biology

Apr 15, 2015

Researchers Can Trace Dust Samples Using Fungal DNA

Researchers have developed a statistical model that allows them to tell where a dust sample came from within the continental United States based on the DNA of fungi found in the sample. The work offers law enforcement a new forensic biology tool. 

Apr 1, 2015

Isotope Study Shows Which Urban Ants Love Junk Food

Research finds that some – but not all – of the ant species on city streets have developed a taste for human food, offering insight into why certain ants are thriving in urban environments. The findings stem from a study that tested isotope levels in ants to determine the makeup of their diet. 

Mar 20, 2015

Shrinking Habitats Have Adverse Effects on World Ecosystems

A surprising and sobering study shows the degrading effects of habitat fragmentation. 

Feb 10, 2015

Exploring the Deep Sea: Adventures of a Researcher in the Field

For centuries, scientists thought that all life depended on the sun. They were wrong. 

Dec 3, 2014

Mapping Human Disease: ‘Not All Pathogens Are Everywhere’

NC State researchers map human disease pathogens and find distinct regions for vectored and non-vectored diseases. 

Dec 2, 2014

Study Finds Insects Play Important Role in Dealing with Garbage on NYC Streets

In the city that never sleeps, it’s easy to overlook the insects underfoot. But that doesn’t mean they’re not working hard. A new study shows that insects play a significant role in disposing of garbage on the streets of Manhattan. 

Nov 24, 2014

Environmental ‘Tipping Points’ Key to Predicting Extinctions

Depending on a population’s adaptive strategy, even tiny changes in climate variability can create a “tipping point” that sends the population into extinction. 

Nov 19, 2014

Warmer Temperatures Limit Impact of Parasites, Boost Pest Populations

Research shows that some insect pests are thriving in warm, urban environments and developing earlier, limiting the impact of parasitoid wasps that normally help keep those pest populations in check. 

Nov 12, 2014

Inhabit(ants) of New York City: High Diversity Underfoot in Urban Environments

Cities have more species diversity than you’d expect. A study of ants in Manhattan found not only a wide range of species, but also significant differences in the levels of biodiversity in different urban areas. 

Oct 30, 2014

A Decade of Genes, Chemicals and Human Health: The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database Turns 10

A Decade of Genes, Chemicals, and Human Health: the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database Turns Ten 

Oct 27, 2014

Biofuel Breakthroughs

The biggest barrier to better biofuels is small but stubborn. NC State biotechnology experts explain the challenges of breaking down the plant cell wall. 

Oct 13, 2014

The Devil’s in the Details: More Research Needed to Address Synthetic Biology Security Concerns

A new paper examines security risks and policy questions related to the growing field of synthetic biology, highlighting significant gaps in our understanding of the nuts and bolts of lab work in synthetic biology that can contribute to security risks. 

Sep 12, 2014

The Night of the Elephants: Adventures of a Researcher in the Field

Scientists are more likely to have adventures than many people with more mundane jobs. Stephanie Schuttler is a good example. 

Aug 27, 2014

Three Things You Didn’t Know About the Arachnids That Live on Your Face

Right now, in the general vicinity of your nose, there are at least two species of microscopic mites living in your pores. Scientists have just published a study about these little-known mites. 

Jul 30, 2014

Urbanization: Good for Pests, Bad for Trees

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Steve Frank, an assistant professor of entomology at NC State.The post first appeared on Frank’s blog, Insect Ecology and Integrated Pest Management. My wife is from a neighborhood outside Baltimore called Lawyers Hill. This is where, in the 18th century, lawyers (and I assume doctors and other gentlemen)…