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June 2016

Labor Force

Jun 30, 2016

You Decide: What’s Behind the Declining Labor Force

Among all the economic data coming from various media outlets, one has received increased attention in recent years. In fact, NC State University economist Mike Walden says it's the most discussed economic statistic of the past couple of years. It's called the labor force participation rate. 

Jun 27, 2016

A recession signal? Walden responds

Concern about being on the edge of the next recession was heightened recently with a weak national jobs report. What do economists think? Have their concerns about the next economic downturn increased? NC State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Squash bee on flower

Jun 23, 2016

Squash Agriculture Spread Bees in North America

Using genetic markers, researchers have for the first time shown how cultivating a specific crop led to the expansion of a pollinator species. They found that the spread of a bee species in pre-Columbian Central and North America was tied to the spread of squash agriculture. 

Jun 22, 2016

The bright future of controlled drainage

NC State University’s agriculture water management expert, Dr. Mohamed Youssef, believes there is a bright future for controlled drainage -- and the future is now. Controlled drainage is one of the most effective ways to minimize nitrogen loss from croplands. 

An enthusiastic Lentz gives Sen. John Alexander an overview of the potential of his research to solve one of North Carolina's difficult waste management problems.

Jun 21, 2016

Legislature learns about waste-to-energy research

Ph.D. student Zachary Lentz presents swine manure research to legislature and the public on Graduate Education Day. 

Waste lagoon and hog houses on a farm outside of Kinston.

Jun 21, 2016

Why is hog waste so difficult to process?

Dr. John Classen, of NC State University's Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, explains how different hog waste is from human waste and why it is so difficult to treat. 

Phytotron director Dr. Carole Saravitz inside and outside of the chambers.

Jun 21, 2016

Phytotron Facelift and Plant Research

NC State University's Phytotron is ready to tackle 21st century challenges of food and energy security. The National Science Foundation features the laboratory for growing plants under various combinations of strictly controlled environmental conditions in its Science Nation video series. 

Fallon Fowler

Jun 21, 2016

Student Spotlight: Fallon Fowler

Because of her passion for dung (yes, her passion!), Fallon Fowler conducts research revolving around where and why face fly maggots move through dung. 

Julieta Sherk and August de Hertogh in their garden outside the NC Museum of Art

Jun 21, 2016

Moore meets Matisse

NC State students and professors build a garden of contrasts and color as part of the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Art in Bloom festival. 

Martha Mobley headshot

Jun 21, 2016

‘Secret agent’ Martha Mobley featured in national magazine

Modern Farmer magazine calls her a ‘secret agent.’ But for the agricultural community in Franklin County, Martha Mobley’s work is no secret. She’s a go-to resource for expertise ranging from horses and forestry to livestock and local foods.