A study by MSU scholar Matt Grossmann finds that special interest groups often join bipartisan coalitions to support legislation, contradicting the conventional view. The research also reveals that Democratic and Republican groups are more closely linked than previously thought.
Researchers at Michigan State University have improved zebrafish cloning methods, allowing for higher success rates and paving the way for further human health research. The new technique increases cloned fish numbers from adult fin cells or embryonic tail clips by 2-13% compared to previous methods.
A Michigan State University researcher suggests that nitrates and nitrites in plant-based foods may provide health benefits, contradicting current regulations. The study's findings support the idea that consuming a diet rich in nitrate-containing vegetables can help lower blood pressure.
Progesterone exposure may increase breast cancer risk by activating genes involved in cell adhesion, survival, and inflammation. The study reveals targets for future work in reducing progesterone's influence on breast cancer development.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a new mechanism for regulating proteins involved in cell migration and division, which could lead to the development of targeted pharmaceutical treatments. This breakthrough offers hope for treating cancer by exploiting the unique properties of these proteins.
A $1.5 million federal grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke will help MSU educate more Hispanic students in neuroscience. The program pairs students with faculty mentors, teaches scientific writing, and provides research experience.
A MSU researcher is studying how gastric bypass surgery affects the immune system's ability to defend the body after drastic weight loss. The study aims to understand potential adverse effects of morbid obesity on certain facets of immune defense.
Researchers from Michigan State University created a scientific-based training program that focuses on supervisors supporting employees' work and family demands. The program aims to improve worker health and reduce turnover, offering a win-win economic proposition for employers, workers, and families.
Michigan State University scientist Beronda Montgomery is studying the process of stem growth in plants, which diverts energy from seed, flower, and leaf production. Her research aims to understand how phytochromes control plant growth and develop new approaches to improve crop yields.
Healthy women pregnant with twins should gain between 37-54 pounds for optimal growth before birth and healthier mothers throughout pregnancy. The new guidelines are based on a woman's prepregnancy body mass index and aim to reduce premature, low-birth-weight births and neonatal morbidity.
A Michigan State University researcher is studying the ancient evolutionary dynamic between marine bacteria and fast-mutating viruses. The project aims to understand how cyanobacteria evolve resistance to viruses and its implications for environmental and climate studies.
A Michigan State University study suggests that social norms significantly impact Chinese citizens' decisions to participate in conservation programs like Grain to Green. The research found that when neighbors enroll in the program, it encourages others to do so as well.
Michigan State University scientists combine sustainable forest production with emerging carbon markets to help poorest people grow trees that boost their standards of living and slow climate change. By storing carbon in the soil, farmers can earn money on the global carbon market and use tree products for energy and food.
Michigan State University is part of the largest epidemiological study on autism, collecting and analyzing data from nearly 3,000 families to identify factors that may put children at risk for the disease. The study will also explore physical and behavioral characteristics, health conditions, and risk factors associated with autism.
A recent MSU-led study found that Brazil's protected areas within the Amazon can buffer the forest from climate change even if the remaining area is deforested. The researchers used atmospheric computer modeling to simulate a worst-case scenario and found rainfall levels would not decrease significantly.
Researchers Narayanan Parameswaran and Gregory Fink at MSU have received nearly $400,000 to study the molecular aspects of chronic diseases like atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
A study led by Michigan State University's Chris Melde found that children who join gangs report a decrease in fear of victimization, even though they face greater risks. The researchers suggest that intervening during this critical period could impact gang members' decisions to stay or leave the group.
Michigan State University researchers identify two new genes and two new enzymes in tomato plants that produce monoterpenes, a compound responsible for the plant's distinctive smell. The discovery challenges traditional understanding of how plants make monoterpenes, opening up new avenues for protecting plants from pests.
Despite growing demand for democracy, only 47% of Africans believe they have a democratic government, and 46% are satisfied with its functioning. The survey found that demand for democracy varies widely among countries, from 18% in Burkina Faso to 71% in Zambia.
A Michigan State University researcher has discovered a key hormone found in fat tissue that promotes tumor growth and cancer progression. Abdominal fat is associated with the greatest risk for cancer, particularly breast, colon, and endometrial cancers.
A group of Michigan State University scientists warn that US farm animal research is facing a critical funding crisis, with only $32 million allocated from a $88 billion budget in 2007. This lack of funding threatens not only the research itself but also human health studies that rely on large-animal models.
A recent cattle genome sequencing milestone has significant implications for human health research, revealing a closer genetic link between humans and cattle than previously thought. The study's findings suggest that milk evolved as an immune function, essential to the survival of newborn mammals, dating back over 160 million years.
A team of MSU researchers will support the creation of a standard curriculum for four-year baccalaureate education degrees at Pakistani universities. The goal is to improve teacher training and skills, addressing low literacy rates and negative perceptions of teaching as a career.
A Michigan State University nursing researcher is using a $400,000 grant to develop an intervention targeting middle school girls' physical activity. The study will focus on counseling and after-school activities to motivate girls to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
A MSU researcher has developed a working vaccine for Enterotoxigenic E. coli, responsible for 60% of all E. coli diarrheal disease. The vaccine could save untold lives and also provide relief from post-operative complications such as paralytic ileus and urinary retention.
