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Michigan State University


Domestic abuse may affect children in womb

Research by Michigan State University scientists reveals a strong link between mothers' prenatal domestic abuse and postnatal trauma symptoms in their children. The study found that prenatal abuse can cause changes in the mother's stress response systems, leading to increased cortisol levels in the fetus.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateDec 16, 2014

Stay complex, my friends

Researchers found that long-lasting hosts evolved more complex defenses against parasites, providing a survival advantage. The study used the Avida platform to model co-evolution between host and virus, revealing a surprising large proportion of 'switching' mutations in co-evolved hosts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 16, 2014

Season's eatings

Michigan State University researcher Kelly Klump found a link between women's monthly hormonal changes and intensified body obsession, increasing the risk of eating disorders. The study suggests that cultural perceptions of increased food intake as negative can be detrimental, particularly during holidays.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 16, 2014

A poisonous cure

A team of Michigan State University scientists has discovered an enzyme, called POPB, which converts toxins into cyclic peptides with missile-like precision in the human liver. This breakthrough could lead to single-minded medicines with zero side effects by harnessing the distinct properties of POPB.

Tinkering with the Tao of pandas

A new study reveals that giant pandas are not as picky about their habitat as previously believed. The research, led by Michigan State University, found that pandas are willing to live in secondary forests, climb different slopes, and choose areas with varying amounts of sunshine.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalUrsus·DateDec 3, 2014

Trouble with your boss? Own it

A recent study by Michigan State University found that employee motivation increases when workers and their supervisors share similar views on the quality of their relationship, even if the relationship is poor. This discovery suggests that being honest about one's feelings can lead to better work engagement and performance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateNov 21, 2014

China's new 'Great Wall' not so great

China's vast seawall, covering over half its coastline, faces criticism for ecological costs and lack of protection. The wetland ecosystems support millions of migratory birds and produce 28 million tons of fishery products, underappreciated services that threaten with unsustainable development

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2014

Bad marriage, broken heart?

A new study from Michigan State University finds that bad marriages are associated with a higher risk of heart disease in older adults, particularly women. The study analyzed data from over 1,200 couples and found that negative marital quality had a greater impact on cardiovascular health than positive quality.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 19, 2014

Wrangling data flood to manage the health of streams

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new database and algorithm to analyze upstream data, enabling the management of stream health across large landscapes. The system allows for rapid analysis of 2.6 million stream reaches in the contiguous United States, reducing analysis time from weeks to just five hours.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSpringerPlus·DateNov 2, 2014

Identifying the source of stem cells

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that a specific gene, Sox2, plays a crucial role in determining the source of stem cells in mammals. By studying mouse embryos, the team found that Sox2 appears to be acting ahead of other genes traditionally identified as playing critical roles in stem cell formation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 30, 2014

Cadavers beat computers for learning anatomy

A recent study published in Anatomical Sciences Education reveals that cadaver-based instruction is more effective than computer simulation in teaching anatomy. Students who learned on cadavers scored up to 16% higher on identification and 11% higher on explanation compared to those who used digital technologies.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnatomical Sciences Education·DateOct 16, 2014

When judging art, men and women stand apart

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that men tend to focus on an artist's background and authenticity when evaluating art, while women prioritize the artwork itself. This finding has implications for the $64 billion art market and other industries where creativity is involved.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateOct 9, 2014

Zeroing in on a source of gamma rays

A team of researchers, led by Michigan State University astronomer Laura Chomiuk, has discovered the location where a nova explosion emitted gamma rays. Using highly detailed radio telescope images, they pinpointed the source to a stellar explosion, which may be common in other nova explosions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateOct 8, 2014

Parents drive kids' car choices

A new study by Michigan State University economist Soren Anderson found that children are 39% more likely to buy a particular car brand if their parents bought that brand. This inherited brand loyalty could impact automakers' marketing strategies, with potential implications for pricing and product offerings.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·DateOct 2, 2014

Not all Hispanics are the same when it comes to drinking

A Michigan State University study finds that annual incidence rates of alcohol use disorders vary significantly among different Hispanic subgroups, including Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban-Americans. The research highlights the importance of developing culturally specific preventive measures to address these disparities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAlcohol and Alcoholism·DateSep 25, 2014

Exercise before school may reduce ADHD symptoms in kids

A new study from Michigan State University and University of Vermont researchers found that daily before-school aerobic activities can help reduce ADHD symptoms in elementary school students. Children with a higher risk of ADHD showed significant improvements across various outcomes compared to those receiving sedentary activities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateSep 9, 2014

High-stakes testing, lack of voice driving teachers out

A recent study found that standardized testing is a major contributor to teacher turnover, with many educators leaving the profession due to frustration with high-stakes testing. The study's findings suggest that a culture of high-stakes testing can lead to demoralization among teachers and a lack of quality instruction time.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateSep 9, 2014

A single evolutionary road may lead to Rome

A new paper published in Nature Communications suggests that simple traits like butterfly wing patterns may have a shared genetic source. Researchers identified a single gene, WntA, responsible for the evolution of similar color patterns in two distantly related butterfly species.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2014

Nature or nurture? It's all about the message

A new study from Michigan State University found that messages about intelligence can immediately impact brain activity, making people more willing to work hard. The research suggests that the human brain is receptive to the message that intelligence comes from environment, regardless of its accuracy.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Psychology·DateSep 3, 2014

Scared of crime? Good

A Michigan State University study suggests that adolescents who are more fearful of crime are less likely to become victims and offenders of violent acts. The research found that fearful youth tend to avoid potentially dangerous situations, leading to safer outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateAug 12, 2014

Should women 'man up' for male-dominated fields?

New research by Michigan State University scholars suggests that women applying for jobs in male-dominated fields should emphasize masculine traits, such as assertiveness and independence, to be seen as a better fit. This approach is seen as an effective strategy to counteract bias in the hiring process.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateAug 7, 2014