Researchers found that declawing larger cat species results in significantly lighter muscle density and mass, particularly in the deep digital flexors, leading to reduced strength and functionality. This study highlights the cruelty of declawing practices on exotic animals.
A citizen science program led by North Carolina State University researchers inspired Girl Scouts to tackle environmental problems in their communities. The study found that the program not only taught girls about science but also motivated them to take action.
Scientists at North Carolina State University have successfully grown high-quality thin films of the recently discovered superconductor material KTaO3. The researchers found that the material retains its superconducting properties even when exposed to extremely high magnetic fields.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.
A new study highlights the key problem with how computer security guidelines are created, citing complexity and lack of prioritization as major issues. Researchers recommend curating information and using clear messaging to make guidelines more accessible and user-friendly.
Researchers tracked eastern wild turkey nesting in five southern U.S. states over eight years, finding slight changes in nest timing linked to temperature and rainfall. However, these shifts were minimal and less than three hours, suggesting turkeys may be inflexible in their reproductive activities.
Researchers at North Carolina State University used CRISPR gene-editing to breed poplar trees with reduced lignin levels, while improving their wood properties. This breakthrough could make fiber production for paper, diapers, and other products more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective.
Researchers detected Orientia bacteria in chiggers at high frequency in North Carolina recreational parks. The bacterium causes a disease similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be fatal if left untreated.
A study by North Carolina State University researchers identified genes involved in the development of stone cells, which can block weevil feeding on budding branches. The findings could help breed genetically improved Sitka spruce trees resistant to the spruce weevil, a significant pest affecting forest giants.
A recent study finds that most phosphorus stakeholders have significant doubts about the sustainability of existing systems, citing concerns over environmental impact. To advance phosphorus sustainability, stakeholders emphasize the need for new regulations, improved management practices, and innovative technologies.
Scientists have developed a metallic gel that allows for highly conductive 3D printing at room temperature. The gel, which is 97.5% metal, enables the creation of electronic components and devices with unprecedented conductivity.
Researchers found real breed differences in pain sensitivity thresholds, contradicting veterinarian rankings. The study suggests biological and behavioral factors influence pain tolerance, highlighting the need for individualized treatment approaches.
A new computer model forecasts yield for four key crops in the southeastern US, drawing on climate, groundwater, and agricultural data. The tool helps farmers and water resource managers identify ways to maximize crop yields while efficiently utilizing water and energy.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that slower gait speeds in older dogs are linked to increased cognitive decline and dementia. The study measured gait speed on and off leash in senior dogs and found a significant correlation between walking speed and cognitive performance.
A new study models the spread of African swine fever in US swine farms, finding that control actions can reduce secondary infections by up to 79% but an outbreak could still be persistent and costly. The model suggests that between-farm movements are the primary route of transmission.
Researchers detected elevated PFAS levels in dogs and horses from Gray's Creek, NC, with horses showing lower concentrations. The study highlights the importance of horses as sentinel species for monitoring PFAS exposure.
Researchers developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene drive system targeting the Drosophila suzukii doublesex gene, resulting in female sterility and high transmission rates. Mathematical modeling predicts efficient population suppression with low release ratios.
New research suggests Ukrainian refugees can improve long-term GDP in European countries investing in capital improvements. Low-skill workers and owners of capital benefit in the short term, while high-skill workers face competition for jobs.
A newly discovered plant-eating dinosaur, 'Iani', holds the key to understanding environmental changes during the mid-Cretaceous period. The fossil's presence in North America suggests that this species may have been one of the last survivors of a once-thriving lineage.
Researchers developed a new AI framework that significantly improves the ability to analyze team communication, enabling adaptive training technologies to facilitate effective team collaboration. The framework performed substantially better than previous AI technologies in classifying dialogue and following information flow.
A recent study found significant differences in the gut microbiome of female southern white rhinos that reproduced successfully versus those that did not. The researchers identified a particular genus of microbes that may be limiting reproductive success in captive breeding programs.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new methodology called Patch-to-Cluster attention (PaCa) that addresses the challenges of vision transformers. PaCa improves ViT's ability to identify, classify, and segment objects in images while reducing computational demands and enhancing model interpretability.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a novel method for creating CO2 capture filters using 3D printing. The filters, made from a hydrogel material infused with the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, captured 24% of CO2 in a gas mixture and retained 52% of its performance after over 1,000 hours. This technology has potential applic...
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers finds that sucralose-6-acetate, a chemical formed when we digest sucralose, is genotoxic and breaks up DNA. The chemical is also present in trace amounts in the sweetener itself, posing potential health risks.
Researchers designed and tested textile fibers that can change shape and generate force like a muscle, showing promise for use as cell scaffolds. The findings suggest the fibers could be used to develop 3D models of living, moving systems in the human body.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that accounts for variables such as helicopter resources and operational range to optimize air movement tasks. The model can perform planning functions in under an hour, saving commanders three to five hours compared to traditional methods.
