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Michigan State University


New scientific field looks at the big picture

The new field of macrosystems ecology is being touted as a solution to tackle environmental problems such as climate change and invasive species. By integrating biology with other fields and using vast amounts of data, ecologists can study complex systems at broad scales.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 3, 2014

Single gene separates queen from workers

Researchers have identified a single gene, Ultrabithorax (Ubx), that determines the distinct leg features of worker honey bees, enabling them to collect and transport pollen. The gene plays a critical role in the evolution of social behavior among honey bees, separating queens from workers.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 29, 2014

Weapons tied to repeat domestic abuse

A new MSU study found that the use of knives, guns, or vehicles in initial abuse incidents is a key predictor of ongoing domestic violence. Women who experienced such incidents were more likely to make follow-up calls to police for physical and nonphysical abuse.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJan 29, 2014

Nighttime smartphone use zaps workers' energy

A Michigan State University study found that nighttime smartphone usage for work purposes leads to decreased productivity and increased fatigue the next day. The research suggests that smartphones' blue light emission disrupts melatonin production, hindering sleep recovery.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJan 22, 2014

More to biofuel production than yield

Researchers found that native perennial grasses and mixes of native prairie grasses and flowering plants outperform corn in terms of biodiversity, pest suppression, and methane consumption. The study suggests that coordinated land use policies can enhance ecosystem services, but rising commodity prices threaten this approach.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014

'Hip-hop' students unfairly targeted, study finds

A two-year study by Michigan State University's Muhammad Khalifa found that hip-hop students are unfairly targeted and disciplined more harshly than their peers. The research highlights the need for schools to adopt a more inclusive approach, allowing students to express themselves without fear of retribution.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMulticultural Learning and Teaching·DateJan 10, 2014

Telecoupling science shows China's forest sustainability packs global impact

A Michigan State University scholar proposes the telecoupling framework to understand how China's domestic decisions influence other countries and vice versa. The research shows that China's efforts to sustain forests can have substantial global impacts, including reappearing deforestation in countries that sell lumber and food to China.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAsia & the Pacific Policy Studies·DateDec 19, 2013

Kids grasp large numbers remarkably young

Children as young as 3 understand multi-digit numbers more than previously believed and may be ready for more direct math instruction when they enter school. Understanding place value is the gateway to higher math skills, with implications for U.S. students who continue losing ground internationally in mathematics performance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Development·DateDec 18, 2013

Home teams hold the advantage

Researchers found that home plants excel over visitors due to regional adaptations, which involve tradeoffs in performance. Genetic analysis revealed that only 15 regions of the genome are involved in adaptation, challenging the long-held view that multiple genes fuel these traits.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2013

The mystery of neutron stars heats up

Theoretical calculations reveal previously unknown layers where nuclear reactions within the crust cause rapid neutrino cooling, altering our understanding of neutron star hot surfaces. Researchers now face new questions about the star's thermal dynamics and discovery potential of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2013

Study asks: Is a 'better world' possible?

A Michigan State University sociologist argues that neighborhood integration and cohesion cannot co-exist due to how people form relationships. The study suggests that finding a balance between the two is necessary, as integrating neighborhoods often leads to decreased social cohesion.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateNov 18, 2013

How teens choose their friends

A national study led by Michigan State University scholar finds that course-taking influences teenage friendships. Students in similar academic pursuits form close bonds, and small classes often create opportunities for friendships.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateNov 15, 2013

No peak in sight for evolving bacteria

Despite a quarter century of evolution, bacteria in Richard Lenski's lab continue to adapt and become more fit. Researchers used a 'frozen fossil record' of bacteria samples from different generations to measure their trajectory, finding that they never reach a fitness peak but instead follow a power law function.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2013

Men support cracking glass ceiling

A new study finds that men tend to support gender equality in the workplace and report higher job satisfaction when they believe a woman can become CEO. The research, which surveyed over 6,500 workers from six formerly socialist countries, suggests that promoting women's advancement leads to increased productivity and revenue for firms.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalKyklos·DateNov 12, 2013

Study gives Catholic schools poor marks

Catholic schools do not offer superior academic performance compared to public schools, according to a national study led by Michigan State University. The study found that math scores for Catholic students dropped between kindergarten and eighth grade, while public school students showed slight improvements.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Urban Economics·DateOct 31, 2013

What makes creativity tick?

Researchers at Michigan State University developed a simple 'noun-verb' test to measure creativity, finding that those who gave creative answers in the test were indeed the most creative as measured by other methods. The test could help create better educational and training programs to foster creativity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateOct 30, 2013

Joystick advances independent voting

A voting joystick created at Michigan State University has shown promise in user testing, enabling users with dexterity impairments to vote independently. The device, comparable to a joystick used for motorized wheelchairs, could greatly improve accessibility for millions of Americans.

Targeting canine bloat, a major killer of dogs

Canine bloat is a leading cause of death in dogs, with Great Danes being the most prone. Researchers are investigating the relationship between motility and bloat risk, as well as genetic factors, to develop diagnostic tools and potentially prevent the disease. SmartPill, a non-invasive diagnostic tool, will be used to measure acidity ...

Services lacking for young gay black men

A new study by Michigan State University scholars highlights the lack of resources for young gay black men who experience trauma, depression, substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behavior. The study found nearly a third of participants reported experiencing sexual assault at an average age of 10, with many experiencing multiple forms ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services·DateSep 18, 2013

Bilingual education has spillover effect

A study by Michigan State University researchers found that bilingual education programs have a positive impact on non-targeted students, including those who speak native English. The program improved test scores in math and reading for both Spanish-speaking and native English-speaking students.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateSep 10, 2013

Birds choose sweet-smelling mates

A Michigan State University study demonstrates that birds communicate via scents and that odor reliably predicts reproductive success. Researchers found that males with a 'male-like' smell and females with a 'female-like' smell had higher genetic reproductive success, influencing mate selection.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateSep 3, 2013