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Study sheds light on invasive fruit pest

Research

Mar 25, 2013

Payoffs from helping the poor

Designing programs that help households that are struggling economically have always been challenging, but a new experimental program in England appears, at least initially, to be a win-win for everyone. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains how it works. 

Mar 22, 2013

A brighter global economy

Almost the entire world was in a recession late last decade. But with many economic indicators in the United States now pointing up, is there a better economic mood in the rest of the world? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 21, 2013

The tax debate

Alternative tax plans and tax systems for North Carolina are likely to be vigorously debated this year. In comparing such plans, how should people keep score? N.C. State University outlines some factors to consider. 

Mar 20, 2013

Tradition meets innovation in CALS scientist’s tomato breeding efforts

Using a combination of new tools and time-honored techniques, Dr. Dilip Panthee is carrying on N.C. State University’s strong tradition in plant breeding, developing hardier, higher-yielding plants for North Carolina’s $30-million-a-year tomato industry. 

Mar 20, 2013

The gold standard of economic measures

Every day there seems to be a slew of economic data released, and some of it seems contradictory. Is there one number or statistic that best reflects the condition of the economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 19, 2013

Keeping beaches safe from runoff pollutants

When it rains, untreated stormwater can sweep pollutants into coastal waters, potentially endangering public health. Now researchers and Cooperative Extension engineers from N.C. State University have developed low-cost filtration systems that are concealed beneath sand dunes and filter out most of the bacteria that can lead to beach closures. 

Mar 19, 2013

No gas tax?

Few drivers like the gas tax, but the money is an important source for funding road building and maintenance. So is there a catch when it comes to a recent gas tax elimination proposal? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 18, 2013

Growing student debt

Student loan debt in the United States has now reached almost $1 trillion, and as a percentage of all household debt, it has doubled in the past 10 years. But is this a problem? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 15, 2013

YOU DECIDE: Has the population boom fizzled?

Many demographers say the big problem of the future will not be too many people; instead, it will be too few people. Mike Walden discusses. 

Mar 15, 2013

Study sheds light on invasive fruit pest

Humans aren’t the only species with a sweet tooth. N.C. State University researchers and Extension specialists have found that the invasive spotted-wing vinegar fly (Drosophila suzukii) also prefers sweet, soft fruit. Their study sheds new light on a species that has spread across the United States over the past four years and threatens to cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to U.S. fruit crops.