Researchers demonstrate a new way to confine infrared light using thin-film oxide membranes, which outperform bulk crystals in resolution and frequency maintenance. The technique has potential applications in photonics, sensors, and thermal management.
A new study has found that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder are three times more likely to have Bartonella DNA in their blood than adults without these disorders. The study suggests a potential role for vector-borne pathogens, such as fleas and ticks, in mental illness.
A new study finds that climate change will increase ozone pollution in the US by 2050, with potentially millions more people exposed to dangerously high levels. The study's findings suggest that current emissions reductions efforts may be less effective in meeting air quality standards.
The Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State aims to create biomanufacturing hubs for dietary proteins that are healthy, tasty, and affordable. The center will research, develop, and commercialize new technologies to support sustainable food production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists have engineered materials that are both stiff and excellent thermal insulators, opening up new possibilities for applications such as electronic device coatings. The discovery allows for controlling the material's properties through composition adjustments.
Researchers collected an unprecedented amount of data on SMS phishing attacks, identifying 35,128 unique campaigns and 600 distinct operations. They also found that phishers use mainstream servers, URL-shortening apps, and web infrastructure to support their operations.
A study has found that multiple species of Gardnerella, commonly linked to pre-term birth and bacterial vaginosis, can exist together in the same vaginal microbiome. This discovery adds to the understanding of Gardnerella's effects on human health and its potential role in pre-term birth.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique that automates quality control during the finishing process of 3D printed metal machine parts. This approach allows users to identify potential flaws without removing parts from equipment, making production time more efficient.
A study from North Carolina State University found that environmentally caused alterations in the genome may contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk, particularly in Black people. The research identified stable epigenetic features that distinguish Alzheimer's brains from those without the disease.
Research suggests that the onset of daylight saving time is associated with increased consumption of processed snack foods and fewer trips to the gym. The study found that people ate more processed snack foods later in the day and on overcast days after the time change.
A new tool called VFCFinder analyzes open-source software updates to pinpoint specific code sections being modified to address security vulnerabilities. This helps programmers determine which updates are necessary without unnecessary changes.
A new study conducted by North Carolina State University found that many parents are not taking adequate steps to address security and privacy risks associated with virtual reality (VR) apps. Parents were primarily concerned about physiological development issues, but lacked awareness of data surveillance and collection risks.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of Pittsburgh studied how pure spin currents move through chiral materials. They found that the direction of spin injection affects its absorption in chiral materials, which could enable the design of energy-efficient spintronic devices for data storage, communication,...
A new study finds that birdwatching can improve subjective well-being and reduce psychological distress in college students compared to nature walks or a control group. Birdwatching was found to yield higher gains in well-being and more reduction in distress than nature exposure.
Researchers have developed a method to create and repurpose artificial hairs with magnetic properties, enabling the control of motion at room temperature. The technique involves programming and reprogramming the magnetization of the magnetic particles in the cilia, allowing for changes in their behavior.
Researchers found that sunny day flooding in coastal areas can lead to elevated levels of fecal bacteria in waterways. The study suggests policymakers and public health officials should be aware of potential risks associated with tidal flooding.
A study by North Carolina State University found that rates of Salmonella in fecal and environmental samples were more prevalent on larger commercial farms than on smaller backyard farms. The researchers also discovered multidrug resistance in Salmonella samples from both types of production systems.
A new study finds that simple design changes in life cycle diagrams can have a significant impact on undergraduate students' ability to understand ecology and evolution concepts. The study involved 684 undergraduates who were given three different diagram formats, with the linear format showing multiple offspring scoring highest on que...
Researchers at NC State University developed a fabric-based touch sensor that can control electronic devices through touch, utilizing machine learning algorithms to improve accuracy. The device, integrated into clothing, activates and controls functions like mobile apps, passwords, and video games with gestures on the sensor.
Synthetic platelets made of hydrogel nanoparticles mimic the size and shape of human platelets, promoting clotting and healing. The innovative device has shown promising results in animal models and is being developed for clinical use to treat various medical conditions.
A new study found that understanding racial inequities in healthcare access can have a negative impact on both Black and white populations' views of their own health. Accurate awareness is crucial, but also poses an additional burden on Black individuals, causing unnecessary stress.
A new study reveals a strong correlation between universities' sustainability performance and local innovation, while showing little connection to community environmental sustainability. The research suggests universities contribute to economic development, but struggle to drive broader sustainable transformations.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that smart utility meters can improve energy efficiency in manufacturing, but only if managers actively use the technology. The research used event system theory to understand the impact of proactive changes on business outcomes.
Researchers developed a new tool to improve the accuracy of electronic devices that measure plant leaf color to assess health. The software uses polarization to account for variations in light and reduce errors caused by glare.
A new study found that a 'courtship' gene has different effects in two fruit fly species. In one species, giving females the gene resulted in them adopting male behaviors, while in another, it enabled them to produce both male and female songs. The findings suggest that genes can have varying functions across different species.
