Matt Shipman

Jun 26, 2012

Expediting Design Process May Boost Diversity in Multi-Core Processors

Researchers have developed a tool that makes it faster and easier to develop new cores – also known as central processing units – for computer processors. The new tool could spur the development of processors with many different types of specialized cores. “We’re optimistic that expediting this process will unleash innovation in processor design,” says… 

Jun 25, 2012

Nano-Sandwich Technique Slims Down Solar Cells, Improves Efficiency

Researchers from North Carolina State University have found a way to create much slimmer thin-film solar cells without sacrificing the cells’ ability to absorb solar energy. Making the cells thinner should significantly decrease manufacturing costs for the technology. 

Jun 21, 2012

Innovation to Save Lives: A Student’s Story, Part I

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by NC State grad student Tate Rogers. Rogers came up with an idea to address the life-threatening challenge of human waste disposal in the developing world, and was part of a team that received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to pursue the idea further. Rogers will… 

Jun 20, 2012

Researchers Find Gold Nanoparticles Capable of ‘Unzipping’ DNA

New research from North Carolina State University finds that gold nanoparticles with a slight positive charge work collectively to unravel DNA’s double helix. This finding has ramifications for gene therapy research and the emerging field of DNA-based electronics. 

Jun 18, 2012

Study Improves Understanding of Surface Molecules in Controlling Size of Gold Nanoparticles

North Carolina State University researchers have shown that the “bulkiness” of molecules commonly used in the creation of gold nanoparticles actually dictates the size of the nanoparticles – with larger so-called ligands resulting in smaller nanoparticles. The research team also found that each type of ligand produces nanoparticles in a particular array of discrete sizes. 

Jun 13, 2012

What Exoskeletons Are Hiding in Your Closet?

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Dr. Holly Menninger, director of public science for the Your Wild Life program at NC State, which explores the biodiversity that lives on, in and around us. Your Wild Life is the brain child of NC State professor Rob Dunn. Several months ago, Rob Dunn issued a challenge –… 

Jun 13, 2012

Creating An Online Portal Into the Medieval World

Perhaps it is fitting that students and scholars interested in the medieval world have to grapple with fiefdoms in order to find information dating to the period – though that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. But the days of searching through scattered online resources will soon be history. Researchers are in the process of… 

Jun 12, 2012

Science Outreach: What Do You Need?

In recent weeks, the science community has engaged in an enormous amount of discussion about science outreach. There are calls from many people, including me, for scientists to take an active role in efforts to share their work with the public. But this leaves many scientists feeling put upon – and understandably so. Scientists have… 

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.