North Carolina State University researchers have developed a way to significantly enhance wireless power transfer efficiency using magnetic field enhancement. The method uses a copper loop as a simple magnetic resonance field enhancer (MRFE), boosting transfer efficiency by at least 100% compared to air alone.
A study by North Carolina State University found that Angelina Jolie's announcement about her BRCA1 gene testing led to increased intentions among women to get tested for the same gene. Women who identified with Jolie or felt a parasocial relationship with her were more likely to consider genetic testing.
Composite metal foams show promise in blocking X-rays, gamma rays, and neutron radiation for nuclear waste transport, spacecraft design, and medical technology. The high-Z steel-steel foam outperformed other materials at shielding against various forms of radiation.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and Brown University discovered that nanoscale wires have a significant anelasticity - they return slowly to their original shape when bent. The discovery was made while studying the buckling behavior of nanowires, and it has important implications for electronics and wearable devices.
NC State engineers have created an effective and environmentally benign method to combat bacteria using silver-ion infused lignin nanoparticles, which effectively kill E. coli and other harmful microorganisms without harming the environment.
A North Carolina State University study found that domestic cats avoid places where coyotes are common, instead focusing on residential areas. The research, which analyzed over 2,100 sites across six Eastern states, suggests that the presence of coyotes is a key factor in determining cat behavior.
Researchers identified two factors that lead investors to assess fraud risk, including reliance on financial statements and perception of corporate fraud prevalence. Most nonprofessional investors are also concentrated in fewer companies, making them more vulnerable to fraudulent activity.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new power scheduling technique that coordinates energy produced and stored by conventional and renewable sources. The approach replaces traditional centralized management with decentralized, distributed computing, enabling more efficient and secure energy distribution.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new method to create transparent, stretchable conductors. The 'nano-accordion' design stretches brittle materials by geometry, inspired by everyday springs. This innovation has potential applications in flexible electronics, displays, and wearable sensors.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a precision scalpel to excise target genomic regions, revealing essential and non-essential genes. The CRISPR-Cas system enables targeted editing of DNA sequences, allowing for the identification of core genomic regions critical for bacterial survival.
A new study found that genetically modified corn's Cry1Ab toxin has little impact on the corn earworm, contradicting earlier predictions. The results suggest that pest resistance to GM crops may be more widespread than initially thought, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and research.
The microcombing technique creates large, pure CNT films that are stronger than previous ones and have improved electrical conductivity. The films can be made lightweight and are twice as strong as previous CNT fibers.
Researchers developed guidelines for managing food safety risks in school and community gardens. A pilot study shows that the guidelines lead to significant improvements in handwashing, water supply safety, and hazard assessment. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of simple yet crucial measures in reducing foodborne illness risk.
Researchers are assembling large collections of spreadsheets from unlikely sources, including Enron, to study user behavior and improve spreadsheet software. Two new datasets, Enron and Fuse, offer millions of spreadsheets for research purposes.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and MIT have developed a lightweight membrane that can significantly reduce low-frequency noise in aircraft cabins. The membrane covers one side of the honeycomb structure and blocks sound energy, making flying more pleasant for passengers.
High entropy alloys consist of four or more metals in equal amounts, exhibiting remarkable properties such as hardness and tensile strength at low temperatures. Researchers found that chromium and its spin play key roles in ordering the alloy's composition.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that the type of fish and its body size can predict nutrient recycling rates in ecosystems. The researchers analyzed data from over 900 fish and invertebrates in a diverse marine community, finding that body mass and taxonomic identity are key factors in predicting these rates.
Using data from a citizen science project, researchers created a statistical model that analyzes fungal taxa in dust samples to predict their geographic origin. The model achieved an accuracy rate of about 95%, allowing law enforcement and archaeologists to trace dust samples back to specific locations within the continental US.
Researchers at NC State University and Carnegie Mellon University developed a lightweight ankle exoskeleton that increases walking efficiency without using energy from batteries. The device reduces metabolic energy consumption by 7 percent, improving the 'gas mileage' of human walking.
An isotope study by North Carolina State University has found that some urban ant species have a taste for human food. The research analyzed over 100 ant samples to determine their diet composition, revealing that pavement ants on sidewalks and medians have high levels of carbon-13, indicating a diet rich in human food.
A new study finds that Tlaxcallan relied on a previously unknown source of obsidian called El Paredón, just outside the boundaries of the Aztec Empire. This suggests complex international relations during the Aztec Era.
A study reveals that 70% of the world's remaining forests are within a half-mile of their edges, facing harm from urbanization and agricultural influences. Habitat fragmentation reduces plant and animal diversity by 13-75%, with negative effects magnifying over time.
A newly discovered crocodilian ancestor, Carnufex carolinensis, filled one of North America's top predator roles before dinosaurs arrived on the continent. The 9-foot long land-dwelling crocodylomorph likely preyed upon smaller inhabitants like armored reptiles and early mammal relatives.
Engineers at North Carolina State University and Xanofi developed a simple process to fabricate mass quantities of polymer nanofibers, with potential applications in filtration, batteries and cell scaffolding. The method uses liquid solution and spinning cylinder, producing nanofibers on a massive scale.
