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North Carolina State University


Life in the extreme

Two single-celled Archaea species, nearly identical genetically, respond differently to uranium toxicity, one by metabolizing it as energy, and the other by inducing a dormant state. These findings could teach us about mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments and have implications for understanding antibiotic resistance.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2012

Study shows how to keep a Mars tumbleweed rover moving on rocky terrain

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a computer model to determine how a wind-driven 'tumbleweed' Mars rover would perform on rocky Martian terrain. The study found that larger diameter and lower weight rovers achieve better performance, with a minimum diameter of six meters needed for acceptable movement.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Spacecraft and Rockets·DateMay 23, 2012

Study highlights how Twitter is used to share information after a disaster

A North Carolina State University study analyzed Twitter posts about the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant after the 2011 disaster, finding that while people shared information quickly, it often lacked context and analysis. The study suggests that social media haven't significantly changed the content of our communications, but rather ho...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Communication·DateMay 22, 2012

Ancient giant turtle fossil revealed

Scientists have found a 60-million-year-old giant turtle with a shell measuring 172 centimeters long, making it one of the largest turtles ever discovered. The turtle's massive size allowed it to thrive in its ecosystem, where other giant reptiles like snakes also existed.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateMay 17, 2012

Study shows that, in restaurants, race matters

A North Carolina State University study reveals that over one-third of restaurant servers admit to discriminating against African-American customers, with many perceiving black patrons as impolite or poor tippers. The survey found that 38.5% of servers reported varying their service based on customers' race, highlighting the persistenc...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Black Studies·DateApr 23, 2012

Diesel technologies drastically cut emissions under real-world conditions

Diesel technologies have drastically cut particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in new tractor trailer trucks, with reductions of 98% for NOx and 95% for PM. The emission cuts are attributed to exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateApr 16, 2012

Feral pigs exposed to nasty bacteria

A study by North Carolina State University has found that feral pigs in the state are exposed to Brucella suis, a harmful bacteria that can be transmitted to people through unsafe butchering and consumption of undercooked meat. The bacteria can also spread in pig populations, causing abortions in affected swine.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateApr 10, 2012