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North Carolina State University


Cracking the packing code – new models incorporate item priority, location and weight distribution

Researchers developed packing models that incorporate item priority, location, and weight distribution to optimize spatial usage and improve efficiencies in logistics and storage. The models provide fast and high-quality solutions to packing challenges in military and real-world applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNaval Research Logistics (NRL)·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 27, 2026

Foreign tariffs made U.S. whiskey cheaper (depending on where you live)

A new study by North Carolina State University finds that foreign tariffs made US whiskey cheaper in most states, with prices decreasing by an average of 10.3% nationwide. However, in Kentucky and Tennessee, where local whiskey production is concentrated, prices actually rose due to strong consumer demand for locally-made products.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2026

AI-enabled stethoscope can miss the beat in pets

A new study from North Carolina State University found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope struggled to detect cardiac murmurs and arrhythmias in cats, while performing moderately well in dogs. The researchers emphasize the need for veterinarians to rely on human expertise when using AI-assisted technology.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2026

Study sees links between ageist attitudes and memory problems

An international study of 974 participants aged 50-94 found a strong correlation between ageist attitudes and self-reported memory failures. The results indicate that individuals with more restrictive views on older adult behavior experienced greater memory problems, regardless of their country of origin.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2026

German cockroaches appear to be more social animals than previously thought

Researchers discovered that newborn German cockroaches use pheromones in feces to recognize their own colony and form a kind of social bond. This behavior was found to be mediated by both innate attraction to conspecific fecal odor and learned preferences for specific odorants encountered during coprophagy soon after they hatch.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

A public health challenge has led to a more efficient way to allocate all sorts of resources

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has created a novel approach to optimize vaccine distribution by combining machine learning with column generation. This method accelerates run-time for the optimization model by 79.1% while maintaining high-quality solutions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSustainability Analytics and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2026

Researchers identify useful tool for diagnosing endocrine dysfunction in sick foals

A study by North Carolina State University researchers found that an AVP stimulation test can reliably diagnose endocrine dysfunction in sick foals. The test, which involves administering arginine vasopressin to stimulate the release of hormones, showed promising results in detecting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland axis (HPAA) dys...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2026

Community-led health and livelihood programs helped protect rainforests during the pandemic

A new study in The Lancet Planetary Health shows that when communities designed their own health and livelihood programs with local NGOs, they were more resilient to economic hardships caused by COVID-19. As a result, forest loss declined significantly, with rates 52% lower in supported communities compared to unaffiliated ones.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2026

AI tool improves predictions of which DNA sequences bind to each other

A novel AI model called BINND has been developed to predict which DNA molecules bind to each other. The model achieved an accuracy of 83.5% in predicting DNA pairs that would bind, surpassing the state-of-the-art model by at least 10%. This improvement has significant utility for biomedical diagnostic tools and DNA computing applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026

New technique sheds light on longstanding debates about ferroelectric materials

Researchers have developed a novel technique to observe real-time domain wall behavior in ferroelectric materials during 'poling' and 'depoling', providing deeper insights into the mechanisms at play. This breakthrough resolves longstanding debates about AC and DC poling, shedding light on the polarization state of these materials.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

The family tree of viruses just grew – and it paves the way for a new approach to agricultural research

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University has discovered a group of genetically stable viruses that infect an important plant pathogen. The findings suggest that these viruses could be used as tools to fight crop disease, and highlight the need for further research into viral diversity and evolution in agricultural set...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

Self-driving chemistry lab discovers catalysts that can switch products on demand

A self-driving chemistry lab called Flex-Cat has been developed to autonomously search for faster and more selective ways to make important industrial chemicals. The platform combines robotics, high-pressure reactors, and artificial intelligence to identify high-performing catalysts and those that can be programmed to produce different...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

Researchers find rare mutation doesn’t always result in blood cancer

Researchers have identified a rare genetic mutation associated with blood cancers, finding that it does not always lead to disease development. The study provides insight into the initial phases of the disease and may eventually lead to improved patient outcomes through targeted monitoring.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2026

Teaching with food boosts preschoolers’ science knowledge and vocabulary

A new study by North Carolina State University found that teaching with food can increase preschoolers' understanding of scientific concepts four times more than traditional methods. The 'More PEAS Please!' program also improved vocabulary skills, with a 20% increase in the group that received the intervention.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2026

How higher temperatures can benefit (or devastate) bumble bee populations

New research finds that higher temperatures can benefit bumble bees with underground nests by allowing them to spend more time foraging, but may devastate those with aboveground nests due to increased cooling costs. The benefits appear to outweigh the costs, but just a few damaging hours of extreme heat could set a colony back.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2026

AI-powered lab discovers brighter lead-free nanomaterials in 12 hours

A new autonomous laboratory named PoLARIS has identified brighter, lead-free light-emitting nanomaterials in just 12 hours. By analyzing the optical properties and adjusting variables, PoLARIS has improved the brightness of these materials, enabling faster discovery of safer optical nanoplatelets for various applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2026

Here’s why your face doesn’t perceive itchiness the same way your body does

A new study reveals that facial itch sensations differ from those on the body due to distinct trigeminal and spinal pain pathways. The researchers found a functional divergence in neuropeptide signaling and central circuit engagement between the two systems, which was independent of peripheral innervation density.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Researchers create tool to help hunger-relief groups deliver food more efficiently

A new optimization framework helps food banks deliver food more efficiently by accounting for variables such as food availability and household demand. The tool has been incorporated into an app that can also be used by businesses to address delivery logistics challenges.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2026

Study finds each protein in the epigenome produces a different pattern of gene expression

A new study found that every type of epigenome protein produces a distinct pattern of gene expression, surpassing the on/off switch functionality. This discovery has significant implications for cellular engineering, enabling more dynamic control over cellular behavior and potential applications in biomanufacturing and bioproduction.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026