Author: Dee Shore

Oct 8, 2010

Who is middle class?

There is frequent reference to the middle class in discussions about the economy and certain kinds of public policy such as taxes. But who are we really talking about? Hard to say, says N.C. State University extension economist Mike Walden, because there's not a standard definition for the middle class. 

Oct 7, 2010

The Fed’s next move

With the economy still struggling and the federal government deep in debt, many people are looking to the Federal Reserve as perhaps the only institution that can jumpstart the economy. N.C. State University extension economist Mike Walden explains what the Fed can do. 

Oct 6, 2010

Students featured on YouTube

"Student Perspectives" -- stories from some of the best students from N.C. State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences -- are now available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/NCStateCALS. 

Oct 6, 2010

Real estate and small business

Statistics show that small businesses are suffering more than other firms in today’s economy. Small businesses, in particular, are having a very difficult time acquiring loans. N.C. State University extension economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Oct 6, 2010

In plants, small changes make big impact

You can’t see them or feel them, but right now countless biochemical interactions in your body affect your life in countless ways. Dr. Steven Clouse studies these kinds of biochemical interactions, and the mechanisms behind them, in plants. 

Oct 5, 2010

How long to rebalance?

Perhaps the biggest economic change today is households' financial rebalancing. Households entered the recession with historically high debts, and now they are being forced to pay down on those debts. How long will this take? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden answers. 

Oct 5, 2010

Lowe named Currituck County Extension director

Cameron S. Lowe, a former biotechnology teacher and 4-H agent, became the director of the N.C. Cooperative Extension center in Currituck County on Sept. 17. She succeeds Rodney Sawyer, who retired as Currituck County Extension director in 2009 after 31 years of service. 

Oct 4, 2010

Beware of second effects

In economics as in life there can be unforeseen circumstances. Often we try to anticipate them but aren’t successful. One of these second effects was recently revealed for a program that has been very successful in assisting low-income households. N.C. State University extension economist Mike Walden explains. 

Oct 1, 2010

Where’s the gold?

Interest in gold and gold prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Who has gold? Where is it found? And what is it used for? These are the questions N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers in today's Economic Perspective. 

Oct 1, 2010

Major research grant will help military combat infections

A new $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense will allow North Carolina State University researchers to further test the effectiveness of molecules that have shown great promise in combating antibiotic-resistant infections. The project will show the efficacy of molecules created by Drs. Christian Melander and John Cavanagh against different types of animal cells infected with bacteria –- like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa –- that wreak havoc across the globe.