Matt Shipman

Aug 30, 2010

Survey Says: Genetics Affect Whether We’re Willing To Take Surveys

A new study from North Carolina State University shows that genetics play a key factor in whether someone is willing to take a survey. 

Aug 30, 2010

Expert Can Discuss Importance Of Labor Day During Recession, Election Year

As American workers are faced with the “Great Recession” of the 21st century, how are they faring this Labor Day? What role might organized labor play, or not play, in the upcoming fall 2010 elections? Labor historian and North Carolina State University professor Dr. David Zonderman can provide historical perspective on this and other questions… 

Aug 25, 2010

The Microneedle And (Diagnosing) The Damage Done

A forthcoming paper from Faraday Discussions shows that scientists have been able to create hollow microneedles that can be used to inject quantum dots into skin. Quantum dots are emerging as powerful diagnostic tools for cancers (among other diseases), so this could be a significant advance in medical technology used to diagnose medical conditions. In… 

Aug 25, 2010

Microneedle, Quantum Dot Study Opens Door To New Clinical Cancer Tools

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed extremely small microneedles that can be used to deliver medically-relevant nanoscale dyes called quantum dots into skin – an advance that opens the door to new techniques for diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions, including skin cancer. 

Aug 24, 2010

No Laughing Matter: Laughter Can Play Key Role In Group Dynamics

Laughter can play key roles in group communication and group dynamics – even when there’s nothing funny going on. That’s according to new research from North Carolina State University that examined the role of laughter in jury deliberations during a capital murder case. 

Aug 20, 2010

Hot And Cold Running Wireless

Big buildings use a lot of wiring. For example, the Sears Tower contains enough telephone wiring to wrap around the world 1.75 times. That presents a major problem if you need to install new wiring for climate control, smoke detectors or other new technologies. That problem may have been solved by new research allowing engineers… 

Aug 19, 2010

NSF Grant Funds NC State Research On Predicting Effects Of Climate Change

North Carolina State University researchers are part of a major new research initiative from the National Science Foundation (NSF) aiming at improving climate scientists’ ability to predict potential consequences of climate change. The work being done at NC State will focus on improving our ability to predict hurricanes and precipitation patterns. 

Aug 18, 2010

Cool! Researchers Find Way To Use HVAC Ducts For Wireless Monitoring Technology

A new study by a team including a professor from North Carolina State University has found a way to implement wireless monitoring technology – with uses ranging from climate control to health and safety applications – by tapping into a building’s heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) ducts. The finding could lead to significant time and… 

Aug 17, 2010

You Say It’s Your Birthday…Squirrel!

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a serious matter. So it is worth paying attention when researchers find that many kids are apparently being misdiagnosed with ADHD because of their birthdays. A study from NC State, Notre Dame and Minnesota finds that children who are born just before the cut-off date for kindergarten enrollment are 25… 

Aug 17, 2010

Study Shows Birth Dates, School Enrollment Dates Affect ADHD Diagnosis Rates

Rising rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and large differences in diagnosis rates have led to fears that the condition is often being misdiagnosed. A new study from North Carolina State University demonstrates that these concerns are justified. The researchers found large discrepancies in diagnosis and treatment rates based on small differences in children’s… 

Aug 13, 2010

NC State University Prepares for Beginning of Fall 2010 Semester

The welcome mat is out as North Carolina State University heralds in the fall semester and a new academic year on Wednesday, Aug. 18. NC State received the largest number of freshman applications in its history – more than 19,000 – and expects a freshman class of 4,550, as well as 1,100 transfer students. The new… 

Aug 4, 2010

Keep On Playing Those Mind Games

Video games aren’t just kid stuff any more. It is a multibillion dollar industry that has branched out from entertainment into areas such as educational software. Now researchers are working on ways that video games might be used to boost memory and thinking skills in the elderly – and some people aren’t crazy about that.… 

Aug 3, 2010

Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog…I Think

Can you identify a frog based solely on what it sounds like? I can’t. And apparently, I’m not alone. New research published in this month’s Ecology shows that even trained observers (or whatever you call listeners) can make mistakes when it comes to identifying frog species and estimating their numbers. That could be a big… 

Aug 2, 2010

‘Ribbit Radio’ Shows Frog Population Estimates Are Likely Flawed

Scientists track amphibian populations because these animals are sensitive to changes in their environment and can serve as “canaries in the coal mine” to give researchers early warnings about pollution or other ecological problems. But new research from North Carolina State University shows that data from the largest amphibian monitoring program in the country may… 

Jul 27, 2010

Who Buys What? Research Finds Clues To Marketing Innovation

Introducing innovative new products and ideas to the marketplace can be a tricky proposition. Sometimes they take off immediately (like the iPod) and sometimes they can take a while to garner consumer confidence (like the Segway). A troubled economy can make it more difficult to convince consumers to take a leap on a new product.…