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Michigan State University


Two tales of a city to understand sustainability

Scientists at Michigan State University have developed a new framework to understand the complex relationships between urban water management and global sustainability. The study uses telecoupling processes to analyze the water dynamics of Beijing, China's capital city, and its impact on distant regions. By combining local and global p...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology and Society·DateOct 12, 2016

Meditation keeps emotional brain in check

A new study from Michigan State University suggests that meditation can help tame negative emotions in people of all mindfulness levels. Participants who meditated showed similar levels of 'emotion regulatory' brain activity as those with high natural mindfulness, indicating improved emotional health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateOct 3, 2016

Is sex in later years good for your health?

A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that sex in later years can have contrasting effects on cardiovascular health for men and women. For older men, frequent sex increases the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, while moderate amounts of sex may promote health among older women.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateSep 6, 2016

Beat the stock market by satisfying customers

Researchers from Michigan State University found that creating a stock portfolio based on customer satisfaction data achieves cumulative returns of 518 percent. This surpasses the 31 percent increase for the S&P 500 Index in the same time period, with the customer satisfaction portfolio outperforming the benchmark in 14 out of 15 years.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 6, 2016

A new key in fighting Kennedy's disease

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a new target for treating Kennedy's disease by focusing on the role of genes in muscles. Contrary to previous beliefs, researchers found that the affected gene does not cause muscle fibers to lose connections with neurons, but rather appears broken and disorganized.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateAug 31, 2016

Defend or grow? These plants do both

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a genetic combination that allows plants to both grow and defend themselves from insects and disease. This breakthrough has significant implications for farmers trying to increase crop yields and feed the world's growing population.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2016

Female forensic scientists more stressed than males

A study led by a Michigan State University criminologist reveals that female forensic scientists face higher stress levels than males, with 78% reporting mid to high levels of job stress. Despite overall job satisfaction, scientists who testified more often in court and worked longer hours were happier with their jobs.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Crime and Justice·DateAug 18, 2016

Are urban black males shortchanged in classroom?

A new study by Michigan State University scholar Chezare Warren found that over-supporting urban black males in high school can have negative consequences for their academic success in college. The research suggests that balancing instructional and social supports is crucial to preparing students academically for college

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateAug 18, 2016

Cellular snowplow keeps genes open

A new study reveals how immune cells access specific genes to fight inflammation and infections, using the cellular snowplow mechanism. The researchers found that nucleosome remodelers clear away blizzards of nucleosomes, allowing genes to be expressed.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 16, 2016

How incivility spreads in the workplace

A study by Michigan State University found that incivility spreads through condescending comments and put-downs, reducing employees' self-control and leading to uncivil behavior. Workplace incivility has a significant impact on employees and companies, with an estimated $14,000 annual loss per employee.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateAug 10, 2016

Still changing after all these years

A team of researchers sequenced 264 complete genomes from Richard Lenski's long-term evolution experiment (LTEE) to examine how E. coli bacteria changed over 50,000 generations. They found more than 14,000 changes across 12 populations, with mutations concentrated in genes that gave the bacteria a competitive edge.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2016

Dads play key role in child development

Research from Michigan State University found that fathers' parenting-related stress has a direct impact on children's cognitive and language development, even after controlling for mothers' influences. Fathers' mental health also affects their children's behavior problems and social skills, particularly in later childhood.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJul 14, 2016

Why Clinton and Trump backers don't mix

A national study led by Michigan State University scholar William Chopik found that living among people with opposing political viewpoints can affect ability to form close relationships and accept perspectives. The study also suggests that segregating into 'red' and 'blue' states may stifle healthy political discourse.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 8, 2016

Areas in need get a food market on wheels

A Michigan State University researcher is helping a farmers market and local food sources go mobile in Flint, providing healthier options to those most in need. The mobile market will offer fruits, veggies, meat, cheese, dairy, grains, and other foods, with community buy-in essential for its success.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Health Geographics·DateJul 7, 2016

Helping co-workers can wear you out

A new study suggests that helping coworkers can be draining for employees, especially those with high pro-social motivation. Employees should exercise caution when agreeing to help and consider the magnitude of the issue before seeking assistance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJun 14, 2016

The Texas butterfly effect

Researchers from Michigan State University create a new model to estimate summer monarch abundance in Ohio and Illinois through their migration through Texas. Higher populations are associated with average to above-average precipitation and cooler temperatures in Texas during spring.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJun 9, 2016

Study uncovers clue to deciphering schizophrenia

A new study led by Michigan State University scientist uncovers a clue to deciphering schizophrenia by examining neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA. Reduced levels of both neurotransmitters were found in schizophrenia patients and healthy relatives, but the relatives maintained normal GABA levels.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 7, 2016

Why are blacks at higher risk for cognitive impairment?

A national study led by Michigan State University sociologist Zhenmei Zhang found that blacks are 2.52 times more likely to develop cognitive impairment than whites due to childhood disadvantages and lower socioeconomic status in adulthood. Reducing racial gaps in socioeconomic resources is crucial to addressing this issue.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMay 31, 2016

Can telehealth fill gap in autism services?

A federally funded pilot study shows telehealth training successfully improved social communication skills in children with autism, with parents seeing benefits regardless of coaching sessions. The study suggests that telehealth can fill a gap in autism services, especially for rural and underrepresented communities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMay 24, 2016

New packaging advances prolongs veggie freshness

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new packaging method that enhances the safety and quality of onions, one of the highest-volume vegetables sold worldwide. The package and sanitizer combination led to diced onions being acceptable for purchase after two weeks of storage.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateMay 16, 2016

Rare human disease found in dogs

A rare form of pulmonary hypertension has been discovered in dogs, with similar symptoms and potentially useful as a model for human PVOD. The study, published in Veterinary Pathology, could lead to new insights into the disease and its treatment options.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalVeterinary Pathology·DateMay 12, 2016