In this article from The Washington Post, experts say that in the days ahead of a race, runners should consume extra carbohydrates to improve endurance. Dr. David Nieman, professor in App State’s Department of Biology, offers advice on how runners can avoid “hitting the wall” in a marathon. Nieman is the director of App State’s Human Performance Lab at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis.

Work is set to begin to remove Shull’s Mill Dam on the Watauga River in July in order to restore a healthy river ecosystem. The project will involve the relocation of eastern hellbenders, a species of special concern in North Carolina, who live in the river near the dam. Dr. Mike Gangloff, professor in App State’s Department of Biology, speaks to the importance of hellbenders, including how they can increase water and habitat quality in rivers. Gangloff is the aquatic lead researcher for the Shull’s Mill Dam removal.

Health experts and athletes explore the benefits of non-alcoholic beer as a post-workout recovery drink in this GQ magazine feature. Dr. Laurel Wentz, associate professor in App State’s Nutrition and Foods Program, explains that non-alcoholic beer provides hydration effects similar to water, but also has the benefit of carbs, which the body needs to help recover after workouts. Wentz explains how pairing non-alcoholic beer with a high-protein snack can achieve similar results to sports drinks.