A new three-year project aims to improve infant feeding practices and prevent childhood obesity by promoting responsive feeding styles and portion control. The study, funded by the US Department of Agriculture, will work with over 1,000 mothers of infants from birth to 4 months old.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that greenhouse gas emissions from biofuel production can be mitigated with sustainable land use practices. Effective crop management techniques, such as no-till farming and planting cover crops, can reduce the time it takes for biofuels to overcome their carbon debt.
Researchers found that polarized light reflected from dark surfaces like roads, windows, and oil spills can overwhelm natural cues for animals. This can lead to insects laying eggs on the wrong surface, disrupting food webs and causing population crashes, as well as predators following misdirected prey into danger.
Michigan State University scientists have successfully validated a pathogen-killing technology using X-rays, which can effectively eliminate E. coli and salmonella from leafy greens without altering product quality.
A Michigan State University researcher found that specific genes may influence social consequences of behaviors, including popularity among peers. Male college students with a rule-breaking gene were rated most popular by unacquainted peers.
Only 3% of fast-food kids' meals met federal dietary guidelines, with fruit as a side dish and milk being common, while most exceeded sodium and added sugar limits. Researchers call on the industry to develop nutritious options and parents to make informed choices.
Michigan State University has licensed technology that enables plants to use atmospheric nitrogen, resulting in significant growth and yield improvements of up to 90 percent. The microbial fertilizers are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and have been shown to increase plant resistance to disease.
Research by Michigan State University scientists found that monoculture corn landscapes reduce beneficial insects' ability to control pests, increasing pesticide use and yield losses. The study estimates the value of biological pest control service in soybeans to be about $240 million each year.
The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams will attract top researchers to conduct experiments in nuclear science, astrophysics, and applications of isotopes. The facility is expected to bring $1 billion in economic activity and 400 jobs to Michigan.
Researchers have made groundbreaking measurements of rare tin, cadmium, and indium nuclei, refining theoretical models about element creation in the cosmos. The discovery of Tin-100, a 'holy grail' of experimental nuclear physics, marks a major breakthrough in understanding nuclear stability.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a new method to analyze bacterial inclusion bodies using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This breakthrough could streamline protein-based drug manufacturing, making it quicker and more efficient.
Research by Elizabeth Gardner shows that calorie restriction makes it harder to fight off the flu virus, leading to increased mortality and weight loss. A normal diet helps the body produce natural killer cells quickly enough to combat the infection.
A national panel of experts, led by MSU's Suzanne Wilson, outlined ways to improve teacher quality and reduce turnover at low-income schools. The report recommends creating better working conditions, strong leadership, and effective mentoring and professional development to keep teachers in the profession.
Cholesterol crystals released during cardiac attacks can cause further damage to artery linings much farther away from the initial attack site. This discovery has important clinical implications, suggesting that patients may need additional testing to prevent further damage during a cardiac event.
A study by Michigan State University researcher Jill Slade examines the ties between statin medications and muscle weakness, fatigue, and deterioration. The research aims to better understand the side effects of statins and identify potential risks in susceptible individuals.
Individual investors are liquidating their holdings at record levels due to economic loss, opting for a risk-averse approach despite prospect theory's predictions. The MSU research challenges widely accepted behavioral theory, suggesting people prioritize preserving losses over recouping them through gambling.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing a cost-effective technology to turn animal waste into usable heat, electricity, and other valuable products. The Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center aims to provide scalable, modular systems for smaller farms to convert waste into resources.
The new guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy, with benefits including reduced risk of complications and improved long-term child health. Regular postpartum physical activity also supports a woman's overall health and weight management.
A recent MSU study found that girls tend to experience more social adjustment problems than boys in a bilingual classroom setting. The research, published in the European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, highlights the challenges faced by young children learning multiple languages.
Researchers found a novel gene, bZIP28, regulating heat stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana. This discovery may lead to creating crops more resilient to warmer climates.
A group of international scientists agrees that biofuel production requires environmental standards to prevent harm. The experts recommend incentive programs and sustainable practices like no-till farming to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
Researchers will analyze staple food and horticultural markets, focusing on maize, cassava, sorghum, cotton, and vegetables. The goal is to increase agricultural productivity and create efficient, sustainable markets for small farmers.
Michigan State University scientists are creating a genomic database to improve biofuel crops, with a focus on cellulosic ethanol. The database will centralize information on various crops and provide data-mining tools, making it easier for researchers to access and compare genetic data.
Researchers identified a crucial protein, TGD4, essential for chloroplast formation and photosynthesis. This discovery may lead to tailored plant varieties for efficient biofuel production, reducing costs and increasing oil accumulation in leaves.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that many low-cost over-the-counter hearing aids fail to meet basic fitting requirements and may damage a person's hearing. The study advises consumers to consult with an audiologist for proper fitting and customization.
New research from Michigan State University suggests that encouraging marriage to promote health may be misguided. Never-married individuals are seeing significant improvements in their self-reported health, particularly men, closing the gap with their married counterparts.
