research news

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. 

Oct 28, 2010

NC State Develops More Precise Genetic ‘Off Switches’

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a way to “cage” genetic off switches in such a way that they can be activated when exposed to UV light. Their technology gives scientists a more precise way to control and study gene function in localized areas of developing organisms. The off switches,  called morpholino oligonucleotides,… 

Oct 27, 2010

Too Much SP2 Protein Turns Stem Cells Into “Evil Twin” Tumor-forming Cancer Cells

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that the overproduction of a key protein in stem cells causes those stem cells to form cancerous tumors. Their work may lead to new treatments for a variety of cancers. Dr. Jon Horowitz, associate professor of molecular biomedical sciences, and a team of NC State researchers looked at… 

Oct 14, 2010

Lost, Found and Lost Again

Stop the presses: Bigfoot was spotted in Cary! It’s probably not the Bigfoot you know, that 8-foot-tall beast also known as Sasquatch. Instead, it’s the Bigfoot of ants, a species of ant so rarely seen that it makes blue moons seem common. This ant Bigfoot was unknown until more than 60 years ago, when it… 

Oct 11, 2010

NC State Researcher Receives Grant to Uncover Genetic Causes of Intestinal Deformity

A North Carolina State University researcher has received a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Heath  to study the genes responsible for intestinal formation. This work may lead to improved diagnosis and prevention of intestinal malrotation – or twisting – in human infants. Dr. Nanette Nascone-Yoder, assistant professor of developmental biology in… 

Oct 7, 2010

Technique Allows Researchers to Examine How Materials Bond at the Atomic Level

An approach pioneered by researchers at North Carolina State University gives scientists new insight into the way silicon bonds with other materials at the atomic level. This technique could lead to improved understanding of and control over bond formation at the atomic level, and opportunities for the creation of new devices and more efficient microchips.… 

Oct 7, 2010

In Plants, Small Changes Make Big Impact

You can’t see them or feel them, but right now countless biochemical interactions in your body affect your life in countless ways. These interactions are important because if they go poorly, really bad things can happen. In a simple and admittedly extreme example, poorly regulated protein interactions – interactions between molecules that are the main… 

Oct 6, 2010

Study: Fish Near Coal-Fired Power Plants Have Lower Levels Of Mercury

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that fish located near coal-fired power plants have lower levels of mercury than fish that live much further away. The surprising finding appears to be linked to high levels of another chemical, selenium, found near such facilities, which unfortunately poses problems of its own. 

Oct 5, 2010

Structure Of Plastic Solar Cells Impedes Their Efficiency, Researchers Find

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University and the U.K. has found that the low rate of energy conversion in all-polymer solar-cell technology is caused by the structure of the solar cells themselves. They hope that their findings will lead to the creation of more efficient solar cells. Polymeric solar cells are made… 

Oct 4, 2010

Multifunctional Smart Sensors and High-Power Devices on a Computer Chip

Researchers from North Carolina State University have patented technology that is expected to revolutionize the global energy and communications infrastructure – and create U.S. jobs in the process. 

Sep 29, 2010

NC State Works To Increase Interest In STEM Careers For Minority, Rural Students

Students who grow up in small, rural towns do not have the same exposure to high-tech jobs as their “big city” counterparts and  may not be aware of what it takes to be a rocket scientist or video-game programmer. With an increasing need for workers to fill science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers in… 

Sep 29, 2010

Research Lays Foundation For Building On The Moon – Or Anywhere Else

The key to the stability of any building is its foundation, but it is difficult to test some building sites in advance – such as those on the moon. New research from North Carolina State University is helping resolve the problem by using computer models that can utilize a small sample of soil to answer… 

Sep 28, 2010

Study Finds National Debt ‘Tipping Point’ That Slows Economic Growth

Researchers from North Carolina State University have identified a “tipping point” for national debt – the point at which national debt levels begin to have an adverse effect on economic growth. The findings could influence economic policy discussions globally, and will be distributed at the upcoming meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World… 

Sep 27, 2010

Study Finds Brainstorming Rules Can Lead to Real-World Success in Business Settings

Researchers have long held that there are steps that can be taken to make brainstorming sessions more productive. New research from North Carolina State University finds that these recommendations actually do contribute to success when applied in real-world business environments.