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Michigan State University


Dating violence impedes victims' earnings

A recent study by Michigan State University researchers found that dating violence in adolescence leads to lower education levels and reduced earnings. The study, which analyzed survey data from over 500 single mothers, suggests that victims of dating violence are more likely to drop out of school or have limited career opportunities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateAug 27, 2013

Quest for the missing bacteria

A team of researchers led by Maren Friesen from Michigan State University is searching for a unique bacterium that can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of oxygen. This bacterium has exceptional properties and could be the key to creating nitrogen-fixing plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Medicaid program improves maternal, infant care

A study by Michigan State University found that participation in a Medicaid-eligible pregnant women's program leads to improved health care during pregnancy and after birth. Women in the program had 25% more postnatal visits than those not enrolled, promoting healthy pregnancies and infant outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 14, 2013

Do academic rankings create inequality?

A study by Michigan State University scholars questions whether global rankings fuel competition at the expense of financial stability and accessibility in higher education. The researchers found that universities receiving more federal research money tend to score higher in Shanghai rankings.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMinerva·DateAug 14, 2013

Genetics: More than merely a mutated gene

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that genetic mutations interact with an individual's genome background about 75% of the time, affecting disease outcomes. This finding has significant implications for understanding and treating diseases with a simple genetic basis, such as breast cancer.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 1, 2013

Sharing the wealth with loyal workers

A new study by Michigan State University found that worker loyalty is positively correlated with higher earnings, with employees who are committed to the company's mission earning up to an additional year of experience. The research also identified factors that promote worker loyalty, including learning new skills and job security.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEvidence-based HRM a Global Forum for Empirical Scholarship·DateJul 29, 2013

Are Christians becoming more 'green'?

Despite increased efforts by Christian leaders and organizations to promote eco-friendly values, a new study reveals that the general public's environmental concerns remain low among Christians in the US. The research surveyed over 1,400 people and found that Christians reported lower levels of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOrganization & Environment·DateJul 24, 2013

Tide is turning in skin cancer battle

Recent advances in melanoma research have put the deadly skin cancer at the forefront of cancer research, raising hopes that scientists and clinicians may have cornered the deadliest form of skin cancer. New diagnostic tools and targeted therapies are showing promise in blocking cancer-causing signaling pathways.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalLaboratory Investigation·DateJul 16, 2013

Brain discovery could help schizophrenics

Researchers at Michigan State University found a link between the prefrontal cortex and learning and behavioral deficits in mice with mental illness genes. This study suggests targeting specific brain-behavior mechanisms may alleviate cognitive and motivational symptoms.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2013

Eyes are the prize

A Michigan State University study reveals that 90% of patients with eye diseases are willing to donate their eyes, but only a fraction follow through. The study suggests that educating the public about eye donation and streamlining the donation process could increase donations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCurrent Eye Research·DateJul 12, 2013

Tallying the wins and losses of policy

A new study found that China's payments for ecosystem services programs led to significant forest growth and environmental benefits. However, the programs also had negative impacts on rural households and their livelihoods, highlighting the need for more sustainable policies.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJul 1, 2013

Sea lampreys turning up the heat

Researchers discovered a fat cell near male sea lampreys' dorsal fin produces heat when approached by females, a previously unknown mechanism in spawning. This finding sheds new light on the invasive species' biology and may help reduce its numbers or eliminate it from the Great Lakes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 27, 2013

Spatial training boosts math skills

A new study from Michigan State University found that spatial training significantly improves addition and subtraction scores in children aged 6-8. The researchers also discovered a causal connection between spatial reasoning and math performance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Cognition and Development·DateJun 25, 2013

Study finds the sweet spot -- and the screw-ups -- that make or break environmental collective actions

A study by Michigan State University found that there is a sweet spot – a group size at which the action is most effective. This sweet spot can increase and be more effective until free-riders weigh down the effort's momentum, while small groups can be powerful until individuals become overwhelmed.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

Helping pet owners make tough choices

A new survey tool is being developed to help pet owners monitor their dogs' quality of life during chemotherapy for cancer. The tool, based on a pilot study with 29 dog owners and veterinarians, found that certain behavioral changes can indicate the animal's quality of life, providing a common ground for treatment decisions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJun 13, 2013

Females fend off gut diseases

A Michigan State University study found that female mice are protected from severe symptoms of colitis and bone deterioration, suggesting a reduced gut inflammation response. The findings could aid in understanding and treating the 1.4 million Americans suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateJun 11, 2013

How do you feed 9 billion people?

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new crop modeling system called SALUS to better predict global wheat yields and their impact on the environment. The system integrates multiple crop simulations with improved climate change models, reducing uncertainties and providing more accurate forecasts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 9, 2013

Using science to address farm pollution

An interdisciplinary team will analyze soil, crop, and climate conditions at 75 Midwestern corn farms to identify factors influencing farmers' decisions about environmentally friendly practices. The study aims to reduce water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from corn farming, with results expected to inform policy approaches.

Parent input ignored in school closings

A Michigan State University researcher found that parents' concerns are frequently ignored when closing urban schools, and that teacher quality and economic investment are key factors that are not considered. Khalifa's study argues that school administrators should consider community voices and vested interests when making decisions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalUrban Education·DateMay 30, 2013

Do songbirds hold key to stuttering?

Researchers at Michigan State University investigate the brain and behavior of zebra finches to understand the relationship between rhythm and stuttering. The study aims to identify which parts of the brain are responsible for processing rhythm, with potential implications for treating stuttering in children.

Building a better team -- on Mars

A Michigan State University project is developing a measurement system to capture team effectiveness in real time, providing instant feedback to astronauts. The system consists of badges that measure activities such as heart rate, motion, and vocalization to identify potential issues with team cohesion.

Unraveling the Napo's mystery

A team from Michigan State University is studying the Napo River's ecohydrology to assess its impact on the region. The research aims to document the river in its 'wild' state before major engineering work is conducted, guiding economic development and promoting conservation.

Practice makes perfect? Not so much

A study by Michigan State University's Zach Hambrick found that practice accounts for only about one-third of the differences in skill in chess and music. Natural talent and factors such as intelligence and age of start may contribute to the remaining two-thirds.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalIntelligence·DateMay 20, 2013

Using bacteria to stop malaria

A study at Michigan State University demonstrates that using a strain of the bacteria Wolbachia can interrupt the transmission of malaria via mosquitoes. This approach could provide an important tool in fighting the disease, particularly in areas where poverty and lack of resources are prevalent.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2013

The biology behind binge eating

A study by Michigan State University scientists discovered sex differences in binge eating rates among female and male rats, suggesting biological factors contribute to eating disorder prevalence. The study's findings have implications for understanding risk factors and mechanisms in humans.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateMay 1, 2013

The politics of climate change

A study by Michigan State University sociologist Aaron M. McCright found that US residents who believe in the scientific consensus on global warming are more willing to support government action to curb emissions, even among Republicans and conservatives.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalClimatic Change·DateApr 29, 2013

Fighting the 'dumb jock' stereotype

A Michigan State University study found that student-athletes who believed their coaches expected high academic performance were more confident in the classroom. Researchers also highlighted the role of professors, academic advisers and classmates in boosting confidence

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of College Student Development·DateApr 22, 2013