Researchers aim to identify brain mechanisms related to psychosis by studying corollary discharge signals in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They will use an fMRI scanner to investigate the oculomotor system, which is thought to support a subjective sense of agency in these patients.
Researchers propose a new method to solve the complex many-particle Schrödinger equation, enabling accurate electronic energies and advancing fields like drug discovery and nuclear physics. The approach merges deterministic and stochastic methods to identify key wave function components.
A recent study published in Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that stress receptors can control immune cells' defense mechanisms, leading to allergic diseases. Mice with disabled stress receptors showed reduced disease symptoms and were protected against stress-related illnesses.
Michigan State University is building a unique online data hub to study African slavery with a $1.5 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The project, called "Enslaved," will link millions of pieces of slave data to identify enslaved individuals and their descendants.
A Twitter campaign against Donald Trump's comments on sexual assault found a large number of tweets calling for boys and men to shut down degrading conversations. The study urges men to resist engaging in or shutting down conversations that are degrading to women, finding it makes an impact on preventing sexual assault and harassment.
Using streams as sensors near headwaters can help diagnose a watershed's sensitivity to changes in land use practices. By analyzing the chemistry of small streams, researchers can identify areas that can be sustainably developed for food production and target restoration efforts.
A Michigan State University student examines the impact of grain size and niche breadth on species distribution modeling, finding that relying solely on expert opinions can lead to inaccurate predictions. The research aims to promote more extensive testing and data-driven approaches in conservation.
A new study led by Michigan State University sociologist Stephanie Nawyn examines the impact of race and gender on African immigrants' assimilation. The research reveals that black African immigrant women experienced a 130% increase in wages between 1990 and 2010, surpassing those of their male counterparts.
A Michigan State University study suggests that THC in marijuana can reduce inflammatory white blood cells and decrease proteins released by the body, potentially slowing down mental decline in HIV patients. The researchers found that patients who used marijuana had lower levels of inflammatory cells compared to those who didn't use it.
A new study by Michigan State University scholars reveals that discrimination harms not only the victim's health but also their partner's. The research found that experiencing unfair treatment has a significant impact on an individual's mental health, including depression, and can strain relationships.
A comprehensive bee census led by Michigan State University scientists confirmed the discovery of a new species and revealed that Michigan has more than 420 species of bees, exceeding earlier estimates. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding wild bee populations and their benefits to crops and the environment.
A Michigan State University researcher has received three grants totaling $2.7 million to study how reforms to institutional policies, practices, and teaching can be leveraged to help undergraduates succeed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The project aims to explore how universities improve STEM education when the...
A study at Michigan State University found that online students using robot-learning technology feel more engaged and connected to instructors and fellow students in the classroom. The innovative system uses robots with video screens controlled by remote users, allowing for individualized interactions.
A groundbreaking national study by Michigan State University researchers found that state laws restricting gun ownership among domestic abusers and others with violent histories significantly reduce intimate partner homicides. Laws covering dating partners, emergency restraining orders, permit-to-purchase requirements, and firearms rel...
Researchers found that high temperatures weaken plant defenses while strengthening bacterial attacks, making plants more vulnerable to infection. However, treatment with a chemical that mimics salicylic acid can effectively protect plants from infection at elevated temperatures.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a key to designing more selective pesticides that target pests without killing beneficial insects like bees. By understanding the molecular differences between mammals and insects, they hope to create new chemicals that spare bees while effectively controlling agricultural pests.
A new study suggests that including exercise in treatment plans for depression may improve patient outcomes. Over 80% of patients surveyed believed exercise helped alleviate their mood and anxiety.
A Michigan State University study found that people fit into specific 'vinotypes' based on their food and beverage preferences. The researchers recommend that servers and sommeliers consider these preferences when suggesting a wine. By trusting their own palate, consumers can make informed choices about wine pairings.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified key genes that helped domesticated potatoes adapt over thousands of years. By studying the ancestors of modern North American cultivated potatoes, scientists uncovered common genes and important pathways that enabled spuds to thrive in diverse environments.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that fully disclosing personal beliefs can actually decrease people's trust in scientific research. The researchers used two scenarios focused on the additive Bisphenol A, a controversial substance often found in plastic water bottles, and found that when scientists made statements about their...
Transparent solar cells can provide similar electricity-generation potential as rooftop solar while enhancing building efficiency, and may supply up to 40% of US energy demand
A Michigan State University scientist is leading a NOAA-funded project to create a three-month, automated drought outlook that will be released weekly to the public. The system aims to provide more notice of potential droughts, including flash droughts, and help policymakers and stakeholders prepare for these events.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a new concept called 'drift robustness', where small populations evolve to protect themselves from harmful mutations. This adaptation allows them to survive and thrive in environments where larger populations would struggle.
Researchers studied the evolution of sticky toe pads in lizards, finding that geckos took an 'adaptive stumble' approach, while anoles committed to a single type. This divergence highlights the complex nature of evolutionary processes and challenges assumptions about the predictability of evolution.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified the PNLDC1 gene as a key player in regulating sperm production, providing a genetic foundation for male birth control. The study's findings suggest that silencing this gene can lead to infertility in mice, making it a promising approach for human male contraception.
