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applied ecology

woman doctor gives vaccine to a Black toddler being held by her mother

Feb 1, 2023

Study Underscores Lack of Diversity in Stock Photography Sites

Lack of diversity in stock photography makes it more difficult – and expensive – to create effective health education materials. 

many ants swarm over a plastic plate containing different types of food. The plate is set on the ground, surrounded by leaves.

Jan 16, 2023

Climate Conundrum: Study Finds Ants Aren’t Altering Behavior in Rising Temperatures

The finding suggests ants may have trouble adjusting to climate change. 

brown-furred marten with grey ears is perched on the branch of a pine tree

Nov 3, 2022

Carnivore Gut Microbes Offer Insight Into Health of Wild Ecosystems

The work highlights an emerging tool that will allow researchers and wildlife managers to assess the health of wild ecosystems. 

Emily Oven holds snake under study

Nov 2, 2022

Scientists Monitor Emerging Fungal Disease in Snakes

NC State researchers track snake fungal disease in small snakes. 

a mother bear and cub rest on a beach

Sep 22, 2022

Gut Microbiomes Help Bears With Very Different Diets Reach the Same Size

The study offers insights that will inform wildlife management. 

A dog coming out of the water.

Aug 3, 2022

Study Pinpoints ‘Win-Win’ Solutions to Protect Human Health and Conserve Ecosystems

Research examines academic literature to find 46 interventions that would simultaneously benefit humans and the environment. 

Bumble bee on a flower

Jun 13, 2022

Shorter, Wider Flowers May Transmit More Parasites to Bees

Flower shape has biggest effect on parasite transmission to bees, according to a new study. 

an adult brown bear and cub stand on a small spit of land with a lake on three sides

Apr 8, 2022

What Shapes Gut Microbiomes of Alaska’s Brown Bears? Location, Location, Location

The finding helps us understand the relationship between wildlife habitat, diet and gut microbiome diversity. 

erin mckenney

Feb 24, 2022

Erin McKenney: A Microbe Love Story

From an internship with Disney’s Animal Kingdom to carnivore gut microbiome research, Erin McKenney has a diverse set of experiences revolving around microbes. 

carpenter bee on a soybean flower

Feb 23, 2022

Being Near Pollinator Habitat Boosts Soybean Size

The finding could make a meaningful difference in a grower’s profit margin. 

a blue question mark against a pink background

Feb 9, 2022

Clear Your Desk. It’s Time For a Pop Quiz on NC State Research

In this quiz, you can test your knowledge on some of the latest scientific findings from North Carolina State University. These questions are drawn from two studies that deal with issues related to climate change. 

miami blue butterfly at rest on a plant

Feb 7, 2022

Shifting Rainfall Patterns Will Affect Whether An Imperiled Butterfly Survives Climate Change

The study highlights how changes in precipitation could affect the survival of some species. 

mink with dark fur against a grey background

Jan 11, 2022

Study Finds Distinct Gut Microbiomes in Male and Female Carnivores

The finding suggests there is an unexpected sexual distinction in the gut microbiomes of carnivores. 

cartoon shows bear with a fish in its mouth thinking about donuts

Jan 3, 2022

Study Finds Reduced Microbial Diversity in Guts of Wild Bears That Eat Human Food

Eating human food appears to reduce microbial diversity in the guts of wild bears. 

A western lowland gorilla looks toward the camera.

Nov 30, 2021

Study Highlights Diversity of the Gut Microbiome in Gorillas

The study suggests that what constitutes a healthy microbiome can vary between individuals.