faculty and staff

Oct 22, 2012

Additive Restores Antibiotic Effectiveness Against MRSA

Researchers from North Carolina State University have increased the potency of a compound that reactivates antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic-resistant form of Staphylococcus that is notoriously difficult to treat. Their improved compound removes the bacteria’s antibiotic resistance and allows the antibiotic to once again become effective at normal dosage levels. NC State chemist… 

Sep 17, 2012

Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens Persist in Antibiotic-Free Pigs

Researchers from North Carolina State University have found identical strains of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter Coli (C. coli) in both antibiotic-free (ABF) and conventionally raised pigs. This finding may indicate that these antibiotic-resistant pathogens can persist and thrive in the environment, regardless of antimicrobial usage by pork producers. Dr. Siddhartha Thakur, assistant professor of population health and… 

Aug 28, 2012

NC State Experts Can Discuss Hurricane, Disaster Issues

With Hurricane Isaac making landfall this week, media looking for information on a variety of hurricane topics can contact the following North Carolina State University experts: Storm Surge and Flood Prediction Marine meteorologist Dr. Lian Xie can discuss research on hurricane formation. Specifically, Xie can talk about hurricane climatology and seasonal prediction; storm surge and… 

Aug 23, 2012

Origami Inspires Research Into Materials That Self-Assemble When Exposed to Light

A multi-university research team led by North Carolina State University will be developing methods to create two-dimensional (2-D) materials capable of folding themselves into three-dimensional (3-D) objects when exposed to light. The effort, which is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), is inspired by origami and has a broad range of… 

Aug 16, 2012

Packapalooza Street Fair Celebrates 125 Years of NC State

On Aug. 18, historic Hillsborough Street in Raleigh will be the site of Packapalooza, an all-day block party and street festival celebrating North Carolina State University’s 125th birthday. Music, activities and food will be part of the festival, which will feature more than 160 booths from local and university sponsors. The event, which is free… 

Aug 1, 2012

Controlling Gene Expression With Hydrogen Peroxide “Switches”

Hydrogen peroxide doesn’t just come in bottles from the drugstore – the human body makes it as well. Now researchers from North Carolina State University have found a way to use naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide inside cells to switch on gene expression. Their method also serves as a highly sensitive hydrogen peroxide detector, which may… 

Jul 17, 2012

Dr. Richard Linton Named Dean of NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Dr. Richard Linton, a nationally recognized food-safety authority who serves as professor and chair of the Department of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University, has been named dean of North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, effective Sept. 15. Provost Warwick Arden announced the appointment today. “We’re extremely fortunate… 

Jul 3, 2012

Dr. Mary Watzin Named Dean of NC State’s College of Natural Resources

Dr. Mary Catherine Watzin, dean of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont, has been named dean of the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University, effective Oct. 15. Provost Warwick Arden announced the appointment today. “I’m very pleased that Dr. Watzin will be joining us to… 

Jun 11, 2012

Dr. Mike Mullen Named Vice Chancellor/Dean of NC State’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs

Dr. Michael D. Mullen, associate provost for the Division of Undergraduate Education and dean of undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky (UK), has been named vice chancellor and dean of the Division of Academic and Student Affairs at North Carolina State University, effective Aug. 1, 2012. Provost Warwick Arden announced the appointment today. At… 

May 10, 2012

Researchers Use Light to Switch On Gene Expression

Imagine being able to control genetic expression by flipping a light switch. Researchers at North Carolina State University are using light-activated molecules to turn gene expression on and off. Their method enables greater precision when studying gene function, and could lead to targeted therapies for diseases like cancer. Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) are commonly used molecules… 

May 1, 2012

DeSimone Elected into National Academy of Sciences

Dr. Joseph DeSimone has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), one of the highest honors that a U.S. scientist or engineer can receive. DeSimone is William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Chemical Engineering at North Carolina State University and Chancellor’s Eminent Professor of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel… 

Apr 24, 2012

Compound from Wild Tomatoes is Natural, Effective Herbicide

A naturally occurring compound derived from wild tomato plants is also a fast-acting, nontoxic herbicide, according to researchers at North Carolina State University. NC State entomologist Dr. Mike Roe had previously worked with the compound – known as 2-undecanone – as a natural replacement for the chemical DEET in insect repellents. Both he and his NC State… 

Apr 15, 2012

New X-ray Technique Reveals Structure of Printable Electronics

An innovative X-ray technique has given North Carolina State University researchers and their collaborators new insight into how organic polymers can be used in printable electronics such as transistors and solar cells. Their discoveries may lead to cheaper, more efficient printable electronic devices. Printable electronics are created by spraying or printing inks containing conductive organic… 

Apr 13, 2012

Gould Receives UNC System O. Max Gardner Award

Dr. Fred Gould, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Entomology at North Carolina State University, is the 2012 recipient of the O. Max Gardner Award – the most significant university-wide honor given to faculty by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. 

Mar 27, 2012

Electroactive Polymer Key to Durable, Affordable Full-Screen Braille Displays

A team of North Carolina State University researchers are one step closer to creating a workable, affordable full-screen Braille computer display that would allow the blind to scan Web pages in much the same way that sighted people do. The team, composed of textile, electrical and computer engineers, had previously introduced a design that could…