Researchers at North Carolina State University have created ChemMaps, a webserver that allows users to interactively navigate the chemical space of over 8,000 drugs and 47,000 environmental compounds in 3D. The platform features two main maps: DrugMap and EnvMap, which include approved drugs and environmental chemicals, respectively.
Researchers developed a new method to identify microbe food sources using carbon stable isotope ratios, providing insights into microbial communities and their impact on animal and plant health. The technique uses mass spectrometry and software to link microbes with substrates, enabling the study of complex microbial relationships.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have synthesized a new compound inspired by a natural product that is effective against drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. The molecule, JJM-35, has been shown to be up to 50 times more effective than the original natural product against several bacterial strains.
Scientists employed passive acoustic vibrations to characterize the vibrational modes of granular materials, revealing a new method to predict failure. The technique measures active vibrational modes' frequencies, providing an acoustic snapshot of the material's overall health.
A new AFM method reveals that water layers minimize deformation and make it more reversible, leading to increased efficiency in storing charge and losing less energy. The discovery holds promise for developing energy storage technologies.
A recent study found that how older adults perceive their relative socioeconomic status influences their feelings about growing older. The researchers conducted an online survey of 296 adults over 60 and found that the way people perceived their status made a significant difference in their aging attitudes.
Researchers developed a user-generic musculoskeletal model that translates neuromuscular signals into commands for prosthetic devices. The technology has shown promising results in early testing with able-bodied and amputee volunteers, potentially paving the way for more intuitive and reliable prosthetic control.
A large-scale study is proposed to test the efficacy of strategies for preventing pesticide resistance in critical weed and insect species. The authors recommend providing resources for landscape-level studies and incentives for farmers to participate, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach to addressing this pressing issue.
A recent study found that chimpanzee beds have a greater diversity of microbes than human beds, but with fewer types of bacterial contamination. The research suggests that human attempts to create clean environments may make our surroundings less ideal.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technology for steering light, allowing for greater efficiency and wider input angles. The new grating expands the window to 40 degrees, enabling users to have a greater field of view in immersive augmented-reality displays.
Novices organize mental models based on natural language connections, while journeymen rely on procedural connections. Expert mental models display abstract connections and subnetworks as they gain expertise. This study has potential applications for training programs and game design.
A genetic 'dial' controlling body size has been discovered in pigs, with decreased size observed at varying levels of gene expression. The study found that pigs with normal gene expression were average-sized, while those with one copy expressed had a 25% reduction and those without any expressed had a 75% reduction.
A recent study by North Carolina State University researcher Anna Manzoni found that young people with direct financial support from their parents have higher occupational status, while those who live at home with less support experience lower career outcomes. This highlights how social inequality is transmitted across generations.
A North Carolina State University study found that two fish species, western blacknose dace and creek chub, evolved different body shapes in response to urbanization. The study showed that the dace became more streamlined, while the chub developed deeper bodies in urban areas. Lab experiments confirmed that genetic differences played a...
The researchers created a systems biology model that mimics the process of wood formation, allowing them to predict the effects of modifying multiple genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. This model will speed up the engineering of trees for specific needs in timber, biofuel, pulp, and paper applications.
A team of researchers is developing tools to help museums measure visitor engagement and modify exhibits to enhance engagement. The project will use multiple technologies, including motion-tracking and facial-monitoring, to collect data on visitors' interactions with educational exhibits.
The proposed system, called FabRec, would allow companies to share manufacturing data in a secure and reliable manner, increasing transparency and efficiency in the supply chain. This public network could help small- and medium-scale manufacturers gain access to potential clients, while also promoting accountability and authenticity.
Researchers found that antibiotic use decreases native gut bacteria's ability to compete with C. difficile for nutrients like proline, creating a fertile environment for the bacterium's growth and colonization. This discovery could lead to the development of probiotics and targeted therapies to prevent C. difficile infections.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new material, stainless steel composite metal foam (CMF), that offers much more protection than existing armor materials while lowering the weight remarkably. The CMF can block blast pressure and fragmentation from high-explosive incendiary rounds with minimal weight loss.
Researchers have successfully created amorphous metal alloys using additive manufacturing, overcoming the critical casting thickness limitation. The technique enables production of metallic glasses on larger scales, with potential applications in high-performance materials for electric motors, wear resistance, and structural integrity.
Scientists propose a new strategy using insect-yeast ecology to inform the search for industrially relevant yeasts. Insects are drawn to yeasts due to their sugar presence, and these mutualistic relationships can lead to yeast deposition in new environments.
Researchers have identified a wax-like hydrocarbon called heneicosane as a royal recognition pheromone in termites, enabling workers to recognize and care for queens and kings. This discovery could upend current understanding of insect social behavior and evolution, suggesting that CHCs evolved as royal pheromones 150 million years ago.
A study found that urban trees can tolerate increased heat and insect pests but struggle with water stress, highlighting the importance of hydration strategies in urban forestry management.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have identified potential compounds that could inhibit the virulence of Listeria by targeting an enzyme involved in bacterial cell surface modifications. Inhibiting this enzyme renders Listeria less virulent, making it a promising approach for combating severe food poisoning and listerio...
