N.C. A&T State University is one of a select group of universities nationwide, and the first historically black institution ever, chosen to lead a prestigious National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center.
That center, which will be one of only a few dozen so-called ERCs created nationwide over the past 25 years, will conduct research in biomedical engineering and nanobio applications using $18.5 million in funding over the first five years of the program.
The University of Cincinnati is joining with the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the University of Pittsburgh to create medical devices that will adapt to a person's anatomy and dissolve after healing takes place.
The three universities will be the primary researchers in a consortium using nanotechnology to develop devices like screws and plates for craniofacial and orthopedic reconstructive surgery, and stents for cardiovascular surgeries. Naturally dissolving devices would reduce the need for follow-up surgeries and potential complications.