New research from Michigan State University found that overweight and obese adults are not significantly less conscientious, emotionally stable, or socially agreeable than their normal-weight colleagues. Employers are urged to prevent weight-based stereotypes in hiring and employment decisions.
Recent research reveals that spotted hyenas often hunt alone to avoid feeding competition within their social group and instead opt for solo hunts to ensure individual survival. By doing so, they tap into a previously unknown strategy for increasing their chances of capturing prey.
Researchers across the US are calling for a national network of sites like MSU's Long-Term Ecological Research site at Kellogg Biological Station to address agriculture's challenges. A paper in BioScience suggests that a long-term interdisciplinary approach could help address key agricultural issues.
Two large environmental programs in China have shown success in balancing human needs with environmental conservation, converting cropland to forests and reducing soil erosion. The programs offer alternative livelihoods for farmers and promote global carbon sequestration, but face challenges that require local involvement and funding.
A new magnetic resonance imaging unit will be put into operation in Malawi, allowing physicians to assess malaria damage before a child has died and diagnose a wide range of illnesses. The machine will also enable radiologists to send images to the US for second opinions and serve neighboring countries with no MRI machines.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a method to create specific rare isotopes for scientific research, opening doors to new technologies. This capability promises to advance fields like biomedicine, international security, and nuclear energy.
A study by Michigan State University found that media coverage of breast cancer prioritizes treatments over prevention. The research highlights the importance of promoting cancer-prevention techniques through media awareness, as it can have a significant impact on women's perceptions and behaviors.
Scientists from Michigan State University have discovered a way to convert entire corn plants into biofuel using an enzyme found in cow stomachs. This breakthrough enables the production of affordable cellulosic ethanol by unlocking plant fibers previously considered unusable.
A Michigan State University researcher is leading a study on insecticide-treated bed nets to disrupt mosquito populations and reduce malaria transmission. The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bed nets over time and monitor changes in parasite populations and virulence factors.
Ornithologists have discovered a new bird species, Zosterops somadikartai, or Togian white-eye, in the Togian Islands of Indonesia. The species is believed to be endangered due to its limited range and numbers.
A national study found that tiny organisms like algae and bacteria can remove nitrate from stream water, improving water quality. Streams that meander naturally through complex channels are more efficient at filtering pollutants than engineered streams.
Scientists at Michigan State University have developed a new genetic technique that allows for rapid analysis of E. coli bacteria using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This breakthrough enables the identification of specific bacterial groups and their associated toxins, which can help predict disease outbreaks.
New MSU study finds that prenatal testosterone exposure may protect against anorexia and bulimia in females, with those exposed to male twins showing lower risk. The findings suggest a biological link between testosterone and eating disorders.
A Michigan State University physician reports the first nationally documented death from acute asthma caused by environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in a bar employee. The case highlights the need for legal protections against ETS in workplaces, particularly for vulnerable employees with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that an appetite-controlling hormone named leptin also affects the immune system, while natural versions of certain steroids do not. Leptin supports white blood cell production and enhances immune function in obese individuals.
Researchers have developed a method to measure the reproductive value of female side-blotched lizards, revealing that large clutches are associated with increased survival rates. Male lizards also exhibit improved survival with small clutch sizes due to hormonal changes, highlighting an 'ontogenetic conflict' between the sexes.
A recent Michigan State University study found US middle school math teachers to be ill-prepared compared to their counterparts in other countries. The study, which surveyed over 2,600 future teachers, revealed that the US ranked mediocre in math knowledge and practical teaching skills.
A MSU Ph.D. candidate is tracking up to four wild pandas in the Sichuan Province of China using advanced global positioning systems to map their habitat preferences, providing crucial data for conservation efforts.
A novel study by Jianguo Liu and Eunice Yu at Michigan State University found that divorce rates globally are on the rise, leading to more households with fewer people, increased resource consumption, and environmental degradation. In contrast, cohabitation can reduce urban sprawl and soften the environmental hit.
A team of MSU researchers found inconsistencies in China's certification and traceability systems, which can affect the quality and safety of imported goods. The experts recommend increased government oversight, training for producers and distributors, and improving labelling practices to ensure compliance with international standards
Researchers at Michigan State University used genetic technology to discover a unique pathway in death cap mushrooms that produces the deadly toxin alpha-amanitin. The discovery sheds light on the underlying biochemical machinery and may lead to the development of novel chemicals with therapeutic potential.
A team of scientists, led by Marek Pfutzner, has successfully peered closely at the radioactive decay of a rare iron isotope, shedding light on an exotic form of radioactivity. The technique used a novel combination of advanced physics equipment and digital camera technology to capture ghostly images of trajectories of emitted protons.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a new gene, JY-1, necessary for embryonic development in dairy cows. The discovery may offer insights into the cause of infertility in women, who also experience single egg release and individual births, unlike mice which release multiple eggs.
Scientists at Michigan State University's NSCL created three new isotopes of magnesium and aluminum, exceeding current scientific models' predictions. The findings suggest that variants of everyday elements might exist beyond the known stability limit, sparking excitement in rare isotope research.