The caterpillar-bot uses a novel pattern of silver nanowires to control its movement, with the ability to steer in both directions and navigate through tight spaces. The robot's movement is driven by heating and cooling cycles that allow it to 'relax' before contracting again.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that anticipating stress related to political elections can cause adverse physical health effects. However, engaging in problem analysis can help preserve health by mentally engaging with anticipated problems.
A North Carolina State University study found that cover crop adoption can reduce crop insurance losses due to prevented planting in the US Midwest. Longer term use of cover crops also leads to larger reductions in prevented-planting risk, with a 1% increase translating to nearly $40 million in reduced indemnities.
A recent NC State University study examines the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and law enforcement. The study reveals that law enforcement agencies must be involved in developing public policies regarding AI technologies, such as autonomous vehicles. Key findings also suggest that many officers lack understanding of ...
North Carolina State University researchers have found a way to separate blended cotton and polyester fabric using enzymes, which could lead to more efficient recycling of the fabric's component materials. The process requires multiple steps, but can effectively separate cotton from polyester in under 48 hours.
A new forensic science study investigates the decay of infant and juvenile bones, providing insights into decomposition rates and bone degradation. The research helps forensic scientists estimate the time elapsed since remains were at a location and identify suitable bones for DNA sampling.
Researchers developed a self-driven lab, AlphaFlow, that uses AI to optimize complex chemical reactions and discover new materials. The system significantly reduces the time needed to develop new chemistries from months to hours.
Researchers developed an in situ technique to observe material behavior under various stresses, including shear stress. This allows for precise understanding of how materials respond and identify preferred slip planes.
Researchers found that certain enzymes within a class known as bile salt hydrolases (BSHs) can restrict Clostridioides difficile (C. diff.) colonization by altering existing bile acids and creating a new class of bile acids within the gut's microbial environment. Selecting the right suite of BSH-producing bacteria is critical, as inter...
The new technique allows for the production of a dozen different soft polymer material morphologies, including ribbons, nanoscale sheets, rods, and branched particles. By precisely controlling three sets of parameters during manufacturing, researchers can fine-tune the morphology of polymeric materials at the micro- and nano-scale.
Researchers have developed a robotic system called AngleNet that measures leaf angles on corn plants, providing plant breeders with accurate data more quickly. The technology uses stereo vision and deep convolutional neural networks to capture images of leaves at different heights, enabling 3D modeling and precise measurements.
A recent study found that anxiety about contracting COVID-19 is a significant predictor of vaccine hesitancy. However, proactive coping, a trait involving future planning, also plays a surprising role in vaccine hesitation, amplifying it at both ends of the spectrum.
Researchers estimate worldwide changes in plant leaf growth due to global warming, finding that greening trends have a stronger association with carbon uptake than growing season length. Satellite imagery and field sensors reveal new insights into the impact of climate change on vegetation productivity and carbon capture.
Researchers analyzed 304,242 #StopAsianHate tweets to understand the role of reflection in social justice activism. The study found that reflection is an essential element, informing both individual involvement and overall movement progress.
Estuaries along the Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico are expected to experience significant increases in nutrient loading, posing risks for harmful algal blooms and ecosystem health. The study identified regions with high adaptive capacity as having more resources to mitigate these effects.
Researchers developed a horse-specific compression device that accelerates lymphatic flow, providing potential relief from painful swollen limbs. In a pilot study, six healthy thoroughbreds showed significantly accelerated lymphatic flow compared to untreated horses.
Channeling ions into grain boundaries in perovskite materials improves the stability and operational performance of perovskite solar cells, paving the way for more efficient and practical solar cell technologies. This breakthrough finding may also inform the development of more efficient energy storage technologies.
A three-year effort to conserve bee populations showed positive effects, with increased bee abundance and diversity in studied areas. However, quality of the habitat played a key role in these positive effects, and its impact on maintenance over time was also significant.
Scientists from NC State University have discovered a way to manipulate the flow of heat through ferroelectric materials by applying different electric fields. The study, published in Advanced Materials, found that varying electric field strengths, types (AC/DC), time, and frequency can alter the thermal properties of these materials.
A new study reveals that parents play a crucial role in supporting their adult children through employment transitions, particularly when pursuing education. However, this support is often conditional on social norms and can reinforce existing inequalities.
A North Carolina State University study shows that yam seeds wrapped in a biodegradable paper made from banana fibers and cardboard grow larger and more abundantly than those without the paper. The 'wrap-and-plant' method also reduces post-harvest loss by minimizing nematode pest effects.
A study by North Carolina State University found that PFAS chemical GenX and another chemical, PFHxA, can suppress the neutrophil respiratory burst, a method used by white blood cells to kill invading pathogens. The research highlights the potential toxic effects of PFAS on the human immune system.
Chiral phonons convert waste heat into spin information, promising energy-efficient devices for computing and data storage. Researchers created a spin current at room temperature without magnetic materials, opening the door to cheaper, more accessible spintronic devices.
Researchers discovered a size threshold beyond which antiferroelectric materials become ferroelectric, losing energy storage advantages. At thicknesses below 40 nm, the material becomes completely ferroelectric, while above 270 nm, ferroelectric regions appear.
Researchers have developed an inhalable powder called SHIELD that reduces infection in mouse and non-human primate models by reinforcing the body's mucosal layer. The powder is composed of food-grade materials and biodegrades over a 48-hour period, providing protection for up to 8 hours.
