biology

Feb 29, 2016

Block That Pollen

NC State crop scientists move closer to finding pollen blockers that can protect organic corn from contamination by genetically modified corn. 

Feb 26, 2016

Worth Their Salts – Scientists Call For Freshwater Protections From Salinization

We’ve come a long way in promoting the health of our freshwater sources by regulating chemical waste and other pollutants. Now, some scientists are calling for similar standards for dissolved inorganic salts. 

Feb 22, 2016

Rediscovering the Forgotten Benefits of Drawing

Over a century ago, the ability to draw was a necessity. No cameras, printers, copiers, or online images - if you wanted to convey information visually, you had to do it yourself. Jennifer Landin explains why those skills are still important. 

Feb 11, 2016

New Imaging Technique Shows How DNA is Protected at Chromosomes’ Ends

A new imaging technique lets researchers see how DNA is protected at the ends of your chromosomes. 

Feb 3, 2016

Mixed Signals: Study Finds Insect Species Use Very Different Chemicals to Identify Queens

It had been thought that all ants, wasps and other eusocial insects used a common class of chemical compounds to distinguish queens from workers and other members of their colonies or hives. But new research finds that there is significant variation in these chemical signals, even between closely related species. 

Feb 2, 2016

Antiperspirant Alters the Microbial Ecosystem on Your Skin

Wearing antiperspirant or deodorant doesn’t just affect your social life, it substantially changes the microbial life that lives on you. 

Jan 21, 2016

Evolutionary Clock Ticks for Snowshoe Hares Facing Climate Change

NC State research shows a mismatch in coat colors is deadly for snowshoe hares. Will they be able to adapt in time? 

Jan 13, 2016

Mackay Wins Prestigious Wolf Prize

Trudy Mackay receives one of the world's most prestigious awards for academic achievement, a Wolf Prize. 

Dec 1, 2015

Trap-jaw Ants Exhibit Previously Unseen Jumping Behavior

A species of trap-jaw ant has been found to exhibit a previously unseen jumping behavior, using its legs rather than its powerful jaws. The discovery makes this species, Odontomachus rixosus, the only species of ant that can jump with either its legs or its mandibles. 

Oct 5, 2015

True Colors: Using Molecular Analysis to Clarify Dino Color Claims

Paleontologist Mary Schweitzer wants to see colleagues use of molecular analysis and other technologically advanced tools to confirm claims about dino color. 

Sep 29, 2015

Modeling Tool IDs Genes That Control Stress Response in Plants

An interdisciplinary team of researchers has developed a modeling algorithm that is able to identify genes associated with specific biological functions in plants. The modeling tool will help plant biologists target individual genes that control how plants respond to drought, high temperatures or other environmental stressors. 

Sep 24, 2015

The Biochemistry of Fall Foliage

Bernhard Kräutler, a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, explains the biochemical processes that help trees create their autumnal color displays. Don’t miss this colorful lecture. 

Sep 9, 2015

From the Lab Bench to the Beer Glass

A team of NC State scientists is using wild yeasts to brew new beers -- and the results are both surprising and delicious. 

Aug 26, 2015

Citizen Science Effort Highlights How Little We Know About Invisible Life in Our Own Homes

Scientists are announcing the discovery of thousands of unidentified species living in and around homes in the United States. The work relied on advanced technologies and scientific expertise from multiple disciplines, but none of it would have been possible without one critical resource – a group of non-scientists who wanted to be part of making a discovery. 

Aug 21, 2015

How DNA ‘Proofreader’ Proteins Pick and Edit Their Reading Material

Researchers have discovered how two important proofreader proteins know where to look for errors during DNA replication and how they work together to signal the body’s repair mechanism.