The findings in public opinion polls are a fixture in the news media, with pollsters measuring the public's thoughts on politicians, public policy and pop culture. But how does polling work? And how accurate is it? Pollsters use statistics and the social sciences to measure and track public opinion.
Technology
Dinosaur GPS
Paleontologists working in the field looking for fossils have always faced a painstaking process that required a lot of luck to be successful. But using Landsat satellite imagery, a UNC Greensboro scientist is replacing luck with educated efficiency in the quest for fossils.
Virtual Time Machine
Researchers at NC State combine technology and scholarship to re-create St. Paul's Cathedral in 17th century London as well as a famous speech that was delivered there.
Eyes in the Skies
Wake Forest University scientists pioneer using drone aircraft for ecological monitoring. They're flying drones over the Amazon rainforest to study the tree canopy and the amount of carbon dioxide the forest releases.
Self-Healing Muscles
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have been able to grow living skeletal muscles in the lab that look and act like the real thing. It's a first step in growing human muscle that can treat injuries and disease.
The Marvelous Music Machine
An Asheville musician/inventor/entrepreneur develops a device transforming how the acoustic guitar physically makes sounds. Called an acoustic synthesizer, it alters how the strings vibrate, adding nearly 100 new sounds to the instrument.
Strawberry Mania
After an extreme winter of weather, it has been a challenging growing season for strawberry farmers. Learn how science is helping farmers grow their crops despite unusual winter weather.
Medical Metals
Researchers at North Carolina A&T State University are developing new materials that could revolutionize medical treatment. Right now, every metal that goes into the body goes in with the notion it will stay there forever, but NC A&T is developing smart implants, that would be absorbed by the body once their work is finished.
Battle of the Atlantic
The Battle of the Atlantic along the coast was the closest World War II got to the U.S. Archaeologists are documenting the wrecks of allied ships and German U-boats to study and preserve in photos and videos a part of the nation's history.
Textile Trials
Science helps create technical textiles for clothes that protect first responders, repel bacteria, and keep us cool and dry.