Scientists have developed a technique to control the population of the Australian sheep blowfly by genetically modifying female flies to require a common antibiotic to survive. This approach allows for the separation of male and female larvae, enabling the use of male-only genetic control programs to reduce blowfly populations.
Researchers discovered that trap-jaw ant species are expanding their territory in the southeastern United States. The study identified two new species, O. haematodus and O. ruginodis, which have spread across the Gulf Coast region, including Florida and Alabama.
Researchers have developed a system to track footballs in three-dimensional space using low-frequency magnetic fields. This technology can improve accuracy for referees and viewers, especially in situations where the ball is blocked from view or visibility is low.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a neural transplant that significantly reduces absence epilepsy seizures in mice. The treatment targets specific areas of the brain affected by the disease, offering hope for developing new therapies for humans suffering from various forms of epilepsies.
Researchers have developed nanoscale structures called 'nanodaisies' that can deliver multiple anti-cancer drugs to cancer cells. These daisy-shaped structures show promise in treating lung, leukemia, breast, prostate, liver, ovarian and brain cancers.
A recent study published in Urban Ecosystems found that a lack of plant diversity is a significant contributor to the widespread defoliation caused by cankerworms in cities. Increasing plant diversity can help limit future damage. Native plants were particularly hard hit, while nonnative species were largely ignored.
Research from North Carolina State University found that dam removal improves spawning grounds for American shad and may boost their survival rates. The study reveals high mortality rates among adult fish during spawning, but suggests that improving fish passage could lead to better outcomes.
The study sequenced the genome of a dampwood termite, highlighting key differences and similarities with other social insects. The findings provide insight into how social insects evolved and could lead to new baits for controlling termites.
Researchers at NC State University created modified cockpit displays that significantly improved pilot response times in avoiding crashes. The new system highlighted planes with higher risk of collision, reducing errors and saving lives.
A study from North Carolina State University found that increases in dopamine levels trigger dramatic physical changes in Indian jumping ant workers, transforming them into warrior queens with elevated life expectancy. This discovery has implications for understanding social insect behavior and epigenetics.
Research from North Carolina State University found that more diverse bee species improve blueberry yield by $311 per acre, with a total value of $1.42 million annually. The study suggests that differences in weather tolerance among bee groups contribute to this benefit.
Researchers developed a novel anti-cancer drug delivery method using lipid-based nanocapsules to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells. The technique triggers the release of the drug, leading to cell death in breast cancer tumors. This efficient and fast-acting approach may improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
A study by North Carolina State University and Microsoft Research found that game developers value communication, teamwork, and creative skills. The research highlights the importance of including non-programmers in computer science projects and developing interpersonal communication skills.
Research suggests that Midwest corn and soybean yields could drop by 15-30% over the next half-century due to harsher drought conditions. The study, published in Science, found that corn and soybeans are becoming increasingly sensitive to drought, with yields struggling in dry conditions in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.
A new study from North Carolina State University and the University of Texas found that children are paying close attention to financial issues and need parental guidance. Parents should make an effort to talk to their kids about money, including saving, spending, and earning, as well as family finances and debt.
Researchers found that urban areas in warmer regions experience delayed butterfly emergence compared to rural areas. The study's findings suggest that butterflies may be more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought, and highlight the importance of understanding species' responses to urbanization and temperature increases.
Researchers developed a new ultrasound device that can identify vulnerable arterial plaques, which are more likely to break off and cause heart attacks or strokes. The device uses dual-frequency intravascular ultrasound technology to detect contrast agents, making it easier to highlight vulnerable plaques on ultrasound images.
Researchers found that people are 7% better at finding targets in the upper half of the screen compared to the lower half. This discovery could improve safety-related technologies like traffic signs and website user interfaces.
A recent study by North Carolina State University reveals that impurities can either hinder or improve the performance of a key superconductive material, Bi2212. The size of the impurities determines their effect, with nanoscale defects appearing to enhance superconductivity, while large-scale impurities weaken it.
Researchers found significant changes in Cherokee skulls reflecting environmental stress, with head length decreasing over time. The study highlights the role of historical events in shaping physical characteristics.
A new study reveals a strong connection between domestic abuse and postpartum mental health problems, including depression, PTSD, stress, anxiety, OCD, and more. The research found that women who experienced abuse were more likely to suffer from mental health issues, with specific types of abuse linked to specific symptoms.
A study published in Nature Genetics identified a large number of heritable genes associated with disease risk, providing a new resource for understanding the genetic control of transcription. The researchers analyzed blood sample data from twins and found that heritable genes are more likely to be associated with disease.
Researchers may be able to design and synthesize stronger, more adaptable antibiotics from less expensive natural compounds using a specialized enzyme. By modifying an enzyme called KirCII, scientists hope to turn it into a set of wrenches that can install different molecular pieces to create new antibiotics.
A group of scientists is calling for better recognition of local experts' role in conservation biology. Local guides play a critical part in data collection and are essential to successful conservation efforts.
Researchers at NC State University found that organic solar cell efficiency improves when donor and acceptor molecules are aligned face-on, rather than edge-on. This alignment enables favorable charge transfer interactions, reducing recombination and increasing power generation.
