health and well-being

Apr 21, 2011

NC State To Dedicate New Terry Center Animal Hospital May 6

North Carolina State University will dedicate the Randall B. Terry, Jr., Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center on May 6. The 110,000-square-foot addition will more than double the current size of NC State’s Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), making it one of the largest, most technologically advanced veterinary facilities in the country. The $72 million  project… 

Apr 6, 2011

“Sniffing Out” Lymphoma Genes by Turning Dogs into Humans

Researchers at North Carolina State University are narrowing the search for genes involved in non-Hodgkin lymphoma – by turning dogs into humans. Humans and dogs don’t just share companionship and living space, they also share a similar genetic makeup. Additionally, they share the same types of cancer, including lymphoma. Dr. Matthew Breen, professor of genomics… 

Feb 28, 2011

Scientific Serendipity

In an interesting bit of scientific serendipity, researchers at North Carolina State University have found that a chemical compound useful for studying the origins of intestinal birth defects may also inhibit the growth and spread of cancerous tumors. During the screening of chemical compounds created by NC State chemist Dr. Alex Deiters, developmental biologist Dr. Nanette… 

Feb 11, 2011

Gene Linked to Preeclampsia

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that the placentas of women who suffer preeclampsia during pregnancy have an overabundance of a gene associated with the regulation of the body’s immune system. Their discovery may lead to improved screening and prenatal care for these patients and their babies. Preeclampsia occurs in up to 10… 

Dec 22, 2010

From Fossils To New Tech: Research Highlights From 2010

From prehistoric penguins, which help us understand the mysteries of evolution, to “artificial leaves” that could change the face of solar energy, 2010 was a fascinating year of research at North Carolina State University. As we prepare for 2011, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the interesting research stories to come… 

Nov 10, 2010

Researchers Find Cancer News May Contribute To Confusion About Cancer

New research from North Carolina State University shows that most online news stories about cancer contain language that likely contributes to public uncertainty about the disease – a significant finding, given that at least one-third of Americans seek health information online. 

Nov 5, 2010

5th Annual Campus CPR Challenge to be Held Nov. 19

What: The North Carolina State University community and the general public are invited to take the CPR challenge and earn first aid or CPR certification from the American Red Cross. Instructors will offer classes in adult CPR, child and infant CPR, AED and basic first aid during morning, afternoon and evening sessions. Who: Sponsored by… 

Oct 28, 2010

NC State Develops More Precise Genetic ‘Off Switches’

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a way to “cage” genetic off switches in such a way that they can be activated when exposed to UV light. Their technology gives scientists a more precise way to control and study gene function in localized areas of developing organisms. The off switches,  called morpholino oligonucleotides,… 

Oct 27, 2010

Too Much SP2 Protein Turns Stem Cells Into “Evil Twin” Tumor-forming Cancer Cells

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that the overproduction of a key protein in stem cells causes those stem cells to form cancerous tumors. Their work may lead to new treatments for a variety of cancers. Dr. Jon Horowitz, associate professor of molecular biomedical sciences, and a team of NC State researchers looked at… 

Oct 11, 2010

NC State Researcher Receives Grant to Uncover Genetic Causes of Intestinal Deformity

A North Carolina State University researcher has received a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Heath  to study the genes responsible for intestinal formation. This work may lead to improved diagnosis and prevention of intestinal malrotation – or twisting – in human infants. Dr. Nanette Nascone-Yoder, assistant professor of developmental biology in… 

Oct 8, 2010

NC State Grant to Fund Training for Global Vaccine Manufacturers

North Carolina State University will use a new grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to train vaccine manufacturers from across the globe to use best production practices to help prevent pandemic viral outbreaks. 

Oct 6, 2010

Study: Fish Near Coal-Fired Power Plants Have Lower Levels Of Mercury

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that fish located near coal-fired power plants have lower levels of mercury than fish that live much further away. The surprising finding appears to be linked to high levels of another chemical, selenium, found near such facilities, which unfortunately poses problems of its own. 

Sep 21, 2010

NC State Research Grant Will Help Military Combat Infections

A new $1.8 million grant from the Department of Defense will allow North Carolina State University researchers to work with the Walter Reed Institute of Research to further test the effectiveness of molecules that have shown great promise in combating antibiotic-resistant infections. The two-and-a-half-year project will show the efficacy of molecules created by NC State’s Dr.… 

Sep 20, 2010

Study: Privacy Key Obstacle To Adopting Electronic Health Records

The United States could achieve significant health care savings if it achieved widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), but insufficient privacy protections are hindering public acceptance of the EHR concept, according to a new paper from researchers from North Carolina State University. The paper outlines steps that could be taken to boost privacy and… 

Sep 15, 2010

Robotic Catheter Could Improve Treatment of Heart Condition

Atrial fibrillation is a heart disorder that affects more than two million Americans, and is considered a key contributor to blood clots and stroke. Now researchers from North Carolina State University are developing a new computerized catheter that could make the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation faster, cheaper and more effective – while significantly decreasing…