A new fossil discovery confirms Nanotyrannus as a distinct species from Tyrannosaurus rex, challenging decades of research on T. rex growth. The fossil reveals that Nanotyrannus was physically mature at age 20 and had distinct skeletal features incompatible with T. rex.
Researchers found high levels of ultrashort-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood samples from Wilmington residents between 2010-2016. The study highlights the dominance of short-chain PFAS, such as PFMOAA and TFA, which were previously thought not to bioaccumulate.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found a strong link between cockroach infestations and high levels of allergens and endotoxins in homes. Eliminating cockroaches significantly reduced these health risks, with most infested homes without extermination showing large amounts of both allergens and endotoxins.
A new study reveals that the Arctic climate system is experiencing a 'pushing and triggering' mechanism, leading to an increase in extreme events such as heatwaves, sea ice loss, and ice sheet melt. The probability of these events has increased by 20-83% since 2000, with severe consequences for the region's future.
Researchers at NC State University have developed origami robots that can navigate the body using magnetic 'muscles.' These robots can deliver medicine to ulcers without reducing surface area, enabling a safe and non-invasive procedure. The technique allows for controlled and steady drug release over time.
Researchers propose using the Agent Deed Consequence (ADC) model to program ethical values into smart city technologies. The model captures human moral judgments by considering agent intent, deed, and consequence, enabling AI systems to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate orders.
Researchers found that electric-powered boilers can reduce emissions by up to 61% in pulp and paper mills. The study suggests that the US electrical grid's shift towards clean energy could make this possible. Increasing water removal during pressing resulted in significant energy savings and emissions reductions, while low-carbon alter...
Researchers at North Carolina State University created a class of robots called metabots that can change shape and adapt to different environments. The devices can execute various actions despite having no motor or being made of a single flat material.
Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.
Researchers developed a more accurate cough-detection model using wearable health monitors' audio and movement data. The new model can distinguish between coughs and nonverbal sounds, improving the accuracy of respiratory disease tracking.
A polymer 'Chinese lantern' structure can snap into multiple curved shapes, controlled by a magnetic field. Researchers developed a mathematical model to program the shape and energy release, enabling diverse applications such as non-invasive grippers and filter systems.
Researchers at NC State University identified a hardware vulnerability that allows attackers to compromise AI privacy by exploiting ML accelerator behavior. The GATEBLEED vulnerability exploits power gating in AI accelerators, creating an observable timing channel for attackers.
A new AI-based system helps researchers design polymers with tailored electronic properties for next-generation bioelectronics. By processing a wide range of experiments, the system reveals the importance of local polymer order and dopant-polymer separation in controlling electronic properties.
Engineers have developed a new class of nontoxic, biodegradable solid lubricants to replace existing toxic lubricants in modern farming equipment. The new lubricant reduces friction and prevents seed jamming, outperforming commercial talc and microplastic lubricants.
Researchers found that composite metal foam can withstand repeated heavy loads even at temperatures of 400 and 600 degrees Celsius. The material's high strength-to-weight ratio makes it suitable for applications such as aircraft wings, vehicle armor, and nuclear power technologies.
A new study found that financial advisors' childhood environment significantly predicts their core code of ethics, influencing their professional behavior. The research suggests that cultural norms from their hometown play a significant role in shaping their ethical foundations. This finding highlights the importance of considering the...
Researchers from North Carolina State University found that juvenile blue crab populations remained stable in Pamlico Sound during both pre- and post-fishery decline periods, challenging the theory of recruitment overfishing. The study suggests a potential population bottleneck for crabs post-nursery but pre-maturity.
A newly discovered pachycephalosaur fossil from Mongolia's Gobi Desert provides crucial insights into the dinosaur group's growth and development. The 15-million-year-old specimen, called Zavacephale rinpoche, is the oldest and most complete skeleton of this iconic dinosaur group found to date.
A study reveals that warming temperatures alone do not lead to increased carbon dioxide emissions from soil. Instead, adding more carbon and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus triggers higher CO2 levels released from the soil. This finding highlights the crucial role of microbes in regulating soil carbon cycling.
A new study from North Carolina State University has confirmed the presence of hemoglobin in bone extracts from two dinosaurs, Brachylophosaurus canadensis and Tyrannosaurus rex. The researchers used Resonance Raman (RR) imaging to detect heme bound to globin proteins and heme bound to goethite, a mineral associated with iron oxidization.
Researchers used multiple agronomic models to examine the effects of climate-smart agricultural practices on carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. The study found positive effects in both studied locations under a baseline scenario, but negative effects in a worst-case scenario.
Researchers created phase diagrams for organic solar cells and found that mixing behavior depends on temperature, requiring additional parameters for accurate prediction. The work could accelerate the development of improved materials for high-efficiency solar cells.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that not all dietary proteins are digested the same way. The research found that specific proteins from different sources, such as soy and egg white, can be resistant to host digestion and interact with the gut microbiota in the large intestine.
Golden retrievers are at risk of a fatal heart condition due to a genetic mutation in the Cardiac Troponin-I gene. The study, published in Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine, identified a single genetic variant that causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and sudden death in dogs.
A new study suggests that adopting a 'mixed services transition approach' can improve the ability of collaborative groups to deliver their stated goals. This approach involves starting with small-scale implementation activities while formal planning is finalized, securing additional funding and outlining changes in structure.
