Skip to main content
Why Do Fireflies Light Up? And How Can I Bring More Fireflies to My…

The Abstract

Picture of corn plant against the sky.

Aug 28, 2024

Diverse Crop Rotations Reduce Risk of Crop Loss Under Poor Growing Conditions

This post was written by Autumn Canady at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are responding to the increasingly uncertain climate. The warmer and more unpredictable weather has been a source of instability on U.S. farms. ARS agroecologists turned to history for a solution to… 
Laser images are projected across NC State's Bell Tower.

Aug 28, 2024

NC State Center Focuses on Ethics in AI

The new center will explore the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. 

Aug 26, 2024

Cell-Free DNA, ‘Spider-Man’ Neutrophils, and Sepsis in Foals

Study finds a common biomarker of infection isn't present in sick newborn foals. 
Several blue and yellow tentacles wave from a blue and yellow stem against a black backdrop

Aug 26, 2024

The Scope of Our Research: Winners of the 2024 Envisioning Research Contest

The 2024 Envisioning Research contest captures the spectacular landscape of research being conducted at NC State. 
a woman milking a cow

Aug 22, 2024

Robots on the Farm

Labor concerns can be a headache for farmers. Two new studies shed light on how automation does -- and doesn't -- help the agriculture sector. 
Memorial Belltower

Aug 13, 2024

Three Actions and a Tool to Cut Methane Emissions and Slow Global Warming

Researchers examine rising methane levels and create a tool to help countries find cost-effective ways to reduce methane. 
smartphone is held in front of the eiffel tower. the smartphone screen shows the olympics logo

Aug 9, 2024

How Brands are ‘Winning’ Olympic Gold

How much are companies pouring into the Olympic Games? And what do they get for their money? 

Jul 27, 2024

What Colors Do Bees See? And How Do We Know?

I was reading a children’s book about insects to my daughter, and it said that bees see colors differently than humans do. My daughter immediately asked, in short succession: “What colors do they see? Why? How do we know?” I did some homework to find out, and discovered that bees see flowers much differently than… 

Jul 23, 2024

Can Bees Recognize Faces?

Yep, bees can recognize faces. But do they use this ability? David Tarpy explains. 

Jul 15, 2024

Apparel Industry Leaks Millions of Tons of Plastic Into Environment Each Year, Study Finds

A new study finds that waste from the global apparel industry is leaking millions of tons of plastic into the environment each year – an overlooked pollution source which may be getting worse over time. The findings are detailed in a recent study from North Carolina State University researchers, which found that global apparel consumption… 
An image of a wildfire burning trees.

Jul 10, 2024

Fires and Climate are Changing. Science Needs to Change too.

Fire scientists are working on ways to best address the challenges of wildfire and climate. 
wet spots show up as dark stains on the concrete next to a swimming pool

Jul 5, 2024

Why Do Things Look Darker When They’re Wet?

From rain-soaked sidewalks to sweat-stained dress shirts, you’ve probably noticed that most things look darker when they’re wet. Why? 
side view of a steak on a grill above hot coals

Jul 1, 2024

The Science of Steak on the Grill

Did you know that grilling a steak involves science? 
peaches

Jul 1, 2024

It’s Peach Season in North Carolina

Bite into these fresh facts about North Carolina-grown peaches. 
a time-lapse photograph shows fireflies as blurs of light in a meadow surrounded by trees at dusk.

Jun 21, 2024

Why Do Fireflies Light Up? And How Can I Bring More Fireflies to My Yard?

Fireflies start out as dragon-like predators before becoming a beautiful feature of summer evenings.