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Michigan State University


Local education politics 'far from dead'

A new study by Michigan State University finds that Teach for America alumni candidates prioritize both local and national issues in their school board campaigns. The research suggests that supporting TFA alumni to run for local offices is an effective way to advance the organization's agenda.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducation Policy Analysis Archives·DateJul 29, 2014

Surfing the Web in class? Bad idea

Researchers at Michigan State University found that non-academic Internet use in class leads to lower exam scores for all students, not just those with lower intellectual abilities. The study suggests that the engaging nature of internet use can be a significant distraction and negatively impact academic performance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalComputers & Education·DateJun 17, 2014

Can mice mimic human breast cancer? MSU study says 'yes'

A recent MSU study has discovered that many preclinical models of human breast cancer can replicate several key characteristics, particularly at the gene level. The researchers analyzed 1,172 mouse mammary tumor samples from 26 different models and found that most human breast cancers can be represented by one specific strain of mice.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateJun 5, 2014

'I can' mentality goes long way after childbirth

A Michigan State University study found that women with a strong 'I can' mentality during pregnancy and postpartum periods retained less weight and performed more physical activities. The research team measured physical activity levels, barriers to exercise, and the ability to overcome them in 56 women.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateMay 22, 2014

Cyberbullying affects rich and poor alike

A study by Michigan State University researchers suggests that poverty and crime in neighborhoods are significant predictors of cyberbullying. The findings contradict the notion that cyberbullying is a middle-class problem and highlight the need for targeted prevention efforts in low-income communities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·DateMay 21, 2014

Cyber buddy is better than 'no buddy'

A Michigan State University researcher found that software-generated partners can be effective motivators during exercise, outperforming 'no buddy' conditions. The study, published in the Games for Health Journal, suggests potential applications for fitness game developers and may improve exercise outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGames for Health Journal·DateApr 23, 2014

Unraveling the 'black ribbon' around lung cancer

A Michigan State University study highlights the emotional toll of lung cancer stigma, with patients feeling guilt, self-blame, and discomfort around healthcare providers. The research aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers and develop strategies to strengthen coping skills and symptom management for affected individuals.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Oncology Nursing·DateApr 17, 2014

Flipping the switch on scleroderma

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified the core signaling pathway that activates scleroderma and found chemical compounds that can turn it off. This discovery offers a new approach to treating the disease, which currently lacks effective treatments.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateApr 4, 2014

Positive, negative thinkers' brains revealed

The study found that positive thinkers had less brain activity during a task where they were asked to put a positive spin on graphic images, while worriers showed increased activity. This suggests that positive thinking may be harderwired in the brain and could have implications for how negative thinkers approach difficult situations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateApr 2, 2014

'Ivory tower' bucking social media

A new paper suggests that academia is slow to adopt social media, with most researchers failing to utilize widely available platforms. Despite efforts to increase access to research, the majority of university scholars resist using social media to disseminate their work and engage with students.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Technology·DateMar 31, 2014

Fair bosses pay a price

A new study by Michigan State University found that fair bosses can be emotionally draining due to the need to monitor fairness in workplace decisions. This 'procedural justice' requires managers to suppress personal biases and maintain consistency, leading to mental fatigue.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMar 24, 2014

Genes play key role in parenting

A study by Michigan State University psychologists finds that genes account for 23-40% of parental warmth, control, and negativity towards children. Environmental factors also play a significant role in shaping parenting behavior, highlighting the complexity of this dynamic.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateMar 20, 2014

Impersonating poisonous prey

Prey animals adopt garish colors to live long and prosper, even if they aren't poisonous. The evolutionary benefit of mimicry works, with predators reacting to the impersonations and avoiding eating the imposters. This study used evolving populations of digital organisms in a virtual world called Avida.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 2014

Is marriage killing us?

A new national interdisciplinary effort examines how biology and social factors interact within marriage to affect cardiovascular health. The study aims to identify risk factors for heart disease and elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship.

MSU advances algae's viability as a biofuel

Michigan State University scientists develop a standardized algae growing platform that simulates dynamic natural environments to cultivate strains capable of producing oil in real-world settings. The ePBR system has inspired the launch of a spinoff company and shows promise for scalable algae biofuel production.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAlgal Research·DateFeb 26, 2014

With friends like these, who needs democracy?

A new study by Michigan State University's Michael Colaresi suggests that foreign aid from rival nations can create mistrust among citizens and hinder the establishment of democratic governments after civil wars. Only one country, Algeria, bucked this trend by becoming more democratic in the following decade.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Peace Research·DateFeb 20, 2014