media mentions

Dec 15, 2023

A US Pine Species Thrives When Burned. Southerners Are Rekindling a ‘Fire Culture’ to Boost its Range

Associated Press
Prescribed burn associations are proving key to conservationists’ efforts to restore a longleaf pine range forming the backbone of forest ecology in the American Southeast.

Dec 15, 2023

How ‘Fire Culture’ Restores Ecosystems and Friendship in the South

The Christian Science Monitor
Climate change is reducing the number of safe burn days. Rising temperatures cause lower relative humidity in the South and intensify periods when it’s too dry, said Jennifer Fawcett, a North Carolina State University wildland fire expert.

Dec 11, 2023

People Living in Green Areas Seem to Age Slower at The Cellular Level

ScienceAlert
"This study was an attempt to quantify the beneficial impacts of greenspace at the cellular level, and the extent to which greenspace can help to offset environmental harms," said the study's co-author Aaron Hipp, a professor of parks, recreation and tourism management at North Carolina State University.

Dec 6, 2023

North Carolina State University Researchers Aim To Create ‘Perfect’ Christmas Trees

Kiss 95.1
The North Carolina State University Christmas Tree Genetics Program has spent decades working toward genetically-improved Christmas trees.

Dec 6, 2023

NC State Researchers Working to Develop the ‘Elite’ Christmas Tree

WXII-TV
North Carolina State University researchers are using genetics to make Christmas trees that look pretty, don't lose needles, and grow faster.

Dec 5, 2023

These Genetically Modified Christmas Trees Barely Drop Any Needles

The Messenger
By 2037, North Carolina's genetically improved 'elite' Frasier firs could be the ultimate Christmas tree.

Dec 5, 2023

NC Researchers Working to Create the Perfect Christmas Tree

WCNC
Christmas trees are, for many, the centerpiece of the holiday decorations, and there's nothing quite like a real tree. In fact, researchers in North Carolina are working to create the perfect tree.

Dec 4, 2023

Christmas Trees Genetically Improved For Less Needly Mess to Clean Up

New Atlas
NC State researchers have taken the best genetic characteristics of the Fraser fir, arguably the most popular choice for Christmas trees, and used them to create a tree that’s taller, prettier, and sheds only a fraction of its needles.

Dec 4, 2023

Researchers Develop Genetically Modified Christmas Trees with Enhanced Symmetry, Rapid Growth, Extended Needle Retention

Tech Times
The allure of real trees is occasionally marred by the constant shedding of needles, necessitating frequent clean-ups. To tackle this prevalent issue, scientists affiliated with the Christmas Tree Genetics Program at North Carolina State University have embarked on pioneering endeavors.

Dec 4, 2023

Genetically Modified Christmas Trees May Reduce Needle Shedding

Interesting Engineering
“You might not even need to vacuum with the genetics developed by our program,” said Justin Whitehill, an extension specialist at NC State University.