March 2016

Mar 23, 2016

Barrangou wins esteemed medical research prize

Rodolphe Barrangou, an NC State professor and pioneer of the discovery of the adaptive bacterial immune system known as CRISPR, has been named a recipient of the 2016 Canada Gairdner International Award, one of the world’s most esteemed medical research prizes. 

Mar 22, 2016

Farm Bureau gift to enhance plant sciences

With strong grassroots support, an initiative aimed at making North Carolina the global hub for plant sciences innovation got a big boost when the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation pledged $500,000 to start the Seeds of Success Fund. 

Mar 21, 2016

New taxes

Recently North Carolina residents began paying a new tax -- one on repair services. What's behind this new tax? NC State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Mar 18, 2016

New simulator brings farm experience to urban areas

The NC Cooperative Extension's new 19-foot Agri-Pride Simulator is a choose-your-own-adventure video experience as a farmer harvesting your fields. The idea behind the mobile unit is to re-connect North Carolina’s increasingly urban public with farm life. 

Mar 17, 2016

Blacklin honored for fresh perspective

Sarah Blacklin, of North Carolina's Center for Environmental Farming Systems, has been recognized as one of 100 leaders in the United States who are changing rural communities and agriculture for the better. She is program director for CEFS’ NC Choices initiative. 

Mar 16, 2016

North Carolina invests in world-class plant science research

Voters approve an infrastructure bond package that includes NC State University’s plant sciences research complex. 

Mar 15, 2016

Health Rocks!

Through Health Rocks!, North Carolina 4-H engages young people in hands-on activities that help them resist drug, alcohol and tobacco use while developing healthy behaviors. 

Mar 14, 2016

Could negative interest rates come to the United States?

Janet Yellen, chair of the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors, recently commented on the possibility of negative interest rates occurring in the United States. Could this happen -- and, if so, should we look forward to it? NC State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 10, 2016

You Decide: Why are people angry?

Political pundits following the presidential campaigns of the candidates have agreed on one conclusion – many people appear to be angry. Experts offer this as the reason voters are backing non-traditional candidates – or outsiders. If the analysts are correct, then the follow-up question is, why? Why are so many people angry? NC State University's Mike Walden offers an economic explanation. 

Mar 9, 2016

Twitter, “felfies” and everyday tech on the farm: Extension encourages innovation

When’s the last time you took to Twitter to research local crop yields? Or used Google Earth to map soil types on 100 acres of land? Despite their reputation as conduits for selfies and the new teen slang, common online platforms are being converted by a growing group of farmers into tools that help raise safe, tasty meat and produce to keep the world fed. Extension agent Paul McKenzie aims to help these tech trends grow in North Carolina.