chemical and biomolecular engineering

photo shows an automated biomanufacturing set up in which liquid is being deposited into plastic cylinders

Apr 23, 2026

How AI Can Help Us Count the ‘Good’ Viruses Used in Biopharmaceuticals

A new methodology that uses AI tools to identify and count target viruses more efficiently.

illustrationshows a double helix of DNA surrounded by small spheres, representing proteins

Apr 20, 2026

Study Finds Each Protein in the Epigenome Produces a Different Pattern of Gene Expression

A new study finds the proteins responsible for controlling which genes are expressed in a genome do more than simply turn a gene on or off.

a teardrop-shaped structure is suspended from a clear plastic surface over a series of what look like test tubes

Apr 2, 2026

New Sensors Lower the Cost of Studying Genetic Disorders

Researchers have demonstrated a new class of low-cost, scalable sensors that can be used to monitor electrical activity in human cerebral organoids.

a photograph of a person working in a greenhouse where tomatoes are growing

Mar 20, 2026

Fast-Tracking Agricultural Tech With North Carolina Growers

Up to 40% of global food crops are lost to pests and pathogens annually. Verdia Diagnostics, a new startup company launched through NC State University, aims to reduce disease-related crop loss significantly. They are beta-testing sensors in commercial greenhouses in North Carolina in an effort to quickly make the technology available to growers.

illustration shows a human gut system teeming with microorganisms

Mar 9, 2026

Researchers Make Probiotic Safer for Immunocompromised Patients

An international team of researchers has modified a probiotic yeast to make it safer for use by immunocompromised people, older adults and infants.

image shows two, side-by-side models of the stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system

Feb 24, 2026

How Studying Yeast in the Gut Could Lead to New, Better Drugs

A new study sheds light on the behavior of yeast cells in the gut, paving the way for new lines of yeast that more efficiently produce therapeutic drugs.

Stock image of a colorful and dynamic textile.

Nov 14, 2025

Research Round Up: Responsive Materials

NC State University leads the development of responsive materials engineered to sense and react to stimuli in exciting, innovative ways. Remarkably versatile, these advanced materials can harvest energy from friction, self-repair structural damage, assemble themselves into electronic devices — and more.

a robot inspects a collection of rainbow-colored test tubes

Aug 25, 2025

Meet Rainbow: The Multi-Robot Lab Racing to Discover the Next Quantum Dots

Rainbow autonomously discovers nanoparticles critical for next-generation displays, solar cells, LEDs and quantum-engineering technologies.

A young child scared of getting a shot from a doctor with a needle.

Aug 20, 2025

How Dental Floss Could One Day Deliver Vaccines

Recent research findings show that dental floss could be an effective way to administer vaccines and immunizations instead of shots.

illustration shows how a microbe is mutated to produce a new microbe that produces more plasmid dna for use in biomedical applications

Aug 13, 2025

‘Controlled Evolution’ Dramatically Boosts pDNA Production for Biomedical Manufacturing

The advance is significant because the new technique could drive down the cost of gene therapy treatments.

graphic design shows how vaccine can gain entry to the bloodstream via a space between the tooth and the gum

Jul 28, 2025

Why You May Get Future Vaccines Via Dental Floss

Researchers have demonstrated a novel vaccine delivery method, using dental floss to introduce vaccine via the tissue between the teeth and gums.

illustration outlines the continuous workflow of a self-driving lab that makes use of continuous, dynamic work flow experiments.

Jul 14, 2025

Researchers Hit ‘Fast Forward’ on Materials Discovery with Self-Driving Labs

A new technique allows “self-driving laboratories” to collect at least 10 times more data than previous techniques at record speed.

aerial view of a wastewater treatment plant

Jun 11, 2025

Researchers Create New Way to Remove Phosphorus from Contaminated Water

Researchers have created an inexpensive material that can filter phosphorus from contaminated surface waters, drinking water supplies or wastewater streams and reuse the phosphorus for agricultural applications.

Image of four-step process of capturing microplastics from water.

Mar 26, 2025

New Water Microcleaners Self-Disperse, Capture Microplastics and Float Up for Removal

Proof-of-concept work uses unique, safe particles to remove microplastics in a single cycle.

Campus gateway sign reading NC State University

Mar 24, 2025

Novel Material Holds Promise for Tech to Convert CO2 Into Fuel

Researchers have developed a novel combination of materials that have organic and inorganic properties, with the goal of using them in technologies that convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into a liquid fuel.