Skip to main content

genetics

D. virilis brains

Mar 21, 2024

‘Courtship’ Gene Shows Different Effects in Two Fruit Fly Species

A gene associated with courtship behavior in fruit flies does not operate the same way in two different fruit fly species. 

Fraser firs at Panoramic View Christmas Tree Farm in Watauga County, outside Boone.

Nov 21, 2023

What Can You Expect at a North Carolina Christmas Tree Lot This Year?

We spoke with Jamie Bookwalter, a mountain conifer extension specialist at NC State, to get the inside scoop on the 2023 North Carolina Christmas tree industry.  

Spruce weevil

Jul 10, 2023

Study Reveals How a Tall Spruce Develops Defense Against Hungry Weevils

Findings from a new study could help researchers breed genetically improved Sitka spruce trees resistant to a nibbling insect. 

Red fox

Jun 28, 2022

The Answer to a Red Fox Mystery Is in Their DNA

The vast majority of red foxes in the Southeast are native to North America, according to an NC State expert. 

Anaxyrus baxteri

Apr 28, 2022

Decreased Genetic Diversity in Immune System Could Impact Endangered Toad Survival

Genetic bottlenecks could impact an endangered species' ability to respond to new pathogens. 

Sitka spruce

Jul 12, 2021

Genetic Study in Giant Evergreens Reveals Clues to Pest Resistance

A genetic analysis led by an NC State researcher found clues to pest resistance in Sitka spruce trees. 

Nikhil Milind sitting outside, holding his ukulele.

Jul 6, 2021

NC State’s 4th Churchill Scholar Prepares for Deep Dive Into Genetics

Nikhil Milind, who graduated this year, is going to Cambridge University to continue his studies into links between human genetics and diseases. 

new world screwworm on a leaf

Aug 6, 2020

Study Could Lead to Power Over ‘Man Eater’

Researchers find genetic targets for controlling the New World screwworm, a deadly insect pest. 

NC State student outside holding a ukulele

May 22, 2019

Solving the Riddle of Genes

Nikhil Milind, a 2019 Goldwater Scholar, is melding computer science and biology to explore links between genetics and disease. 

Aug 29, 2018

What Is the Epigenome? What is Epigenetics?

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

A female blowfly on a white background

Jun 7, 2018

Researchers Gain Insight Into Chromosome Evolution in Flies

NC State researchers have shed new light on the evolution of fly chromosomes by identifying a gene indispensable for male survival in a devastating livestock pest species. What they found could have important implications for genetic pest control. 

NC State genetics researcher Trudy Mackay in her lab.

Jun 24, 2016

The Fly Whisperer

Pioneering geneticist Trudy Mackay's work with fruit flies is influencing scientists around the world and leading to important discoveries. 

Jun 8, 2016

Keeping Up With the Fast-Moving Science of Gene Drives

NC State's Jason Delborne, an expert in science and technology policy and public engagement, answers questions about the emerging science of gene drives. Delborne helped develop a National Academies report on gene drives and unveil it in Washington, D.C. 

May 17, 2016

Assessing the Positive and Negative Claims About Genetically Engineered Crops

Genetically engineered crops stir strong feelings from both critics and supporters. We talk to the researcher who chaired the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee that just released a report, “Genetically Engineered Crops: Experience and Prospects,” which examines the evidence behind positive and negative claims about GE crops, and the research challenges that lie ahead. 

Nov 19, 2015

CMI Focuses on Translational Medicine

The newly established Comparative Medicine Institute (CMI) wants to make it easier to translate basic research into clinical applications that will improve the health of both people and animals.