engineering

Nov 2, 2010

Researchers Find ‘Goldilocks’ Of DNA Self-Assembly

Researchers from North Carolina State University have found a way to optimize the development of DNA self-assembling materials, which hold promise for technologies ranging from drug delivery to molecular sensors. The key to the advance is the discovery of the “Goldilocks” length for DNA strands used in self-assembly – not too long, not too short,… 

Nov 1, 2010

Researchers Developing Real-Time Electronic Monitoring For Coastal Waters

Researchers from North Carolina State University are developing a cost-effective electronic monitoring system that will enable researchers to advance our understanding of critical coastal ecosystems by allowing users to track water-quality data from these waters in real time, thanks to support from a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. 

Oct 28, 2010

How Long Should DNA Strands Be?

This is not a purely abstract question (pun intended). Complementary strands of DNA are drawn to one another like magnets and iron filings – a trait that has created the emerging field of DNA self-assembly. But research, and industrial application, in this area has been hampered by a lack of reliability in how the DNA… 

Oct 8, 2010

NC State Grant to Fund Training for Global Vaccine Manufacturers

North Carolina State University will use a new grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to train vaccine manufacturers from across the globe to use best production practices to help prevent pandemic viral outbreaks. 

Oct 4, 2010

Multifunctional Smart Sensors and High-Power Devices on a Computer Chip

Researchers from North Carolina State University have patented technology that is expected to revolutionize the global energy and communications infrastructure – and create U.S. jobs in the process. 

Sep 30, 2010

We Built This City On Lunar Regolith And Roll!

If you’re going to build a house, you need to know what type of material you’re building the foundation on. That’s been a problem for those designing structures for the moon, or even remote parts of our planet. Now researchers have developed a way to determine how the ground at remote sites will interact with… 

Sep 29, 2010

Research Lays Foundation For Building On The Moon – Or Anywhere Else

The key to the stability of any building is its foundation, but it is difficult to test some building sites in advance – such as those on the moon. New research from North Carolina State University is helping resolve the problem by using computer models that can utilize a small sample of soil to answer… 

Sep 24, 2010

Mimicking Nature, Water-Based ‘Artificial Leaf’ Produces Electricity

A team led by a North Carolina State University researcher has shown that water-gel-based solar devices – “artificial leaves” – can act like solar cells to produce electricity. The findings prove the concept for making solar cells that more closely mimic nature. They also have the potential to be less expensive and more environmentally friendly… 

Sep 24, 2010

NC State Lands Grant To Research Acoustics For Security, Military Applications

Imagine a tool that uses sound waves to help identify land mines, roadside bombs or suicide bombers. North Carolina State University has received a grant from the U.S. Office of Naval Research to turn that idea into a reality. 

Sep 22, 2010

Introducing the Superman of Aluminums

It can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound or stop a speeding bullet, but new aluminum material studied at NC State is as strong as steel. NC State’s Dr. Yuntian Zhu, a materials science and engineering professor, worked with a team of researchers across the globe to create an aluminum alloy – a mixture of aluminum… 

Sep 21, 2010

New Research Improves Ability To Detect Malware in Cloud-Computing Systems

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed new software that offers significantly enhanced security for cloud-computing systems. The software is much better at detecting viruses or other malware in the “hypervisors” that are critical to cloud computing, and does so without alerting the malware that it is being examined. 

Sep 15, 2010

Science Communication Breakdown (I Got Something I Think You Oughtta Know)

I used to work as a cook. And, as “Top Chef” aficionados know, teamwork is essential to cooking a good meal and getting it out on time. You can imagine how much more important teamwork is in today’s world of multi-institution, interdisciplinary research initiatives targeting complex scientific questions. Luckily, a new field of study is… 

Sep 15, 2010

Robotic Catheter Could Improve Treatment of Heart Condition

Atrial fibrillation is a heart disorder that affects more than two million Americans, and is considered a key contributor to blood clots and stroke. Now researchers from North Carolina State University are developing a new computerized catheter that could make the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation faster, cheaper and more effective – while significantly decreasing… 

Sep 15, 2010

Virtual Tutors: NC State Receives Grant To Study Artificial Intelligence In The Classroom

While some students might dream of having a robot to help them with their homework, researchers at North Carolina State University are getting closer to making it happen. NC State recently received a four-year, $3.5 million grant to explore using artificial intelligence as a learning tool inside fourth- and fifth-grade science classrooms. Artificial intelligence is the… 

Sep 14, 2010

NC State Celebrates Opening Of New Engineering Building

North Carolina State University is opening a new building on its Centennial Campus that will provide a state-of-the-art platform for students and faculty to make the next generation of breakthroughs in mechanical, aerospace and biomedical engineering. An event marking the opening of Engineering Building III will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15.