Researchers are using DNA testing to determine the origins of medieval manuscripts, resolving issues with handwriting and dialect-based dating methods. By analyzing genetic data from parchment skins, scientists can identify similarities between manuscripts and pinpoint their time and place of origin.
Researchers at NC State University and CDC have isolated a new Bartonella species, B. melophagi, from human blood samples, linking it to human illness. The discovery expands the list of documented human pathogens and highlights the need for further research into transmission routes and disease development.
A new NC State study reveals that consumers comparing prices online can pressure retailers into offering discounts, particularly if they shop around frequently. The study found that larger retailers may limit price cuts to avoid giving smaller competitors an advantage.
Biochemists at North Carolina State University have developed a new understanding of how bacterial proteins make life-or-death decisions by controlling DNA binding. The findings could lead to new targets for drugs to disrupt bacterial decision-making processes and related diseases.
A North Carolina State University study has identified five risk factors associated with farm vehicle crashes on public roads, including the use of non-English speaking drivers and young farm vehicle drivers. The study suggests that a comprehensive approach, including driver licensing, training, and monitoring, could reduce the risk of...
A comprehensive study on Puerto Rico's freshwater fish species has been conducted by NC State researchers, identifying key features that support native populations and distinguishing those susceptible to invasion. The study aims to inform conservation efforts and management decisions for the island's fisheries.
A national survey by North Carolina State University and Arizona State University found significant public support for nanotechnology applications improving human health. However, there was little support for non-health research endeavors, highlighting the need for differentiated views on public policies and research funding.
Researchers at NC State University have discovered a new material that can create interfaces between human tissues and medical devices, resolving issues with protein buildup and inflammation. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in kidney dialysis membranes and other implantable devices.
A new NC State University study reveals that ordinary people can work together to oppose the government's definition of a crisis and show how its actions undermine their American way of life. The study shows that defined as patriotic, common-sense citizens, opponents built a more credible connection to a patriotic American ethos.
A new study found physical evidence of ancient drug paraphernalia in the Caribbean, dated between 400 and 100 B.C., suggesting that the artifacts were transported to the islands as heirlooms. The research team used luminescence dating to analyze ceramic inhaling bowls, which indicated that they were not made using local materials.
A landmark study by NC State University researchers found that African-American seniors with sleep trouble have poorer memory performance. The study of 174 subjects aged 65-90 suggests that identifying and treating sleep difficulties may help preserve cognitive functioning.
North Carolina State University is developing a multimedia training course for forensic crime scene investigation, standardizing protocols across the state. The online coursework aims to improve death investigations and reduce costs for law enforcement agencies.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully grown blue crabs in freshwater ponds, showing that they can thrive in these environments. The method has the potential to provide a sustainable source of crabs while reducing pressure on coastal populations.
Researchers found that people's preferences on how the federal government should spend its money are overwhelmingly similar across socioeconomic groups. The study concluded that the government acts on all income groups because it can't tell the difference or to represent public views as a whole.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a video game program called GRADUATE to help North Carolina high school students fulfill the state's new graduation project requirement. The program aims to foster science achievement and IT skills while motivating students to pursue STEM degrees and careers.
The study completes the genome sequence and genetic map of Meloidogyne hapla, a microscopic worm causing significant crop damage. The research provides a powerful platform for understanding parasitism and developing eco-friendly management strategies.
Researchers at NC State University have discovered a technique to bring nanoparticles to the surface of thin polymer films using heat, allowing for controllable surface patterns. This breakthrough could lead to tiny reusable bar codes and small fluorescent features that turn off with increasing heat or chemical presence.
The NC State-led FREEDM ERC will develop technology to transform the nation's power grid into a smart grid that can store and distribute energy from renewable sources. This 'Internet for energy' system will enable millions of users to generate their own energy and sell excess back to the power companies.
Researchers found that phytoestrogens from soy can cause irreversible changes in the brain's reproductive development, leading to early-onset puberty and symptoms of advanced menopause. The study also shows that these compounds can alter the sex-specific organization of the hypothalamus, a critical region for female reproduction.
A new issue brief examines the current financial status of state retiree health plans, finding that not all states face a fiscal crisis and retirement benefits are not protected by law. States with low unfunded liabilities include North Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa, and Oregon.
A study by North Carolina State University found that educating the public about emerging technologies like nanotechnology and artificial intelligence increases concern over their potential benefits. After participating in a deliberative forum, participants reported feeling more cautious and worried about human enhancement technologies.
A new study by Dr. Charles Coe highlights three best practices to prevent local government fiscal crises: monitoring finances, assisting with amelioration, and taking over governance when necessary. Implementing these practices can help states maintain healthy fiscal reserves, anticipate economic changes, and provide public services.
Researchers found that female mosquitoes are attracted to water containers with specific fatty acids and methyl esters from bacteria, which stimulate them to lay eggs. The study aims to use this knowledge to devise lures and traps to control yellow fever mosquito populations, preventing global diseases like dengue fever.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that quantum dots can penetrate rat skin if there is an abrasion, providing insight into potential workplace concerns. The study shows that even minor cuts or scratches could allow these nanoparticles to penetrate deep into the viable dermal layer and potentially reach the bloodstream.
A North Carolina State University study found that examining an insect's 'family tree' can help predict a cousin insect's level of tolerance to pollutants. The research used 21 species of insects from different families to test their sensitivity to cadmium, a toxic metal.
