NC State Engineering

Mentorship and community have come full circle for Dylan Gretok, founder of Seagull. 🐺

Learn more about Dylan’s experience as an entrepreneur in the first episode of Howl to Hustle: buff.ly/BnMyb5I

@ncstateengr.bsky.social
#podcast #entrepreneurship

To test this, researchers applied vaccine to unwaxed dental floss and then flossed the teeth of lab mice before moving on to a test without vaccines for humans, using a floss pick. While research still remains to be done, they found that the floss picks are likely a viable method for vaccination.

Injecting vaccines primarily produces antibodies in the bloodstream, but delivery via the tissue between the teeth and gums produces antibodies in the bloodstream and on mucosal surfaces, which is how pathogens like the flu enter the body. This method of delivery would add an extra level of defense.

Floss unwinds from the container.

Don't like needles? New research shows that it may be possible to deliver vaccines via dental floss.

From Kilns to Kitchens: Unlocking Biochar’s Potential in Italy Praveen Kolar, a professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, recently explored different methods for crafting biochar as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Bologna in...

Professor Praveen Kolar recently spent three months exploring both of these worlds as a Fulbright Scholar in Italy. He spent time sampling Italian cuisine and working on his research project, which focuses on transforming rice husk into biochar to power capacitors in energy storage devices.

A pizza on a red background

In the world of Italian pizza, the choice between Neapolitan, Roman and Sicilian is steeped in tradition and appreciation for the cooking process. Each style has its own unique recipe. Crafting biochar, with its different biomass choices and performance characteristics, is surprisingly similar.

A hand holds a trash bag over a trash bin.

Do you ever wonder if your recycling is processed separately from the rest of the trash? Hyperspectral imaging will make it easier to separate waste, ensuring the most recyclable and useful for energy products don't end up in landfilles.

Learn more at go.ncsu.edu/xrtam9x

Two men wearing suits shake hands.

ASSIST and IConS' Fall Industry Day is October 1. Come to engage with faculty, discover groundbreaking advancement and learn about students' innovative work.

Register by Sept. 19: go.ncsu.edu/2025fallindu...

If you want to submit a poster, do so by September 23 at forms.gle/TjqGJejzuEVQ...

A car drives through standing water, splashing it higher than the car itself.

Assistant Professor Katherine Anarde is on the Audio Abstract podcast to talk about coastal flooding and the risks posed by our currently inaccurate weather prediction models: news.ncsu.edu/podcast/podc...

A glass of water is filled from a sink.

Raleigh may need a new water supply as early as 2025. One solution? Recycling wastewater for potable use. go.ncsu.edu/e2gcljs

A device attached to the skin of an arm, underneath which is a microneedle. Text specifies the size is 1 cm.

Do you hate having blood drawn? Researchers have developed a new self-powered microneedle patch to replace traditional blood drawing. go.ncsu.edu/jqgkmt4

Laser Technique Revolutionizes Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Manufacturing for Space, Defense Applications The new technique uses lasers to create ceramics that can withstand ultra-high temperatures, with applications ranging from nuclear power technologies to spacecraft and jet exhaust systems.

This technique works in minutes or seconds compared to conventional techniques that take hours or days.

Learn more at go.ncsu.edu/nmapimq

The new technique works by applying a 120-watt laser to the surface of a liquid polymer precursor in an inert environment, such as a vacuum chamber or a chamber filled with argon. The laser sinters the liquid, turning it into a solid ceramic.

Lasers can create ceramics for use in nuclear power technologies, spacecraft and jet exhaust systems.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize how important footwear is in the textile industry, or how important it is to understand how comfort and ergonomics play a part in your day-to-day activities. I think this research and trying to pair comfort and fashion together is really crucial.”

Both high and low friction, a value that represents the force of two surfaces against each other, can result in pain for the wearer. High friction can restrict movement or increase risk of injury, while low friction can cause slipping and instability, Hodges writes in her research poster.

To get a thorough understanding of the current athletic footwear on the market, she’s testing two different socks, one predominantly polyester and one cotton, against three different shoes. Hodges will conduct friction tests with each sock and footwear component.

That’s when her advisor suggested looking into the textile engineering program. Not long after, Hodges found her niche: footwear and sports performance textiles.

“I’m interested in working to fill the gap between comfort and fashion within the footwear industry,” she says.

Andrianna works at a lab bench.

A professor holds up an Addidas shoe to examine it with Andrianna.

Even before setting foot on NC State’s campus, Andrianna Hodges knew she wanted to be an engineer. With interests spanning from biomedical engineering to industrial engineering, she tried a little bit of everything as an Exploratory Studies student.

Forest Biomaterials Researchers Developing Sustainable Alternative to Plastic Foam Packaging The fiber-based material, which is fully recyclable and biodegradable, could someday replace plastic foam materials used in cushioning and insulation for packaging.

The solution? A fiber-based material, which is fully recyclable and biodegradable. go.ncsu.edu/5swohbo

While convenient, plastic foam presents a significant environmental challenge due to its lack of biodegradability and difficulty in recycling. Estimates indicate that plastic foam takes up to 30% of landfill space globally.

Plastic foam, often known by the brand name Styrofoam, is used in many everyday products — from disposable food and beverage containers like cups and plates to shipping materials such as packing peanuts and protective packaging.

Engineers transform dental floss into needle-free vaccine New method places inactivated viruses directly into mice’s gums

Could dental floss be the future of vaccine delivery? Harvinder Gill, an engineer at @ncstateengr.bsky.social, is researching the possibility of a needle-free vaccine. #ThinkAndDo

“I would like people to do real things in their real environments and see if we can get strong, robust, impactful findings that will improve people’s lives.” — Shevaun Neupert

On one visit, patients remain sedentary the entire time. During the other, they ride a stationary bike between tests, then walk on a treadmill after the second set of tests.

One day the research can go beyond the lab. Sensor systems will collect real-life data to achieve real-time data analytics.

Researchers are bringing in a control group and a group of people experiencing MCI to campus for two separate visits. During both visits, they will take two sets of cognitive tests while connected to sensing devices.

The study involves multi-modal sensing of facial expressions, audio and physiological responses such as heart rate and blood pressure. Researchers want to identify which of these are most likely to be potential indicators of MCI.

What sensors are best for detecting cognitive impairment? 💭

Researchers are working toward identifying the best types of sensors for early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) so that people can take action to reduce or prevent further decline.

PET, one of the most common microplastics can cause
🔺 vision failure
🔺 liver dysfunction
🔺 cancer
🔺 infertility
A marine bacterium can degrade PET and remove it from the ocean. go.ncsu.edu/aq2bxkl

#Research #microplastics #engineering

While prescribed burns are important for land management and preventing wildfires, they also significantly contribute to air pollution in the southeastern United States – particularly in areas with large minority and low-income populations. go.ncsu.edu/ffug7ly