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North Carolina State University


Climate is most important factor in where mammals choose to live, study finds

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that climate was the most important factor in determining where mammals can thrive. Climate change will affect wildlife populations, and understanding these factors is crucial for making sustainable decisions about mammal population management.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2024

Nanoscopic imaging aids in understanding protein, tissue preservation in ancient bones

A new study uses nanoscopic 3-D imaging to analyze ancient bone samples, revealing insights into protein and tissue preservation during fossilization. The technique shows that Ice Age bones still retain original collagen protein frameworks, offering a potential proxy for screening specimen suitability for molecular sequencing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournaliScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

The unintended consequences of success against malaria

A new study reviewing the academic literature on indoor pest control reveals that successful mosquito treatments have unintended consequences, including the return of household pests like bed bugs and flies. This has led to community distrust and abandonment of these treatments, contributing to rising rates of malaria.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 23, 2024

Science, Social Studies classes can help young English-learning students learn to read and write in English

A study found that keeping English-learners in science and social studies classes improved their vocabulary, writing skills, and argumentative essay abilities. The intervention used interactive read-alouds and concept mapping to build content knowledge.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 22, 2024

Life underground suited new dinosaur fine

The newly discovered dinosaur Fona shares anatomical features with burrowing animals and has preserved fossils in a manner that suggests it spent time underground. The species' small size and fragile bones are often found in bundles, indicating that it likely buried itself to escape predators.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2024

Portable engine powers artificial muscles in assistive devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a lightweight fluidic engine that can power muscle-mimicking soft robots for use in assistive devices. The new engine generates significant force and is untethered to an external power source, making it particularly attractive for improving people's ability to move their upp...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

New technique improves finishing time for 3D printed machine parts

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Study explores role of epigenetics, environment in differing Alzheimer’s risk between Black and white communities

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalClinical Epigenetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

When injecting pure spin into chiral materials, direction matters

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,...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2024

Small changes make a big difference in life cycle diagrams

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...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEducation Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

NC State researchers use machine learning to create a fabric-based touch sensor

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalDevice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2024

Are universities connected to local sustainability? A new study suggests yes…and no.

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

‘Courtship’ gene shows different effects in two fruit fly species

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Printed polymer allows researchers to explore chirality and spin interactions at room temperature

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

New traffic signal would improve travel time for both pedestrians and vehicles

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2024

Understanding wind and water at the equator key to more accurate future climate projections

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 6, 2024