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Agriculture and Life Sciences

bumblebee hovers near flower

Jul 30, 2019

Children Prefer Faraway Wildlife to Local Nature

Children in both rural and urban areas prefer faraway animals to local wildlife. 

hands hold smartphone and sampling container for plant disease detection tech

Jul 29, 2019

Portable Tech Sniffs Out Plant Disease In The Field

Researchers have developed portable technology that allows farmers to identify plant diseases in the field. The handheld device, which is plugged into a smartphone, works by sampling the airborne volatile organic compounds that plants release through their leaves. 

Photo of two scientists in front of soybean plants

Jul 22, 2019

From the Lab and Greenhouse to Farmers’ Fields

New soybean research with roots in the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative aims to protect the crop from climate change. 

Ant on a tree limb

Jul 9, 2019

Destination: Madagascar, the Living Laboratory

Through the Ants and Canopy Bootcamp, a group of students from the U.S. and Madagascar will explore biological diversity with NC State's Bonnie Blaimer and the California Academy of Sciences' Brian Fisher. 

leaf marked by a microneedle patch

Jun 10, 2019

New Microneedle Technique Speeds Plant Disease Detection

Researchers have developed a new technique that uses microneedle patches to collect DNA from plant tissues in one minute, rather than the hours needed for conventional techniques. 

champagne being poured into the Stanley Cup

May 28, 2019

Could The Stanley Cup Spread Disease?

Does eating or drinking from the Stanley Cup pose a public health risk? Let's ask an expert on foodborne illness and cross-contamination. 

camel cricket

Mar 19, 2019

Cricket Bacteria Break Down Lignin, Highlighting Ecology’s Utility in Applied R&D

Researchers have discovered that a bacterium found in camel crickets is capable of breaking down lignin, opening new research pathways for biofuels and chemical manufacturing. The study also highlights the potential inherent in using ecosystem analysis as a tool for targeting research into the identification of commercially valuable microorganisms with industrial applications. 

Josip Simunovic in his lab, surrounded by shiny, metal equipment.

Mar 14, 2019

Food Scientist Honored

Food science pioneer Josip Simunovic is recognized by the Institute of Food Technologists. 

stink bug

Feb 28, 2019

Why Do Stink Bugs Stink?

Why do stink bugs stink? How do they make that smell? Are stink bugs dangerous? 

Woman in protective gear and holding a shovel looks at fire and smoke from a controlled burn.

Feb 20, 2019

Burning Desire

NC State scientists work to restore a rare longleaf pine stand for research, education and outreach. Among their first steps: setting fire to the site. 

industrial hemp plants

Feb 14, 2019

Is Hemp The Same Thing As Marijuana?

What's the difference between marijuana and hemp? 

photo of a pressure cooker

Feb 13, 2019

Why Does Food Cook Faster In A Pressure Cooker?

How do pressure cookers work? 

tired runner crossing finish line

Jan 28, 2019

What Happens When You Run on a Full Stomach?

Don't expect to set any land speed records if you're running on a full stomach. 

Pictured in his lab, Allen Cohen holds a tray of silkworms.

Jan 16, 2019

Bee-Killing Mite Isn’t a Vampire After All

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science this week debunks the long-held belief that varroa mites feed on “bee blood” – AKA hemolymph. NC State researcher Allen Cohen, co-author of the paper, explains. 

Gary Cartwright holds pints of ice cream.

Jan 11, 2019

Howling Cow Ice Cream Available in Harris Teeter Stores

A State Fair and NC State campus delectable treat is now available for the first time in grocery retail locations across parts of the Triangle.