PMB News

May 4, 2016

Destination: Down under

Helping feed a hungry world has long been graduating senior Austin Wrenn’s goal. But little did he know how much his experiences in growing food in controlled environments would relate to his new job — or that the job would take him to Australia. 

May 3, 2016

Animal Science alum keeps peace on campus

Jeanne Miller puts her animal science degree to use in a way she had never imagined as an undergrad: she now patrols campus as a senior officer with the Mounted Unit of the NC State University Police Department. 

Apr 15, 2016

‘Winner-winner’ behavior may shape animal hierarchies

Researchers have developed a behavioral model that explains the complexity and diversity of social hierarchies in ants and which scientists believe may help us understand the nature of other animal societies, from primates to dolphins. 

Apr 15, 2016

Farm Animal Days: Connecting agriculture and education

NC State University’s annual Farm Animal Days lets area children experience agriculture up close and hands on with the guidance of CALS experts. Field days are important because agriculture is crucial to the North Carolina economy – and more than two-thirds of that contribution is generated by farm animals. 

Apr 9, 2016

Want an A? Help sell a cow.

Students from Professor Gary Gregory’s Livestock Merchandizing class ran an auction at the Beef Education Unit and sold about two dozen horses, cows, goats and sheep – for a final grade. Proceeds help cover operating expenses at the agriculture education units where the animals are raised. 

Apr 8, 2016

Engineering agriculture

For industrial engineering graduate student Jazmine Davis, interdisciplinary work in agriculture has been life-changing. 

Mar 24, 2016

Maggots modified to help heal human wounds

In a proof-of-concept study, NC State University researchers show that genetically engineered green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata) larvae can produce and secrete a human growth factor – a molecule that helps promote cell growth and wound healing. 

Mar 23, 2016

NC State’s Barrangou Wins Canada Gairdner Award

Rodolphe Barrangou wins prestigious Gairdner Award for pioneering the gene-editing system known as CRISPR. 

Mar 9, 2016

Study Finds More Social Insects Have Weaker Immune Response, Highlights Role of Hygiene

Research finds that among eusocial insects – like ants, bees and termites – the more individuals there are in a typical species colony, the weaker the species’ immune response. The finding strongly suggests that hygiene behaviors, and not just immune systems, play a key role in keeping eusocial insects healthy. 

Feb 24, 2016

106 countries and counting: NC State’s world-renowned vermicompost expert

“There are 25,000 worms in that building behind you,” North Carolina State University’s extension specialist Rhonda Sherman says with a proud smile. It’s not a large-scale infestation; it’s good science at work.