Matt Shipman

Oct 29, 2008

New Way of Measuring ‘Reality’ of Virtual Worlds Could Lead To Better Business Tools

A research team, led by North Carolina State University’s Dr. Mitzi M. Montoya, has developed a new way of measuring how “real” online virtual worlds are – an important advance for the emerging technology that can be used to foster development of new training and collaboration applications by companies around the world. 

Oct 28, 2008

NC State Experts Address Economy, Iraq And Other Key Election Issues

The general election is right around the corner and many experts say North Carolina may be the key to victory for the presidential contenders. At the very least, the state is hotly contested for the first time in years. Close gubernatorial and Senate races are also drawing attention as voters prepare to go to the… 

Oct 22, 2008

NC State Study Shows Limits of Using ‘War on Terror’ to Promote Government Land-Use Policies

A new study from North Carolina State University shows that there are definite limits on the government’s use of the “war on terror” as a rhetorical tool for advancing federal land-use projects and other policy objectives. “The government can no longer rely solely on the ‘war on terrorism’ and ‘national security’ as arguments to maintain… 

Oct 20, 2008

New Study Finds First Inhabitants of Caribbean Brought Their Heirlooms With Them

A new study led by North Carolina State University’s Dr. Scott Fitzpatrick is the first to show physical evidence that the people who colonized the Caribbean from South America brought with them heirloom drug paraphernalia that had been passed down from generation to generation as the colonists traveled through the islands. 

Oct 14, 2008

Landmark Study Links Sleep, Memory Problems in Elderly African-Americans

A landmark study led by North Carolina State University researchers shows that African-American seniors who have trouble falling asleep are at higher risk of having memory problems – raising the possibility that identifying and treating sleep difficulties in the elderly may help preserve their cognitive functioning. The study is the first to examine the link… 

Oct 9, 2008

NC State Takes Lead In Crime Scene Investigation Training

North Carolina State University researchers are launching a new project that will standardize forensic crime scene investigation training throughout the state, decrease the cost of providing the training to law enforcement personnel and forensic scientists, and hopefully contribute to the establishment of nationwide standards for death investigations. 

Oct 2, 2008

New Study Shows Government Accommodates Rich and Poor Alike

The election year is in full swing, complete with allegations of class warfare and claims about which candidates cater to the rich and which candidates will best serve the interests of the poor and the middle class. But a new study, co-authored by North Carolina State University researcher Dr. Chris Ellis, explores the idea that… 

Sep 30, 2008

NC State Experts Can Address Economic Crisis

The current economic crisis is having a significant impact in areas far from Wall Street. North Carolina State University experts can provide key insights into the crisis’ impacts on everything from farmers and agriculture to this year’s elections and international relations. Dr. Arnold Oltmans, associate professor of agricultural and resource economics at NC State, can discuss… 

Sep 22, 2008

New Study Highlights Risk of Fake Popup Warnings for Internet Users

A new study by researchers at North Carolina State University shows that most Internet users are unable to distinguish genuine popup warnings messages from false ones – even after repeated mistakes. The fake ones were designed to trick users into downloading harmful software. 

Aug 26, 2008

NC State Expert Can Discuss History of Labor Day, and the Labor Movement In America

As Labor Day approaches, people are looking forward to a three-day weekend and the end of summer – but fewer and fewer people understand the day’s historical significance. A national holiday since 1894, Labor Day was initiated by the union movement to celebrate the American worker – and to highlight the size and political power… 

Aug 19, 2008

NC State Experts Offer Insight on Relations Between Russia, U.S. and Western Europe

Experts at North Carolina State University can offer important insights into U.S. and European diplomatic concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Georgia over the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as well as a recent agreement to site a U.S. missile defense system on Polish soil in return for assistance on Polish… 

Aug 13, 2008

NC State Welcomes New Wolfpack Members For 2008 School Year

They’re back! North Carolina State University welcomes new and returning students for the beginning of the fall semester and a new academic year on Wednesday, Aug. 20. 

Jul 31, 2008

New Study Shows Compounds From Soy Affect Brain and Reproductive Development

Two hormone-like compounds linked to the consumption of soy-based foods can cause irreversible changes in the structure of the brain, resulting in early-onset puberty and symptoms of advanced menopause in research animals, according to a new study by researchers at North Carolina State University. The study is a breakthrough in determining how these compounds can… 

Jul 16, 2008

New Paper Addresses Myths, Realities of Government Retiree Health-Care Crisis

While some states are taking adequate steps to address the cost of retiree health-care benefits, others – including New Jersey, New York, California and North Carolina – are facing tens of billions of dollars in so-called “unfunded liabilities.” The myths and realities of this potential crisis are laid out in a new issue brief written… 

Jul 16, 2008

Study Shows Increased Education on Nanotech, Human Enhancement Increases Public Concerns

Educating the public about nanotechnology and other complex but emerging technologies causes people to become more “worried and cautious” about the new technologies’ prospective benefits, according to a recent study by researchers at North Carolina State University.