Michael Schafale with the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program provides detailed descriptions of the state’s 343 natural communities, including those on the coast.
science
Science centers receive $2.4M to promote STEM education
Several science centers on the coast are among the 53 statewide to be awarded a total of $2.4 million through the North Carolina Science Museums grant program.
Dolan, Godfrey: Scientists proved Outer Banks are moving
Findings more than 50 years ago by coastal geologist Robert Dolan and husband-and-wife researchers Paul and Melinda Godfrey changed barrier island understanding and led the National Park Service to reverse longstanding policy.
Student study shines light on Outer Banks sea turtle nesting
Outer Banks Field Site undergrads who conducted a four-month study of how artificial light at night affects sea turtle nesting have presented their findings, which indicate conservation efforts may be working.
Funding boosts UNCW scientists’ work to stem coral losses
University of North Carolina Wilmington researchers recently received nearly $2 million to further study how to ethically protect coral reefs from being wiped out by disease and climate change.
Scuppernong River study takes regional look at water woes
Officials say that because water knows no boundaries, a basin-wide approach was needed to better address water management challenges on both private and public lands.
Grant could spur coastal eco-tech hub similar to Triangle
A collaboration of researchers and scientists is working to secure $160 million over 10 years from the National Science Foundation to build an innovation center that’s the ecosystems technology analog to the Research Triangle Park’s biotech boom.
State’s Native Americans at higher risk of preterm births
Native Americans in North Carolina face a disproportionately higher risk for preterm birth because of exposure to mixtures of toxic metals in their private drinking water wells, according to a recent study.
Coastal Reserve internship open to student applications
Applications for the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and Friends of the Reserve’s 2024 undergraduate internship program are due by 11:59 p.m. Jan. 19, 2024.
Beaked whale calf’s death attributed to plastic pollution
A whale calf that washed ashore last week on Emerald Isle’s ocean shoreline died from ingesting a balloon.
NC State’s sourdough research unlocks microbial mysteries
North Carolina State University’s Wild Sourdough Project is contributing to a global collaboration to better understand the world’s various sourdough starters and the natural microorganisms that give rise to flavor.
Ocracoke horse herd focus of Nov. 29 presentation
During the presentation in Ocracoke, researchers will share the history, genetics, range conditions and management of these horses, often referred to as ponies, on Ocracoke Island.
UNCW ramps up program to nurture coast’s blue economy
The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers a mentor program with140 volunteers who can share their experiences in coastal business startups.
Pace of cyclone strengthening has doubled since 1971
A study from Rowan University in New Jersey has drawn a connection between the number of rapidly strengthening tropical Atlantic hurricanes in recent years and documented increases in ocean temperatures.
Navy lab funds Durham firm’s airborne power generator
Windlift has a five-year, $30 million contract with the Naval Research Laboratory to develop its autonomous tethered Navy and Marine Corps operations.
Researchers find how hogfish ‘see’ themselves change color
University of North Carolina Wilmington scientists have discovered photoreceptors that allow hogfish to monitor their own shifting hues.
