biology

Sep 8, 2010

All Species Strange and Small

In the latest issue of National Geographic, biologist Rob Dunn makes the case for why it's the age of insects—and has been for the last 300 million years. 

Aug 5, 2010

Cataloging Critters

What is an insect museum and why is it important? Find out by checking out our question-and-answer segment with Dr. Andy Deans, NC State assistant professor of entomology and director of the university’s Insect Museum, which lives and grows in Gardner Hall. Responses have been lightly edited for style or clarity. Q. What purpose does the… 

Aug 3, 2010

Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog…I Think

Can you identify a frog based solely on what it sounds like? I can’t. And apparently, I’m not alone. New research published in this month’s Ecology shows that even trained observers (or whatever you call listeners) can make mistakes when it comes to identifying frog species and estimating their numbers. That could be a big… 

Jun 28, 2010

Making Order Out of Chaos

Editor’s Note: This is the second post from Dr. Greg Massey, DVM, DVAPB, a postdoctoral research associate at NC State.  Massey is currently using his expertise to help wildlife – particularly birds – who have been affected by the oil spill on the Gulf Coast. He will be writing about his experiences periodically on The Abstract.… 

Jun 9, 2010

Turning Up The Heat to Study Climate Change

It’s getting really hot in forests located in Orange County, N.C., and Petersham, Mass. NC State biologist Rob Dunn and colleagues are turning up the heat in Duke Forest and Harvard Forest – the southern and northern edges of many animal species habitats – to  learn more about the effects of climate change, particularly on ants.… 

Feb 18, 2010

Plastics and Human Health

This week at the world’s largest and most important scientific conference, two NC State faculty members will discuss the effects of “hormone mimics” or endocrine disruptors on human and animal health, fertility and puberty. 

Dec 3, 2009

Dunn Wins Book Award

Dr. Rob Dunn, assistant professor of biology, won the natural history category of the 2009 National Outdoor Book Awards. 

Dec 3, 2009

Hall Renamed for Joab Thomas

South Gardner Hall was renamed Thomas Hall on Nov. 19, in honor of Dr. Joab L. Thomas, NC State’s ninth chancellor. 

Oct 1, 2009

Rudershausen Pedals for Wildlife

Biologist Paul Rudershausen, a research assistant in the zoology lab at CMAST, put his devotion to wildlife in motion during a 36-day cross-country bicycle trek from the Oregon coast to the North Carolina coast. 

Sep 3, 2009

Biologist Selected as ESA Fellow

Dr. Charles S. Apperson, a vector biologist with research and extension responsibilities, was recently selected as a fellow of the Entomological Society of America. 

Jul 1, 2009

Patisaul Named Fellow

Dr. Heather Patisaul, assistant professor of biology, is among 10 scientists who will work to increase public awareness and understanding of environmental health science as science communication fellows.