Matt Shipman

May 17, 2011

Researchers Develop Hardware Encryption For New Computer Memory Technology

Security concerns are one of the key obstacles to the adoption of new non-volatile main memory (NVMM) technology in next-generation computers, which would improve computer start times and boost memory capacity. But now researchers from North Carolina State University have developed new encryption hardware for use with NVMM to protect personal information and other data. 

May 16, 2011

Opening Markets: Initial Data Collection Docs

Editor’s Note: This post is the second in a series authored by Dr. Ben Chapman, an assistant professor and food safety researcher at NC State. The series is part of his research team’s efforts to run a fully open-source research project. You can track relevant posts by clicking on the “Open Source Research” tag. Growing season… 

May 16, 2011

Does Anybody Use New Programming Language Features?

Organizations that publish computer programming languages, such as Java, often issue updates with new features that promise to make a programmer’s life easier. But it’s hard to tell if anyone actually uses the features, much less whether they actually live up to their billing. Now a team of researchers is trying to shed some light… 

May 13, 2011

Be Specific: Perceived Media Bias Can Lead To Political Action

Politicians should be careful when they rail against mainstream news media. A study from North Carolina State University shows that perceived bias of media outlets can lead to increased political engagement – but only on specific issues. When there is a general perception of bias in the news media it actually results in increased apathy… 

May 12, 2011

Study: Most At-Risk Patients Don’t Adhere To Statin Treatment, Despite Real Benefits

A new study from North Carolina State University shows that the vast majority of patients at high risk for heart disease or stroke do a poor job of taking statins as prescribed. That’s especially unfortunate, because the same study shows that taking statins can significantly increase the quality and length of those patients’ lives. 

May 11, 2011

Bad Bugs of Summer: Mosquitoes

Summer is more than lemonade and swimming pools. It means bug bites – mosquitoes, ticks, horse flies, you name it. This is the first in a series of posts profiling these bad bugs of summer: what they do, why they do it, tips on how to protect yourself, and the occasional trivial factoid. We’re starting… 

May 2, 2011

Paging Han Solo: Researchers Find More Efficient Way To Steer Laser Beams

For many practical applications involving lasers, it’s important to be able to control the direction of the laser beams. Just ask Han Solo, or the captain of the Death Star. Researchers from North Carolina State University have come up with a very energy-efficient way of steering laser beams that is precise and relatively inexpensive. 

Apr 26, 2011

Wetlands: Cleaning Stormwater, Killing Blood-Suckers

Developers most often use “wet ponds” to minimize stormwater runoff pollution at new real-estate developments. Now they may have to start rethinking their options. Research shows that building wetlands does a better job than wet ponds of removing pollutants – and could also help limit mosquito populations. Researchers from NC State have weighed a range of… 

Apr 25, 2011

Opening Markets: Exploring And Communicating Food Safety Barriers

Editor’s Note: This post is the first in a series that will be authored by Dr. Ben Chapman, an assistant professor and food safety researcher at NC State. Chapman’s posts on The Abstract are part of his team’s efforts to run a fully open-source research project. You’ll know what’s going on from beginning to end. You… 

Apr 25, 2011

Study Finds Keys To Working With Latino Church To Fight Domestic Abuse

Latinos are the fastest growing population in the United States and have relatively high rates of domestic violence coupled with social and linguistic barriers that can make it difficult for Latino families to access relevant social services. But a new study from North Carolina State University finds Latino religious leaders willing to help address the… 

Apr 24, 2011

Creating Tomorrow’s Success Stories

The business world is always on the hunt for the next big thing. NC State recently showcased some contenders - products invented and brought to market by NC State student entrepreneurs. 

Apr 22, 2011

Smart Transformers Among Top 10 Emerging Technologies

Note: This post was guest-authored by Nate DeGraff, of NC State’s College of Engineering. The smart solid-state transformers being developed by the NSF FREEDM Systems Center at North Carolina State University have been named to MIT Technology Review’s 2011 list of the world’s 10 most important emerging technologies. Smart transformers, which are more efficient and adaptive… 

Apr 21, 2011

Earth Day: Global Research Challenges

For more than 40 years, Earth Day has been a call to arms to appreciate and protect our natural environment. In order to accomplish that mission, we must first understand the challenges threatening our environmental health and sustainability. 

Apr 21, 2011

Researchers Find Fat Turns Into Soap In Sewers, Contributes To Overflows

Researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered how fat, oil and grease (FOG) can create hardened deposits in sewer lines: it turns into soap! The hardened deposits, which can look like stalactites, contribute to sewer overflows. 

Apr 20, 2011

Get a Sneak Peek of New Products at NC State eGames Showcase

The Entrepreneurship Initiative of North Carolina State University is showcasing the entrepreneurs and products developed as part of its eGames competition on Thursday, April 21, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the McKimmon Center on NC State’s campus. Media coverage of the event is invited.