solution-driven research

Oct 12, 2015

Dielectric Film Has Refractive Index Close to Air for Photonics Applications

Researchers have developed a dielectric film that has optical and electrical properties similar to air, but is strong enough to be incorporated into electronic and photonic devices – making them both more efficient and more mechanically stable. 

Oct 7, 2015

Researchers Work on New Techniques for Creating High-Temperature Alloys

NC State is taking the lead in a new initiative aimed at addressing fundamental scientific questions that could lead to the development of so-called “entropy-stabilized alloys” that can withstand extremely high temperatures. 

Sep 29, 2015

Researchers Disguise Drugs as Platelets to Target Cancer

Researchers have for the first time developed a technique that coats anticancer drugs in membranes made from a patient’s own platelets, allowing the drugs to last longer in the body and attack both primary cancer tumors and the circulating tumor cells that can cause a cancer to metastasize. 

Sep 28, 2015

New Tech Automatically ‘Tunes’ Powered Prosthetics While Walking

Biomedical engineering researchers have developed software that allows powered prosthetics to "tune" themselves automatically, making the devices more functionally useful and lowering the costs associated with powered prosthetic use. 

Sep 23, 2015

Bozkurt Named to Popular Science’s ‘Brilliant 10’

Alper Bozkurt, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is honored for his work establishing the foundations of the “internet of bionic things” in areas ranging from human-animal communication to insect biobots to human health monitoring devices. 

Sep 16, 2015

NSF-Funded Network to Boost Nanotech Innovation

A five-year, $5.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation supports a collaborative effort by three Triangle universities to help businesses and educators speed the development of new nanotechnology-based products and opportunities. 

Sep 1, 2015

New Technique Lowers Cost of Energy-Efficient Embedded Computer Systems

Electrical and computer engineers have developed a new technique for creating less-expensive, low-power embedded systems – the computing devices found in everything from thermostats to automobiles. 

Aug 18, 2015

Biomedical Engineer Zhen Gu Named to Tech Review’s Top Innovators Under 35

Zhen Gu, an assistant professor in NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill’s joint biomedical engineering program, has been named one of MIT Technology Review’s “Innovators Under 35” for his work on developing novel drug-delivery systems for treating cancer and diabetes. 

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. 

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 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

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 9, 2015

Experts Convene to Discuss How to Protect Bees, Other Pollinators

This autumn, researchers, educators, and industry experts from around the country will descend on a small town in rural North Carolina to discuss a question with repercussions for both the economy and the environment: what can be done to protect bees and other pollinators? 

May 5, 2015

‘Microcombing’ Creates Stronger, More Conductive Carbon Nanotube Films

A new technique creates pure carbon nanotube films that are stronger than any previous such films. The technique also improves the electrical conductivity that makes these films attractive for use in electronic and aerospace applications. 

May 1, 2015

Study Finds Guidance Improves Food Safety Practices at School, Community Gardens

School and community gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years, but the people managing and working in these gardens are often unfamiliar with food safety practices that reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Now researchers have developed guidelines that address how to limit risk in these gardens – and a pilot study shows that the guidelines make a difference.