Researchers at North Carolina State University used a new laser technique to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The technique creates tiny defects in graphite material, which can enhance battery performance, increase current capacity by up to 20%, and reduce the risk of fires. However, excessive defects can lead to probl...
A new study reveals a strong relationship between attitudes on abortion and race, with those holding low racial resentment scores more likely to support abortion rights. The researchers found this connection has grown stronger in recent years, regardless of partisan affiliation.
A new approach, called the white phase concept, uses autonomous vehicles to control traffic flow at intersections, reducing fuel consumption and travel time. The system informs human drivers through a clearly identifiable signal, improving safety and efficiency.
Researchers developed an elastic material using liquid metal that resists both gases and liquids, offering a trade-off between elasticity and gas resistance. The material, created with gallium-indium alloy, has been tested to prevent the escape of oxygen and liquids, showing promising potential for use in high-value tech packaging
A study found that communities experiencing sudden and significant job losses in manufacturing are less likely to engage in sustainability planning and meet sustainability-related goals. This is attributed to deep-rooted connections between industry and community identity, making it difficult for these communities to transition.
Climate change may lead to significant declines in US forest inventories, particularly in the South, resulting in reduced timber production and increased costs. The study projects losses of up to 23% by 2100, with potential gains in some regions driven by climate-adaptive species.
A study found that stock photography sites have limited representation of diverse populations, particularly people with darker skin tones and lower socioeconomic status. This limitation makes it challenging for organizations to develop effective communication tools to reach these groups.
Researchers developed a new tool using vortex ultrasound to break down blood clots in the brain, which eliminated clots more quickly than existing techniques. The approach works by inducing shear stress on the blood clot, reducing risk of hemorrhage in the brain.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that ants do not adjust their behavior in response to rising temperatures, persisting in sub-optimal microhabitats. The study suggests that ants may not be able to adapt to warmer ecosystems, with potential implications for forest ecosystems.
A recent study from North Carolina State University suggests that participation in environmental education programs can motivate children across diverse language groups to act responsibly toward the environment. Bilingual or multilingual students saw bigger gains on average compared to students who spoke English primarily at home.
Researchers from North Carolina State University identified a fundamental flaw in a commonly used pandemic model that causes it to severely underestimate disease spread. By modifying parts of an existing model, they substantially improved its accuracy when compared to real-world data on the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
A recent study by North Carolina State University found that adult children in separated families receive substantially less emotional, material, and instrumental support from their parents. This often results in disadvantages for these children due to limited access to resources. The study also highlights the importance of providing a...
Researchers found that riparian buffers can increase stream flow during low-flow events and maintain water levels in areas with high future development. However, the effectiveness of buffers was limited, and they were not enough to mitigate extreme changes in stream flow.
Researchers found that executives engage in more profitable insider trades when tax rates increase, posing risks to companies and shareholders. Conversely, fewer investigations occur when income taxes decrease, suggesting executives may use insider trading to boost compensation.
Researchers created a map of ancient ocean 'dead zones' to predict future locations and impacts of low oxygen zones in a warmer Earth's oceans. The map showed that during the Pliocene epoch, low-oxygen waters were widespread in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the North Atlantic.
Researchers tracked tweets about two invasive insects, spotted lanternfly and Tuta absoluta, on Twitter and in news stories. They found that activity patterns on these platforms aligned with official surveys, providing insights into pest spread timing and location.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor that can detect minor changes in strain with great range of motion. The sensor's innovative design features a patterned cut network that enables it to withstand significant deformation without sacrificing sensitivity.
A common fatty acid found in the Western diet contributes to increased temperature and pain sensitivity in psoriatic lesions. The findings could lead to improved pain treatments for psoriasis patients.
A study found bird diversity and abundance increased in areas with high-severity burns, but some species showed lower abundance. The findings suggest that managing forests to promote shrubland bird species could be beneficial. Researchers hope the results can inform forest management strategies to benefit birds.
Researchers found that biology textbooks published between 1970 and 2019 provided insufficient climate change information, with median sentence counts decreasing over time. Climate coverage has varied substantially, but actionable solutions decreased significantly since the 1990s.
A North Carolina State University study found that mosquitoes harbor diverse bacterial communities, including those associated with human diseases. The research revealed greater bacterial diversity internally than externally, suggesting that mosquitoes may transfer pathogenic bacteria through physical contact or defecation.
Veterinary experts warn that AI algorithms used in radiology and imaging can provide faulty or incomplete diagnoses, posing risks to patient care. The absence of regulatory oversight for veterinary AI products increases concerns over accuracy, transparency, and potential harm.
Researchers have developed a robot capable of sorting, manipulating, and identifying microscopic marine fossils. Forabot uses robotics and artificial intelligence to automate the tedious process of evaluating foram shells and fossils.
Researchers found the emerald ash borer completes its life cycle in one year in North Carolina, contrasting with a two-year cycle in northern US. This knowledge will aid in releasing parasitoid wasps to manage the insect.
Younger adults who engage in proactive coping behaviors, such as concentrating on goals and preparing for challenges, experience fewer negative physical health symptoms. Proactive coping is crucial for building resilience and helping young people manage stress effectively, particularly between the ages of 18-36.