Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Michigan State University


When tempers flare, nurses' injuries could rise

A study by researchers at Michigan State University found that social factors can contribute to muscle and joint pain in nurses. When support is perceived as uneven, tempers rise, leading to increased risk of injuries. Implementing strategies to improve the social environment for nurses may reduce stress and promote physical health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalWork and Occupations·DateMar 26, 2019

When it comes to monarchs, fall migration matters

Researchers at Michigan State University found that a critical piece of the monarch butterfly's annual cycle was missing - the fall migration. The team built a multi-scale model and included environmental factors like temperature and landscape greenness to account for year-to-year variations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

Mowing for monarchs

Mowing grasslands in June or July can increase monarch butterfly egg laying by 3-10 times, while also reducing predators. This strategy aims to provide a food source for the butterflies' larval stage and create a more favorable environment for their survival.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 12, 2019

For hyenas, there's no 'I' in clan

In a new study, researchers found that female spotted hyenas who form strong coalitions with other females can overthrow their superiors and improve their fitness. The study revealed that these alliances play a crucial role in maintaining stable social hierarchies and improving the overall rank of coalition members.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Blood holds key to liver regeneration

A Michigan State University study found that fibrinogen accumulates in the remaining liver after surgery and triggers platelet activity to aid in regeneration. Low fibrinogen levels are associated with delayed regeneration and dysfunctional livers, making it a potential predictive marker for doctors.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBlood·DateMar 8, 2019

Uncovering the origins of cultivated strawberries

A recent study published in Nature Genetics reveals the intricate evolutionary history of cultivated strawberries, which originated from the hybridization of four diploid species native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The octoploid strawberry genome analysis has identified genes controlling fruit quality traits and disease resistan...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2019

Machine learning unlocks plants' secrets

Researchers at Michigan State University used machine learning to sort through tens of thousands of plant genes and identify those responsible for producing specialized metabolites. This breakthrough could lead to improved plants, plant-based pharmaceuticals, and environmentally safe pesticides.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Keeping SDGs from being a zero-sum game

Scientists at AAAS Annual Meeting explore ways to address unintended consequences of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches. Researchers discuss strategies for reducing tradeoffs between human well-being, nature conservation, and resource management.

Why Mr. Nice could be Mr. Right

A new study from Michigan State University suggests that finding someone who is nice and conscientious can lead to higher levels of relationship satisfaction. The research found that even among couples with similar personalities, traits like neuroticism and extroversion have a negative impact on relationship happiness

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateFeb 11, 2019

Putting understudied terrorists under a microscope

Researchers at Michigan State University found that ideological cyberterrorist attacks by far-left groups are on the rise, targeting companies and organizations with data breaches, web defacements, and doxing. The attacks have a significant economic and emotional impact, making them a growing threat.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTerrorism and Political Violence·DateJan 25, 2019

What predicts teen partner rape?

Social scientists from Michigan State University identified consistent risk factors for partner rape among young women in their first relationships. Lower socioeconomic status, being of a younger age, and higher levels of physical abuse and coercive control predicted sexual violence. The researchers found that experiences with partner ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJan 3, 2019

A damming trend

A new study by Michigan State University found that hundreds of dams planned for the Mekong River basin could disrupt the region's flood dynamics, threatening food security and ecosystem balance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 14, 2018

Plants' defense against insects is a bouquet

A research study published in Ecology Letters found that plants using a mix of chemical compounds for defense are more effective at deterring insect pests than those relying on single compounds. The type of bouquet matters, with blends having multiple defensive chemicals reducing damage by up to 37%.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 13, 2018

The source of stem cells points to two proteins

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified YAP1 and WWTR1 as crucial proteins in regulating the balance between pluripotent cells and placenta formation. This discovery sheds light on the natural process of creating embryonic stem cells, which could lead to advances in regenerative medicine and organoid technologies.

Baby up at night? Inactivity may be a culprit

Babies who are less active tend to get less sleep overall, according to new Michigan State University research. Infants who slept more at night had better weight-for-length scores and were less active during the day. Parents can promote tummy time and physical activity to help their baby get more sleep.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInfant Behavior and Development·DateNov 28, 2018

Carbon goes with the flow

A recent study by Michigan State University found that floods significantly transport large amounts of organic carbon through ecosystems, contrary to the traditional view of the carbon cycle as vertical. The research analyzed over 1,000 watersheds across the US and found that wetlands play a crucial role in storing and releasing carbon.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 13, 2018

Biodiversity draws the ecotourism crowd

Research at Michigan State University found that better biodiversity leads to more tourists visiting protected areas. A 1% increase in biodiversity results in a 0.87% increase in annual visitors. Strategic management and local community participation can enhance economic development and livelihood benefits.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcosystem Services·DateNov 8, 2018

Teachers and Trump

A new study from Michigan State University found that teachers felt immense pressure to respond in a certain way to the 2016 presidential election. Researchers argue that neutrality in the classroom is not an effective teaching tactic and can marginalize certain groups.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateNov 5, 2018

Democrat/Republican divide is worst it's ever been

A new study by Michigan State University finds that party polarization is at its worst level since the early 1970s. The research analyzed publicly available data on who sponsors bills in Congress and found that politicians co-sponsor legislation only about 200 times, viewing nearly half of their colleagues as opposition.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Networks·DateOct 1, 2018

$2 million award to reimagine US power grid

Michigan State University has been awarded a $2 million grant to develop new designs for long-duration storage on the US power grid. The project, called Scalable Thermochemical Option for Renewable Energy Storage (STORES), aims to create modular thermal storage systems that can store heat energy in the form of chemical energy.