The Devil's Tramping Ground is a clearing in the Chatham County woods where nothing has grown for as long as anyone can remember. The mysterious lack of plants in the area has inspired the legend that the Devil comes to that spot in the night and paces in a circle while planning how to tear down the hearts of men, trampling all the plants in the process. Scientists have yet to determine exactly why nothing grows there, including soil scientist Rich Hayes, who has run several tests on the soil chemistry of the site.
Chemistry
Reinventing the Toilet
Some might call it the most important chair in the house but for 2.5 billion people around the world, access to safe and sanitary toilets isn’t an option. Researchers at RTI International are reinventing a toilet that is self-sustaining and doesn’t require plumbing or a regular water source, which will benefit the developing world.
Futuristic Fibers
Whether it's making carpet from plastic bottles or protective gear from high strength polymers, science allows North Carolina’s traditional textile industry to create new fibers to meet high tech needs.
Real Dirt About Clay
Since the earliest times, humans have had a close association with clay: in building, in pottery, even in medicine. It’s an important part of North Carolina history. Get the story behind one of North Carolina’s most important materials.
A Tough Nut To Crack
A Tough Nut To Crack
February 6, 2015
Grave School Lessons
Forensic anthropologists study the process of human decomposition at Western Carolina University’s Forensic Osteological Research Station to understand and solve real-life situations, including murder and mishaps, to learn how a person died and what happened to their remains.
We All Live Downstream
Water flows downhill and with it comes pollution that affects life in and along the rivers and the ocean. Scientists analyze mountain fish and coastal blue crabs to learn what's flowing downstream in North Carolina's waterways.
The Air We Breathe
The Appalachian Mountains, with dense forest cover, make western North Carolina a unique laboratory from which to monitor air quality and atmospheric conditions and their impact on ecosystems.
Secrets of Tidal Creeks
Tidal creeks are the link from stormwater runoff to the estuaries and the ocean. Researchers are studying the dynamics of tidal creeks and what lives in them, so communities can better protect this unique, fragile and vital habitat for coastal life.
Seven Ideas for a Sciencey Holiday
I am the first to admit that I have never gotten the holidays quite right. Whether I’m late shopping for gifts, mess up my contribution to dinner, do something embarrassing at a holiday party or hang all the decorations crooked, something always seems to go wrong.
Thankfully, there are a few sciencey tricks people like me can bust out around the holidays as a last ditch effort to spread a little holiday cheer... And promptly gather it up again when explaining exactly how it works.