Matt Shipman

Jun 8, 2012

Mosquitoes, Ticks and Horse Flies, Oh My!

The warm weather of summer often draws us out of the house for a trip to the pool, a hike in the woods or (less fun) to mow the lawn. And all that time outdoors means we’re more aware of the ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies and other pests that are also more active in warm… 

Jun 6, 2012

Talking About Science: Why Do You Do What You Do?

I often find myself in conversations about how to communicate with the public (i.e., a non-expert audience) about science. One of the things I often bring up is the importance of explaining WHY a given piece of research was done. This not only helps people understand the work, it also helps them relate to it.… 

Jun 6, 2012

Researchers Demonstrate Technique to Give Us Better Understanding of Human Tissues

Research from North Carolina State University demonstrates that a relatively new microscopy technique can be used to improve our understanding of human tissues and other biomedical materials. The study focused specifically on eye tissues, which are damaged by scarring in diabetic patients. 

Jun 4, 2012

Scientists Engaging With the Public: Let’s Get Started

Talking with the public about science is important. Note that I said talking “with,” not talking “to” – and certainly not talking “at.” A conversation is necessary. Engagement is necessary. And, frankly, the science community, in general, is not doing a very good job in this area. We’ve known for years that the level of… 

Jun 4, 2012

Researchers Use Flexible Channel Width to Improve User Experience on Wireless Systems

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a technique to efficiently divide the bandwidth of the wireless spectrum in multi-hop wireless networks to improve operation and provide all users in the network with the best possible performance. 

May 29, 2012

Precision Matters: Measuring Young’s Modulus

When it comes to nanoscale devices, precision is important. By extension, anything that gives researchers more accurate measurements of the nanoscale materials that make up those devices is also important. That’s why it’s news when someone comes up with a new technique to fine-tune a way of determining Young’s modulus for nanowires. What is Young’s… 

May 29, 2012

Researchers Aim to Reduce Food Safety Risk at Farmer’s Markets

Food-safety researchers at North Carolina State University are unveiling a website that offers guidance to farmer’s markets on how to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. The program is the first to rely on observational study of farmer’s markets to establish best management practices for food safety. 

May 23, 2012

Rock and (Not) Roll: Study Eyes How to Keep a Mars Tumbleweed Rover Moving on Rocky Terrain

New research from North Carolina State University shows that a wind-driven “tumbleweed” Mars rover would be capable of moving across rocky Martian terrain – findings that could also help the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) design the best possible vehicle. 

May 22, 2012

Announcing the Android Malware Genome Project

Mobile security researchers are announcing a global effort to share data on malware targeting the Android platform, in an effort to improve our ability to defend against such attacks. The Android Malware Genome Project is the brainchild of Xuxian Jiang, a researcher at NC State who has already collected over 1,200 pieces of Android malware. The… 

May 22, 2012

Study Highlights How Twitter Is Used to Share Information After a Disaster

A study from North Carolina State University shows how people used Twitter following the 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan, highlighting challenges for using the social media tool to share information. The study also indicates that social media haven’t changed what we communicate so much as how quickly we can disseminate it. 

May 21, 2012

Researchers Improve Fast-Moving Mobile Networks

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) allow people in multiple, rapidly-moving vehicles to communicate with each other – such as in military or emergency-response situations. Researchers from North Carolina State University have devised a method to improve the quality and efficiency of data transmission in these networks. 

May 21, 2012

When You Publish a Paper Without Knowing It

For academic researchers, professional reputation is everything. It’s built up over years, and is essential to securing tenure, winning grants and otherwise advancing in one’s field. Because a researcher builds that reputation (in large part) through journal articles and conference presentations, it can be quite a shock to see your name listed as a co-author… 

May 16, 2012

U.S., Great Britain Share Risk Factors for Child Behavior Problems

New research from North Carolina State University shows that the United States and Great Britain share common risk factors that increase the likelihood of behavioral problems in children – and that Britain’s broader social welfare programs don’t appear to mitigate those risks. 

May 15, 2012

Getting in Tune: Researchers Solve Tuning Problem for Wireless Power Transfer Systems

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new way to fine-tune wireless power transfer (WPT) receivers, making the systems more efficient and functional. WPT systems hold promise for charging electric vehicles, electronic devices and other technologies. 

May 14, 2012

Research Opens Doors to UV Disinfection Using LED Technology

Research from North Carolina State University will allow the development of energy-efficient LED devices that use ultraviolet (UV) light to kill pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. The technology has a wide array of applications ranging from drinking-water treatment to sterilizing surgical tools.