A virtual reality clinic created by researchers at North Carolina State University makes it easier for stroke survivors to attend physical and occupational therapy sessions. The system, called VERGE, encourages participants to work on therapy exercises with loved ones remotely, leading to increased attendance and engagement.
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a more efficient method for converting sewage sludge and restaurant grease into methane. By increasing the amount of grease in the mixture, they were able to achieve a 75% ratio of grease to biosolids, resulting in a significantly higher methane yield.
A new video game framework brings together two well-studied approaches to educational software, integrating narrative-centered learning and collaborative learning techniques. In proof-of-concept testing, the framework fostered both learning and effective collaboration in sixth graders, showing promise for future efforts in the field.
Research led by NC State University found that early life exposure to flame retardants increases anxiety and affects socioemotional behaviors in prairie voles. The study, published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology, highlights the potential risks of chemical flame retardants on neurological development and social behavior.
A study of 744 rural high school students found that at least 19% reported changes in their self-labeled sexual identity over a three-year period. Notable differences were seen between male and female students, with girls reporting more changes than boys.
Enteric glial cells convert into tumor growth promoters when exposed to secretions from colon tumors, regulating important intestinal functions and interacting with cancer stem cells. The study identifies key molecules involved in this process and offers new potential targets for cancer therapies.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that companies that disclose their cybersecurity risk management efforts fare better than those that don't after a breach. By implementing voluntary reporting guidelines, companies can reduce the impact of the 'contagion effect' and increase investor attractiveness.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed an open-source tool called VisibleV8 to detect malicious programs in JavaScript without alerting the websites. This tool runs in Chrome browsers, creating a behavior profile for each site that can be used to identify malicious websites and compromising user information.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a composite metal foam (CMF) material that surpasses traditional aluminum in leading-edge characteristics. The infused CMF exhibits improved contact angle, insect adhesion, and particle wear resistance, making it an attractive alternative for aircraft wing components.
Researchers propose a framework to understand AI decisions, incorporating interpretability into the training process. The framework improved time and accuracy without compromising performance in a proof-of-concept experiment using R-CNN.
Researchers have discovered a tiny, fully functional extra finger in the aye-aye's hand, which is believed to aid in gripping and mobility. The pseudothumb is composed of both bone and cartilage and has three distinct muscles that enable movement and force.
A recent study found that established brands are less affected by fake news on social media, with trust remaining unaffected. The researchers tested 468 consumers and found those who could detect misinformation were more likely to perceive the post as manipulative.
Researchers at NC State University have developed soft polymer microparticles with hierarchical branching on the micro- and nanoscale, exhibiting strong adhesion and structure-building properties. These materials, inspired by gecko feet, have potential applications in various fields such as gels, pastes, foods, nonwovens, and coatings.
New research from North Carolina State University and Oregon State University predicts a decline in recreational fishing participation due to climate change, with temperature extremes having the greatest impact. The study forecasts a 2.6% decline by 2080 under stringent mitigation efforts, but warns of a 15% drop if no action is taken.
The study found that the presence of Nassau grouper had a positive effect on fish abundance, with groups having both a resident grouper and complex habitat producing the highest numbers of fish. Habitat complexity also significantly benefited fish populations, with degraded sites having fewer than 50 fish on average.
Researchers found that submerging a polymer in water improves its CO2 filtering ability while slightly increasing selectivity. The process transformed the microstructure of the membrane in a low-cost and non-toxic manner.
Researchers found that inflammation amplifies neurite growth in neurons involved in thermal sensations, leading to increased pain hypersensitivity. Cav2.2 calcium channel genes play a key role in this process, promoting thermosensitive neuronal activity and sensory nerve outgrowth.
The study reveals that dogs with inflammatory CNS disease have autoantibodies targeting neuronal cell surface proteins, similar to humans. The findings could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for canine encephalitis.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have shown that the E75 protein plays a critical role in regulating biological rhythms in Daphnia magna. Suppression of E75 results in longer molt cycles and reduced numbers of offspring. The study highlights the potential impact of environmental stressors on population sustainability.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have shown that exosomes harvested from human skin cells are more effective at repairing sun-damaged skin cells in mice than popular retinol or stem cell-based treatments. The nanometer-sized exosomes can be delivered to the target cells via needle-free injections.
Researchers develop non-invasive method to evaluate bone structure using ultrasound, potentially enabling early osteoporosis detection and treatment assessment. The technique also shows promise in distinguishing between tumors and healthy tissue in laboratory rats.
Researchers observe that local thermal perturbations of spins in solids can convert heat to energy, even in paramagnetic materials. This effect, known as paramagnon drag thermopower, has the potential to enhance fuel efficiency and power smart clothing by harnessing body heat.
The new technology distributes decision-making throughout a stretchable material by sensing, computing, and responding without centralized processing. This approach holds promise for use in soft robotics and prosthetic devices, mimicking the decentralized brain of octopuses.
A national survey found more public support for genetically modified gene drive systems targeting non-native insects, rather than native species. The study suggests that controlled systems, which alter an insect's ability to carry a pathogen without eliminating it, receive greater support.
A North Carolina State University study found that being convicted of a crime is associated with a decline in physical health, even without jail time. The research also confirms previous work on the adverse mental health effects of arrests, regardless of charges or outcomes.