Researchers at NC State University found that tactile stimulation, such as touch from other female cockroaches or even duck feathers, speeds up reproduction in females. Pairing two cockroaches together produces the fastest rate of reproduction.
A new study by North Carolina State University and other institutions found that online gaming supplements social behavior, rather than replacing it. Researchers observed thousands of gamers at public events and conducted in-depth surveys to conclude that gaming is a social activity that complements offline interactions.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have successfully grown vertically aligned carbon nanofibers using ambient air without toxic ammonia. This breakthrough enables the mass production of these nanofibers, which hold promise for various applications, including gene delivery tools, sensors, and batteries.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new processing technique that increases luminescence in LEDs by coating gallium nitride (GaN) with phosphorus-derived acid. This enhances the material's stability, making it more suitable for biomedical applications such as implantable sensors.
Researchers analyzed 50 years of hit songs to identify key themes for advertisers, finding emotional content resonates with mass audiences. The study identified 12 key themes, including loss, desire, and aspiration, which can be used to craft successful advertisements.
NC State researchers have created a new, stretchable antenna that can be used in wearable health monitoring systems. The antenna can be stretched, rolled, or twisted and still transmit signals effectively.
By patterning the surface of nickel ferrite (NFO) thin films, researchers have reduced coercivity by 30-80%, depending on film thickness. This technique improves device performance and reduces energy use in applications like sensors, microwave devices, and antennas.
A team of physicists reveals how oxygen-16's nuclear shape differs between its ground and first excited states, shedding light on the element's production. The findings may improve our understanding of helium-burning reactions in red giant stars.
Researchers developed a new heat-based technique for counting and measuring microscopic particles, offering advantages in simplicity, affordability, and versatility. The technique has been tested effectively for objects in the 200 micron to 90 micron range and is expected to be able to measure individual cells.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that approximately 90% of black sea bass with visible barotrauma survived, similar to those without injury. The findings inform stock assessments for sustainable fishing practices and may provide insights into mortality rates for other species.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new trial design to counter the caregiver placebo effect in veterinary medicine. The study found that a low-dose pain medication was effective in cats with degenerative joint disease, despite owners' initial perceptions of improvement due to the placebo effect.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that altering the surface characteristics of a semiconductor material can significantly impact how neural cells grow. The study used gallium nitride and PC12 cells to mimic neural behavior, finding varying degrees of cell adhesion and growth on different textured surfaces.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique using ATP as a trigger for targeted anti-cancer drug delivery. In laboratory tests, it increased the effectiveness of drugs targeting breast cancer, with a 3.6 times higher success rate than non-ATP techniques.
Lignin breakthroughs provide a new approach integrating biology, chemistry and engineering to understand how plants make products and structures needed for growth and development. The research team developed models that predict how pathway enzymes affect lignin content and composition.
Researchers developed an algorithm to identify functional modules and relationships between metabolites, reactions, and enzymes in biochemical pathways. The tool enables life scientists to target their research efforts on critical groups most likely to improve our ability to understand and control important biological processes.
Researchers at NC State developed a new technique that uses existing technology to collect detailed water quality data more frequently. The approach allows researchers to measure key parameters like organic nitrogen, phosphates, total phosphorus, and salinity, offering insights into nutrient pollution.
New research from North Carolina State University suggests that it is not yet possible to tell if microscopic structures in fossilized feathers are melanosomes, which contain pigment, or ancient bacteria. Researchers used various microscopy techniques to examine the structures and compared them to melanosomes found in living birds.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new security tool called Practical Root Exploit Containment (PREC) to detect and contain malware that attempts root exploits in Android devices. PREC targets code written in the C programming language, reducing false positives and making anomaly detection more practical.
Researchers at NC State University developed a 'superabsorbing' design that improves light absorption efficiency of thin film solar cells by decreasing semiconductor material thickness. The design, which looks like an onion, can absorb up to 90% of available solar energy using just a 10nm thick layer of amorphous silicon.
A study by North Carolina State University researchers found that nearly one-third of adults with mental illness are at risk of being victims of violence, while those who commit violence tend to do so in residential settings. The study also highlights the need for stronger public health interventions to protect individuals at risk
A study found a link between a mutation in the RAB24 gene and canine hereditary ataxia, a neurodegenerative disease affecting dogs. The findings may help understand neurodegenerative diseases and identify new treatments for both canine and human sufferers.
Research integrates vanadium dioxide onto a silicon chip to create infrared smart sensors that are faster, more energy-efficient, and lighter than conventional sensors. This breakthrough paves the way for multifunctional spintronic devices with enhanced memory capacity, data transfer speed, and computational power.
A study by North Carolina State University and Harvard University found that murderers who committed homicide during robberies are more likely to commit crimes again when paroled. The motivation for murder was a significant predictor of recidivism rates.
Researchers found that tree density in savannas is influenced by moisture availability, temperature, soil fertility, and fire frequency, but these relationships differ significantly among Africa, Australia, and South America. The study predicts different responses to global warming across the continents.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel approach to eliminate specific strains of bacteria using the CRISPR-Cas system. This method has shown promise in lab tests, eliminating targeted bacteria without affecting good bacteria and demonstrating precision in targeting different species.