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materials science and engineering

Light shining on translucent material in the rough shape of a blossom

Aug 2, 2019

Technique Uses Magnets, Light to Control and Reconfigure Soft Robots

A new technique uses light and magnetic fields to remotely control the movement of soft robots, lock them into position for as long as needed, and later reconfigure the robots into new shapes. 

solar panels in the desert

Jun 6, 2019

Discovery Sheds Light on Synthesis, Processing of High-Performance Solar Cells

Halide perovskite solar cells hold promise as the next generation of solar cell technologies, but while researchers have developed techniques for improving their material characteristics, nobody understood why these techniques worked. New research sheds light on the science behind these engineering solutions. 

Neil Baugh leaning over his lab bench, smiling at the camera.

May 16, 2019

Proving Ground

Undergraduate researcher Neil Baugh has immersed himself in some of the coolest research in higher education, from soft robotics to nanomaterials. Thanks to a Goldwater Scholarship, he has plenty more to think and do. 

Photo of Federico Scurti

Apr 23, 2019

Engineering Graduate Student Wins Lemelson-MIT Student Prize

Graduate student Federico Scurti wins prestigious prize for innovative inventions. 

three photos showing a wire stretch

Feb 22, 2019

Researchers Engineer a Tougher Fiber

Researchers have developed a fiber that combines the elasticity of rubber with the strength of a metal. 

belltower and trees

Feb 19, 2019

Veronica Augustyn Named Sloan Research Fellow

Veronica Augustyn has been awarded a 2019 Sloan Research Fellowship. 

microscopic images of nanofibers

Jan 24, 2019

New Method Allows Direct Conversion of Carbon Fibers and Nanotubes Into Diamond Fibers

NC State research has demonstrated a technique that converts carbon fibers and nanotubes into diamond fibers at ambient temperature and pressure in air. 

Woman sleeping under mosquito net.

Jan 2, 2019

For First Time, Researchers Can Measure Insecticide on Surface of Mosquito Nets

Researchers from NC State and the CDC have come up with a technique to measure how much insecticide is found on the surface of mosquito nets – paving the way for efforts to determine how long the nets are effective. 

cross-section of transistor

Dec 18, 2018

Technique Allows Integration of Single-Crystal Hybrid Perovskites Into Electronics

New technique allows single-crystal hybrid perovskite materials to be integrated into electronics. 

a diagram of a wavelength-controlled stage with accordion legs containing gold nanorods

Jun 18, 2018

Using Gold Nanoparticles to Trigger Sequential Unfolding of 3-D Structures

NC State researchers have developed a new technique that takes advantage of gold nanoparticles to trigger the sequential unfolding of three-dimensional structures using different wavelengths of light. 

A diagram of deformation rates in structural water

May 24, 2018

Microscopy Advance Reveals Unexpected Role for Water in Energy Storage Material

A material with atomically thin layers of water holds promise for energy storage technologies, and researchers have now discovered that the water is performing a different role than anyone anticipated. 

Mar 22, 2018

Researchers Use 3-D Printing to Create Metallic Glass Alloys in Bulk

Researchers have created amorphous metal, or metallic glass, alloys using 3-D printing technology. 

Mar 5, 2018

Tackling Perceived Bias in Engineering Education

NC State researchers are taking the lead in understanding and addressing perceived bias in engineering education programs across the country. 

Feb 20, 2018

Atomic Structure of Ultrasound Material Not What Anyone Expected

Researchers have gotten a glimpse at how atoms are arranged in a widely-used material – and it’s not what anyone expected. 

May 25, 2017

Researchers Find New Way to Control Light with Electric Fields

NC State researchers have discovered a technique for controlling light with electric fields.