news releases

Jun 30, 2010

New Technique Improves Efficiency Of Biofuel Production

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a more efficient technique for producing biofuels from woody plants that significantly reduces the waste that results from conventional biofuel production techniques. The technique is a significant step toward creating a commercially viable new source of biofuels. 

Jun 29, 2010

Study Shows Age Doesn’t Necessarily Affect Decisions

Many people believe that getting older means losing a mental edge, leading to poor decision-making. But a new study from North Carolina State University shows that when it comes to making intuitive decisions – using your “gut instincts” – older adults fare as well as their juniors. 

Jun 28, 2010

More Food From Marginal Lands? Perennial Grains Hold Promise Where Annuals Lag

The world needs more food for its growing population, but risks overtaxing the croplands where much of the world’s food is grown. How then to provide more food while keeping a fragile ecosystem safe? A “Policy Forum” paper in the June 25 edition of the journal Science, co-authored by a crop scientist from North Carolina… 

Jun 24, 2010

NC State Provides Hot Tips for Keeping Pets Cool and Safe This Summer

It’s official: the dog (and cat) days of summer are upon us. When you’re taking steps to beat the heat, don’t forget your furry friends – they suffer the same ill effects that we do when it gets too hot. “If you are uncomfortable, it’s safe to say that your pet is as well,” says… 

Jun 23, 2010

Students Receive Degrees At NC State’s Spring Commencement

North Carolina State University Chancellor Randy Woodson conferred 4,566 degrees on 4,299 graduating students when the university held its 2010 Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 15, at the RBC Center in Raleigh. Candidates for degrees were from 98 North Carolina counties, 38 other states or U.S. territories and 40 foreign countries. NC State holds graduation ceremonies… 

Jun 23, 2010

NC State Announces Spring Dean’s List Students

North Carolina State University Chancellor Randy Woodson announced that 6,388 undergraduate students earned Dean’s List honors at NC State during the spring 2010 semester. To make the Dean’s List, students must earn an academic grade-point average of 3.25 or higher if they are carrying 15 or more hours of course work, or a 3.5 grade-point average… 

Jun 15, 2010

Video Study Finds Risky Food-Safety Behavior More Common Than Thought

How safe is the food we get from restaurants, cafeterias and other food-service providers? A new study from North Carolina State University — the first study to place video cameras in commercial kitchens to see how precisely food handlers followed food-safety guidelines —  discovered that risky practices can happen more often than previously thought. 

Jun 14, 2010

Tequila And Cheese Offer Lessons For Rural Economies In Developing World

Tequila and cheese may sound like the makings of an awkward cocktail party, but new research shows that they have a lot to tell us about efforts to boost rural economies around the world. 

Jun 9, 2010

On A Roll: Designing The Next Rover To Explore Mars

The concept of a wind-powered vehicle that can be used to explore the surface of Mars – a so-called “tumbleweed rover” that would roll over the surface of Mars like a tumbleweed – has been around for more than 10 years, but so far there has been no consensus on exactly what that vehicle should… 

Jun 3, 2010

NC State, International Researchers Receive Grant to Examine Why Fido – and His Owner – Get Cancer

Golden retrievers are highly susceptible to cancers arising in the blood, lymphatic and vascular systems. Now, canine cancer scientists at North Carolina State University, the University of Minnesota, the Broad Institute in Massachusetts and Uppsala University in Sweden are teaming up with two animal-health foundations to find out why. Their findings may benefit humans as… 

Jun 1, 2010

NC State To Play Key Role In DOE Team On Nuclear Energy Innovation

Experimenting with new designs and operation techniques for nuclear power plants is a tricky business, since even small changes can pose significant safety and financial risks. But the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is funding a major research initiative that will use computer models to develop innovative new approaches to nuclear power that will result… 

Jun 1, 2010

Research: Electric Fields Make Ceramic Production Quicker, Cheaper

Researchers from North Carolina State University have found that applying a small electric field results in faster formation of ceramic products during manufacture at lower temperatures, and enhances the strength of the ceramic itself. 

May 30, 2010

Easley Grievance Dismissed

Chancellor Randy Woodson announced today that the grievance filed by former employee Mary Easley last summer has been dismissed. Notification of that dismissal was sent to Mrs. Easley last Friday and the university received notification that she has received that notice. Ten months have transpired from the date the grievance was filed. The grievance was… 

May 28, 2010

NC State Part of New DOE Hub

North Carolina State University received news Friday that it is part of a team that will receive critical Department of Energy funding to support nuclear energy research.  The team, led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will been named an Energy Innovation Hub on Nuclear Modeling and Simulation.  The Nuclear Energy Innovation Hub, which includes universities, industry… 

May 27, 2010

NC State To Develop Next Generation HazMat Boots

The rubber boots that emergency personnel wear when responding to situations where hazardous materials (HazMat) are present may be functional, but they’re not very comfortable. New research coming out of North Carolina State University hopes to provide a next generation HazMat boot that meets both criteria.