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applied ecology

a table covered in tasty foods

Jun 14, 2021

The Evolution of Good Taste

Does evolution explain why we love salty potato chips? 

A Key deer photo approaches a camera trap in the Florida Keys.

Apr 22, 2021

Endangered Key Deer Fawns Vulnerable to Heat Stress as Sea Level Rises, Study Finds

Sea level rise could destroy low-elevation habitats that provide shade for Key deer in South Florida, making them more vulnerable to heat stress. 

Samantha Jordt and a aquatic insect larva

Mar 17, 2021

Abundant and Stable Rocks Are Critical Egg-laying Habitat for Insects in Restored Streams

The abundance and other characteristics of rocks partially extending above the water surface could be important for improving the recovery of aquatic insect populations in restored streams. 

jar of sourdough starter

Jan 26, 2021

Intercontinental Study Sheds Light on the Microbial Life of Sourdough

Conventional wisdom is wrong. And sourdough is complicated. 

At Lake Raleigh, students stand on a dock after a day of collecting data about fish populations.

Nov 30, 2020

Preserving Lake Raleigh’s 100-Year Legacy With Fisheries Partnerships

NC State's Department of Applied Ecology has partnered with NC Wildlife Resources Commission since 2006. Their mission? Managing the urban fresh water resource of Lake Raleigh — including its fishy residents. 

black bear sniffs the ground

Nov 30, 2020

Black Bear Gut Biome Simpler Than Expected, Scientists Say

Bear gut biomes are surprisingly simple, raising interesting questions for researchers. 

researcher holding a red grouper

Nov 17, 2020

Study Finds Some Sport Fish Are Caught Repeatedly – Which Could Throw Off Population Estimates

Tagged fish are being caught more than anyone thought, which raises fisheries policy questions. 

mosquito

Aug 24, 2020

Finding Ways to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

For many of us, climate change means more mosquitoes. 

Bumble bee on a sunflower.

May 11, 2020

Bumble Bee Disease, Reproduction Shaped by Flowering Strip Plants

Researchers study the effectiveness of flowering strip plants intended to augment bee foraging habitats. 

sign that says "stay home, save lives"

Apr 21, 2020

Is 6 Feet Enough? Sometimes, Maybe

How do viruses spread? And is six feet really a safe distance? Why? 

Jaime Collazo out birding at Jordan Lake

Apr 17, 2020

Jaime Collazo Recognized With American Ornithological Society Award

Jaime Collazo has been awarded the 2020 Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award from the American Ornithological Society. 

hands covered in flour

Apr 14, 2020

The Great Sourdough Mystery

Scientists are enlisting home bakers to solve age-old mysteries surrounding bread. 

Mar 31, 2020

10,000 Photos of the Wild Life in Homes (and Counting)

There is some fascinating stuff living in your house. We want to see it. 

graphic representation of COVID-19

Mar 30, 2020

A Primer On and Conversation About the Biology and Evolution of SARS-CoV-2, the Virus That Causes COVID-19

Experts discuss the evolution and biology of the virus that causes COVID-19. 

four cats at food bowls

Feb 28, 2020

Cat Food Mystery Foils Diet Study

Cat food turns out to be something of a mystery.