A new study by Michigan State University researchers finds that zero tolerance policies in schools are failing to make students feel safe. The policies, established in the mid-1990s, have become plagued by inconsistent enforcement and inadequate security.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Michigan State University a $282,606 grant to fund a 10-week summer research program in plant genomics. Undergraduate students will participate in research projects alongside internationally respected scientists, gaining hands-on experience and developing research skills.
Michigan State scientists are developing an electromagnetic trap to capture fleeting matter, aiming to reveal the nature of the universe. The new technology will provide researchers with access to rare isotopes produced in high-speed particle collisions.
Michigan State University has established a new Center for Women's Health and Reproduction Research with $6.8 million in funding from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Asgi T. Fazleabas, a leading infertility researcher, will lead the center and bring expertise to women's reproductive health.
A new study by MSU researchers suggests that state biofuel subsidies can be costly, but also highly effective in attracting ethanol producers to the industry. The study found that larger subsidies and tax credits increase the likelihood of an ethanol plant locating in a state.
Using productive farmland to grow crops for food instead of fuel is more energy efficient, according to a new study by MSU scientists. No-till production was found to be the most energy-efficient system for growing grain for food or fuel production.
A MSU study of over 3,300 future US teachers and 23,244 across 16 countries reveals that math teacher preparation is crucial for student achievement. The study's findings highlight the need for more rigorous K-12 math standards and better training for US math teachers.
Michigan State University is leading a global initiative to study the complex relationships between humans and the environment. With a $1.5 million NSF grant, MSU will build a global database of scholars and their projects, fostering collaboration and raising awareness about sustainability research.
Michigan State University environmental scientist Jianguo Liu argues that China needs strong leadership and institutional innovations to achieve sustainability. He highlights the importance of integrating natural and social science research to understand complex interactions between humans and the environment.
Researchers at Michigan State University found a bacterium, Wolbachia, that can stop the dengue virus from replicating in mosquitoes, blocking disease transmission. The study provides new hope for controlling dengue fever, which affects 2.5 billion people worldwide.
A new study published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences found that dormancy is crucial for maintaining microbial diversity in natural communities. Researchers used a mathematical model and molecular tools to investigate how dormancy affects biodiversity, especially in lakes.
A Michigan State University scientist warns that China and India's growing economies and populations will significantly impact the global environment unless they work together. The two countries are urged to exercise environmental stewardship to ensure future economic growth.
A study analyzing nearly half a million high school seniors over three decades challenges the notion that today's youth are selfish and egotistical. The research, co-authored by Michigan State University psychologist Brent Donnellan, finds that teens today share similar levels of happiness and satisfaction with previous generations.
Researchers created a risk assessment method based on race, Medicaid eligibility, and neighborhood characteristics, which identified even more high-risk children than current methods. The new approach could save taxpayers $153,000 by reducing unnecessary lead poisoning tests.
Researchers at Michigan State University used a new cooling method to study the reaction of iron and oxygen atoms in enzyme TauD, discovering never seen before steps that overturn conventional thought. This breakthrough has implications for understanding how enzymes function and designing inhibitors to prevent diseases.
Michigan State University professor Bruce Dale says that while EROI (energy return on energy invested) is a useful method of measurement, it alone is not enough. He argues that we need to consider differences in energy quality and critical materials required for various energy alternatives, such as lithium for electric vehicles.
Research from Michigan State University suggests that parental encouragement and education level significantly impact a child's decision to pursue a science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine career. The study found that students with high school-educated parents were more likely to major in a STEMM field than those with...
A Michigan State University professor advocates for targeted recall messages via direct phone calls, email, and social media to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. The expert notes that consumer concern about food safety is on the rise, with three-quarters of Americans believing recalls have increased in the past year.
A Michigan State University study found a significant association between frequent cow exposure and human Group B streptococcus infection. The research suggests that zoonotic transmission may be occurring, with increased frequency of cattle exposure linked to human colonization.
A Michigan State University researcher is creating a support intervention to help women in treatment for breast cancer identify effective alternative therapies. The study found that 57% of women use complementary and alternative medicines, and those who are sicker are more likely to use multiple therapies.
MSU researcher Charles Mackenzie is working on reformulating flubendazole, a drug that targets adult parasitic worms causing elephantiasis and river blindness. The goal is to develop a safe administration method to eradicate filarial diseases globally by 2020.
A Michigan State University scientist has discovered the process that causes retinal cells to die, leading to diabetic retinopathy. The siah-1 protein serves as a type of chauffeur for another protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), shuttling it into the nucleus of Müller cells, causing vascular damage.
A new paper by MSU psychologist Brooke Ingersoll suggests that a combined approach to treating autism could be more effective than traditional behavioral or developmental methods. By combining the strengths of both approaches, supporters can create individualized interventions that meet the unique needs of each child.
Michigan State University scientists found that diverse biofuel plantings attract more beneficial insects than single crops like corn. The research suggests that biofuel policies should consider the added benefits of insect attraction to inform policy decisions.
