Read Research and Innovation Stories

Autonomous medical robot successfully steers needles through living tissue
A team of researchers and physicians led by Professor Ron Alterovitz in UNC’s computer science department has demonstrated, for the first time, a robotic needle capable of autonomously maneuvering through intricate lung tissue while avoiding obstacles and important lung structures.

Measuring Water from Space
A new NASA satellite is recording the first global survey of Earth’s water cycle with unprecedented accuracy — and Tamlin Pavelsky is verifying its data from North Carolina to New Zealand.

Accessibility in making at BeAM
Jeff Olander’s experiences at BeAM inspired him to create Accessibility in Making (AiM), a collaborative community of disabled Makers working together to solve accessibility problems.

Data Displaced
When natural hazards destroy homes and livelihoods, where do people go? Geographer Clark Gray searches for them using data.

Researchers receive $25.3 million to study potential risks for Alzheimer’s disease
UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke scholars have received a five-year, $25.3 million National Institute of Aging (NIA) award to address gaps in our understanding of potential risks for Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease- related dementias (AD/ADRD).

Environmental scientist looks at climate from all angles
Incoming doctoral student Ruitian Yan wants to help vulnerable communities safely manage their risks, including financial.

Engaging communities in Carolina research
The Center for Public Engagement with Science gets North Carolinians involved in UNC-Chapel Hill research — including a unique project with NASA that educates volunteers about lakes in their own communities. Tamlin Pavelsky in the College is involved in one of the projects.