North Carolina State University researchers found that four new designs for shelters to protect firefighters trapped in wildfires could increase the survival time inside the shelter compared with the current industry standard. In lab simulations of wildfire burn-overs – where a wildfire sweeps over a group of trapped firefighters or equipment – temperatures inside the […]
North Carolina State University
Posted inCalifornia
Study: Climate Change Could Lead to Blackouts, Higher Power Costs on West Coast
Two new studies led by a North Carolina State University researcher offer a preview of what electricity consumers on the West Coast could experience under two different future scenarios: one where excessive heat due to climate change strains power supplies, and one where the grid shifts toward renewable energy while the climate follows historic trends. […]
Posted inLife
Study Reveals Extent of Privacy Vulnerabilities with Amazon’s Alexa
March 4, 2021 – A recent study outlines a range of privacy concerns related to the programs that users interact with when using Amazon’s voice-activated assistant, Alexa. Issues range from misleading privacy policies to the ability of third-parties to change the code of their programs after receiving Amazon approval. “When people use Alexa to play […]
Posted inLife
To Bond with Nature, Kids Need Solitary Activities Outdoors
August 5, 2020 – A new study found solitary activities like fishing, hunting or exploring outside are key to building strong bonds between children and nature. Activities like these encourage children to both enjoy being outside and to feel comfortable there. In addition to these independent activities, researchers led by an investigator from North Carolina State University […]
Posted inSci/Tech
Citizen science can play role in addressing agricultural challenges
November 28, 2018 – An international team of more than three dozen researchers has published a paper highlighting the potential of citizen science to address pressing research challenges in agriculture and food systems. One key to capitalizing on such efforts, the researchers find, may be to build stronger ties between citizen science and agricultural extension […]