Scientists have developed an iron-zirconium alloy that retains its nanocrystalline structure at temperatures above 1,300 degrees Celsius. The alloy's high-temperature stability enables bulk production and easier shaping into useful forms.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully reinvigorated a failed HIV drug by adding gold nanoparticles, which enhances its binding capability and prevents the virus from gaining a foothold. This innovative approach offers new hope for treating HIV infection.
A new study by NC State University archaeologist Dr. Scott Fitzpatrick reveals that Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe was likely aided by unusual weather conditions, including an El Niño event. This led Magellan to sail far north of the Spice Islands and miss his intended destination.
Dr. Stephen Reynolds and his team discovered the youngest known supernova remnant G1.9+0.3, estimated to be around 100-140 years old, using Chandra X-Ray Observatory images from 2007 and 1985. The discovery suggests that a supernova explosion occurred relatively recently, providing insights into the life cycle of galaxies.
NC State's Dr. Brenton Faber and Dr. David Berube are crafting a white paper to advise the government on communicating nanotechnology risks to the media and public. The goal is to ensure accurate risk communication for years to come.
NC State University is leading a $236,000 nationwide effort to recruit and mentor young researchers to study disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. The project aims to train well-equipped experts to analyze disaster impacts, building on earlier projects led by Texas A&M University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Researchers from NC State University have made significant advancements in understanding how light interacts with matter at the atomic scale. Their work could lead to faster and more energy-efficient computers by improving the analysis of materials' bonding properties.
Researchers found that up to one-third of genes are differentially expressed due to environment, with respiratory genes upregulated in urban populations. The study suggests that environmental factors play a large role in modulating gene expression, and that the same gene can be expressed differently depending on the environment.
Researchers at NC State University have identified a small group of genes responsible for regulating hormone production in plants. The study found that the TAA1 gene is essential for auxin synthesis and that its disruption can lead to reduced auxin levels, affecting plant growth and development.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a method to silence a gene that turns nicotine into a carcinogen, resulting in a six-fold decrease in N-nitrosonornicotine and a 50% overall reduction in TSNAs. This breakthrough could lead to tobacco products with reduced amounts of cancer-causing agents.
Scientists at North Carolina State University have developed Janus particles, microscopic spheres with different material properties on either side, which can move and respond to changes in their environment. The phenomenon, called induced-charge electrophoresis, has potential applications in microactuators, sensors, and drug delivery.
Researchers found that a specific protein-protein interaction, involving the rogue Ras protein and its binding partner Raf, blocks the switch from being turned off, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. The study resolves a paradox in the behavior of Ras mutants in cells versus solution.
Scientists at NC State University have identified genes that contribute to fruit fly alcohol sensitivity, with 72% of these genes having human counterparts. The study could lead to the development of a drug for people with higher genetic risk factors for alcoholism.
New evidence from a tiny Mongolian dinosaur suggests that small size evolved before flight in dinosaurs, forcing paleontologists to re-examine their assumptions about the evolution of birds. The study found that some dinosaur lineages actually increased in size over time, contradicting previous theories.
Two newly discovered species of giant prehistoric penguins lived in equatorial Peru during the Eocene epoch, contradicting previous hypotheses on penguin evolution and climate change. The species, Icadyptes salasi and Perudyptes devriesi, stood up to 5 feet tall and had unique beak features.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Mary Schweitzer confirmed the presence of original protein fragments in soft tissue from a 68 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil. The discovery uses mass spectrometry to analyze ancient proteins, providing new insights into fossil preservation and potential medical applications.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that Phytophthora infestans, the fungus-like pathogen responsible for the 1840s Irish potato famine, originated in the Andes region of South America. The study used gene genealogies to track the migration patterns of different strains of the pathogen, pointing to an Andean origin.
Researchers at NC State University are developing mathematical and statistical models to aid in designing new treatment strategies for acutely infected HIV patients. The goal is to predict the best course of treatment based on individual patient variables, which could lead to improved quality of care and personalized treatment.
Researchers identified genes affecting fruit fly aggression, finding a 10% genetic contribution to behavior. The study's findings have implications for understanding abnormal aggression in humans and developing pharmaceutical interventions.
A new study reveals that landscape corridors can promote plant diversity by connecting isolated patches of habitat. The research found that patches with corridors retained high numbers of species, while those without lost species. Corridors provide the largest benefit to native species.
Researchers at NC State University have characterized the shape of calbindin-D28K, a protein linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The protein's flexibility and ability to bind to caspase-3 may provide insights into developing drugs to halt disease progression.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the canine genome, revealing genetic similarities with humans that could help identify disease-causing genes. The breed-specific sequencing project aims to develop new cancer treatments by identifying genetic changes in individual dog breeds.
Researchers at NC State have successfully transferred genes from a heat-tolerant sea microbe, Pyrococcus furiosus, into tobacco and Arabidopsis plants to enhance their resistance to extreme temperatures. The study's findings show promise for developing plants that can thrive in harsh conditions on Mars and other planets.
Researchers found that Eastern Bluebirds were 31% more likely to be found in connected patches, while seeds from wax myrtle plants were 37% more likely to be found in traps. The study showed a 'tight fit' between predictions and actual seed movement.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered a link between dinosaurs and living birds by finding medullary bone in a T. rex fossil, indicating the dinosaur was female and likely producing eggs. The presence of this tissue provides an objective means of sexing dinosaurs.