A national study led by Michigan State University researcher Sacha Klein found that participating in Head Start may help prevent young children from being placed in foster care. Kids up to age 5 in the program were 93% less likely to end up in foster care than those without early care and education.
Researchers found that abusive supervisors experience a sense of recovery from their behavior, which helps replenish mental energy and resources. However, this benefit is short-lived, lasting only a week or less, after which they start to experience decreased trust, support, and productivity from employees.
Michigan State University researchers will use a $1.1 million grant to identify disease-resistant regions in switchgrass, aiming to produce more resilient crops for the emerging bio-based economy. The study's findings will provide valuable insights for breeders to improve switchgrass' viability and provide a consistent source of biofuels.
A Michigan State University study found that preschool teachers lack knowledge and confidence in teaching science, contributing to the US poor global performance in this subject. Only high-skilled teachers created quality scientific opportunities for students.
Researchers at MSU are developing more effective human-robot collaborations for search-and-rescue missions. The joint efforts of humans and robots can improve efficiency and accuracy in underwater rescues.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new type of fake finger containing multiple properties of human skin, designed to test fingerprint recognition systems' resilience to spoof attacks. The synthetic fingers aim to improve the accuracy and security of fingerprint readers used in various applications.
A Michigan State University study found that expressive writing helps chronically anxious individuals perform stressful tasks more efficiently by freeing up brain resources. By writing about their thoughts and feelings, participants used fewer cognitive resources, leading to improved task accuracy and reaction times.
Michigan State University will lead a $10 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to explore ways to boost camelina oilseed's yield. The team aims to achieve up to a 300-percent increase per acre in oil production by studying the plant's metabolic and gene expression networks.
Researchers at Michigan State University studied the unique molecule acylsugars found in tomato trichomes, revealing their diverse structures and potential as natural pesticides. This discovery opens an evolutionary window into plant defense metabolism and could lead to innovative solutions for pest resistance and human medicine.
Researchers warn that easy access to sand has bred a careless understanding of its true global costs, leading to environmental degradation and social issues. The global sand supply is uncertain, with no clear system in place for managing demand and extraction rates.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that sleep reduces the likelihood of innocent people being wrongly identified as suspects. When perpetrators are absent from lineups, sleeping eyewitnesses identify innocents 42% of the time, compared to 66% for those who didn't sleep.
A study published in Neurology found that a scratch-and-sniff test may predict Parkinson's disease up to six years before diagnosis. The test showed strong links between smell and disease risk for white participants, but weaker associations for black participants. Older men with poor sense of smell were more likely to develop the disease.
Researchers have identified a zinc transporter, ZIP4, that is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells, making it a potential target for new drugs. The study reveals the structure of ZIP4's core, which conducts zinc transport, and identifies an unprecedented fold for membrane transporters.
Researchers found that an antidepressant drug, nortriptyline, slowed the growth of abnormal proteins associated with Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating the disease, which could be simpler and more effective than current therapies.
A study by Michigan State University found that parents and siblings can improve their ability to communicate with special needs children using an online training program. The training provides interactive strategies for offering communication opportunities, commenting on activities, and waiting for responses. The researchers tested th...
Researchers found high-quality panda habitat is growing, but areas outside nature reserves are experiencing fragmentation due to human activities and natural events. The study highlights the need for continued conservation efforts to address these gaps.
A new Michigan State University study found that a protein released from visceral fat can cause non-cancerous cells to become cancerous. Abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, and body mass index may not be the best indicator of risk.
A Michigan State University doctor and professor teamed up to document high rates of Group B Streptococcus colonization in Nigeria. They identified new risk factors, allowing for effective treatment and significantly reducing infant mortality rates.
A Michigan State University study found that salespeople who control the emotional tone of their buyer-seller relationship by expressing gratitude can foster customer loyalty and gratitude. By going above and beyond, salespeople can potentially outperform even long-term relationships in terms of customer satisfaction.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered four genes that help Varroa mites survive and two that affect their reproduction. The team used RNA interference to identify the key genes, which could lead to reduced or eliminated mite populations. This breakthrough may also have applications beyond bee conservation.
A voluntary registry will connect Flint residents exposed to lead-contaminated water to healthcare services and support programs. The project aims to improve lives, identify individuals, and provide guidance for state and local recommendations.
Leading scientists from around the world gathered to discuss leveraging science to combat illegal wildlife trade. They identified opportunities to bring scientific knowledge to bear on the problem, including using data, collaborating on problem-solving, and assessing interventions.
A rogue gene called GNAO1 is causing seizures and involuntary movements in children as young as a few days old. Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered key differences in its function that could lead to new treatment options.
Researchers found that third-person self-talk can lead people to think about themselves more similarly to how they think about others, gaining psychological distance from their experiences. This can be useful for regulating emotions, with the brain activity showing decreased emotional reactivity when using the third person.
A national study by Michigan State University found that married transgender couples are less likely to experience discrimination than their unmarried counterparts. The study analyzed data from 4,286 transgender participants and found that married individuals faced lower levels of transphobia and discrimination in various domains of life.