research news

Jan 5, 2015

Mezcal and Markets: One Battle in the War Over Mexico’s Agave Spirits

In 2011 and 2012, Mexico was the site of a battle over precisely how agave-based liquors could be branded or marketed. In the end, as outlined in a new paper in the journal Gastronomica, U.S. bartenders, retailers, and consumers played a key role in the debate – which raises some interesting questions about how to best protect local food customs and producers. 

Dec 22, 2014

2014 Research Round-Up Quiz

NC State researchers do amazing work. To see if you’ve been paying attention, we decided to highlight some fun science stories from the past year in a quiz. 

Dec 18, 2014

Will Rapprochement Mean New Research Collaborations Between Cuba and the U.S.?

We asked Ruben Carbonell, National Academies member, Cuban American, and professor at NC State, what the rapprochement between Cuba and the U.S. may mean for fostering relationships and collaborations between U.S. research institutions and their Cuban counterparts. 

Dec 18, 2014

New Technique Moves Researchers Closer to New Range of GaN Biosensors

Researchers have found a way of binding peptides to the surface of gallium nitride (GaN) in a way that keeps the peptides stable even when exposed to water and radiation. The discovery moves researchers one step closer to developing a new range of biosensors for use in medical and biological research applications. 

Dec 12, 2014

NC State Innovation Lights Amsterdam’s Rainbow Station

NC State technology helps an artist create a vibrant image in Amsterdam's Central train station. Discover the science behind the magical Rainbow Station. 

Dec 11, 2014

Stacking Two-Dimensional Materials May Lower Cost of Semiconductor Devices

Researchers have found that stacking materials that are only one atom thick can create semiconductor junctions that transfer charge efficiently, regardless of whether the crystalline structure of the materials is mismatched – lowering the manufacturing cost for a wide variety of semiconductor devices such as solar cells, lasers and LEDs. 

Dec 10, 2014

New ‘High-Entropy’ Alloy Is As Light As Aluminum, As Strong as Titanium Alloys

Researchers from North Carolina State University and Qatar University have developed a new “high-entropy” metal alloy that has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than any other existing metal material. 

Dec 9, 2014

Moving Toward a Cheaper, Better Catalyst for Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen could be an important source of clean energy, and the cleanest way to produce hydrogen gas is to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. But the catalyst currently used to facilitate this water-splitting reaction is platinum. And that’s a problem. 

Dec 9, 2014

Online Students Give Instructors Higher Marks If They Think Instructors Are Men

A new study shows that college students in online courses give better evaluations to instructors they think are men – even when the instructor is actually a woman. 

Dec 8, 2014

Study: Charter Schools Can Lead Families To Buy Homes Nearby

A new study finds that families with children enrolled at a charter school are likely to move closer to the school. The finding may have relevance for urban renewal efforts. 

Dec 8, 2014

Nanoparticle Allows Low-Cost Creation of 3-D Nanostructures

Researchers have developed a new lithography technique that uses nanoscale spheres to create 3-D structures with biomedical, electronic and photonic applications. 

Dec 3, 2014

Mapping Human Disease: ‘Not All Pathogens Are Everywhere’

NC State researchers map human disease pathogens and find distinct regions for vectored and non-vectored diseases. 

Dec 3, 2014

The Gorilla in the Room: Inattentional Blindness Isn’t Blindness at All

Imagine being so engrossed in a task that you don’t notice a gorilla entering the room. (This actually happened in a famous psychological experiment.) The phenomenon is known as “inattentional blindness” and occurs when people are so focused on a task that they fail to notice unexpected events. But it turns out that inattentional blindness isn’t blindness at all. 

Dec 2, 2014

Nutrition, Safety Key To Consumer Acceptance of Nanotech, Genetic Modification In Foods

New research shows that the majority of consumers will accept the presence of nanotechnology or genetic modification technology in foods – but only if the technology enhances the nutrition or improves the safety of the food. 

Dec 2, 2014

Study Finds Insects Play Important Role in Dealing with Garbage on NYC Streets

In the city that never sleeps, it’s easy to overlook the insects underfoot. But that doesn’t mean they’re not working hard. A new study shows that insects play a significant role in disposing of garbage on the streets of Manhattan.