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Michigan State University


Is teacher burnout contagious?

A new study by Michigan State University education scholars found that burnout among early-career teachers is contagious, with a stronger link to school-wide culture than close colleagues' burnout. The researchers analyzed survey data from over 400 teachers and found that schools can play a significant role in reducing teacher burnout.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateJul 10, 2017

Does religion protect against suicide?

New research by Michigan State University scholar Ning Hsieh finds that religious participation is related to higher suicide rates in Southern Europe, Western Europe, and East Asia. In contrast, countries in the English-speaking region, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Northern Europe have seen protective effects of religious partici...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 28, 2017

Panda love spreads to benefit the planet

A recent Michigan State University study reveals that panda conservation in China has far-reaching benefits for the environment, including increased biodiversity and carbon sequestration. The research found that nature reserves created to protect pandas are also benefiting other plant and animal species.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 26, 2017

Winning climate strategy demands details

Scientists at Michigan State University found that examining daily climate minutia provides a better understanding of variable land climates, crucial for policy-making. The study reveals dramatic swings in northern China's climate, affecting agriculture and economic development.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 12, 2017

Are friends better for us than family?

A new study by Michigan State University scholar William Chopik found that friendships become increasingly important to one's happiness and health across the lifespan. In older adults, friendships are actually a stronger predictor of health and happiness than relationships with family members.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateJun 6, 2017

How to attack Africa's neonatal mortality problem

A new study by Michigan State University scholars highlights the need to address inadequate healthcare and water access in Africa to reduce neonatal mortality rates. The study found that nearly half of under-5 child deaths occur during the neonatal period, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGeospatial health·DateJun 1, 2017

The dark side of helping coworkers

Research suggests that helping coworkers in the morning can cause mental fatigue, leading to reduced helpfulness later in the day and increased self-serving behavior. The study found that employees' mental states switch from other-oriented to selfish in the afternoon, harming not only themselves but also their colleagues.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateMay 10, 2017

Climate change, tornadoes and mobile homes: A dangerous mix

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that climate change will increase the annual impact of tornadoes on mobile homes, with a predicted threefold rise over the next few decades. The study highlights the vulnerability of mobile home residents to tornado-related fatalities and recommends policy changes to reduce risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRegional Science and Urban Economics·DateMay 4, 2017

Well-kept vacant lots can help reduce crime

A new study by Michigan State University found that well-kept vacant lots can help reduce crime rates in urban areas. The research analyzed nine years of crime data in Flint, Michigan, and discovered a correlation between greening efforts and decreased crime rates, including violent and property crimes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalApplied Geography·DateApr 18, 2017

Charisma-challenged? You can still be a good boss

New research from Michigan State University suggests that a boss's mindset can significantly impact employee motivation. Studies found that leaders with a regulatory focus, or mindset, can adapt their behavior to elicit specific mindsets in employees, whether it's innovation or a more conservative work focus.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateApr 18, 2017

Altering pH bumps prions out of danger zone

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that altering pH levels can prevent prion proteins from aggregating and forming deadly diseases. The study used a laser technique to measure the speed at which proteins rearrange before clumping, and found that an antihistamine called astemizole was effective in reducing prion ag...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2017

How to improve your freshman retention rate

Incoming college students who already feel a connection to their institution are more likely to fit in and want to remain at the school. Ethnic minority students were less likely to feel a connection during orientation but had a stronger link to feelings of fitting in if they did.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateMar 3, 2017

Aging faces could increase security risks

Researchers found that 99% of face images can still be recognized up to six years later, but accuracy drops if images are taken more than six years apart. The study emphasizes the importance of capturing new images every four to five years to reduce false positives.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateMar 2, 2017