faculty and staff

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… 

Mar 19, 2012

NC State’s Reynolds Receives Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Stephen P. Reynolds, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor of Physics at North Carolina State University, has been honored with an Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Board of Governors. One educator from each UNC system campus wins the award, which comes with a prize of $7,500 and a bronze… 

Mar 12, 2012

NC State Wins Highest Federal Award for Community Service

North Carolina State University has received the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement – a Presidential Award –  as part of the 2012 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. NC State is one of only five Presidential Awardees nationwide, and one of two… 

Feb 23, 2012

Mechanism Behind Capacitor’s High-Speed Energy Storage Discovered

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered the means by which a polymer known as PVDF enables capacitors to store and release large amounts of energy quickly. Their findings could lead to much more powerful and efficient electric cars. Capacitors are like batteries in that they store and release energy. However, capacitors use separated… 

Feb 17, 2012

Researchers Develop Better Control for DNA-Based Computations

A North Carolina State University chemist has found a way to give DNA-based computing better control over logic operations. His work could lead to interfacing DNA-based computing with traditional silicon-based computing. The idea of using DNA molecules – the material genes are made of – to perform computations is not new; scientists have been working… 

Feb 13, 2012

Compound May Help in Fight Against Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

North Carolina State University chemists have created a compound that makes existing antibiotics 16 times more effective against recently discovered antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” These so-called superbugs are actually bacterial strains that produce an enzyme known as New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1). Bacteria that produce this enzyme are practically impervious to antibiotics because NDM-1renders certain antibiotics unable to… 

Dec 16, 2011

From Superbugs To Supernovas: Research Highlights From 2011

From research in antibiotic use and superbugs, which could help us address a global medical challenge, to a supernova finding that solved a millennia-old stellar mystery, 2011 was an exciting year for research at North Carolina State University. As we prepare for 2012, we’re taking a look back at some of the interesting research stories… 

Nov 21, 2011

NC State University Aims to Increase Diversity in Geosciences

A new initiative from North Carolina State University will address the need for increased awareness of, and participation in, geosciences fields from traditionally underrepresented groups. NC State has received a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to increase diversity in geoscience fields such as geology, marine science and atmospheric sciences. The grant will… 

Nov 9, 2011

CALS Dean Johnny Wynne Announces Retirement

Dean Johnny C. Wynne of North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has announced his planned retirement, effective July 1, 2012. Wynne will retire after serving as College of Agriculture and Life Sciences dean for more than eight years, while his association with NC State spans half a century. The College of Agriculture… 

Nov 3, 2011

Chromosomal “Breakpoints” Linked to Canine Cancer

North Carolina State University researchers have uncovered evidence that evolutionary “breakpoints” on canine chromosomes are also associated with canine cancer. Mapping these “fragile” regions in dogs may also have implications for the discovery and treatment of human cancers. When new species evolve, they leave genetic evidence behind in the form of “breakpoint regions.” These regions…