Researchers developed a new training tool to help AI programs account for human dishonesty, especially in mortgage and insurance applications. The modified AI was better able to detect inaccurate information from users.
Researchers have developed a printable organic polymer that enables them to measure charge-to-spin conversion in spintronic materials at room temperature, revealing new insights into the mechanics of spintronics. The findings suggest longer spin lifetimes and tunability, paving the way for more efficient and energy-friendly devices.
Researchers have developed a technique to account for global changes in transcription, revealing new insights into how plants respond to environmental stimuli. By using artificial spike-ins, they found that temperature changes at different times of day affect gene expression more significantly than previously thought.
A new traffic signal concept, known as the 'white phase,' uses autonomous vehicles to expedite traffic flow at intersections. The concept has been shown to improve travel time for both pedestrians and vehicles, especially when autonomous vehicles make up a higher percentage of traffic.
A new study finds that an anti-racist program in school did not cause stress or feelings of alienation among students, with 60% highly engaged and significant growth in awareness of social inequality. The intervention was designed to increase conversations about race and racism.
A new study from North Carolina State University and Duke University found that wind plays a critical role in ocean currents in the equatorial Pacific. The research suggests that better simulating these processes is essential for creating more accurate models of global warming, which can help policymakers make informed decisions.
A new study found that NC prosecutors believe DIH laws reduce overdoses and illicit drug distribution, but this is contradicted by evidence. The number of DIH prosecutions does not correlate with community-level variables like overdose rates.
A new study reveals that young adults look and feel older on stressful days, especially when they lack control over their lives. Researchers found a significant correlation between stress levels and subjective age in younger adults.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed highly accurate DNA aptamers for detecting cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. The sensors can detect trace amounts of these drugs, even when mixed with other substances, offering a significant improvement over existing tests.
Researchers developed an AI-driven lab called Fast-Cat that uses artificial intelligence to provide in-depth analyses of catalytic reactions. The tool conducts high-temperature gas-liquid reactions and analyzes results to determine how different variables affect the outcome of each experiment.
A study using historic and modern writing reveals more information about the effects and spread of Phytophthora infestans, a plant pathogen that caused the 1840s Irish potato famine. Researchers tracked the disease's spread across the US and Canada, finding it affected multiple states and provinces between 1843-45.
Researchers at North Carolina State University are developing a suite of performance metrics to standardize the evaluation of self-driving labs in chemistry and materials science. These metrics aim to compare different lab technologies and identify areas for improvement, ultimately advancing the field and accelerating discovery.
A new study by North Carolina State University finds that daily activities called 'uplifts' can significantly improve emotional well-being after a traumatic loss. These uplifting activities, such as engaging in hobbies or spending time with loved ones, are found to be particularly beneficial on days when individuals report feeling older.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that yarn-shaped supercapacitors (YSCs) in the 40-60 centimeter range provide the best overall energy output. The study, which aimed to explain changes in YSC performance across a wide range of lengths, used mathematical models to determine the most efficient length for YSCs.
Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 47 parents experiencing homelessness to understand accessibility challenges of social-emotional health services for their children. Key findings include the importance of acknowledging parental strengths and positive interactions with support people in promoting child development.
A new study highlights the negative consequences of yo-yo dieting, including shame, body dissatisfaction, and stress. Participants reported engaging in disordered behaviors to lose weight, only to regain it and feel worse about themselves.
A new study on public attitudes toward abortion laws found that those with better understanding of pregnancy are more opposed to legislation restricting access to abortions. The researchers also discovered that laws limiting access to abortion after 12 weeks did not garner greater support than those limiting it after six weeks.
Researchers found that more extreme and frequent droughts could lead to a nearly five-fold increase in total area burned, from 231 sq mi in 2016 to over 17,000 sq mi by 2100. Fires would also become more frequent, returning to certain forest points every five years.
Scientists have developed a new biocompatible material that can conduct electricity efficiently in wet environments and interact with biological media. The modified PEDOT:PSS enables the creation of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) with high performance and excellent characteristics.
Researchers found Nafion byproduct 2 frequently in private wells and in the blood of participants who used them, with higher levels correlated to longer exposure. The study highlights the impact of well-water consumption on PFAS exposure.
Researchers have developed twisted ringbots that can roll forward, spin like a record, and follow an orbital path around a central point. These devices can navigate and map unknown environments without human or computer control.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have identified a welding technique that can join composite metal foam components without impairing their properties. The new method uses induction welding, which penetrates deeply into the material and insulates it against heat.
Researchers found that adding protruding rocks to restored streams increases the abundance and diversity of stream insect eggs, but not necessarily their larval stages. This study suggests that stable rock landing areas can enhance aquatic insect populations in restored streams.
A new study has overturned conventional wisdom on wild turkey nesting survival, revealing that precipitation levels during nesting season are not related to reproductive success. The researchers found that temperatures above historical averages were associated with higher rates of daily nest survival during incubation.
Biopolymer composites made from agarose and chitosan demonstrate enhanced strength, antibacterial properties, and water repellence. These sustainable materials could lead to eco-friendly packaging solutions for food and consumer goods.