research news

Mar 5, 2015

Study Upends Conventional Wisdom, Finds Significant Facial Variation in Pre-Columbian South America

Researchers have found significant differences in facial features between pre-Columbian peoples in Peru – disproving a longstanding perception that these groups were physically homogenous. 

Mar 2, 2015

Tracking Bald Eagles in Coastal North Carolina

NC State researchers are part of a team that’s using state-of-the-art GPS transmitters to track bald eagles in coastal North Carolina. 

Mar 2, 2015

The Environment May Change, but the Microbiome of Queen Bees Does Not

Researchers have published the first thorough census of the gut microbiome – which consists of all the microorganisms that live in the gut of the organism – in queen bees. And the findings were surprising. 

Mar 2, 2015

Protections, Not Money, Can Boost Internal Corporate Whistleblowing

New research finds that strong, reliable anti-retaliation policies can encourage employees to notify internal authorities of possible wrongdoing, but that offering monetary incentives does not necessarily influence whistleblowing behavior – or at least not right away. 

Feb 19, 2015

Study: 25 Percent of Children Who Are Homeless Need Mental Health Services

A pilot study finds that 25 percent of children who are homeless are in need of mental health services -- highlighting the need for more support for the millions of homeless children in the United States. 

Feb 18, 2015

Brace Yourself: Study Finds People Can Use Different Strategies to Prepare for Stress

A pilot study finds that people are not consistent in how they prepare mentally to deal with arguments and other stressors, with each individual displaying a variety of coping behaviors. 

Feb 16, 2015

Researchers Synthesize Material for Efficient Plasmonic Devices in Mid-Infrared Range

Researchers have identified a material that can be used to create plasmonic devices that create an intense electric field in response to light in the mid-infrared range. The discovery has applications in fields ranging from high-speed computers to solar energy to biomedical devices. 

Feb 13, 2015

Researchers Glimpse Distortions in Atomic Structure of Materials

A technique developed at NC State is giving researchers an unprecedented glimpse of how materials are structured at the atomic level -- opening the door to studies on how subtle structural distortions at the atomic-scale can influence a material’s properties. 

Feb 11, 2015

NC State Researchers Land UNC System Research Grants

NC State is a key partner in five of six grants awarded as part of a new, statewide initiative designed to advance strategically-important collaborative research projects in North Carolina. 

Feb 6, 2015

Fish Pee Helps Keep Coastal Ecosystems Healthy, Thriving

Researchers find that pristine Caribbean coral reefs would be quite a bit less pristine without the proper levels of fish pee. 

Jan 23, 2015

New Technique Helps Probe Performance of Organic Solar Cell Materials

Researchers have developed a way to determine the role that a material’s structure has on the efficiency of organic solar cells, which are candidates for low-cost, next generation solar power. The finding will help guide future research and development efforts. 

Jan 20, 2015

Wearable Sensor Smooths Path to Long-Term EKG, EMG Monitoring

Researchers have developed a wearable sensor that uses silver nanowires to monitor electrophysiological signals. The sensor is as accurate as the “wet electrode” sensors used in hospitals for EKGs and EMGs, but can be used for long-term monitoring and is more accurate than existing sensors when a patient is moving. 

Jan 14, 2015

New Material, Technique Efficiently Produce Hydrogen, Syngas Fuel Feedstock

Researchers have developed a technique that uses a new catalyst to convert methane and water into hydrogen and a fuel feedstock called syngas with the assistance of solar power. 

Jan 13, 2015

Researchers Develop Novel Multiferroic Materials and Devices Integrated With Silicon Chips

Researchers have made two advances in multiferroic materials, including integrating them on a silicon chip, which will allow the development of new electronic memory devices. The researchers have already created prototypes of the devices and are in the process of testing them. 

Jan 7, 2015

New Approach May Lead to Inhalable Vaccines for Influenza, Pneumonia

A novel approach to creating inhalable vaccines using nanoparticles shows promise for targeting lung-specific diseases, such as influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis.