research news

May 6, 2026

How Higher Temperatures Can Benefit (or Devastate) Bumble Bee Populations

New research finds higher temperatures actually benefit some bumble bee species – but periods of extreme heat appear to more than offset those benefits. 

May 4, 2026

AI-Powered Lab Discovers Brighter Lead-Free Nanomaterials in 12 Hours

Autonomous lab navigated through billions of potential "recipes" to identify brighter, lead-free light-emitting nanomaterials in just 12 hours. 

May 4, 2026

Here’s Why Your Face Doesn’t Perceive Itchiness the Same Way Your Body Does

Itch sensations in the face are perceived differently from those in the body due to differences in signaling between trigeminal (located in the brain) and spinal pain pathways 

May 4, 2026

Researchers Propose a New Inspection Method to Improve Online Collaboration Platforms

The new method allows designers and developers to build software features that better support different teamwork styles. 

Apr 30, 2026

Researchers Create Tool to Help Hunger-Relief Groups Deliver Food More Efficiently

The tool can be used to help hunger-relief organizations get food to households that need it more efficiently than conventional methods. 

Apr 29, 2026

NC State’s José Alonso Elected to National Academy of Sciences

José Alonso, a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and University Faculty Scholar in plant and microbial biology, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the world’s most important and influential scientific societies. 

Apr 23, 2026

How AI Can Help Us Count the ‘Good’ Viruses Used in Biopharmaceuticals

A new methodology that uses AI tools to identify and count target viruses more efficiently. 

Apr 22, 2026

Microbes Contribute a Surprisingly Large Array of Proteins in Fermented Foods

Findings could lead to engineering fermented foods with specific microbial profiles that enhance their beneficial effects. 

Apr 21, 2026

Study of Gut Microbes in Black Bears Finds Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

A study of bears in eastern North Carolina expands our understanding of microbial ecosystems in omnivores, and finds bears may play an unexpected role in dispersing antibiotic-resistant pathogens. 

Apr 20, 2026

Study Finds Each Protein in the Epigenome Produces a Different Pattern of Gene Expression

A new study finds the proteins responsible for controlling which genes are expressed in a genome do more than simply turn a gene on or off. 

Apr 20, 2026

New Material Makes Heart Monitoring Tech More Comfortable

Researchers have created heart monitoring sensors that conform to the skin, are comfortable, and can be worn while people are moving. 

Apr 16, 2026

How a New Technique Will Help Us Mine Rare-Earth Metals…With Plants

Researchers have developed a technique for detecting and measuring the concentration of rare-earth elements in plants. 

Apr 15, 2026

AI-Powered Tool Helps Computer Architects Boost Processor Performance

The tool helps computer architects boost processor performance by improving memory management. 

Apr 14, 2026

Too Dark? Too Bright? Scientists Need Your Help to Make Reading Easier

Scientists are recruiting people around the world to take part in a participatory science project to help answer research questions about physical challenges that can affect our ability to read in different settings, such as glare and font size. 

Apr 13, 2026

New Technique Improves Accuracy of Graph Neural Networks

Researchers have demonstrated a new training technique that significantly improves the accuracy of graph neural networks – AI systems used in applications from drug discovery to weather forecasting.