research news

May 5, 2011

Study Shows Corn Gene Provides Resistance to Multiple Diseases

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a specific gene in corn that appears to be associated with resistance to three important plant leaf diseases. In a paper published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, NC State  plant pathologists and crop scientists pinpoint the gene – glutathione S-transferase – that seems… 

May 2, 2011

Paging Han Solo: Researchers Find More Efficient Way To Steer Laser Beams

For many practical applications involving lasers, it’s important to be able to control the direction of the laser beams. Just ask Han Solo, or the captain of the Death Star. Researchers from North Carolina State University have come up with a very energy-efficient way of steering laser beams that is precise and relatively inexpensive. 

Apr 27, 2011

Less is More: Researchers Pinpoint Graphene’s Varying Conductivity Levels

Did you know that pencil lead may just end up changing the world? Graphene is the material from which graphite, the core of your No. 2 pencil, is made. It is also the latest “wonder material,” and may be the electronics industry’s next great hope for the creation of extremely fast electronic devices. Researchers at… 

Apr 25, 2011

Wild Hogs: Researchers Examine Impact of Feral Pigs In Eastern N.C.

The nation’s feral pig population continues to expand, increasing the potential for interaction with humans and domestic swine – and for spreading diseases. Researchers at North Carolina State University examined feral pigs from eastern North Carolina to determine exposure to two parasites that can be transmitted from animals to people – Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)… 

Apr 25, 2011

Study Finds Keys To Working With Latino Church To Fight Domestic Abuse

Latinos are the fastest growing population in the United States and have relatively high rates of domestic violence coupled with social and linguistic barriers that can make it difficult for Latino families to access relevant social services. But a new study from North Carolina State University finds Latino religious leaders willing to help address the… 

Apr 21, 2011

Researchers Find Fat Turns Into Soap In Sewers, Contributes To Overflows

Researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered how fat, oil and grease (FOG) can create hardened deposits in sewer lines: it turns into soap! The hardened deposits, which can look like stalactites, contribute to sewer overflows. 

Apr 18, 2011

‘I’m a Mac’ – So What? Study Finds Way To Measure Brand Personality Appeal

Companies spend millions to develop their brand’s personality, in hopes that it can help sell products. But they’ve had no way of measuring whether that personality actually appeals to consumers. Now, research from North Carolina State University lays out a system for measuring the appeal of a brand’s personality. 

Apr 14, 2011

NC State Predicts Active Atlantic Hurricane Season for 2011

Researchers at North Carolina State University believe that hurricane activity will be above normal in the Atlantic basin in 2011. According to Dr. Lian Xie, professor of marine, earth and atmospheric sciences, and collaborators Dr. Montserrat Fuentes, professor of statistics, and graduate student Morgan Lennon, 2011 should see 13 to 16 named storms forming in… 

Apr 14, 2011

Researchers Create Elastic Material That Changes Color In UV Light

Researchers from North Carolina State University have created a range of soft, elastic gels that change color when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light – and change back when the UV light is removed or the material is heated up. 

Apr 13, 2011

NC State Develops Material To Remove Radioactive Contaminants From Drinking Water

A combination of forest byproducts and crustacean shells may be the key to removing radioactive materials from drinking water, researchers from North Carolina State University have found. 

Apr 13, 2011

Software Creates Privacy Mode To Help Secure Android Smartphones

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed software that helps Android smartphone users prevent their personal information from being stolen by hackers. 

Apr 12, 2011

Study Finds Public Relatively Unconcerned About Nanotechnology Risks

A new study finds that the general public thinks getting a suntan poses a greater public health risk than nanotechnology or other nanoparticle applications. The study, from North Carolina State University, compared survey respondents’ perceived risk of nanoparticles with 23 other public-health risks. 

Apr 6, 2011

“Sniffing Out” Lymphoma Genes by Turning Dogs into Humans

Researchers at North Carolina State University are narrowing the search for genes involved in non-Hodgkin lymphoma – by turning dogs into humans. Humans and dogs don’t just share companionship and living space, they also share a similar genetic makeup. Additionally, they share the same types of cancer, including lymphoma. Dr. Matthew Breen, professor of genomics… 

Apr 6, 2011

Researchers ID Microbe Responsible For Methane From Landfills

Researchers have long known that landfills produce methane, but had a hard time figuring out why – since landfills do not start out as a friendly environment for the organisms that produce methane. New research from North Carolina State University shows that one species of microbe is paving the way for other methane producers. 

Apr 4, 2011

Facial Structure Of Men And Women Has Become More Similar Over Time

Research from North Carolina State University shows that they really don’t make women like they used to, at least in Spain. The study, which examined hundreds of Spanish and Portuguese skulls spanning four centuries, shows that differences in the craniofacial features of men and women have become less pronounced.