A new study finds that weight discrimination contributes to the glass ceiling effect for women, with overweight and obese women underrepresented among top CEOs. In contrast, overweight men were overrepresented in top CEO positions, suggesting a tolerance for larger sizes among men.
MSU researchers are leading an international project to develop systems to measure, monitor, and manage carbon in landscapes worldwide. The goal is to help growers around the world better protect their land, improve productivity, and fight global climate change by providing a tool to assess their carbon and climate impact.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new method for producing cancer-fighting paclitaxel using natural enzymes, potentially reducing chemical byproducts and increasing efficiency.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that people spend more time looking at brand names and less time reading warnings on over-the-counter pain-killers. The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of warning labels in conveying critical information to consumers.
A new study found no detrimental effect of cell phones on academic performance among 12-year-olds. Video games were also linked to lower grade point averages but improved math and visual-spatial skills.
A research and outreach system developed over 50 years has shown significant economic benefits in managing the soybean aphid, a destructive pest that stunts plant growth and transmits viruses. The integrated pest management approach is expected to generate an annual rate of return of 180 percent.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers suggests that prenatal exposure to DDT may play a role in the obesity epidemic among some women. Women who consumed high levels of fish and PCBs during pregnancy were found to have a higher risk of obesity.
The discovery of single top quark production at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory marks a milestone in understanding matter and energy. This finding fills a gap in the Standard Model of the universe, solidifying knowledge of the basic components of matter.
A new study by Michigan State University found that charter school students are 7-15% more likely to graduate from high school and attend college compared to their traditional public school counterparts. This positive trend suggests improvements in graduation rates for charter schools, but mixed results for test scores and other outcomes.
Researchers found diatoms in freshwater and marine environments have distinct size patterns due to nutrient availability, with larger sizes thriving in oceans. Climate change could alter mixing depths and nutrient delivery, potentially reducing carbon sequestration efficiency.
A groundbreaking study by MSU researchers has pinpointed four major factors that make up the total experience: benefit, convenience, price, and environment. This knowledge can help businesses allocate resources to enhance the customer experience and gain a competitive advantage.
A new study finds that MSU's mentoring program improved teacher effectiveness in the Lansing district, leading to a significant reduction in teacher turnover. The program involves freeing up veteran teachers to advise beginning peers throughout the school year, providing training and support to help them succeed.
A recent Michigan State University study found that women are 30 percent less likely to receive a critical clot-busting drug after a stroke. Women also experience longer emergency room delays and poorer quality of care compared to men, despite being more than 60% of all stroke deaths.
A Michigan State University researcher argues that the US is well ahead of the world in scientific literacy due to its general education requirements. These requirements make Americans more open-minded about innovations and allow for a broader understanding of science in other disciplines such as law. Despite this, most adults lack suf...
A growing threat of food counterfeiting and contamination is outpacing international regulatory systems, with the US Food and Drug Administration inspecting only 1.8% of its imported food supply. Michigan State University researchers are calling for increased corporate responsibility and risk-based inspections to address this issue.
Scientists should think locally to better understand science and communicate with the public. A metropolitan science council model is needed to create dialogue within the scientific community about science policy.
A panel of scientists at Michigan State University discussed using the World Wide Web as a tool for research, with topics including survey research, measuring social networks, and creating virtual worlds. Researchers are leveraging the Internet to inform social science applications in the real world.
Researchers at Michigan State University are using high-throughput genetic screening to identify genes affecting chloroplast structure and function, which could lead to plants bred for biofuel or high-nutrient content. This advanced technology gives scientists a broader perspective on plant metabolism than traditional methods.
A new species of fruit fly emerged after changing its mating behavior, while parasitic wasps evolved to prey on the flies' larvae. This study shows biodiversity feeds on itself, opening up niches for other species.
A Michigan State University study found that providing home pregnancy tests to women who have unprotected sex can increase their vigilance about potential pregnancy and lead to better prenatal care. The intervention resulted in women suspecting they might be pregnant almost twice as often and having a pregnancy test more frequently.
Michigan State University's NSF-funded Faculty Institutes for Reforming Science Teaching will train 200 postdoctoral researchers to teach scientifically. The program aims to equip future college professors with skills for teaching science effectively, using inquiry-based learning and promoting scientific literacy.
A Michigan State University study reveals that nearly 70% of minority women trust healthcare organizations, leading to lower breast cancer screening rates. The study found that African-American women had the highest levels of mistrust, with 39% strongly agreeing that health-care organizations don't keep information private.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlights the need for improved understanding of ecosystem interactions and long-term data collection. The authors warn that current approaches are limited by discipline-bound thinking and lack a full description of the complex biophysical and social systems.
A patented Michigan State University process pretreats corn-crop waste to enhance its usefulness and reduce costs. The AFEX (ammonia fiber expansion) method breaks down cellulose and hemicellulose in plants more efficiently, allowing for the creation of biofuels from cellulose without added nutrients.
Researchers at Michigan State University have successfully lured lovesick lampreys to traps using a synthetic chemical version of the pheromones used by males to attract females. The pheromone, called 3kPZS, is potent and only requires tiny concentrations to be effective.