2016

Feb 1, 2016

From research to solutions: North Carolina’s Plant Sciences Initiative

New jobs, new companies, new products and new solutions: These are among the benefits of NC State University's Plant Sciences Initiative, which is part of the NC Connect bond package. 

Feb 1, 2016

North Carolina’s bigger swings

People often compare the economic pace in North Carolina to the nation's, and NC State University economist Mike Walden says there is a pattern. 

Jan 28, 2016

You Decide: Does North Carolina follow a wilder economic ride?

Our economy is very much like a rollercoaster. There are periods of time when the economy is improving – meaning the rollercoaster is rising – but these “ups” are followed by months or years when the economy is dropping – similar to the drop in the rollercoaster. 

Jan 25, 2016

Why do gas prices fall slower than oil prices?

Although dropping gas prices have put smiles on many drivers' faces, others are unhappy because prices at the pump don't seem to fall as fast as oil prices at the well-head. NC State University economist Mike Walden explains that it's not a new phenomenon. 

Jan 21, 2016

Grad addresses farm-to-fork challenges at PepsiCo

A mentor once told Gabe Gusmini, “You and I have the same problem: We see something broken, we’ve got to fix it.” And fix things, Gusmini does. A plant breeder by training, the CALS alumnus is a PepsiCo junior executive and research-and-development director. 

Jan 20, 2016

Conference addresses challenges of growing hops in the South Atlantic region

The success of the craft beer industry and interest in using locally grown ingredients has encouraged an adventuresome group of farmers in the South Atlantic region to try their hands at growing hops, but the climate here is challenging. An upcoming conference will bring experts from across the country to advise the young industry. 

Jan 19, 2016

First study of arthropods in US homes finds huge biodiversity

The first study to evaluate the biodiversity of arthropods in U.S. homes finds that humans share their houses with any of more than 500 different kinds of arthropods — at least on a short-term basis. North Carolina State University Extension entomologist Dr. Matt Bertone is the study's lead author. 

Jan 18, 2016

Agribusiness and economic development

Although North Carolina's economy is expanding, economic growth is not occurring at the same rate in all parts of the state. Indeed, in many of our rural and small town regions, economic development is a big challenge. Can agribusiness help? NC State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jan 14, 2016

You Decide: Should North Carolina borrow to build?

North Carolinians are being asked to consider a big mortgage for the state. Totaling $2 billion, the mortgage would allow the state to build a variety of projects, including university and community college facilities, water and sewer infrastructure and recreational offerings. There are two key questions for voters to ponder: First, is mortgage financing appropriate? Second, are the projects worthy? 

Jan 11, 2016

Pardue named dean at University of Georgia

Dr. Samuel Pardue, associate dean and director of academic programs for NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has been named the new dean and director of the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.