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Michigan State University


Environmental activism works, study shows

A Michigan State University study found that environmental activism can mitigate the negative impacts of population growth and economic affluence on greenhouse gas emissions. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that states with strong green voices tend to have lower emissions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2015

A smelling bee?

Researchers at Michigan State University have found that Varroa mites can mimic the scent of honeybees to infiltrate hives. The study revealed that the parasites are able to adapt quickly, changing their surface chemicals within days to evade detection by bees.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 3, 2015

Schools failing to address biased student discipline

A Michigan State University scholar argues that school districts are complicit in the oppression of students of color by ignoring the issue of biased student discipline. Researchers faced roadblocks and resistance from district administrators who viewed their efforts as a threat.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateJun 2, 2015

Online gambling would benefit from better regulation

A new study by Michigan State University business scholars estimates the costs and benefits of the Unfair Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, concluding that regulated online gambling would benefit both the industry and consumers, reducing uncertainty and confusion among firms and individuals.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Hospitality Financial Management·DateJun 1, 2015

Supernovas help 'clean' galaxies

Recent research found that supernovas work hand-in-hand with supermassive black holes to sweep out gas, interrupting star formation in galaxies. The partnership of these celestial events may help understand why massive galaxies stopped forming stars billions of years ago.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 26, 2015

Stuttering linked to rhythm perception deficiency

Researchers at Michigan State University found that children who stutter have difficulty perceiving a beat in music-like rhythms, which may account for their halting speech patterns. This study has implications for treating stuttering and suggests that improving beat perception in children could lead to improved fluency in speech.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBrain and Language·DateMay 19, 2015

Team science is better science

A groundbreaking report from the National Research Council concludes that team science is increasingly used in scientific research, enhancing innovation and impact. However, resolving the challenges of effective team science requires attention to assembling the right people, training and development, and team leadership.

Seven in 10 take early pension payout

A Michigan State University study found that 71% of Croatian retirees chose smaller, earlier pension payouts when given the option, with those who were poor or distrusted the government more likely to make this choice. The study provides crucial insight into individuals' preferences and reasoning when early payouts may be offered

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateMay 12, 2015

Tortoise approach works best -- even for evolution

A team of researchers found that limiting migrations among populations of bacteria produced better adaptations and allowed for a wider variety of peaks, enabling the organisms to adapt to their environment more effectively. This 'tortoise-hare' pattern highlights the importance of slow and steady evolution in achieving long-term success.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

America's best teachers get creative

A new study by Michigan State University scholars found that exceptional teachers incorporate their personal interests into the curriculum to create interactive and effective learning experiences. The research suggests that teachers should be encouraged to take creative risks and bring diverse perspectives to the classroom.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateMay 5, 2015

Quenching the thirst for clean, safe water

A new foam water filter has been developed by Michigan State University researchers, which significantly reduces dangerous pathogens in drinking water. The filter combines existing treatment principles and features a unique biological layer that enables it to become more efficient over time.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateApr 29, 2015

Discovery of new plant switch could boost crops, biofuel production

Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a new switch that regulates plant photosynthesis, allowing for improved efficiency and resilience to environmental stresses. This discovery may aid in developing plants with enhanced productivity and stability, addressing the increasing demand for food and fuel as climate changes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2015

Lifting families out of poverty -- with dignity

A new study by Jennifer Sykes and colleagues found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program bolsters recipients' self-respect by emphasizing their role as working parents and providers. The EITC has lifted approximately 7 million people out of poverty every year, about half of those children.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateApr 1, 2015

A peek at the secret life of pandas

Researchers tracked 5 pandas for months using rare GPS collars, finding that they sometimes hang together and have complex social interactions. The data also revealed a panda's feeding strategy, showing that they return to core areas after being away for long periods of time.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateMar 27, 2015

How did the chicken cross the sea?

A team of researchers from Michigan State University studied the feral chicken population on the Hawaiian island of Kauai to understand their genetic origins. The study found evidence of hybridization between ancient Red Junglefowl and domestic chickens, suggesting that the population may have originated from interbreeding.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 26, 2015

Additives to biodegrade plastics don't work

A new study from Michigan State University finds that several additives claiming to break down plastics do not work in common disposal situations. The team tested five additives and three categories of biodegradation methods but found no difference between plastics with additives and those without.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 20, 2015

Hidden benefits of electric vehicles revealed

Researchers at Michigan State University reveal two hidden benefits of electric vehicles: reduced heat emission and potential cooling effect on city dwellers. The study finds that replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric ones could reduce urban heat intensity by nearly 1 degree Celsius, saving energy and carbon emissions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 2015

Spreading the seeds of big data

MSU researchers are using big data analytics to help farmers adapt to climate variability, reducing nitrous oxide emissions and algal blooms. The project aims to integrate crop models with satellite imagery and UAVs to promote water-, nutrient- and climate-smart technologies.

Galactic 'rain' could be key to star formation

A team of astronomers has found that galactic 'rain' may be the key to understanding why some galaxies are more productive at creating stars than others. The researchers analyzed X-rays from over 200 galaxy clusters using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and discovered that massive black holes can slow down gas that helps form stars.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2015

Do cops need college?

A new study found college-educated police officers are dissatisfied with their jobs, have negative views of their supervisors, and don't favor community policing. However, the researchers suggest that a college education may actually lead to less force being used on citizens, making police departments more legitimate and trustworthy.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice Education·DateFeb 5, 2015

What's happening with your donated specimen?

A Michigan State University study found that most people are willing to donate bodily samples for medical research, but this willingness drops when specific projects are mentioned. The study suggests that biobanks should rethink their consent processes and be more transparent about the research they support.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJAMA·DateJan 28, 2015

Graffiti: Art or eyesore?

A new study by Michigan State University sociologist Toby Ten Eyck analyzed news coverage of graffiti in US publications, finding most articles linked it to crime and blight. However, some stories highlighted graffiti as an expression of solidarity or social commentary.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Social Science Journal·DateJan 12, 2015

Mom's exercise habits good for blood pressure in kids

A Michigan State University study found that exercising regularly during pregnancy can reduce a child's chances of developing high blood pressure later in life. The research suggests that physical activity during critical developmental periods may have a direct impact on the baby's cardiovascular health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateJan 5, 2015