The project, 'Accelerated Innovation in Manufacturing Biologics (AIM-Bio)', aims to develop new manufacturing processes and train a generation of scientists and engineers. NC State will collaborate with DTU to establish nine research projects focusing on technologies critical to biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
A team from North Carolina State University created a technique called Wi-Fi-Assisted Inertial Odometry (WIO) to track devices in near-real time. WIO uses Wi-Fi signals and accelerometer technology to accurately measure speed and distance, correcting errors made by inertial measurement units.
A low-cost growth mindset intervention improved entrepreneurial self-efficacy and persistence among undergraduate students, regardless of gender or prior experience. The intervention boosted confidence in identifying business opportunities and pursuing class projects despite challenges.
Researchers found that highland and lowland populations had distinct craniofacial variations, with adaptations to climate and altitude contributing to the differences. The study suggests a complex interplay of environmental factors, rather than just genetic drift, in shaping human diversification in the New World.
Researchers found that sticky glandular trichomes on tobacco leaves trap insects, which are then consumed by the spined stilt bug, a predator that protects the plant from pest infestation. This mutualistic relationship increases leaf yield and reduces plant damage without harming the tobacco plants.
Scientists predict potential failure sites in disordered materials like cellular foams and fiber networks by analyzing network connections. They used geodesic edge betweenness centrality to identify the most critical edges and predicted failure locations with high accuracy.
A study from North Carolina State University found that shared e-scooters have a moderate environmental impact, with biking being the most environmentally friendly option; taking public transportation is also more eco-friendly in some cases.
Scientists at North Carolina State University have created a method to remotely control, lock into place, and later transform the shape of soft robots using light and magnetic fields. The technology is promising for medical and aerospace industries.
Researchers developed an elastic polymer with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, effectively killing viruses and drug-resistant bacteria. The polymer's unique molecular architecture attracts water to kill microbes within five minutes, making it a potential solution for hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a portable technology that can identify plant diseases in the field by analyzing airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The device, which can be plugged into a smartphone, works by measuring the type and concentration of VOCs released by plants to determine if they are diseased.
A new meta-analysis of 31 studies found that parent-based interventions increase condom use among adolescents and have specific features that enhance their effectiveness. These include targeting younger adolescents, culturally specific programs, equal involvement of parents and teens, and longer program durations.
A study by North Carolina State University found that drivers tend to overlook low-salience targets when high-salience hazards are present in traffic images, with low-salience targets being up to 40% less likely to be detected in two-hazard scenes.
A new model, called the Military Logistics Network Planning System (MLNPS), draws on logistical data and operational information to assess risk and forecast logistical outcomes. The MLNPS can help military leaders identify efficient means of meeting logistical needs and account for uncertainty during expeditionary operations.
Researchers have developed a method to test building material samples for signs of high-enriched uranium (HEU) use. The technique involves analyzing small core samples using hardware similar to radiation dosimeter badges.
Researchers have developed a technique that allows for real-time microscopic observation of materials under extreme heat and loading conditions. This breakthrough enables the study of material behavior in nuclear reactors and other extreme environments, with potential applications in developing new high-performance materials.
Researchers found that access to online job opportunities has not led to greater equality in the hiring process. Instead, lower-wage jobs are highly competitive, while higher-wage positions have limited openings.
Researchers developed a portable technology to detect four common types of cyanotoxins, including microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin, which meet EPA's recreational water quality criteria. The device can be used to assess recreational water quality but not yet viable for drinking water safety.
Researchers developed a simpler approach to creating multi-junction solar cells using intermetallic bonding, avoiding significant expense and complexity. The technique enables the creation of high-efficiency solar cells with lower production costs.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered a gene that makes Salmonella resistant to colistin, the drug of last resort for treating multidrug-resistant infections. The mcr-3.1 gene was found in a human patient who had traveled to China two weeks prior to becoming ill with a Salmonella infection.
Researchers aim to develop crops more resilient to climate change and emerging pathogens through microbial interactions. The Collaborative Crop Resilience Program will focus on three projects: Matrix, Interact, and InRoot, which examine plant-microbial interactions above ground and below ground, as well as the development of new crop v...
Researchers analyzed five collaborative intelligence programs and found that institutional silos, lack of information sharing, and lack of trust hinder success. Key factors for successful collaborations include high-level support, long-term commitment, internal communications mechanisms, and open lines of communication.
Researchers found that LSMO retains its magnetic properties in atomically thin layers when sandwiched between two layers of LSCO. This arrangement allows for fewer than five atomic layers of LSMO to be used without losing magnetic properties.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new microneedle technique for rapid plant disease detection, extracting DNA from plant tissues in under a minute. The method promises to revolutionize on-site plant disease detection and diagnosis.
Researchers discovered that adding cesium and rubidium to the synthesis process makes the resulting solar cell more chemically homogeneous and facilitates its formation. This understanding will illuminate future work in developing more efficient halide perovskite solar cells.
Metal foam has been shown to effectively stop .50 caliber ball and armor-piercing rounds as well as conventional steel armor, achieving significant weight savings. The material's unique design allows for improved protection without adding substantial weight to vehicles.