physical and mathematical sciences

Aug 1, 2012

Controlling Gene Expression With Hydrogen Peroxide “Switches”

Hydrogen peroxide doesn’t just come in bottles from the drugstore – the human body makes it as well. Now researchers from North Carolina State University have found a way to use naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide inside cells to switch on gene expression. Their method also serves as a highly sensitive hydrogen peroxide detector, which may… 

May 10, 2012

Researchers Use Light to Switch On Gene Expression

Imagine being able to control genetic expression by flipping a light switch. Researchers at North Carolina State University are using light-activated molecules to turn gene expression on and off. Their method enables greater precision when studying gene function, and could lead to targeted therapies for diseases like cancer. Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) are commonly used molecules… 

Apr 30, 2012

Graduation Year Drives Facebook Connections for College Grads

Are you connected to college friends on Facebook? Research from North Carolina State University shows that these social networks tend to form around graduation year or university housing – rather than other interests. 

Apr 27, 2012

NC State Hosts Science Olympiad April 28

North Carolina State University will host more than 2,500 of the state’s best and brightest middle- and high-school students at the North Carolina Science Olympiad on Saturday, April 28. In competitive events, students will launch bottle rockets, fly rubber band-powered helicopters, race mousetrap and gravity vehicles, use catapults and investigate crime scenes. Media are invited… 

Apr 15, 2012

New X-ray Technique Reveals Structure of Printable Electronics

An innovative X-ray technique has given North Carolina State University researchers and their collaborators new insight into how organic polymers can be used in printable electronics such as transistors and solar cells. Their discoveries may lead to cheaper, more efficient printable electronic devices. Printable electronics are created by spraying or printing inks containing conductive organic… 

Mar 19, 2012

NC State’s Reynolds Receives Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Stephen P. Reynolds, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor of Physics at North Carolina State University, has been honored with an Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Board of Governors. One educator from each UNC system campus wins the award, which comes with a prize of $7,500 and a bronze… 

Feb 23, 2012

Mechanism Behind Capacitor’s High-Speed Energy Storage Discovered

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered the means by which a polymer known as PVDF enables capacitors to store and release large amounts of energy quickly. Their findings could lead to much more powerful and efficient electric cars. Capacitors are like batteries in that they store and release energy. However, capacitors use separated… 

Feb 17, 2012

Researchers Develop Better Control for DNA-Based Computations

A North Carolina State University chemist has found a way to give DNA-based computing better control over logic operations. His work could lead to interfacing DNA-based computing with traditional silicon-based computing. The idea of using DNA molecules – the material genes are made of – to perform computations is not new; scientists have been working… 

Feb 13, 2012

Compound May Help in Fight Against Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

North Carolina State University chemists have created a compound that makes existing antibiotics 16 times more effective against recently discovered antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” These so-called superbugs are actually bacterial strains that produce an enzyme known as New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1). Bacteria that produce this enzyme are practically impervious to antibiotics because NDM-1renders certain antibiotics unable to… 

Dec 16, 2011

From Superbugs To Supernovas: Research Highlights From 2011

From research in antibiotic use and superbugs, which could help us address a global medical challenge, to a supernova finding that solved a millennia-old stellar mystery, 2011 was an exciting year for research at North Carolina State University. As we prepare for 2012, we’re taking a look back at some of the interesting research stories… 

Nov 21, 2011

NC State University Aims to Increase Diversity in Geosciences

A new initiative from North Carolina State University will address the need for increased awareness of, and participation in, geosciences fields from traditionally underrepresented groups. NC State has received a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to increase diversity in geoscience fields such as geology, marine science and atmospheric sciences. The grant will… 

Oct 24, 2011

Supernova Solved

In 185 A.D., Chinese astronomers recorded a bright “guest star” in the night sky. By the 1960s, astronomers figured out that the guest star was in fact a supernova, and identified the remains of the stellar explosion. And in 2011, a team of astrophysicists led by NC State researchers solved the mystery of what caused this… 

Sep 27, 2011

New Statistical Models to Link Climate Change, Effect of Pollution on Health

A new collaboration led by a North Carolina State University statistician aims to predict how a changing climate may impact the effect of airborne pollutants on human health. Dr. Montserrat Fuentes, professor and head of  NC State’s Department of Statistics, will lead the three-year project, which includes research partners from Duke University and the University of… 

Sep 16, 2011

Statistician Receives $5 Million To Train Atmospheric Researchers

A North Carolina State University statistician has been tapped to create a national network of statisticians with interdisciplinary expertise in atmospheric and oceanic science, in order to better quantify and interpret climactic and environmental data. Dr. Montserrat Fuentes, professor and head of the Department of Statistics at NC State, will lead the five-year, $5 million project.… 

Aug 24, 2011

Common Bacterium Stops Mosquitoes from Transmitting Dengue Virus

Strains of a bacterium commonly found in fruit flies can prevent the Aedes aegypti mosquito from transmitting the virus that causes dengue fever, researchers have found. Their discovery could lead to a more effective way to control dengue worldwide. North Carolina State University mathematical biologist Dr. Alun Lloyd is part of the Eliminate Dengue program,…