Researchers at North Carolina State University unveiled Rainbow, a self-driving laboratory that autonomously discovers high-performance quantum dots. The system combines advanced robotics and AI to conduct up to 1,000 experiments per day, accelerating materials discovery.
A new technique for controlling phase boundaries in thin films allows researchers to engineer lead-free energy storage materials with promising dielectric properties. By manipulating the film thickness, they can control the distribution of crystalline structures and enhance specific characteristics of the material.
A new magnet manufacturing process has been developed that produces strong permanent magnets quickly and uses less energy and is less expensive. The technique, called friction stir consolidation, eliminates porosity in the magnetic material and reduces oxidation.
Researchers partnered with food experts and public to examine microbial communities in fermented foods. The study found diverse microbial communities in kimchi made with different ingredients and no specific species associated with green tea vs black tea in kombucha.
Researchers have developed a self-powered microneedle patch that can monitor biomarkers without drawing blood or relying on external devices. The patch uses dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) as a cleaner sample, which contains similar biomarkers to blood and doesn't require processing before testing.
A new NC State University study models a rerouting system for livestock trucks to reduce the risk of disease transmission between farms. The system, which considers cleaning and disinfection effectiveness, shows a 42% reduction in contacts between infected and uninfected farms, even without effective C&D.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a controlled evolution technique that dramatically increases plasmid DNA (pDNA) production in E. coli bacteria. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost of gene therapies and expedite research, making pDNA resources more accessible.
Researchers identified markers in vaginal microbiome that predict severe chlamydia infections, potentially leading to new diagnostics. The study found certain microbial species and cytokine levels correlated with increased risk of ascended chlamydial infection.
A new tool has been developed to improve the security of small-scale business transactions, utilizing blockchain-powered smart contracts. The tool provides a clear record of agreements and obligations, ensuring that businesses are paid and customers receive services as promised.
Researchers developed a new machine learning method to improve climate model projections, making them more accurate at both global and regional levels. The new tool addressed challenges in capturing observed patterns in compound extreme events, leading to improved projections of these events.
Researchers create a technique to model organic objects, creating photorealistic 3D images of complex shapes for autonomous sorting. This method improves robotic systems that sort microscopic marine fossils used in climate research.
Researchers have demonstrated a novel vaccine delivery method using dental floss, which stimulates the production of antibodies in mucosal surfaces, such as the lining of the nose and lungs. This technique has shown superior antibody response compared to current oral vaccination methods.
Studies found that leaders are less likely to empower employees who raise concerns about workplace decisions, instead favoring those who praise the status quo. Employees who exhibit challenging voice are seen as threats to leadership, while supportive voice is viewed as an indicator of shared goals.
Researchers have created a tiny spectrometer that can accurately measure light wavelengths and is small enough to fit on a phone. The technology has the potential to be integrated into smartphones and enable new applications in fields like manufacturing and biomedical diagnostics.
Research from North Carolina State University found that different probiotic strains have varying impacts on gut microbiome recovery. Some strains, like Lactobacillus gasseri, promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria while others increased bacterial load and delayed resistance to C. difficile infection.
Researchers developed a self-driving lab that collects at least 10 times more data than previous techniques, dramatically expediting materials discovery research while slashing costs and environmental impact. The system uses dynamic flow experiments to continuously characterize samples, capturing data every half second.
A new study has provided insights into how blood stains cotton fabrics, allowing investigators to gather additional information from forensic evidence. The researchers found that the number and spread of 'fingers' in the bloodstain correlate to the velocity of the blood spatter, with faster-moving blood leaving more prominent tendrils.
A new study found that genetic loci for gut length variation are sex-specific in cichlid fish species, suggesting 'sexual conflict' led to differences. The research used closely related species with different diets to identify genetic loci impacting males and females differently.
A new technique called WeGeFT improves large language model performance in tasks such as commonsense reasoning and code generation. By fine-tuning key parameters, researchers reduce the need for significant computational power, advancing the field of artificial intelligence.
The discovery of dense clouds of neutral hydrogen gas within the Fermi bubbles challenges current understanding of their formation and age. These 'ice-like' clouds are found at 12,000 light years above the Milky Way's center and are much younger than previously estimated.
Researchers have demonstrated a new technique, RisingAttacK, to manipulate all widely used AI computer vision systems, allowing them to control what the AI 'sees'. The attack is effective at influencing the AI's ability to detect top targets, such as cars, pedestrians, or stop signs.
Researchers discovered that sunlight's oscillating electric field plays a crucial role in enhancing interfacial water evaporation. The stronger the electric field, the faster water evaporates. This finding has implications for engineering more efficient water-evaporation technologies.
Researchers developed a technique to study moral decision-making while driving, testing it on 274 philosopher participants. The results showed consistency across different philosophical schools of thought regarding what constitutes moral behavior in the context of driving.
Prescribed burns contribute to significant air pollution in the southeast, particularly in minority and low-income areas. Climate change may exacerbate these impacts as fewer burn days become available.
The study develops a stochastic dynamic programming model that accounts for cumulative effects of cover crops on soil fertility, uncertain future prices, and irreversibility of sunk machinery costs. The findings suggest a threshold level of soil fertility above which it is optimal to adopt cover crops, favoring no-till practices.