Researchers with a newly expanded program that analyzes samples from municipal sewage treatment facilities in North Carolina are working with a company to quickly develop tests for the latest COVID-19 variants as they emerge around the world.
science
DUNEX research, delayed by pandemic, set to resume
Stalled for more than a year, the collaborative research effort known as the DUring Nearshore Event Experiment, or DUNEX, is set to continue its study of coastal processes, including during extreme storms, at locations on the Outer Banks this fall and winter.
LiDAR data can inform planning for sea level rise: Study
A recent study is the first worldwide elevation model using satellite Light Detection and Ranging, or LiDAR, data to evaluate what parts of the world are most vulnerable to sea level rise.
UNC institute’s shark survey a trove of 50 years of data
Long before sharks became a fearsome focus for filmmakers and TV programmers, scientists with the UNC Institute of Marine Sciencea’ shark survey began what is now considered a rare archive of consistent, long-term research.
Kenneth Halanych to head UNCW Center for Marine Science
The University of North Carolina Wilmington has named Kenneth M. Halanych, most recently of Auburn University, as executive director of the UNCW Center for Marine Science.
Drones allow scientists a bird’s-eye view of seabird colonies
Instead of trekking on foot, a Duke University team used drones to count large seabird colonies on a small island chain off the Falkland Islands.
Threats to seagrass could cost state’s economy millions
A new report from Duke University and NC State estimates economic losses associated with the decline of submerged aquatic vegetation in the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary could total $8.6 million in 10 years.
UNC professor, state track COVID-19 trends in wastewater
Dr. Rachel Noble’s lab at UNC-IMS is set to expand sampling of the state’s wastewater for signs of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Stormwater management can protect water quality: Study
Managing stormwater helps reduce the amount of pollution that ends up in the watershed, a recent study found.
Students can inspire adults to fight marine debris: Study
A recent study suggests that students can encourage adults to be more concerned about marine debris and support policies to address the issue.
UNCW researcher finds sponge that ‘eats’ toxic compounds
Lauren Olinger, a researcher at UNC Wilmington, has discovered that a certain type of sponge in the Caribbean absorbs organohalides, which include some pollutants.
Clams Can Boost Seagrass Restoration: Study
Seagrasses, a foundation of coastal habitat, are in peril and restoration efforts have a two-thirds failure rate, but a multispecies approach could improve success.
‘Ghost’ Forest Expansion Rate Alarming: Study
A Duke University-led team studied 35 years of satellite images of the state’s Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula.
Clean Energy Plan Target Attainable: Study
Small policy changes can put in motion affordable and cleaner electricity generation options, according to a recent report on the North Carolina Power Sector.
Consumers Key to Reducing Plastic Waste
A recent study found that a 20% shift from consumption of small plastic bottles to larger plastic bottles could decrease U.S. plastic waste by 10,000 tons a year.
Sea Level Rising More Rapidly: ‘Report Cards’
The recently released U.S. Sea-Level Report Cards from William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences show that not only are seas rising faster, the acceleration rate is increasing.