A new analysis of neuroscience studies on free will found significant variability across studies, with some concluding that human actions are driven by external stimuli while others found conflicting results. The researchers argue that neuroscientists should critically examine their methods to avoid promoting unsubstantiated beliefs.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method to identify the presence of radioactive materials like uranium and plutonium in building materials. The technique uses brick samples to detect the presence of these materials and can be done in days, not weeks.
A new paper from North Carolina State University presents a case study on fieldwork in rural Belize, demonstrating how anthropological fieldwork methods can be adapted for public history research. The study emphasizes the value of local partnerships and diversity in research teams.
A two-year study of North Carolina's Jordan Lake found that multiple cyanotoxins are present in the water throughout the year, albeit at very low levels. The researchers used two different measurement methods to detect these toxins and found four types: microsystin, anatoxin-a, clindrospermopsin, and β-N-methylamino-L-alanine.
Researchers developed two models to optimize food bank operations, accounting for uncertainty in capacity and demand. The models aim to distribute food efficiently and equitably while minimizing waste.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to print highly integrated silver nanowire circuits on flexible substrates. The method uses electrohydrodynamic printing and produces conductive, flexible, and stretchable electronics for various applications.
Scientists used advanced microscopy techniques to study the atomic structure of PMN, a widely used relaxor material in ultrasound and sonar applications. The findings reveal that atoms are arranged in a gradual gradient, differing from conventional wisdom predictions.
Research found that corporate social responsibility efforts during and after disasters build strong relationships with consumers if they appear altruistic on social media. Users who frequently use social media to find information during crises are more likely to trust companies engaged in CSR efforts.
A study of the scarlet monkeyflower found mixed results for demographic compensation as a means of avoiding population declines in response to changing climate conditions. Despite increases in flowering rates, many southern populations declined due to reduced survival and growth rates.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new process called pseudo-homogeneous catalysis, which combines the benefits of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic reactions. This novel technique uses elastomeric microspheres to improve palladium catalyst efficiency and reduce waste.
A study by North Carolina State University finds that bed bug-infested homes have substantially higher histamine levels than pest-free homes, which can persist for months even after treatment. Histamine is a chemical released as part of an immune response, but in humans it can cause inflammation and allergic reactions.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique that can detect potential airborne radiological materials in hours, instead of days. This approach uses existing technologies to provide quality information to first responders, allowing them to make informed decisions about evacuating the area.
Researchers identified powerful antimicrobial agents in some ant species but found that many others don't produce them, challenging conventional wisdom. The study suggests ants could be a future source of new antibiotics to fight human diseases.
A new veterinary medical ethics committee has been developed at North Carolina State University to aid caregivers in navigating complex care situations. The committee, consisting of seven members, operates independently from the hospital's academic and business aspects to provide a fair and open discussion of ethical issues.
Researchers discovered a new quantitative relation to identify promising material combinations for organic solar cells. The discovery enables chemists to evaluate different mixtures before manufacturing devices, optimizing performance and reducing processing time.
Researchers at NC State University have found a more accurate way to assess an individual's age at death using bone mineral density, increasing the margin of error from 27-70 years to within 13 years. The technique could be used to help identify human remains.
Exposure to a widely used flame retardant chemical mixture can disrupt placental function, leading to altered production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This study found evidence of endocrine, inflammatory and neurotransmitter signaling pathway disruption in placentas.
Researchers have used a material's persistent photoconductivity to stimulate PC12 neurotypic cells, demonstrating a faster and noninvasive way to influence cellular behavior. The technique, which was shown to increase calcium ion levels within the cells, has the potential to advance research on cellular behavior.
A study covering 300 million years of evolutionary history found that only a few extinct animals developed tail weaponized features. The researchers identified four essential traits: large body size, armor, herbivory, and thoracic stiffness. These conditions are rarely seen in living animals, explaining the rarity of modern tail weaponry.
Researchers created the largest publicly available chemical database of hair dye substances to develop new, safer hair colors. The database reveals promising approaches for reducing allergic reactions and cancer risk associated with permanent hair dyes.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new approach to improve cardiac stem cell therapy, which shows promise in targeting heart attack injuries and enhancing treatment effectiveness.
A recent study by NC State University found that fostering diversity increases innovation, resulting in more patents and new products. The study analyzed data from the largest publicly traded companies and found a causal link between diverse workforces and improved innovation.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a mathematical model for computing radiation therapy treatments that could substantially reduce patient side effects while delivering the same results as conventional radiation therapy. The new approach, known as spatiotemporal fractionation, delivers different doses to part...
Researchers combine small-scale experiments with computer models to explore human behavior in large groups, shedding new light on group problem-solving approaches. The approach validates the model by informing future experiments and examining policy interventions that alter social behavior.
Female moths can increase their chances of attracting a mate by emitting sex pheromones in close proximity to attractive females. Attractive females also benefit from proximity to unattractive females, mating sooner than if searching alone or with other attractive females.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel metal printing method that produces flexible, stretchable electronics at reduced costs. The technique uses molten metal alloys with low melting points and is compatible with existing manufacturing systems.