The otters play a seminal role in determining the health of a river system. N.C. State University researchers tested hundreds of river otters throughout the state for diseases and metal accumulation. What they found could be good news for humans.
![Otter at Pocosin Lakes Natural Wildlife Refuge](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Otter_Ring-880x500-330x188.jpg)
The otters play a seminal role in determining the health of a river system. N.C. State University researchers tested hundreds of river otters throughout the state for diseases and metal accumulation. What they found could be good news for humans.
“As we talked with people in community forums, we heard about places and events that are bringing people together, from public libraries to town commons to Friday night football games, and people wondered whether we could do more to build off those gathering places.”
With a bevy of companies relocating or expanding operations in Western North Carolina, economic boosters, educators and business representatives are working to prepare the next generation of workers to meet the growing need.
When we think of pickles, it’s unlikely that we picture the series of legal and bureaucratic hoops necessary to bring them to market. However, last week in Asheville a group of potential food entrepreneurs dove head first into the challenge of re-imagining pickles in just such a context. Photo by Josh O’Conner