August 2010

Aug 17, 2010

New technique improves efficiency of biofuel production

Researchers at N.C. State University have developed a more efficient technique for producing biofuels from woody plants that significantly reduces the waste that results from conventional biofuel production techniques. The technique is a significant step toward creating a new commercially viable new source of biofuels. 

Aug 17, 2010

‘Kannapolis Scholars’ spend summer at N.C. Research Campus

While many people were packing in food and family time during the holiday weekend, six students from universities across North Carolina were busy unpacking at their new home for the summer: the N.C. Research Campus. They are the first crop of “Kannapolis Scholars.” 

Aug 17, 2010

More food from marginal lands? Perennial grains hold promise where annuals lag

The world needs more food for its growing population, but risks overtaxing the croplands where much of the world’s food is grown. How then to provide more food while keeping a fragile ecosystem safe? A “Policy Forum” paper in the June 25 edition of the journal Science, co-authored by a crop scientist from N.C. State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, proposes one way of achieving these seemingly divergent goals. 

Aug 17, 2010

Researchers find ‘key ingredient’ that regulates termite caste system

A North Carolina State University entomologist has for the first time shown which specific chemicals are used by some termite queens to prevent other termites in the colony from becoming mommies like themselves. 

Aug 17, 2010

N.C. State increases 2010-11 tuition

N.C. State University will increase tuition by an additional $750 for the 2010-11 academic year to help offset state budget cuts of almost $20 million. 

Aug 17, 2010

Economic and Statistical Analysis Experts

Economists and statisticians deepen our understanding of some of the most important human health problems. At N.C. State, they build better disease models, find better ways to run clinical trials… 

Aug 17, 2010

Governor’s announcement expands N.C. Value-Added Cost Share Program

On Aug. 2, Gov. Beverly Perdue announced a package of programs, the Family Farm Innovation Fund, to help North Carolina farmers rebound from the recession. 

Aug 17, 2010

News on North Carolina’s job market

Jobs and unemployment are the most important economic factors for most people. In his latest Economic Perspective, Dr. Mike Walden, a North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist, says a recent jobs report for North Carolina is encouraging. 

Aug 16, 2010

Ties That Bind

Partnerships forged between the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and commodity groups benefit both. Some 70 organizations that represent either various agricultural commodities produced in North Carolina or the… 

Aug 16, 2010

Retail sales

The latest national report on retail sales showed consumers actually spent less in June compared to May. Since consumer spending is such an important part of the economy, is this bad news? Extension economist Mike Walden shares his point of view.