Gold nanorods are being investigated for use in biomedical applications due to their surface plasmon resonance, allowing them to absorb and scatter light. The improved method enables large-scale production and controlled shell thicknesses, paving the way for stable gold nanorods with chemically functionalized surfaces.
A study by North Carolina State University found that depictions of black men and women as criminals or suspects in TV news programs led to lower support for police among non-white viewers. Conversely, representations of white suspects had little impact on public opinion.
Unique proteins called tapirins found in heat-loving bacteria bind tightly to cellulose, enabling the breakdown of plant cell walls and conversion into liquid biofuels. The discovery paves the way for more efficient methods of converting plant matter into biofuels.
New research from North Carolina State University and Bucknell University finds that strong anti-retaliation policies encourage employees to report wrongdoing internally. Protection from retaliation is key, contingent on employee trust in the company. Monetary incentives do not necessarily influence whistleblowing behavior, but can fra...
A study by North Carolina State University, Indiana University and Wellesley College found that the gut microbiome of honey bee queens remains consistent regardless of environment. The researchers characterized the microbiome throughout the queen's development, from larval stage to emergence as adults.
A pilot study by NC State University finds that 25% of homeless children in the US are in need of mental health services. The study highlights the critical need for more screening and support for these vulnerable children.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have synthesized a new material that efficiently converts mid-IR light into oscillating electrons, enabling applications in high-speed computing, solar energy, and biomedical devices.
Researchers have developed a technique to observe minute distortions in the atomic structure of complex materials, influencing their properties. By mapping atomic organization, including distortions, they've found weaker chemical bonds make atoms more susceptible to variations.
Researchers develop a new technique to investigate the role of material structure on organic solar cell efficiency. They find that well-organized structures do not lead to higher free electron generation rates than disorganized ones.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new, wearable sensor that can accurately monitor electrophysiological signals like electrocardiography (EKG) or electromyography (EMG) for long periods. The sensor uses silver nanowires and is more accurate than existing sensors, especially when a patient is moving.
A North Carolina State University research team has created prototypes of novel multiferroic materials and devices integrated with silicon chips. These materials offer the possibility of switching magnetism with an electric field, making them attractive for next-generation memory storage devices.
Researchers developed a drug delivery technique using graphene strips to sequentially deliver two anticancer drugs, TRAIL and doxorubicin, targeting distinct parts of the cell. The technique significantly improved treatment efficacy compared to isolated therapies in mouse models targeting human lung cancer tumors.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique to bind peptides to gallium nitride surfaces, making them stable even in water and radiation. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of injectable biosensors for detecting specific molecules in biological environments.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that stacking 2D materials can create semiconductor junctions with efficient charge transfer, even when the crystalline structures don't match. This discovery could make the manufacture of semiconductor devices an order of magnitude less expensive.
Researchers developed a nanocrystalline high-entropy alloy with low density and high strength, surpassing titanium alloys. The alloy's unique properties make it suitable for various applications such as vehicles or prosthetic devices.
A recent study by NC State University found that online students tend to evaluate male instructors more favorably than female instructors, regardless of the instructor's actual gender. The researchers discovered a significant bias against women, with students who believed they were taught by men receiving higher ratings on various traits.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new lithography technique that uses nanoscale spheres to create three-dimensional structures. The new method reduces the cost of nanolithography and allows for the creation of complex nanostructures without expensive equipment.
The study identified seven vectored and five non-vectored disease regions, highlighting the impact of colonization, climate, and geography on disease distribution. Researchers found that not all pathogens are limited to specific geographic areas, suggesting a complex relationship between humans and their associated diseases.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that insects and other arthropods consume large amounts of garbage on NYC streets, including 2,100 pounds of discarded junk food per year. The researchers found that pavement ants are particularly efficient foragers in urban environments and compete with rats to eat human garbage.
A survey of 1,117 U.S. consumers reveals that most are willing to buy nanotech or genetically modified foods if they offer health or safety advantages. The study identifies four consumer groups: rejecters, averse consumers, price-oriented shoppers, and benefit-seekers who prioritize nutrition and food safety.
Scientists develop model to predict which populations will go extinct due to climate change by analyzing how different species adapt. The study finds that small changes in climate can lead to sudden extinction, even for species with strong adaptation strategies.
New research examines the effects of powered prosthetic leg errors on users, revealing some mistakes are insignificant, while others can cause noticeable instability. The team aims to improve decoding accuracy and minimize mechanical work changes to create more reliable prostheses.
A new technique allows ultrasound to penetrate bone and metal, enabling medical professionals to monitor blood flow in the brain or treat brain tumors more effectively. The metamaterial structure offsets distortion caused by these 'aberrating layers,' increasing wave energy transmission by up to 88%.
Research from North Carolina State University found that warmer urban temperatures limit the impact of parasitoid wasps on scale insect populations, allowing them to thrive and produce more eggs. This phenomenon, known as phenological mismatch, is a result of changing life cycles between species.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new transfer technique for atomic-layer semiconducting thin films, allowing for faster and damage-free transfer onto flexible substrates. The technique uses room-temperature water, a tissue, and tweezers to transfer MoS2 films up to 5 centimeters in diameter.
A study of ants in Manhattan revealed a wide range of species and significant differences in biodiversity across various urban areas. Researchers found that the type of urban habitat was more important than proximity between habitats in determining ant diversity.