health and well-being

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… 

Sep 1, 2010

Fertilizer Chemicals Linked To Animal Developmental Woes

Fertilizer chemicals may pose a bigger hazard to the environment – specifically to creatures that live in water – than originally foreseen, according to new research from North Carolina State University toxicologists. 

Aug 25, 2010

Microneedle, Quantum Dot Study Opens Door To New Clinical Cancer Tools

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed extremely small microneedles that can be used to deliver medically-relevant nanoscale dyes called quantum dots into skin – an advance that opens the door to new techniques for diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions, including skin cancer. 

Aug 23, 2010

Researchers Find Gene Responsible for Neurodegenerative Disease in Dogs, Possibly in Humans

A North Carolina State University researcher has helped to locate and identify a gene responsible for a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects American Staffordshire terriers. This same gene may be responsible for a similar rare, fatal disease in humans. Its discovery will lead to improved screening and diagnosis of the disease in dogs and is… 

Aug 17, 2010

Study Shows Birth Dates, School Enrollment Dates Affect ADHD Diagnosis Rates

Rising rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and large differences in diagnosis rates have led to fears that the condition is often being misdiagnosed. A new study from North Carolina State University demonstrates that these concerns are justified. The researchers found large discrepancies in diagnosis and treatment rates based on small differences in children’s… 

Aug 16, 2010

Predicting Nanoparticle Interactions in Human Bodies

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method for predicting the ways nanoparticles will interact with biological systems – including the human body. Their work could have implications for  improved human and environmental safety in the handling of nanomaterials, as well as applications for drug delivery. NC State researchers Dr. Jim Riviere, Burroughs Wellcome… 

Jul 6, 2010

Locker Room Talk: How Male Athletes Portray Female Athletic Trainers

A college quarterback coming into the locker room with a dislocated shoulder wouldn’t care whether the athletic trainer taking care of him is male or female — or would he? A study from North Carolina State University examining male football players’ perceptions of female athletic trainers – and their comfort level in being treated by…