research news

May 19, 2026

Economists Solve a Mystery Involving International Trade and Competition From China

Economists found what seemed like an international trade paradox. Then they figured out what was causing it. 

May 19, 2026

Researchers Improve AI’s Ability to Learn New Tasks Without Sacrificing Performance

A new framework allows AI models that have already been trained to learn new tasks without sacrificing performance when performing old tasks. 

May 18, 2026

Teaching with Food Boosts Preschoolers’ Science Knowledge and Vocabulary

It also might get preschoolers to taste, or at least touch, the green vegetables on their dinner plates. 

May 18, 2026

Nondestructive Testing Paves Way for Genetic Analysis of Historical Parchments

The technique offers new insights into everything from trade routes to agricultural practices dating back 1,300 years – without harming the valuable manuscripts. 

May 18, 2026

Data Centers Are Driving Up Power Bills. A New Study Looks at How Bad It Could Get

Electricity demand from data centers and cryptocurrency mining is likely to increase power costs in parts of the country by up to 57% by 2030. 

May 11, 2026

Study Reveals How Strawberries Were Ambushed By Fungal Parasites

Plant pathogens don't always spread from place to place. Sometimes they lie in wait. 

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.