A study by Michigan State University criminologist Thomas Holt reveals a sophisticated online marketplace for stolen credit data, where reputations drive sales and feedback helps weed out untrustworthy sellers. The network, similar to eBay or Amazon, uses web forums and electronic payments to facilitate transactions.
A Michigan State University education scholar argues that US K-12 teachers are not fully prepared to meet the Next Generation Science Standards due to inadequate professional training. The voluntary guidelines call for more hands-on learning and analysis, but many teachers lack the knowledge base to implement them effectively.
A Michigan State University researcher found that Twitter can be a better source of information than traditional news sources and online search engines. Tweets tagged with hashtags provide multiple perspectives on topics like the Occupy Wall Street movement. The study suggests using Twitter as a complement to formal teaching and learni...
Researchers found that female red squirrels produce more stress hormones during pregnancy, which increases their pups' growth rate and chances of survival. The study confirms that natural selection favors faster-growing offspring, and these squirrels can adapt to high population density by anticipating environmental changes.
A Michigan State University analysis found that federally funded safety-net clinics lag behind in controlling high blood pressure among low-income patients. Only 38% of hypertensive patients had their blood pressure under control at a mid-Michigan safety-net clinic, with diabetes patients facing even greater challenges.
A simple training program can improve early-childhood development in children of AIDS patients by teaching caregivers how to support their children's social skills and cognitive abilities. The study found that these children made significant gains in language learning, memory, and overall cognitive skills after receiving the training.
Using two therapies together has been shown to effectively restore vision in dogs with inherited blindness. The treatment approach may have implications for human patients as well. Researchers believe that combining gene therapy and selective photoreceptor cell destruction could lead to better therapeutic outcomes.
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Grain Legumes aims to increase bean productivity and enhance nutritional quality in Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and the US. MSU researchers will support collaborative research, graduate student training, and address gender equity and climate change.
A study published in Child Development found that instructors who use hand gestures while teaching math problems outperform those without gestures. Students who learned from gesture videos performed better on tests compared to those who learned from speech-only videos, with improved retention over time.
A new study by Michigan State University found that about four percent of HIV-positive individuals also have hepatitis, highlighting the need for stronger protections against co-infection. The study reveals that behaviors putting people at risk of HIV also increase their risk of getting hepatitis B or C.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that women in India are more likely to receive prenatal care when pregnant with boys. The research suggests that sex discrimination begins in the womb, leading to unequal access to healthcare for girls. This can have long-term effects on children's health and well-being.
Researchers found subtle effects of konzo on children's cognitive ability, even without physical symptoms. The study highlights the need for public health education programs to prevent outbreaks and create nontoxic cassava varieties.
A team led by MSU assistant professor Michael Wagner confirmed a two-headed bull shark in the Gulf of Mexico. The specimen had two distinct heads, hearts, and stomachs with a single tail, challenging theories about the cause of such deformities.
New research from Michigan State University finds that publicizing performance data for K-12 schools can lead to decreased parent satisfaction and erosion of trust in the schools. The study suggests that clear and easy-to-understand grading systems are crucial, rather than constantly changing them for policy or political purposes.
Researchers found that carnivores, including lions and hyenas, can share space with humans without major conflicts. The Maasai people's unique approach to managing their environment allows for coexistence between humans, livestock, and carnivores.
A new study by Michigan State University found that young people with epilepsy experienced significant reductions in stigmatization after participating in regular peer support groups. The research, published in Epilepsy and Behavior, suggests a potential solution to the debilitating stigma surrounding epilepsy in developing countries.
Researchers at Michigan State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the survival mechanisms of primitive red algae. The algae's ability to thrive in hot and acidic environments lies in part in their membrane proteins, which are also found in human cells and hold promise for treating diseases.
A new report from Michigan State University reveals nearly two-and-a-half times more actual cases of work-related amputations than the federal government's official estimate. The study emphasizes the importance of using multiple data sources to track workplace injuries and illnesses.
Researchers found that college students who used religious coping mechanisms reported less frequent and heavy drinking. Parents' stress-coping habits also played a role in shaping their children's coping practices. The study surveyed 129 college students and their parents, with results published in the Journal of Religion and Health.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that the brain adds new cells during puberty to help navigate complex social cues, a process previously thought to be limited to two brain regions. The findings suggest that these new cells play a crucial role in adult reproductive function and behavior.
A national study found same-sex couples who cohabitate have poorer health than their heterosexual married counterparts, despite potential benefits from marriage such as partner insurance and social support. The research may suggest that legalizing same-sex marriage could positively impact the health of these individuals.
Researchers at Michigan State University have successfully engineered a plant with oily leaves, which could boost biofuel production and improve animal feeds. The breakthrough uses an algae gene involved in oil production to store lipids or vegetable oil in the plant's leaves.
A new study found that low-birth-weight newborns with enlarged ventricles on an ultrasound are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with autism later in life. The research suggests that an early brain abnormality may indicate a higher risk of developing autism.
A new study at Michigan State University finds that single workers face challenges maintaining friendships, taking care of their health, and finding leisure time beyond work demands. This negative impact on work-life balance is similar for both single and family-based workers.
A new model predicts when consumers use media and even when they use two or more at a time, leading to improved ad buying accuracy. The study finds that people spend about 35% of their time consuming media, with TV being the most popular outlet.
