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North Carolina State University


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

Researchers create an injectable particle to make surgery safer for infants

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has created an injectable microgel called B-knob triggered microgels (BK-TriGs) that can help reduce bleeding in infants during surgery. The microgel works by mimicking the mechanical properties of natural platelets, which helps to create fibrin networks and stanch bleeding.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2026

Researchers identify potential disease marker, therapeutic target for cats with osteoarthritis

A study found that elevation of artemin could serve as a disease marker and potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis in cats. The researchers confirmed that TRP channels commonly associated with osteoarthritis pain were expressed and functional in healthy cat DRG neurons, and increased artemin blood concentrations were correlate...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Pain Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026

Water, water everywhere - but how to find it?

Researchers compared commercial PlanetBasemap data to a public data set from the United States Geological Survey and found that higher-resolution imagery detects more small bodies of water. However, in seasons with high vegetation, public data excels at detecting water hidden beneath forest cover.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 27, 2026

Overconfident CEOs are less likely to delegate responsibility – particularly when it may help the most

A study found that overconfident CEOs are 10-15% less likely to delegate responsibilities, especially in complex transactions and when acquiring companies in unfamiliar industries. This suggests that executives who are overly confident may struggle with delegating tasks effectively.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Management Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2026

Study finds correlation between public health, tax policies

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found a strong correlation between state tax revenue and public health policies during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. States with higher sales tax revenue were associated with shorter stay-at-home orders, while those without sales tax had longer durations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2026

Chiral phonons create orbital current via their own magnetism

Chiral phonons can generate orbital currents in common crystal materials without needing magnetic elements, offering a promising path to developing less expensive and energy-efficient orbitronic devices. This breakthrough is made possible by the intrinsic magnetism of chiral phonons, which allows them to convert into orbital current.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2026

Many drug-use treatment providers in N.C. demand unpaid labor, limit access to evidence-based treatment

A new study in NC found that many residential substance-use service providers require patients to engage in unpaid labor, restricting access to evidence-based treatment. Providers with labor requirements are less likely to offer recommended treatment and more likely to operate without a state license.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeSurvey·DateJan 15, 2026