environment

May 4, 2010

NC State Experts Can Offer Insight into Gulf Oil Spill

The recent British Petroleum oil spill will have a major environmental impact on the U.S. Gulf Coast, and beyond. North Carolina State University experts can address issues pertaining to the spill, from how ocean currents may carry it beyond the Gulf, to how long and difficult the clean-up process may be, as well as effects…

May 4, 2010

Bugging Out: NC State Researchers Help Track Wayward Pests Through Mapping

Tracking invasive pests around the world sounds like it would make for an interesting show on the Discovery Channel. However, the work that goes into tracking these species is less “Deadliest Catch” and more “Dirty Jobs.” Researchers at North Carolina State University partnered with scientists and analysts from around the globe to determine recommendations to…

Apr 23, 2010

Trash May Be (Energy) Treasure Trove

Earlier this month, a New York Times article highlighted the fact that European countries are burning garbage as a renewable source of energy – but that similar efforts in the United States are lagging behind. The article cites a 2009 study which “came down strongly in favor of waste-to-energy (WTE) plants over landfills as the…

Mar 11, 2010

NC State Named Top 5 Green School in Southeast

North Carolina State University has been named one of the Top 5 Greenest Schools in the Southeast by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. The March issue recognizes NC State for its aggressive commitment to a more sustainable future. Backed by achievements in energy, transportation and academic programs, NC State’s balanced approach to sustainability helped garner the No. 4…

Mar 11, 2010

NC State Holds Arbor Day Celebration and Open House

For use by the media as calendar-of-events items or for information What: North Carolina State University will host an Arbor Day Celebration and Open House that includes a plant adoption center, tree seedling giveaways, tree plantings, and “Ask a Forester” sessions. Presentations from faculty and graduate students will highlight the many ways trees help us…

Mar 10, 2010

Get Up, Get Out and Go!: NC State Research Tackles Childhood Obesity

Getting children involved in finding ways to become more physically active can not only make them more aware of local recreational opportunities, but can even help increase their own physical activity.

Feb 1, 2010

Chocolate Milk to Weak Tea: NC State Professor Can Discuss New EPA Regulation on Construction Runoff

Dr. Rich McLaughlin, professor of soil science and an expert in water quality protection at North Carolina State University, 919/515-7306 or rich_mclaughlin@ncsu.edu, is available to speak with reporters about a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation on construction site runoff. The new regulation – which goes into effect Feb. 1 for some states and will…

Feb 1, 2010

Grant Funds Examination of Triangle-area Reservoirs

Communities around the Triangle will soon be asked to play a role when it comes to providing information needed for environmental policy decisions – such as how to manage the region’s water supplies – thanks to new research being conducted by area universities. Researchers from North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at…

Jan 13, 2010

NC State Experts Can Offer Insight On Haiti Disaster

The eyes of the world are now focused on Haiti, and the effects of the recent earthquake disaster on the island nation are still unfolding. North Carolina State University researchers can help explain what happened and what it could mean for Haiti’s political and economic future.

Dec 8, 2009

NC State Vets Lead Way in Disaster Response for Animals

Most people can picture the first responders who come to the rescue in the wake of a natural disaster. But who provides emergency help for the dogs, cats and horses that people love? And who takes care of the cows, poultry and hogs that form the backbone of animal agriculture? North Carolina State University’s College…

Nov 23, 2009

Lose the Fat: Targeting Grease to Curtail Sewer Overflows

Sewer overflows are a nasty business, posing dangers to human health and the environment. North Carolina State University is launching a new project with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that targets the fat and grease that contribute to millions of overflows every year, and will give urban planners new tools to further…

Nov 12, 2009

New Water Management Tool May Help Ease Effects of Drought

Continued improvement of climate forecasts is resulting in better information about what rainfall and streamflow may look like months in advance. A researcher from North Carolina State University has developed an innovative water management framework that would take advantage of these forecasts to plan for droughts or excess rain in order to make the most…

Nov 2, 2009

NC State Research to Determine Where Nanomaterials Go in the Body

Tiny, engineered nanomaterials can already be found in many consumer products, and have been hailed as having widespread future uses in areas ranging from medicine to industrial processes. However, little is known about what happens if these nanomaterials get into your body – where do they go? NC State researchers are working to answer that question…

Oct 26, 2009

Study Shows How Nanotubes Affect Lining of Lungs

Tiny carbon nanotubes are being considered for use in everything from sports equipment to medical applications, but a great deal remains unknown about whether these materials cause respiratory or other health problems. Now a collaborative study from North Carolina State University, The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences…

Oct 7, 2009

Fill ’er Up – With Algae

Imagine filling up your car with fuel that comes from inexpensive algae that grow quickly, don’t use up freshwater supplies and can be cultivated in areas where they won’t compete with traditional food crops, such as corn or soybeans. Researchers at North Carolina State University are working to make that a reality, with a $2…