environment

Aug 12, 2010

Burning Biomass With Coal Could Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Across the Southeast, mixing wood and other forest biomass with coal to create energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions when compared to just burning coal alone, according to a new working paper by researchers at North Carolina State University and Duke University. “If we look at all the coal-fired boilers in the Southeastern United States… 

Aug 5, 2010

Cataloging Critters

What is an insect museum and why is it important? Find out by checking out our question-and-answer segment with Dr. Andy Deans, NC State assistant professor of entomology and director of the university’s Insect Museum, which lives and grows in Gardner Hall. Responses have been lightly edited for style or clarity. Q. What purpose does the… 

Aug 3, 2010

Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog…I Think

Can you identify a frog based solely on what it sounds like? I can’t. And apparently, I’m not alone. New research published in this month’s Ecology shows that even trained observers (or whatever you call listeners) can make mistakes when it comes to identifying frog species and estimating their numbers. That could be a big… 

Aug 2, 2010

‘Ribbit Radio’ Shows Frog Population Estimates Are Likely Flawed

Scientists track amphibian populations because these animals are sensitive to changes in their environment and can serve as “canaries in the coal mine” to give researchers early warnings about pollution or other ecological problems. But new research from North Carolina State University shows that data from the largest amphibian monitoring program in the country may… 

Jul 29, 2010

NC State Expert: Oil Spill Not Likely to Reach N.C.

As the disaster in the Gulf continues to unfold, the southeastern U.S. is preparing for the potential economic  and environmental repercussions should the oil reach its shores. Fortunately, current models indicate that the N.C. coastline may end up unscathed. North Carolina State University experts can address the likelihood of the oil spill reaching the N.C.… 

Jul 26, 2010

Hot Topic: Improving Communications To Fight Wildfires

Wildfires can be deadly, as well as causing millions of dollars worth of damage to homes, businesses and natural resources. Efforts to control wildfires often include a staggering array of federal, state and local government agencies. New research from North Carolina State University is shedding light on how these agencies can better communicate with each… 

Jul 22, 2010

Everybody Hates Mosquitoes

On a hot, humid summer day, I can’t be outside for two minutes before having to swat away mosquitoes who have an insatiable appetite for my sweet blood. However, the minor annoyance of having to soothe my bites with calamine lotion is nothing compared to the major threat mosquitoes pose by spreading diseases like malaria… 

Jul 20, 2010

Will it snow? Will it snow? Will it snow?

I know. It’s a zillion degrees outside, so why am I writing a post about snow? Because new research is out that will help make winter weather predictions more accurate throughout the United States. That’s good news for weather watchers, sure, but it’s great news for governments and utilities – since they can make better… 

Jul 20, 2010

New Methodology Improves Winter Climate Forecasting

It’s hot out right now, but new research from North Carolina State University will help us know what to expect when the weather turns cold. Researchers have developed a new methodology that improves the accuracy of winter precipitation and temperature forecasts. The tool should be valuable for government and utility officials, since it provides key… 

Jul 19, 2010

Who’ll Stop The Rain (Pollution)?

Rain is a good thing for our lakes, rivers and streams – it replenishes them. Duh. However, rain can also be really bad news for our lakes, rivers and streams – it can carry lots of pollutants into them. Luckily for all the naiads out there, researchers have come up with a new model to… 

Jun 30, 2010

New Technique Improves Efficiency Of Biofuel Production

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a more efficient technique for producing biofuels from woody plants that significantly reduces the waste that results from conventional biofuel production techniques. The technique is a significant step toward creating a commercially viable new source of biofuels. 

Jun 28, 2010

Making Order Out of Chaos

Editor’s Note: This is the second post from Dr. Greg Massey, DVM, DVAPB, a postdoctoral research associate at NC State.  Massey is currently using his expertise to help wildlife – particularly birds – who have been affected by the oil spill on the Gulf Coast. He will be writing about his experiences periodically on The Abstract.… 

Jun 9, 2010

Turning Up The Heat to Study Climate Change

It’s getting really hot in forests located in Orange County, N.C., and Petersham, Mass. NC State biologist Rob Dunn and colleagues are turning up the heat in Duke Forest and Harvard Forest – the southern and northern edges of many animal species habitats – to  learn more about the effects of climate change, particularly on ants.… 

May 24, 2010

NC State Designated ‘Center of Excellence for Watershed Management’ By EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated North Carolina State University a Center of Excellence for Watershed Management, making it the first such center in North Carolina. The designation will allow NC State, through its Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI), to continue to develop strong partnerships with other institutions, organizations and agencies in efforts to protect… 

May 5, 2010

Buggin’ Out

Tracking invasive pests around the world sounds like it would make for an interesting show on the Discovery Channel. But don’t be fooled – the work that goes into tracking these species is less “Deadliest Catch” and more “Dirty Jobs.” Researchers at NC State partnered with scientists and analysts from around the globe to determine recommendations…