Research by North Carolina State University found that new species can alter ecosystem processes despite similarities to resident species, but changes occur when they are more dissimilar. This study has implications for predicting the consequences of climate change-induced species introductions.
Researchers developed AI model QUADL that can create online assessment questions indistinguishable from human-written ones. Instructors found QUADL's questions as effective as those written by humans in assessing student learning objectives. The study suggests QUADL can be a useful tool for instructors and course developers.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that carrying pollen increases the body temperature of bumble bees, potentially putting them at risk due to rising environmental temperatures. The research has significant implications for bumble bee populations and ecosystems, particularly in areas experiencing climate change.
The new model maximizes coverage area and minimizes response time, accounting for hot spots. It outperformed existing techniques in computational testing, improving response times regardless of traffic size.
Scientists studied water's interactions with cellulose, discovering it can form layered shells that control chemical reactions and physical properties of the material. The work aims to design better cellulose-based products using water's properties for applications like drug delivery and electronics.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers used EEGs on elderly dogs to determine whether brain-wave readings during sleep correlated with signs of cognitive decline. The study found that dogs with more advanced dementia suffered from more sleep disruptions and slept less overall than dogs with normal cognitive function.
A pilot study by North Carolina State University researchers found that playing pickleball helped older adults aged 65 years and older reach their weekly recommended dose of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Participants averaged over 68 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per session, meeting CDC guidelines.
Computational heuristics like Grey Wolf Optimizer and Whale Optimization Algorithm offer fast solutions to complex supply chain problems, providing accurate results within a shorter time frame. The research suggests these tools can be a valuable addition to supply chain management, especially in responding to unexpected disruptions.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic culprit in canine bladder cancers, with implications for early detection and targeted treatments. The study found that 13 out of 28 cases had a different type of mutation, which could lead to more precise treatment options.
A new study has discovered significant variation in the anatomy of the human digestive system, with pronounced differences found between healthy individuals. This finding has implications for understanding the role of digestive tract anatomy in affecting human health and providing potential insights into medical diagnoses.
Researchers developed a suite of tools to assess economic benefits of improving urban stream water quality. The 'ecological production function framework' estimates use and non-use benefits, including increased property values and protected natural resources.
A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has created a zinc-ion battery prototype with a fiber-shaped cathode, which can power a wrist watch. The team used graphene oxide and manganese dioxide materials to create a yarn-shaped battery that is strong, flexible, and electrically conductive.
A new study reveals that first-generation college graduates often originate from more affluent families with greater resources. This challenges the notion of a meritocracy, where success is solely based on individual effort. The research highlights the significant advantage these students have due to their family's socioeconomic status.
A new study reveals that Indigenous groups in the western US are struggling to turn their legal right to water into actual water use, despite having settled their water-rights claims. The findings show that tribes are likely using only a fraction of their entitled water rights, resulting in significant revenue losses.
The concept of nature's chefs offers a new perspective on species interactions, highlighting the diversity of food-making and preparing species across the tree of life. This interdisciplinary approach aims to inform how people think about food across various disciplines.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that allows electronic devices to express uncertainty when faced with unexpected data, improving cough detection technology. The new approach enables more precise detection with fewer sound samples per second, reducing computing power and addressing privacy concerns.
Researchers developed a multifunctional patch that detects plant diseases and abiotic stresses like drought or salinity. The patch can detect viral infections up to a week before symptoms appear, enabling growers to take action earlier.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that adding nonanal, a chemical used in perfumes, to a pheromone blend increases its effectiveness in mimicking female fall armyworm calls. The discovery could help farmers detect and control fall armyworm populations more effectively.
In a new study, NC State University researchers had high school students develop their own machine-learning AI models to analyze data. The project aimed to prepare students for the future workforce and help them understand the potential and challenges of AI. Students created text classification models using StoryQ technology, which all...
A team of researchers has created a mixed magnon state in an organic hybrid perovskite material by harnessing the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya-Interaction. This allows for magnon-magnon coupling, which is crucial for processing and storing quantum computing information. The work expands the number of potential materials for creating hybrid ma...
Researchers have developed an online tool, the 'Tree-Based Alignment Selector (T-BAS) toolkit', to identify and monitor plant pathogens, including Phytophthora species responsible for devastating plant diseases. The tool provides a living 'tree of life' with genetic sequence data, evolutionary history, and relationships within groups.
A North Carolina State University-led study found that household dust can contain DNA from residents and non-occupants over 90% of the time. This could aid investigators in finding clues in difficult cases, particularly in establishing ancestry and physical characteristics.
A new study found that a professional development program helped rural teachers collaborate and identify innovative solutions to support multilingual learners. The program consisted of six hybrid graduate-level courses with onsite meetings, coaching, and classroom support. Researchers found that the collaboration among teachers led to ...
A new study found that droughts and heatwaves exacerbate air pollution inequalities in California, particularly for communities of color. Financial penalties for power plants can significantly reduce people's exposure to pollution, except during severe heat waves.