explainer

Nov 29, 2018

Do Insects Fart? (They Sure Do!)

Do bugs fart? You bet. In fact, some of them pass an enormous amount of gas. 

Aug 29, 2018

What Is the Epigenome? What is Epigenetics?

Most people know that genetics is the study of genes, but what is epigenetics? 

May 24, 2018

It’s Not the Mayonnaise: Food Safety Myths & Summertime Food

Warm weather means picnics and outdoor get-togethers. Here are some tips on how to avoid making your friends and loved ones barf this summer. 

Jun 13, 2016

What Is CRISPR? And How Can It Be Used to Turn Genes ‘Off’?

CRISPR systems have been a hot research topic since they were shown to have utility as genetic engineering tools in 2012. And they’re often explained in a way that most folks can understand. But those explanations often overlook key details. 

May 10, 2016

Why Do Strawberries Have Their Seeds on the Outside?

This is a tricky question because: one, those "seeds" aren't seeds; and, two, we're not really sure. 

Dec 2, 2015

Questions About the Science of Beer

Sure, there’s an art to brewing – but there’s science as well. 

Oct 26, 2015

Spiders: How Spooky Are They?

Spooky scenes of fake spiders in giant webs are everywhere this time of year. But despite the Halloween hype, spiders hardly deserve their reputation as dangerous creatures. 

Jun 26, 2015

Tackling the Mysteries of Everyday Life

For a few years new, science writers at NC State have tried to help folks solve some of the mysteries of everyday life. What mysteries should they tackle next? 

Dec 15, 2014

If Eggnog Has Eggs in it, Why Is it Safe to Drink?

Eggnog is a holiday treat, but it contains — surprise! — eggs. So how come it’s okay for us to drink it? Here are a few questions and answers about eggnog and food safety. 

Dec 5, 2014

Fruitcake – Will it Last Forever?

The USDA says a fruitcake will last two to three months in the refrigerator without spoiling. But how long will it really last? We asked a scientist. 

Sep 23, 2014

Fast Facts About Cutting Boards and Food Safety in Your Kitchen

Anything that touches your food can be a source of contamination and foodborne illness – including cutting boards. Learn what you can do to limit the risk of foodborne illness. 

Jun 4, 2014

How a Protein “Cancer Cop” Targets UV Damage in DNA

Ah, summer. People are outside enjoying the warm weather, swimming, playing, or just soaking up that glorious, skin-damaging, high-energy UV radiation from the sun. We know that prolonged sun exposure damages skin – the sun is a nuclear reactor, after all. But how does our body respond to and repair this damage at the DNA… 

May 21, 2014

The Difference Between Baking Soda and Baking Powder

Baking soda has only one ingredient: sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate is a base that reacts when it comes into contact with acids, like buttermilk, yogurt or vinegar. This reaction produces carbon dioxide (CO2) in the form of bubbles (think of the grade school experiments involving fake volcanoes, vinegar and baking soda). When making baked goods,… 

Aug 21, 2013

Why You Can See the Moon During Daylight Hours

I have a friend whose young son gets incredibly excited when he can see the moon during the day. After several excited shouts of “day moon!” the youngster asks his mom why he can sometimes see the moon when the sun is up, and not just at night. Good question. Objects in the sky appear… 

Jun 19, 2013

How Do Bees Make Honey? (It’s Not Just Bee Barf)

Last weekend, my daughter asked me how bees made honey, and I realized that I didn’t know the answer. How do bees make honey? I did some homework, and can now explain it to her – and to you. Different honey bees have different jobs. Some of these bees are “forager” bees, which collect nectar…