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Taking a bite out of mosquito-borne viruses

Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry

Dr. Melanie Simpson in a lab

Jan 17, 2017

Simpson Named Biochemistry Department Head

Dr. Melanie Simpson, widely recognized as a top researcher on prostate cancer, will join NC State as the new head of the Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry. 
Drs. Dennis Brown and Raquel Hernandez of NC State's CALS are testing a lifelong vaccine to the Zika virus.

Nov 21, 2016

Husband-Wife Team Pioneers Zika Vaccine to Last a Lifetime

Drs. Dennis Brown and Raquel Hernandez are testing a one-shot vaccine that could grant lifetime immunity against the widely feared Zika virus. 
Group examines sample in lab

Sep 8, 2016

Gates Foundation Grant Fuels NC State Study of Devastating Crop Disease

An ongoing NC State University partnership to defeat a disease of a key African food crop got a boost recently when the project received a $2.15 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 
NC State's Dr. Colleen Doherty studies the circadian rhythm of plants. Among the projects she's involved with: finding ways to make hops plants more suitable for North Carolina day length.

Jul 22, 2016

Faculty Focus: Scientist Studies Time’s Essence in Plants

It’s often said that time is of the essence, and now, thanks to the work of NC State University’s Dr. Colleen Doherty, we are learning more about how true that is for plants. 
Sarah Ermatinger headshot

Jul 11, 2016

Student Spotlight: Blowflies and Biochem

For Sarah Ermatinger, forensics and biochemistry go hand in hand. The rising sophomore is not only a CALS honors student but an award-winning cheerleader. 
Grocery store produce section with appleas, cider, plums and more.

Jun 20, 2016

Smart Research Keeps Produce Fresh

An apple a day keeps the doctor away — and SmartFresh, an award-winning technology developed at NC State and used around the world, keeps those apples fresher for more days. 
Cavanagh and Melandar in a Polk Hall Lab.

Jun 7, 2016

Resistance Remedies

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences researchers John Cavanagh and Rodolphe Barrangou are among the NC State scientists working on different approaches to fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

Feb 10, 2012

Solving molecular mysteries

Over the years he’s spent studying cassava mosaic disease, Tanzanian scientist Dr. Joseph Ndunguru has noted something curious: Wherever there are DNA molecules called satellites associated with the geminiviruses contributing to the disease, symptoms are greater and losses are heavier – even in plants bred specifically to resist the disease. Figuring out more about those subviral particles could be key, Ndunguru believes, to developing a strategy to beat the disease for good. That’s why he has teamed with CALS’ Dr. Linda Hanley-Bowdoin on a project designed to yield the scientific insight necessary to do just that. 

Feb 7, 2012

Virus discovery holds mystery, potential

A previously unknown virus discovered by North Carolina State University scientists may hold keys to managing another virus that causes a debilitating disease. 

Feb 3, 2012

Taking a bite out of mosquito-borne viruses

The mosquito-borne virus that causes an estimated 300 million dengue fever infections each year is considered one of the world’s biggest health threats. But thanks to a discovery by CALS biochemists, a promising vaccine is in the pipeline.