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.
Chemistry
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.
Aquaponics
Aquaponics is a system for farming fish and plants together in a mutually beneficial cycle. Fish produce waste that is a fertilizer for plants while plants suck up the nutrients as they purify the water. The system is efficient and environmentally friendly. A farm in Norwood, NC is pioneering the technique.
The Bone Lab
Bones tell the story of a person's life. Forensic anthropologists at NC State University use advanced forensic science techniques to identify victims and solve crimes. Their work in using skeletal measurements to identify where a person is from has drawn worldwide attention.
The Peanut Solution
Peanuts are the most common allergy-causing food. NC A&T researchers have discovered an enzyme solution that can break down allergy-causing proteins in peanuts, essentially creating a hypoallergenic peanut.