Global food safety experts gather to discuss new approaches to assessing risk of microbiological foodborne hazards. The symposium aims to create mathematical models that predict the number of illnesses that can occur and help managers control food safety strategies.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), passed in 1970, has had a significant impact on US environmental policy and is now being revisited in its midlife. NEPA's strength lies in giving groups the power to oppose local projects that may threaten the environment, such as highway development.
A team of researchers at Michigan State University has uncovered cliques in the food web, a complex network of interconnecting food chains. This breakthrough provides a new way to understand and manage ecosystems for sustainability.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that initial changes in genetic makeup can lead to significant adaptations in plants and other organisms. The study used the monkeyflower plant, altering its genome to attract new pollinators, such as hummingbirds.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a gene mutation linked to hearing loss, which could lead to new insights into the biology of progressive hearing loss. The discovery is expected to provide new avenues for preventing or treating this common health issue, affecting an estimated 28 million Americans.
Michigan State University (MSU) is one of four national centers studying the link between environmental exposures and breast cancer. The center will focus on hormonal factors, including progesterone, and community outreach to better understand breast cancer risk.
Researchers at Michigan State University discover that glaciers sculpt and erode landscapes through a phenomenon called glaciohydraulic supercooling, which affects the rate of erosion. This new understanding allows for better comprehension of how glaciers subdue mountains.
The completed genomic sequence of Fusarium graminearum, a fungus causing widespread damage to wheat and barley crops, offers a roadmap for developing new control methods. Researchers will focus on understanding gene function to unravel mechanisms to combat this devastating pathogen.
A study by Michigan State University suggests that preserving biodiversity is essential for human health and economic development. The researchers emphasize the importance of finding ways to protect China's vast system of nature reserves while addressing socio-economic challenges.
Research by Ellen Kossek found that separating work from family obligations leads to less work and family conflict, allowing for more quality time with family. Establishing boundaries can improve employee happiness and reduce the risk of work taking over personal life.
A team of scientists used ALife to create a road map detailing the evolution of complex organisms, finding that complex functions are built up from simpler ones and some mutations become positive forces over time. This research sheds light on how complex features arise in living organisms, providing new insights into evolutionary theory.
A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that people undergoing hemodialysis are 257 times more likely to contract Staphylococcus aureus (ISA) than the general population. Those with HIV, solid organ transplant recipients, and heart disease patients are also at increased risk.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a gene responsible for Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS), a rare genetic disorder. The discovery suggests that primarily one gene contributes to the phenotype, rather than multiple genes as previously thought.
Intentional deforestation in rainforests has gained attention, but unintentional out-of-control fires devour millions of acres of forests, threatening ecosystems. Fire behavior in rainforests differs from temperate forests, with slow-spreading fires having devastating effects on biodiversity and carbon emissions.
Food-borne illness remains a major concern despite a safe food supply, as supermarkets increasingly rely on procedures and processes to meet growing demand for diverse international foods. International supermarket chains have a strong motivation to ensure food safety due to liability concerns and damage to reputation.
A study by Michigan State University scientist Jianguo Liu and colleagues found that household dynamics, including smaller households and urban sprawl, contribute to biodiversity loss and increased resource consumption. The results highlight the need for policy changes to protect wildlife habitats and ecosystem services.
A study analyzing 143 scientific papers and personal backyard recordings reveals that animals and plants are shifting their behaviors and seasonal timing due to a 0.6°C global temperature increase. In the temperate zone, species are shifting about five days earlier every ten years in response to warming temperatures.
Research finds that genes manage related traits in plant parts, like flowers, to optimize reproduction and survival. A single genetic mechanism regulates the growth of flower parts in correlation, enabling precise construction and successful pollination.
Scientists at Michigan State University have identified a new bacterium that can break down the toxic chemical TCA, which contaminates groundwater and erodes the ozone layer. The discovery holds promise for cleaning up contaminated sites in the US, as the microbe can convert TCA into less toxic substances.
A team of international astronomers has identified an ancient star in the Milky Way Galaxy, dated to 14-15 billion years ago. The discovery provides direct knowledge of the elemental composition of the universe shortly after the Big Bang, offering insights into the formation of stars and the chemical recipe of the early universe.
Researchers at Michigan State University and the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute found a way for an enzyme to repair DNA using iron and oxygen, bypassing oxidation. This discovery offers possibilities for understanding biological functions and combating diseases such as cancer and aging.
Researchers have discovered a new method to isolate and understand the chemicals released by male sea lampreys to lure females. The study reveals that males release pheromones, not females, to initiate mating, offering potential new strategies for controlling sea lamprey populations.
A recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that men with higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were more likely to father boys. Researchers analyzed data from 208 children born to 101 families, where PCB levels were detectable in both fathers and mothers.
Scientists have discovered gold in an ancient star located 2,500 light years from Earth, providing significant insights into the formation of elements and the age of the Milky Way galaxy. The discovery was made using the Hubble Space Telescope and Keck Telescope, revealing the presence of other elements including thorium and uranium.
Genetic modified organism (GMO) crops can benefit from a 'refugia strategy' that preserves susceptible insect genes. This approach aims to counteract potential insect resistance by allowing certain pests to survive and breed in GMO-free areas.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing biocomposites using plant-based materials and sustainable plastic alternatives. These innovative materials have the potential to reduce environmental impact, cost, and production energy while maintaining performance and competitiveness.
Digital organisms created using Avida software are used to study the effect of high mutation rates on evolution. The researchers found that a trade-off exists between producing offspring quickly and making them more robust to mutations, suggesting that slower reproduction may be beneficial for survival in highly turbulent environments.
A team from Michigan State University has found a new source of nitrogen fixation in spirochetes, corkscrew-shaped bacteria abundant in termite guts. This discovery opens up new possibilities for nitrogen availability and highlights the importance of microbes in animal nutrition and health.
A new study predicts that Brazil's planned road network will lead to widespread devastation of the Amazon rainforest, releasing more greenhouse gases and increasing forest fires. The researchers' models suggest that up to 1 million acres of rainforest could be lost annually.