A research project in Malawi has led to significant increases in crop yields, with corn production rising by 200% through crop rotation. Meanwhile, children's weight and height have improved, meeting international norms for healthy children. The program's success is attributed to the adoption of bushy legumes and diverse crop rotations.
A Michigan State University research team begins a groundbreaking clinical drug trial to control seizures caused by cerebral malaria, which affects brain function in three million children. The trial aims to improve seizure control and potentially prevent epilepsy.
The domestication of wild plants for biofuel use can increase virus pressure in crop areas unless mitigated. Perennial plants in nature grow slower but are better equipped to fight off viruses, whereas annual plants can serve as 'amplifiers' producing lots of viruses and insects.
Scientists at Michigan State University found that a natural probiotic supplement can enhance bone density in male mice, but not female mice. The study suggests a possible new treatment for osteoporosis without the risks of traditional medications.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found a strong correlation between hospital bed availability and use, even accounting for various factors that may lead to hospitalization. This supports the regulation of hospital beds to align with population health needs.
A study found 149 unique antibiotic-resistant genes on Chinese commercial pig farms, with levels 192-28,000 times higher than controls. Daily exposure to antibiotics allows microbes carrying these genes to thrive, posing a potential global risk to human health.
A Michigan State University study suggests that physical bullying, cyberbullying, and mobile phone bullying have similar effects on students' behavior and suicidal thoughts. Parents and policymakers are urged to consider both online and offline forms of bullying when creating anti-bullying policies.
A new study by Michigan State University found that US citizens spend nearly twice as much time on social networking sites (52 minutes/day) compared to Chinese participants (28 minutes/day). In contrast, Chinese participants rarely use these sites, with only 4% of them using them regularly.
A new book edited by Emilio Moran joins social and natural scientists to explore human role in addressing health challenges, managing forests and animal species. The study highlights the importance of understanding people's motivations and decisions in solving environmental problems.
Donors to biobanks have a moral stake in what happens to their tissue samples, requiring ongoing updates and protection of their rights. Tomlinson recommends biobanks provide donors with plain language summaries of research projects and inform them about potentially controversial uses.
A study by Michigan State University researcher Angie Kennedy found that severe abuse within families is strongly associated with dating violence among young female high school students. The research highlights the need for discussions about family abuse and its impact on individuals, particularly those exposed to violence in their homes.
Researchers estimate that using marginal lands for growing cellulosic biomass crops could provide up to 215 gallons of ethanol per acre, with substantial greenhouse gas mitigation. The study found that mixed species cellulosic biomass can be a prime real estate for meeting the nation's alternative energy production goals.
A new robotic fish, named Grace, has been designed to glide long distances through water, gathering valuable data on lake and river quality. The robot's ability to glide is achieved through a pump system that pushes water in and out of the fish, allowing it to travel indefinitely with minimal energy consumption.
A Michigan State University study found that many cancer patients struggle to follow complex chemo prescriptions, leading to poor adherence and reduced treatment efficacy. The researchers suggest an automated calling system could help patients take their drugs properly.
A study by Michigan State University found captive hyenas excel at solving novel problems, suggesting limitations in applying captive animal results to the wild. The researchers, led by Sarah Benson-Amram, discovered that captive hyenas were more willing to tackle challenges and explored solutions.
Research at Michigan State University found that even brief interruptions can significantly impact accuracy on complex tasks. The study, which involved 300 participants and a sequence-based procedure, discovered that interruptions lasting just three seconds doubled the error rate. This finding has significant implications for professio...
A recent study published in Psychological Medicine found that individuals with chronic anxiety are more vulnerable to developing PTSD. The research analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found that those who scored higher on neuroticism as the study began were more likely to develop PTSD.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found a correlation between increased glutamate activity and suicidal behavior. Anti-glutamate drugs are being developed as a potential tool to prevent suicide.
Michigan State University researchers have identified a unique protein that regulates cell growth and controls excessive cell proliferation. The study focuses on Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor proteins, which use controlled destruction to perform their jobs, highlighting new potential ways to treat cancer.
Michigan State University's Foundations of Science course aims to improve critical thinking skills and empower students to make informed decisions. The course, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, offers a unique blend of media and exercises to help students decode scientific concepts and analyze pseudoscience.
A new study from Michigan State University found that middle school students in better physical shape scored higher on standardized tests and received better grades. The research linked health-related fitness to academic performance, including body fat, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Researchers found that students attending national research institutions increase their use of standard pronunciation, while those attending community colleges show little change. College choice plays a significant role in shaping linguistic variations among adolescents.
A Michigan State University research team discovered that doctors who listen carefully to their patients have happier patients with better health outcomes. The study found that patient-centered relationships reduce brain activity in the anterior insula, a region responsible for pain perception, and lead to lower self-reported pain levels.
Researchers examine China's massive Grain to Green Program, which has invested over $32 billion to persuade farmers to return cropland to forest and grassland. The study found that too much land is being enrolled in the program in flat areas, and policymakers need to communicate more with farmers to better understand their needs.
Researchers applied infectious disease control principles to track 2,366 homicides in Newark, NJ, finding patterns that evolved over time. The study identified areas with no homicide clusters, suggesting community resistance factors that can be targeted to reduce violence.