research news

Jul 20, 2015

The Ecology of the Future and the Future of Ecology

Biologists are trying to understand the impact of global climate change while also working with college students from underrepresented groups to help shape the future of ecology research. 

Jul 17, 2015

Centuries-Old Shipwreck Discovered Off North Carolina Coast

Scanning sonar from a scientific expedition has revealed the remains of a previously unknown shipwreck more than a mile deep off the North Carolina coast. Artifacts on the wreck indicate it might date to the American Revolution. 

Jul 17, 2015

Study Finds Metal Foams Capable of Shielding X-rays, Gamma Rays, Neutron Radiation

Research shows lightweight composite metal foams are effective at blocking X-rays, gamma rays and neutron radiation, and are capable of absorbing the energy of high impact collisions. The finding means metal foams hold promise for use in nuclear safety, space exploration and medical technology applications. 

Jul 13, 2015

Researchers Find Nanowires Have Unusually Pronounced ‘Anelastic’ Properties

Researchers have found that nanoscale wires (nanowires) made of common semiconductor materials have a pronounced anelasticity – meaning that the wires, when bent, return slowly to their original shape rather than snapping back quickly. 

Jul 13, 2015

Environmentally Friendly Lignin Nanoparticle ‘Greens’ Silver Nanobullet to Battle Bacteria

Technique combines silver with lignin to create effective and environmentally benign nanobullets. 

Jul 10, 2015

Early Lead Exposure Affects Gene Expression Throughout Life

NC State researchers links between lead exposure in children and alterations in regulatory regions of genes critical in growth regulation and brain development. 

Jun 30, 2015

How Old You Feel Matters (and It Changes Day to Day)

New research from NC State finds that how old you feel changes on a daily basis – and that has very real ramifications for your well-being. 

Jun 29, 2015

Study: Even Fraud-Savvy Investors Often Look for the Wrong Red Flags

Researchers have found that most investors who are vigilant about corporate fraud are tracking warning signs that are only clear after it’s too late to protect their investment. 

Jun 25, 2015

MARCKS Protein May Help Protect Brain Cells From Age Damage

The MARCKS protein may play an important role in protecting barrier cells in the brain from damage due to aging. 

Jun 24, 2015

Distributed Technique for Power ‘Scheduling’ Advances Smart Grid Concept

Researchers have developed a new technique for “scheduling” energy in electric grids that advances the smart grid concept by coordinating the energy being produced and stored by conventional and renewable sources. 

Jun 23, 2015

Smart Insulin Patch Could Replace Painful Injections for Diabetes

Painful insulin injections could become a thing of the past for the millions of Americans who suffer from diabetes, thanks to a new invention from researchers at NC State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who have created the first “smart insulin patch.” 

Jun 16, 2015

Researchers Create Transparent, Stretchable Conductors Using Nano-Accordion Structure

Researchers have created stretchable, transparent conductors that work because of the structures’ “nano-accordion” design. The conductors could be used in applications such as flexible electronics, stretchable displays or wearable sensors. 

Jun 15, 2015

Bacterial Genome Scalpel Can Identify Key Gene Regions

Bacteria have a system for ridding genomes of unwanted DNA sequences. But how does the system work in bacteria? NC State researchers find out. 

Jun 15, 2015

Good News for Combating the Spread of Norovirus

A new finding from NC State researchers shows that an age-old commodity may be a new tool in combating norovirus. 

Jun 12, 2015

Rebar Named New Research Chief

Internationally recognized veterinary pathologist Alan Rebar comes to NC State to lead the research office.