Matt Shipman

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. 

Jul 15, 2008

As Economy Slumps, New Study Highlights Tools For Avoiding Fiscal Crises in Local Government

As news reports focus on the shaky footing of the national economy, a researcher from North Carolina State University has released a study laying out several best practices that can be implemented by state governments to prevent or mitigate fiscal distress at the local government level. In his paper, Dr. Charles Coe urges state governments… 

Jul 2, 2008

Study Shows Quantum Dots Can Penetrate Skin Through Minor Abrasions

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that quantum dot nanoparticles can penetrate the skin if there is an abrasion, providing insight into potential workplace concerns for healthcare workers or individuals involved in the manufacturing of quantum dots or doing research on potential biomedical applications of the tiny nanoparticles. 

Jun 11, 2008

NC State University Experts Available to Discuss Tomatoes and Salmonella Outbreak

North Carolina State University experts can address concerns about the safety of eating tomatoes in the wake of Salmonella poisoning linked to contaminated tomatoes found in 17 states, as well as questions about what this may mean for tomato growers in North Carolina and beyond. 

May 28, 2008

NC State Research Breakthrough Results In Super-Hard Nanocrystalline Iron That Can Take The Heat

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a substance far stronger and harder than conventional iron, and which retains these properties under extremely high temperatures – opening the door to a wide variety of potential applications, such as engine components that are exposed to high stress and high temperatures. Iron that is made up… 

May 20, 2008

NC State Faculty Receive Fulbright Scholar Awards

Three North Carolina State University faculty members and one graduate student have been chosen to participate in the Fulbright Scholar program to study and teach abroad during the 2008-09 academic year. Fulbright grants are awarded each year to leading researchers, teachers and administrators at universities worldwide, allowing the recipients to travel, conduct research and teach… 

May 15, 2008

NC State Researcher Finds El Nino May Have Been Key Factor in Magellan’s Voyage Across the Pacific

A new paper by North Carolina State University archaeologist Dr. Scott Fitzpatrick shows that Ferdinand Magellan’s historic circumnavigation of the globe was likely influenced in large part by unusual weather conditions – including what we now know as El Niño – which eased his passage across the Pacific Ocean, but ultimately led him over a… 

May 13, 2008

NC State Experts Can Address Global Food Crisis, Rising Costs

Rising food prices are leading to unrest around the world, as well as putting additional stress on household budgets across the United States. Why is it becoming more costly to put food on the table? The reasons range from higher fuel and fertilizer costs to an increased demand for ethanol, but there are many other… 

May 12, 2008

Federal Government Taps NC State Experts To Explain Nanotech Risks

The arm of the federal government responsible for coordinating nanotechnology research and regulations across the country has called on experts from North Carolina State University to craft a white paper that will lay out how government and industry officials should communicate potential risks associated with nanotechnology to the media and the public. NC State communication expert… 

May 8, 2008

NC State Experts Shed Light On China, Olympic Games

The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing are drawing the eyes of the world to China. That focus is not limited to athletic contests, but includes questions related to the environment, human rights, business and international affairs. North Carolina State University faculty can provide insight and expertise on the cultural, business and environmental challenges being highlighted… 

Apr 30, 2008

NC State Leads Effort to Create ‘Next Generation’ of Experts on Hazards and Natural Disasters

Highlighting North Carolina State University’s leadership in hazard and disaster studies, NC State’s Dr. Thomas Birkland was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to recruit and mentor young researchers to study disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the September 11 terrorist attacks. The effort will focus on pairing newly… 

Apr 28, 2008

Physics Advance at NC State Leads to a Better Understanding of Optics at the Atomic Scale

An advance by North Carolina State University physicists improves our understanding of how light interacts with matter, and could make possible the development of new integrated-circuit technologies that result in faster computers that use less energy. 

Apr 23, 2008

People See ‘Civil Religion’ As Key Attribute For Presidential Candidates

A new study by researchers at North Carolina State University shows that voters prefer a presidential candidate who they perceive as being “civil religious” – meaning the candidate believes in a higher authority above the nation and its religions – regardless of the civil religious beliefs of the voters themselves.