Researchers discovered a link between diabetes and bone marrow nerve damage that may help treat retinopathy. The abnormal release of stem cells from damaged nerves affects the body's ability to repair blood vessels, leading to blindness.
Researchers found that the ridges form from cutin polyester, not from underlying surfaces. The discovery could lead to enhanced pollination success and production of polyesters or related chemicals by genetically manipulating plants or microbes.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered proteins that can channel sodium ions through the cell membranes of Varroa mites, a parasite that devastates commercial bee colonies. This breakthrough could lead to more effective controls and reduce the need for toxic pesticides.
A new approach to understanding and treating lower back pain has been introduced by MSU researcher N. Peter Reeves, focusing on the interaction of parts within complex systems. The approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of spinal control and diagnose treat conditions more effectively.
A new study by MSU sociologist Hui Liu finds that widowed people in the US experience a higher mortality rate, especially among white women. The study reveals a growing mortality gap between married and unmarried individuals, primarily due to loss of social support and economic resources.
A Michigan State University study found that high-performing companies are more likely to engage in illegal behavior, such as fraud and environmental violations, due to unrealistic expectations and external pressures. The researchers argue that regulators should monitor both high- and low-performing firms to detect illicit activity.
Michigan State University researchers are pairing college-age students with virtual workout partners to study the impact on exercise trends. The goal is to find characteristics of a virtual partner that motivate people to exercise harder, longer or more frequently.
A community-based policing effort launched in 2001 has been largely successful in reducing violent crime by an average of 13% in 26 cities. The Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative also received $1 million in stimulus funding to help fight illegal drugs.
Scientists at Michigan State University are using a $3 million NIH grant to study the synthesis of medicinal compounds in popular plants. The goal is to understand how genes contribute to this process, leading to cheaper and more effective drug development.
Research by Michigan State University's Barbara Luke found that obese women are 28% less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy. Women who are overweight also face a 14% lower chance of a successful pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 50,000 women using assisted reproductive technology.
Scientists at Michigan State University are developing robotic fish that use advanced materials to swim like fish and monitor water quality. The robots will carry sensors recording temperature, dissolved oxygen, pollutants, and harmful algae, providing a high spatial and temporal resolution of data.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that everyday actions such as home weatherization and vehicle maintenance can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research estimated that these measures could cut total US carbon emissions by 5% over five years and 7.4% in 10 years.
A fixable error in carbon counting could undermine biofuels' effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Correct accounting is crucial to mitigate climate change and protect investments. Bioenergy can capture more carbon than existing plants, but cutting down forests to replace them releases more CO2.
A study by Michigan State University found that internet forums are used to share information about prostitution and provide warnings to other 'johns', making it harder for law enforcement. The researchers also discovered that these online communities help individuals justify their behavior and view prostitutes as commodities.
A Michigan State University experiment has watched the emergence of natural selection over 40,000 generations, providing insights into genome evolution and adaptation. The study's findings have implications for biotechnology and cancer research, revealing complex relationships between genetic mutations and environmental pressures.
African biosafety regulators will receive science-based information on biotechnology, protecting farmers, consumers, and the environment. The initiative aims to reduce poverty through improved agricultural practices.
Michigan State University has been awarded a $6.2 million Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's disease research grant. The grant makes MSU's College of Human Medicine a major player in research of the degenerative disease, with eight investigators expected to join the center by next summer.
Researchers will develop a system for conducting climate-impact assessments for international market systems, focusing on the tart-cherry industry. The study aims to provide detailed information for industry stakeholders to plan for future investments.
A Michigan State University researcher found that providing small classes for at least several consecutive grades starting in early elementary school improves test scores and narrows the achievement gap with high-achievers. Low-achieving students benefited the most from small classes, likely due to increased attention from teachers.
Researchers will analyze fine and ultrafine particles in air pollution using the $400,000 AirCARE 2 laboratory. The study aims to understand how pollutant particles exacerbate pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
A new MSU program aims to increase interest in STEM courses by providing mentorship, course counseling, and college preparation resources. The three-year initiative also includes a research component to improve understanding of educational requirements for various career paths.
A team of scientists, led by MSU's Robin Buell, has sequenced the potato genome, estimating it to be 840 million base pairs. The draft sequence will help breeders improve yield, quality, and disease resistance in potatoes.
A five-university consortium led by Michigan State University is conducting a four-year study to understand why Lyme disease is more prevalent in some areas than others. The researchers aim to identify the ecological factors that affect the Lyme disease cycle, including climate, vertebrate biodiversity, and tick genetics.
Michigan State University researchers aim to help people sort out complex environmental problems in developing regions. They are testing a new survey method that taps recent insights from behavioral decision research to capture people's full willingness to make trade-offs.
A study led by MSU researcher Kimberly Fenn found that sleep helps reduce false memories and improve performance in individuals with poor memory, including seniors. This suggests that sleep strengthens the source of the memory, allowing for better recall and recognition.
Researchers are using archived newborn blood spot data in Michigan to investigate the causes of cerebral palsy, a leading disabling motor disorder in children. The two-year study will analyze genetic signatures and potential pathways, including hormonal, inflammatory, and blood-clotting factors.