natural resources

Mar 16, 2011

Study Shows Attendance At State Parks Grows, Even As Funding Decreases

A recent study from North Carolina State University shows that while the number of visits to state parks across the country has grown, fund support for park operations has been significantly reduced. The reduction in funding during a time of park growth endangers the more than $20 billion in economic impact that state parks have… 

Feb 18, 2011

NC State Receives $3.67M Grant to Examine Effect of Climate Change on Southern Loblolly Pines

North Carolina State University is part of a team of 12 institutions across the Southeastern United States selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to establish a regional network to monitor the effects of climate change on southern pine trees. The goal is to use the information to develop… 

Feb 9, 2011

Think Manager, Think Male? Impact of Gender In Sport Administration Hiring

The “glass ceiling” for women administrators in college athletics may be cracked, but is not completely broken, according to a new study co-authored by a North Carolina State University researcher. Results of the study, which surveyed athletic administrators at universities across the country to determine how, and if, gender roles made a difference in hiring… 

Nov 16, 2010

Munchin’ Around The Christmas Tree

All you out there with home gardens know what a burden it is to keep those pesky deer at bay. The sprinkling of hair clippings or hanging bars of soap (or whatever the fix du jour may be) is nothing compared to the problem facing farmers who have hundreds of acres to protect. NC State extension… 

Nov 16, 2010

Oh Deer: Protecting This Year’s Christmas Tree Crop

Hair clippings, cayenne pepper and raw eggs – these are just a few of the odd ingredients  recommended to keep those pesky deer away from your backyard garden. But what about farmers who have hundreds of acres of Christmas trees to protect? North Carolina State University extension specialists have now found an effective, inexpensive alternative… 

Aug 19, 2010

NC State Researchers Receive Grant to Convert Lignin into Chemical Feedstocks

Researchers at North Carolina State University have received a grant aimed at finding an energy efficient and environmentally friendly method for breaking down lignin—a renewable, energy-rich raw material found in plants—into feedstock for  the petrochemical industry, which produces everything from fuel to pharmaceuticals. NC State scientists Dr. Dimitris Argyropoulos, Finland Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, and Dr.… 

Aug 12, 2010

Burning Biomass With Coal Could Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Across the Southeast, mixing wood and other forest biomass with coal to create energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions when compared to just burning coal alone, according to a new working paper by researchers at North Carolina State University and Duke University. “If we look at all the coal-fired boilers in the Southeastern United States… 

Jul 29, 2010

NC State Expert: Oil Spill Not Likely to Reach N.C.

As the disaster in the Gulf continues to unfold, the southeastern U.S. is preparing for the potential economic  and environmental repercussions should the oil reach its shores. Fortunately, current models indicate that the N.C. coastline may end up unscathed. North Carolina State University experts can address the likelihood of the oil spill reaching the N.C.… 

Jul 20, 2010

Will it snow? Will it snow? Will it snow?

I know. It’s a zillion degrees outside, so why am I writing a post about snow? Because new research is out that will help make winter weather predictions more accurate throughout the United States. That’s good news for weather watchers, sure, but it’s great news for governments and utilities – since they can make better… 

Jul 14, 2010

It Doesn’t Matter if You’re Black or White. Unless You Want a Job in Sports.

Maybe it’s just me, but you’d  think that the sports industry would be one of the most diverse industries in the world. That might be true for the players – but it’s certainly not true for people in management. NC State’s Heidi Grappendorf recently presented a study showing that race trumps experience in the sports industry.… 

Jul 7, 2010

Study Shows Race, Not Experience, Impacts Hiring In Sports World

If you want to get your foot in the door of the sports industry, your race may mean more than your experience. That’s the major result of a new study from North Carolina State University that examined hiring decisions for entry-level sports management positions. “Previous research has shown that management positions in the sports industry… 

Jul 6, 2010

Locker Room Talk: How Male Athletes Portray Female Athletic Trainers

A college quarterback coming into the locker room with a dislocated shoulder wouldn’t care whether the athletic trainer taking care of him is male or female — or would he? A study from North Carolina State University examining male football players’ perceptions of female athletic trainers – and their comfort level in being treated by… 

May 4, 2010

NC State Experts Can Offer Insight into Gulf Oil Spill

The recent British Petroleum oil spill will have a major environmental impact on the U.S. Gulf Coast, and beyond. North Carolina State University experts can address issues pertaining to the spill, from how ocean currents may carry it beyond the Gulf, to how long and difficult the clean-up process may be, as well as effects… 

May 4, 2010

Bugging Out: NC State Researchers Help Track Wayward Pests Through Mapping

Tracking invasive pests around the world sounds like it would make for an interesting show on the Discovery Channel. However, the work that goes into tracking these species is less “Deadliest Catch” and more “Dirty Jobs.” Researchers at North Carolina State University partnered with scientists and analysts from around the globe to determine recommendations to… 

Mar 11, 2010

NC State Holds Arbor Day Celebration and Open House

For use by the media as calendar-of-events items or for information What: North Carolina State University will host an Arbor Day Celebration and Open House that includes a plant adoption center, tree seedling giveaways, tree plantings, and “Ask a Forester” sessions. Presentations from faculty and graduate students will highlight the many ways trees help us…