research news

Campus gateway sign reading NC State University

Jul 25, 2024

Array Pinpoints Imprinted Genes with Potential Links to Disease

New array is a cost-effective, efficient method for exploring links between environmental exposures and genes.

a smartphone displays the wi-fi symbol on its screen

Jul 24, 2024

How a ‘Digital Twin’ Can Make Wireless Networks Faster, More Reliable

A new technique predicts which data wireless computing users will need before they need it, making wireless networks faster and more reliable.

Jul 22, 2024

Nanoscopic Imaging Aids in Understanding Protein, Tissue Preservation in Ancient Bones

Nanoscopic 3D imaging could be a shortcut for picking fossils most likely to preserve proteins or DNA.

image on left is labeled 'expanded' and shows 3D grid of pink polymer; image on left is labeled 'contracted' and shows a much smaller grid of the pink polymer, with much smaller gaps between the polymer strands

Jul 22, 2024

3D Printing of Light-Activated Hydrogel Actuators

3D-printed hydrogels create structures that contract when exposed to light and expand when the light is removed, meaning they can serve as remotely controlled actuators.

a woman stands before a classroom of young children. her body language shows that she is listening carefully to one of the students

Jul 22, 2024

Even in ‘Care Work,’ Women Face Lower Wages if They Have Kids

Mothers get paid less than either men or women without children, even in fields that are traditionally thought of as being “women’s work.”

Jul 16, 2024

Bartonella and Babesia Co-Infection Detected in Patients with Chronic Illness

Small pilot study finds Bartonella and Babesia co-infections in patients suffering from chronic, non-specific illness.

Jul 9, 2024

Life Underground Suited New Dinosaur Fine

A new dinosaur, Fona herzogae, probably lived underground.

wet spots show up as dark stains on the concrete next to a swimming pool

Jul 5, 2024

Why Do Things Look Darker When They’re Wet?

From rain-soaked sidewalks to sweat-stained dress shirts, you’ve probably noticed that most things look darker when they’re wet. Why?

Left: person wearing the fluid motor attached to artificial muscles. Center: artificial muscle lifts suitcase off the ground. Right: robotic leg attached to artificial muscle flexes its ankle.

Jul 1, 2024

Portable Engine Can Power Artificial Muscles in Assistive Devices

What sets the new engine apart is its ability to generate significant force without being tethered to an external power source.

Jul 1, 2024

It’s Peach Season in North Carolina

Bite into these fresh facts about North Carolina-grown peaches.

image shows three different configurations of 3-D cubes

Jun 26, 2024

Mechanical Computer Relies On Kirigami Cubes, Not Electronics

The mechanical computer uses a complex structure of rigid, interconnected polymer cubes to store, retrieve and erase data without relying on electronic components.

multicolored code streams across a computer monitor

Jun 25, 2024

Six NFR Strategies to Improve Software Performance and Security

Non-functional requirements (NFRs) are important aspects of a software system, but are often overlooked by developers.

a time-lapse photograph shows fireflies as blurs of light in a meadow surrounded by trees at dusk.

Jun 21, 2024

Why Do Fireflies Light Up? And How Can I Bring More Fireflies to My Yard?

Fireflies start out as dragon-like predators before becoming a beautiful feature of summer evenings.

gloved hands are stretching a thin sheet of clear material over a nail; the material is stretching over the sharp nail without breaking

Jun 19, 2024

Researchers Create New Class of Materials Called ‘Glassy Gels’

Glassy gels are extremely hard, but not brittle – they can stretch up to five times their original length.

Two men standing beside a large bench-shaped robot.

Jun 13, 2024

N.C. PSI Advances AI for Agriculture

The N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative is leading efforts to put artificial intelligence to work for increased yields, efficiency and sustainability.