research news

Mar 10, 2010

Research Streamlines Data Processing To Solve Problems More Efficiently

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new analytical method that opens the door to faster processing of large amounts of information, with applications in fields as diverse as the military, medical diagnostics and homeland security. 

Mar 9, 2010

Laptop Revolution: New Class Design Saves Schools Money, Space

Universities around the country are struggling with shrinking budgets, even as they need to cater to the needs of an increasing number of students. New research from North Carolina State University shows that one way to cut down on costs, and simultaneously improve the learning experience, is to have students use the technology they already… 

Mar 8, 2010

NC State Research Advances Voice Security Technology

Most people are familiar with security technology that scans a person’s handprint or eye for identification purposes. Now, thanks in part to research from North Carolina State University, we are closer to practical technology that can test someone’s voice to confirm their identity. 

Mar 4, 2010

From Jellybean to Licorice Whip: Tracing Development of the GI Tract

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found the method by which the “gut tube” – the primitive structure in all vertebrate embryos that eventually becomes the entire gastrointestinal tract – changes from a short, solid cylinder into an elongated hollow structure that loops and coils. Their research paves the way toward greater understanding of… 

Mar 3, 2010

It’s Who You Know: Study Shows Hurdles Facing Black Football Coaches

Why are there so few black coaches in big-time college football? New research from North Carolina State University shows that it really does come down to who you know, and how well you know them. But the findings go against conventional wisdom, showing that black assistant coaches may be better served by making connections with… 

Feb 22, 2010

Small Amounts of Endocrine Disruptors May Have Multi-Generational Effects

Fetal exposure to small amounts of natural and man-made “hormone mimics,” or endocrine disruptors, like soy products and plastics appears to have strong, multi-generational effects. Those are the results presented by North Carolina State University faculty members at a symposium held during the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in San… 

Feb 18, 2010

NC State Faculty Will Discuss Effects of Endocrine Disrupters at AAAS Annual Meeting

At the world’s largest and most important scientific conference, two North Carolina State University faculty members will discuss the effects of natural and synthetic “hormone mimics” on human and animal health, fertility and puberty. 

Feb 16, 2010

New Material Mimics Bone To Create Better Biomedical Implants

A “metal foam” that has a similar elasticity to bone could mean a new generation of  biomedical implants that would avoid bone rejection that often results from more rigid implant materials, such as titanium. Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed the metal foam, which is even lighter than solid aluminum and can be… 

Feb 3, 2010

Smart Coating Opens Door To Safer Hip, Knee and Dental Implants

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a “smart coating” that helps surgical implants bond more closely with bone and ward off infection. 

Feb 1, 2010

Grant Funds Examination of Triangle-area Reservoirs

Communities around the Triangle will soon be asked to play a role when it comes to providing information needed for environmental policy decisions – such as how to manage the region’s water supplies – thanks to new research being conducted by area universities.  Researchers from North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at… 

Feb 1, 2010

Research Shows Profit, Not Politics, Drives Sovereign Wealth Fund

Investment funds owned by national governments – known as “sovereign wealth funds” – now wield trillions of dollars in investment power globally, raising concerns that the funds could be used for political purposes and leading to calls for limits on where these funds can invest. But new research from North Carolina State University indicates that… 

Jan 21, 2010

NC State Fills Top Research Position

Longtime faculty member Dr. David Smith will lead the research arm of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Smith is the new associate dean for research and director of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service. 

Jan 19, 2010

Judges On Trial: How To Promote Judicial Accountability

Public employees have long been subject to performance reviews that evaluate how well they are performing their jobs. But can judges, public employees who literally hold the power of life and death in their hands, be assessed in the same way? New research from North Carolina State University and East Carolina University shows that there… 

Jan 15, 2010

Following the Glow: NC State Researchers Use ‘Fluorescent Fish’ to Study Gene Function

Researchers at North Carolina State University are using fluorescent fish as a molecular “beacon” to study the early stages of animal development. The researchers focused their attention on a gene – known as Sp2 – that regulates the expression of other genes, and the fluorescent fish they created may also provide hints to the causes… 

Jan 13, 2010

NC State Research May Help States Address Unfunded Retiree Liabilities

Research shows that, nationally, states are facing more than $550 billion in unfunded liabilities associated with health care and other non-pension benefits for retired state employees, a situation many states are now struggling to fix. New research from North Carolina State University has identified a number of trends that are consistent among those states with…