New research out of Appalachian State University shows that the humble banana may have some hidden benefits. The study suggests that a combination of water and a banana is not only as effective as sports drinks for exercise recovery, but quite likely more effective.

In this article on marriage proposal rituals, Appalachian State University sociologist Dr. Ellen Lamont discusses her research that has found today’s marriage proposals are less conversation-like and more elaborate and fantastical — in large part due to social media.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in this country, there are approximately 75 million women in the civilian labor force—around 47 percent of all U.S. workers. “In my current role as communications liaison for Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education, my counterparts—all women—and I are building a supportive and mutually beneficial community.”

North Carolina has built one of the finest university systems in the nation, University of North Carolina System President Margaret Spellings said Monday. But it can be better.

In light of recent school shootings, psychology professor Dr. Jim Deni discusses staffing of school psychologists on Public School Forum of North Carolina.

The Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork, which will have a reading literacy focus, last week accepted its first round of students — more than 200, with space for 315 before moving to a waiting list. The academy will be one of nine laboratory schools across the state, each of which is also run by an education college in the UNC system.

Former U.S. secretary of education Margaret Spellings says a new book doesn’t appreciate that yesterday’s useless knowledge becomes tomorrow’s practical necessity.

Dr. Beth Davison’s “Dulatown” goes back in time more than 150 years to examine the lives of Harriet and Alfred Dula, which first came to life in Dr. Leslie McKesson ’s book, “Black and White: The Story of Harriet Harshaw and Squire James Alfred Dula.”

Appalachian State University’s Stock Car Racing Collection in Belk Library works to preserve the sport’s history while offering scholars, reporters, fans and others an opportunity to conduct research.