News

May 2, 2013

Africa moves up

When people think of booming areas of the world today, many would identify China, then maybe India and Southeast Asia and perhaps parts of Europe. But one region that should be on the list – Africa – might come as a surprise. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

May 1, 2013

New Vance County Extension director named

A Virginia Cooperative Extension agent has been named to direct the North Carolina Cooperative Extension program in Vance County. 

May 1, 2013

Science enthusiasts raise a pint at Tir Na Nog

A group of faithful science enthusiasts gathered Tuesday night at Tir Na Nog pub in downtown Raleigh to raise a pint and hear scientists from the SE Climate Science Center talk about global climate change. 

May 1, 2013

March madness and productivity

Many people were glued to their TVs, smartphones and other electronic devices during the NCAA basketball tournament, and they didn’t always only watch at home. They often followed the games at work. Could this have reduced worker productivity and impacted the entire output of our economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Apr 30, 2013

Who has less debt?

The recession forced many households to cut down on their debt. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers how successful this effort has been and who has been most successful. 

Apr 29, 2013

Climate center names 2013-14 Global Change Fellows

Seven N.C. State University graduate students, including one from the College of Agriculture and Life Science have been named Global Change Fellows for 2013-14 by the SE Climate Science Center, based in CALS. 

Apr 29, 2013

Do bans on texting while driving work?

Smartphones help us in many ways, but like many things, they also can be used in ways that can create problems. One of these ways is to text while driving. Many states, including North Carolina, now have bans on this activity. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether these bans have been successful. 

Apr 26, 2013

Good news on pollution

Data show that since 2008 air pollution linked to carbon emissions has been on the decline and are now at 1995 levels. This is good news for concerns about global warming. What’s behind this trend? And will it continue? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Apr 25, 2013

Pardue named to lead CALS academic programs

Dr. Sam Pardue has been named associate dean and director of academic programs for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, effective May 1. Pardue, former head of the Prestage Department of Poultry Science, has been serving as the interim director of academic programs in CALS since July 1, 2012. 

Apr 25, 2013

Explaining the housing bubble

The tremendous run-up in housing prices from 1997 to 2006, which ultimately led to the housing crash, has been blamed on many things: Lenders, rating agencies, insurers, government burocracy and cheap money providers have all had fingers pointed at them as causing the housing bubble. Do we know who is to blame? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.