medical sensors – because of its pliability, its… 

Jul 15, 2011

Data-Stealing Apps ID’d, Pulled From Official Android Market

NC State computer science researchers have identified five applications on Google’s official Android Market that upload users’ personal information to a remote server without notifying the users. Google has been notified and pulled the apps from the market July 14. The relevant apps carry a hidden payload called “SndApps,” which stealthily upload user information – including… 

Jul 14, 2011

Soft Memory Device Opens Door To New Biocompatible Electronics

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a memory device that is soft and functions well in wet environments – opening the door to a new generation of biocompatible electronic devices. 

Jul 13, 2011

Spread Of Fungus-Farming Beetles Is Bad News For Trees

North Carolina State University researchers have found that a subset of fungus-farming ambrosia beetles may be in the early stages of a global epidemic threatening a number of economically important trees, including avocados, poplars and oaks. 

Jul 12, 2011

Food For Thought

From peaches to green beans, summer’s bounty is here. And eager home cooks are busy canning fruits and vegetables for the months ahead. But canning is one hobby that can kill you if not done properly. NC State is making sure people do it the right way. 

Jul 12, 2011

Using Data, Not Assumptions, To Make Safe Structures For Less Money

Each level of a parking garage is held up by a structure called an L-shaped spandrel beam. For years, manufacturers have been making these beams using inefficient assumptions, which meant they were using too much steel and putting it in the wrong places. Researchers have now collected actual data on these structures, allowing them to… 

Jul 11, 2011

Why Does Water Freeze Before Alcohol Does?

We recently explained that one reason wine’s freezing point is much lower than water’s is because of its alcohol content. But we didn’t explain why alcohol has a much lower freezing point than water. Let’s explain that now (hint: water molecules are “stickier.”) A substance freezes when its molecules become “stuck” in a fixed array… 

Jul 6, 2011

Why Doesn’t Wine Freeze? And Do Vacuum-Sealing Stoppers Keep Wine ‘Fresh’?

I set out to learn why wine doesn’t freeze. But while I was questioning a wine researcher, I thought I’d also find out whether those vacuum-sealing wine stoppers are worth it. Here’s what I found out. Question 1: Why Doesn’t Wine Freeze? Wine will freeze, it just has a much lower freezing point than water… 

Jul 6, 2011

Bigger Than Football: Study Shows Sports Can Help Communities Recover From Disaster

Research from North Carolina State University shows that organized sports can be a powerful tool for helping to rebuild communities in the wake of disasters. The research focused specifically on the role of professional football in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. 

Jul 6, 2011

NC State To Create Video Game Adventure To Boost Science Literacy

North Carolina State University has landed a grant to boost science literacy by developing a narrative video game that uses adventure to help middle school students develop their literacy skills – particularly their ability to read and understand scientific and technical language. 

Jul 5, 2011

Losing Sleep: New ‘GoldDream’ Malware Targets Android

NC State computer science researchers have discovered yet another variety of malware targeting Android. The new malware, called “GoldDream,” collects data on text messages and phone calls – and may also be used to install new apps on Android smartphones or to upload files stored on Android to a remote server. The NC State team, led by… 

Jul 1, 2011

One Person Can Change The World: Or At Least What The World Is Made Of

In 1943, Franklin D. Roosevelt was president, World War II was in full swing, and a young man named Hans Conrad was embarking on a career as a materials science researcher. Sixty-eight years later, he is still showing up to the lab every day, publishing top-notch papers and trying to figure out the physical and… 

Jul 1, 2011

DroidKungFu Malware Is Evolving

The NC State computer science researchers who first identified the DroidKungFu malware that targets Android users have now uncovered new variations of the malware, which have been modified in what appears to be an attempt to make them harder to detect. “Though they are similarly repackaged and distributed in the form of ‘legitimate’ applications, these two…