natural resources

Sep 6, 2012

Survey Shows Why Claws Come Out Over Feral Cat Management

The contentious phenomenon of identity politics isn’t limited to Democrats and Republicans. A national survey shows that “cat people” and “bird people” have heated differences of opinion, complicating the challenge of managing more than 50 million free-roaming feral cats while protecting threatened wildlife. A North Carolina State University study published Sept. 6 in PLOS One… 

Aug 23, 2012

Research on Wood Formation Sheds Light on Plant Biology

Scientists at North Carolina State University have discovered a phenomenon never seen before in plants while studying molecular changes inside tree cells as wood is formed. In research published online in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences the week of Aug. 20, the team found that one member of a family of proteins called… 

Jul 3, 2012

Dr. Mary Watzin Named Dean of NC State’s College of Natural Resources

Dr. Mary Catherine Watzin, dean of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont, has been named dean of the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University, effective Oct. 15. Provost Warwick Arden announced the appointment today. “I’m very pleased that Dr. Watzin will be joining us to… 

Apr 19, 2012

Dammed if you do, dammed if you don’t

The following is a guest post by Dr. Clinton Jenkins, an NC State biologist whose research focuses on conservation science. Jenkins is co-author of a new study in PLoS ONE about the possible impact of hydroelectric dams on the Andean Amazon. Dr. Matt Finer, a researcher affiliated with Save America’s Forests and the Center for International… 

Apr 10, 2012

Study Shows First N.C. Case of Feral Pig Exposure to Nasty Bacteria

A North Carolina State University study shows that, for the first time since testing began several years ago, feral pigs in North Carolina have tested positive for Brucella suis, an important and harmful bacteria that can be transmitted to people. The bacteria are transmitted to humans by unsafe butchering and consumption of undercooked meat. Clinical… 

Mar 15, 2012

NC State Hosts Lumberjack Competition

Tim-berrr! North Carolina State University will host a range of professional and collegiate lumberjacks for the Southern Qualifier of the Stihl Timbersports Series this week, with most events taking place Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 on Centennial Campus and at the State Farmers Market. The Southern Forestry Conclave, involving students from 15 different… 

Feb 14, 2012

Sustainability, College Athletics Don’t Always Connect

Large college athletics departments talk the talk when it comes to concern for the environment and environmental sustainability, but only a small percentage of these departments actually walk the walk in making their operations “greener.” It turns out there’s a large disconnect between athletics departments and other campus departments charged with advancing environmental sustainability, says… 

Dec 16, 2011

From Superbugs To Supernovas: Research Highlights From 2011

From research in antibiotic use and superbugs, which could help us address a global medical challenge, to a supernova finding that solved a millennia-old stellar mystery, 2011 was an exciting year for research at North Carolina State University. As we prepare for 2012, we’re taking a look back at some of the interesting research stories… 

Oct 31, 2011

Water Flow: A Picture’s Worth More Than A Thousand Words

 Sometimes a picture can save time and money — and that’s worth more than a thousand words.   From mitigating flood damage to managing water resources during a drought, tracking water flow is important. But tough budget times make maintaining data collection systems more difficult than ever. Researchers may have found a way to ease… 

Oct 10, 2011

NC State Gets $4 Million Grant to Ramp up Southeast Biofuel Production

North Carolina State University will use a $4 million grant to study the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways of producing biofuels from trees and from forest harvesting residue. NC State is part of the Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems, a collaboration of several universities and industry partners who will work on all aspects… 

Oct 5, 2011

Vibrant Foliage On Tap for Fall, NC State Expert Says

Despite a hot, dry summer across much of the state, this fall will still feature the vibrant colors that residents have come to expect, according to North Carolina State University forestry and environmental resources professor Dr. Robert Bardon. “The good news is that the trees aren’t currently being stressed by drought or other conditions, and… 

Aug 24, 2011

NC State Experts Can Discuss Hurricane, Disaster Issues

With Hurricane Irene churning toward the Southeastern United States, media looking for information on a variety of hurricane topics can contact the following North Carolina State University experts: Storm Surge and Flood Prediction Marine meteorologist Dr. Lian Xie can discuss research on hurricane formation. Specifically, Xie can talk about hurricane climatology and seasonal prediction; storm… 

Apr 25, 2011

Wild Hogs: Researchers Examine Impact of Feral Pigs In Eastern N.C.

The nation’s feral pig population continues to expand, increasing the potential for interaction with humans and domestic swine – and for spreading diseases. Researchers at North Carolina State University examined feral pigs from eastern North Carolina to determine exposure to two parasites that can be transmitted from animals to people – Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)… 

Apr 18, 2011

Earth Day: Research Challenges

For more than 40 years, Earth Day has been a call to arms to appreciate and protect our natural environment. Improving our understanding of the environment is an essential component of that mission. With that in mind, we have asked researchers in fields ranging from wildlife ecology to meteorology to political science to briefly outline… 

Apr 13, 2011

NC State Develops Material To Remove Radioactive Contaminants From Drinking Water

A combination of forest byproducts and crustacean shells may be the key to removing radioactive materials from drinking water, researchers from North Carolina State University have found.