Author: Dee Shore

Oct 12, 2015

Drivers of health-care costs

Health care has grown to be one of the largest parts of our economy, and for several decades policymakers have had the goal of slowing the growth of health-care costs. But those costs continue to rise. NC State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Oct 9, 2015

NC State wins $6.7 million grant to curb devastating fruit pest

North Carolina State University has won a $6.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to undertake research and grower education efforts aimed at better managing a major new pest that causes hundreds of millions of dollars in annual agricultural losses. 

Oct 7, 2015

Passion for improving lives

Lorelei Jones has loved everything about NC State since she was a young girl growing up in eastern North Carolina’s Lenoir County. Her early experiences boosted Jones’ confidence while feeding her passion for service to others — and even helped direct her to her current career at NC State. Read more from NC State University Giving. 

Oct 5, 2015

Human vs machines

Advanced technology and machines are expected to replace humans in tens of millions of jobs in the coming decades. Many high-paying jobs appear not to be immune to technological replacement. Will we even need humans to perform work in the future? NC State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Oct 1, 2015

New era for CALS international activities

With over 150 faculty members involved in numerous projects spread on six continents, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has not only an impressive international presence, but a worldwide impact. Now, thanks to a new website, finding out more about the CALS’ international activities is easier than ever. 

Sep 29, 2015

Modeling tool IDs genes that control plants’ stress response

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from North Carolina State University and University of California, Davis has developed a modeling algorithm that is able to identify plant genes associated with specific biological functions. The modeling tool will help plant biologists target individual genes that control how plants respond to environmental stressors. 

Sep 29, 2015

NC State gets grant to study African crop disease

NC State University has received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study cassava mosaic disease, which limits production of a key African food crop. Dr. Linda Hanley-Bowdoin, a CALS professor of plant and microbial biology, will lead the five-year, $5 million project. 

Sep 28, 2015

Update on the national debt

The major focus in the economy in recent years has been on growth -- particularly on creating jobs and reducing unemployment. But what's happened to the national debt? Is it still an issue? And where is it headed? NC State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Sep 25, 2015

Celebrate NC Ag Day

What better way to celebrate North Carolina agriculture than with a plate of barbecue, a scoop of NC State’s famous Howling Cow ice cream and a stroll through exhibits and activities that showcase North Carolina’s nearly $80 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry? 

Sep 21, 2015

The buying of Belk

The longtime family-owned department store Belk has been sold to a New York investment firm. This ends the 125-year family operation of a retail giant that originated in North Carolina. NC State University economist Mike Walden comments on reasons for the sale.