Author: Dee Shore

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

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

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. 

Aug 13, 2010

Consumer prices

Inflation -- how fast the prices of common products go up -- is important to most households. What is the latest status of inflation? Is it good or bad? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, weighs in. 

Aug 12, 2010

Teachers work to make research real for students

Two Kannapolis teachers hoping to connect their students with real-world science at its best are spending their summer break at the N.C. Research Campus. Since the spring, they've been picking blackberries and raspberries at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury, assisting with a national study on watermelon health benefits, and learning in state-of-the-art labs with a horticultural science researcher. 

Aug 12, 2010

Why can’t economists agree?

Everyone is looking for answers to today’s economic situation. Policy makers often turn to economists for advice on what to do, but economists don’t always give the same answer. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why.