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How Has Flooding from Helene Affected Transportation in Western NC?

Department of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering

there are three images. first is a weaving of grey and blue strands; second is heat-map image, red in the center, surrounded by blue; third is an image of grey weaving with an overly of blue zigzag lines

Jan 14, 2026

Self-Healing Composite Can Make Airplane, Automobile and Spacecraft Components Last for Centuries

Researchers have created a self-healing composite that is tougher than materials currently used in aircraft wings, turbine blades and other applications – and can repair itself more than 1,000 times. 
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Jan 5, 2026

Location, Location, Location: Model IDs Best Spots for Offshore Energy Projects

The model can be used to maximize offshore energy production, reducing the financial risk of offshore projects. 
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Nov 19, 2025

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The new method helps policymakers determine which parts of an energy system have the biggest impact and merit extra attention. 
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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. 
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Oct 27, 2025

High Levels of Short-Chain PFAS Found in Wilmington Residents’ Blood

High levels of ultrashort-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in blood samples taken from Wilmington, N.C. residents between 2010-2016. 
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Jul 29, 2025

Research Improves Accuracy of Climate Models – Particularly for Compound Extreme Events

The advance should provide policymakers with improved climate projections that can be used to inform policy and planning decisions. 
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Jun 18, 2025

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Jun 2, 2025

Study Finds Coastal Flooding More Frequent Than Previously Thought

Flooding in coastal communities is happening far more often than previously thought, according to a new study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The study also found major flaws with the widely used approach of using marine water level data to capture instances of flooding. “Government agencies… 
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May 20, 2025

Even Without Feds, States Can Take Meaningful Action on Climate Change

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May 12, 2025

What Are the Tradeoffs When People Have to Choose Between Clean Air and Clean Water?

A new study suggests that, while health risks from the resulting air pollution are real, the benefits associated with boiling water generally outweigh those risks. 
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Jan 27, 2025

Can Self-Driving Cars Navigate Roundabouts?

Roundabouts improve traffic safety. But they rely on the judgement of drivers. Can autonomous vehicles navigate roundabouts safely? 
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Nov 20, 2024

Garden Produce Grown Near Fayetteville Works Fluorochemical Plant Contains GenX, Other PFAS

New study indicates that diet, in addition to drinking water, can be an important human exposure pathway for PFAS. 
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Oct 9, 2024

New Tool Aims to Boost Ocean-Based Renewable Energy

Researchers have created a new modeling tool that can be used to help develop marine hydrokinetic energy projects. 
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Oct 8, 2024

How Can You Tell Whether a Road is Safe After a Flood?

How do you test the safety of roads, dams and bridges? And what do engineers have to consider when rebuilding roadways? These experts have answers. 
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Oct 7, 2024

How Has Flooding from Helene Affected Transportation in Western NC?

We had questions about how Hurricane Helene has affected roadways and traffic in western North Carolina. So we talked to an expert.