research news

Jan 5, 2011

Birkland Named Associate Dean

Thomas A. Birkland has been named associate dean for research, extension, engagement and economic development in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

Dec 22, 2010

From Fossils To New Tech: Research Highlights From 2010

From prehistoric penguins, which help us understand the mysteries of evolution, to “artificial leaves” that could change the face of solar energy, 2010 was a fascinating year of research at North Carolina State University. As we prepare for 2011, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the interesting research stories to come… 

Dec 16, 2010

Undersea Methane Could be a Source of Ancient Carbon in Oceans

A North Carolina State University researcher is part of a team that has found methane is converted into dissolved organic matter within “cold seeps” – undersea areas where fluids bubble up through sediments at the bottom of the ocean.  This material could be a significant source of ancient organic matter in the oceans and may… 

Dec 15, 2010

Study Improves Understanding of Method for Creating Multi-Metal Nanoparticles

A new study from researchers at North Carolina State University sheds light on how a technique that is commonly used for making single-metal nanoparticles can be extended to create nanoparticles consisting of two metals – and that have tunable properties. The study also provides insight into the optical properties of some of these nanoparticles. 

Dec 1, 2010

GPS Not Working? A Shoe Radar May Help You Find Your Way

The prevalence of global positioning system (GPS) devices in everything from cars to cell phones has almost made getting lost a thing of the past. But what do you do when your GPS isn’t working? Researchers from North Carolina State University and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) have developed a shoe-embedded radar system that may help… 

Nov 29, 2010

NC State and IBM Researchers Discover New Way to Patch Holes in The ‘Cloud’

Researchers from North Carolina State University and IBM have invented a way to update computer systems packaged in virtual machines in a computer “cloud” – even when those programs are offline. 

Nov 15, 2010

Lower Part of Earth’s Atmosphere is Warming, Data Review Concludes

The troposphere, the lower part of the atmosphere closest to the Earth, is warming in ways that are broadly consistent with both theoretical expectations and climate models, according to a new scientific study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the NOAA-North Carolina State University Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites (CICS). Since… 

Nov 15, 2010

New Sensor Allows On-Site, Faster Testing For Scour Assessment

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a sensor that allows engineers to assess the scour potential of soils at various depths and on-site for the first time – a technology that will help evaluate the safety of civil infrastructure before and after storm events. Scour, or erosion of soil around structures due to… 

Nov 10, 2010

Researchers Find Cancer News May Contribute To Confusion About Cancer

New research from North Carolina State University shows that most online news stories about cancer contain language that likely contributes to public uncertainty about the disease – a significant finding, given that at least one-third of Americans seek health information online. 

Nov 3, 2010

Girl Power: No Male? No Problem for Female Boa Constrictor

In a finding that upends decades of scientific theory on reptile reproduction, researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that female boa constrictors can squeeze out babies without mating. 

Nov 2, 2010

Researchers Find ‘Goldilocks’ Of DNA Self-Assembly

Researchers from North Carolina State University have found a way to optimize the development of DNA self-assembling materials, which hold promise for technologies ranging from drug delivery to molecular sensors. The key to the advance is the discovery of the “Goldilocks” length for DNA strands used in self-assembly – not too long, not too short,… 

Nov 2, 2010

Hostile Environments Encourage Political Action In Immigrant Communities

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that anti-immigrant practices – such as anti-immigrant legislation or protests – are likely to backfire, and spur increased political action from immigrant communities. The study examined political activity in 52 metropolitan areas across the United States. 

Nov 1, 2010

Poll: Public To Vote Against Its Interests On International Trade

Polling data collected by North Carolina State University researchers in advance of the 2010 election show that potential voters in North Carolina who oppose international free trade agreements are more likely to vote for the candidate who does not reflect their opinion on free trade – and the stronger their opposition to trade agreements, the… 

Nov 1, 2010

Researchers Developing Real-Time Electronic Monitoring For Coastal Waters

Researchers from North Carolina State University are developing a cost-effective electronic monitoring system that will enable researchers to advance our understanding of critical coastal ecosystems by allowing users to track water-quality data from these waters in real time, thanks to support from a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. 

Oct 29, 2010

Charges Of Political Corruption Have Little Impact On Voter Opinion

Republican claims of political corruption in North Carolina’s Democratic Party have made little impact on public opinion among potential voters in the state, according to new polling data analyzed by North Carolina State University researchers. The findings show that highlighting actual corruption is not necessarily an effective electoral strategy.