A new study published in Science tallies butterfly data from over 76,000 surveys across the US, revealing a 22% decline in total butterfly abundance between 2000 and 2020. This alarming rate affects 554 species, with 107 experiencing population losses of more than half.
A new MSU-led study found that translocation successfully bolstered population numbers, but failed to prevent genetic erosion and inbreeding in Florida Scrub-Jays. The researchers analyzed decades' worth of data and sequencing the entire genomes of 87 jays, identifying reproductive skew as a limiting factor.
Astronomers are using the James Webb Space Telescope and high-performance computers to study the atmospheres of seven planets beyond our solar system, gaining insights into planetary formation and evolution. The KRONOS program aims to understand how planets form, evolve, and potentially harbor life.
A new study on non-migratory birds found that environmental variability influences life history strategies, with fast-living birds prioritizing reproduction and long-lived birds hedging against bad years. Climate change may alter the odds of these bets, posing a challenge to species' adaptability.
Researchers at MSU's Zipkin Quantitative Ecology Lab advocate for assemblage-level conservation, which considers the interactions between multiple species in a habitat. This approach aims to better estimate and manage biodiversity declines by protecting groups of related species.
Researchers found that climate change affects lake ecosystems in complex ways, with abrupt changes in algal biomass detected in a third of tested lakes. The study suggests that climate interacts with human activities like agriculture and urban runoff, leading to more vulnerable lakes.
The increasing extraction of sand across the world is causing significant harm to marine ecosystems, leading to coastal erosion, habitat destruction, and the spread of invasive species. Integrating sand mining into broader environmental policies is crucial to mitigating its impacts.
A recent MSU study highlights the challenges of diagnosing episodic disabilities like epilepsy, where symptoms fluctuate and can be unpredictable. The research found that 52% of participants experienced delayed diagnoses, while others faced quick confirmations within days of their first seizure.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that even with protected habitats, human activity can significantly impact mammal populations. The researchers found that tropical forests near more people have fewer mammal species and that human activity outside of protected areas is dramatically reshaping forest communities. This sugg...
MSU scientists have identified alternative formation pathways for trihydrogen (H3+) in compounds such as methyl halogens and pseudohalogens. This breakthrough study provides new insights into the abundance of H3+ in the universe, with implications for astrochemistry and the formation of organic molecules.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that polyethylene (PE) packaging can have an average life cycle global warming potential savings of approximately 70% compared to commonly used packaging materials. This is due to PE's lower fossil resource use, GWP, water scarcity and mineral resource use in most applications.
Scientists have developed a new technique called BioSonic spectroscopy, which uses short pulses of light to observe the nanoscale motion of virus particles. This allows researchers to capture the unique signature or 'sound' of each biological system, providing a new way to understand biology and potentially aiding in disease prevention.
A new study from Michigan State University found that friends significantly agreed on who was ready for committed relationships and those who weren't. Friends of individuals with an insecure attachment style were also seen to be more insecure in their relationships, suggesting a link between social perceptions and romantic prospects.
Researchers at MSU are studying Cyanidioschyzon merolae, an alga that can photosynthesize in extreme conditions. Understanding its abilities can help scientists improve the process of photosynthesis.
A new study from Michigan State University reveals that social media plays a crucial role in connecting students with disabilities to others who share similar experiences. The research found that students with disabilities use social media as a tool for self-advocacy, identity exploration, and accessing vital resources.
A Michigan State University study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in children's sleep patterns, with non-white and multiracial children experiencing more significant variability in bedtime and rise time. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic inequities to promote healthy sleep equity among all children.
A Michigan State University researcher has developed a breakthrough model that sheds light on solar storms and their impact on space weather. The model, predicting particle acceleration and escape across a range of energy levels, could help scientists study cosmic rays emitted in supernova explosions.
Researchers at Michigan State University, along with citizen scientists and their truffle dogs, have discovered two new species of truffle. The newly named Tuber canirevelatum and Tuber cumberlandense were identified through DNA analysis and have aromatic compounds found in valuable truffle species. These discoveries could lead to incr...
A new Yale University-led study suggests that elevated marine iodine concentrations delayed the creation of a stable ozone layer, preventing complex life from evolving unimpeded. This delay may have contributed to the tardy emergence of land plants and animals on Earth.
A study reveals that the Russia-Ukraine war has a disproportionate impact on distant countries, leading to higher costs and fewer options for securing food supplies. Researchers used satellite images and metacoupling framework to analyze the connections between regional conflicts and global food accessibility.
A new MSU study reveals staggering declines in identifying students with disabilities during the 2019-21 school years, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. In-person learning is essential for accurate identification and support, according to researchers.
Michigan State University has received a grant to support students in agricultural economics research and career development opportunities. The funding will enable students to gain hands-on experience with real-world projects and collaborate with industry professionals.
Researchers at MSU are developing a novel approach to combat prostate cancer using promethium-149, a radioactive isotope that can deliver high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells. The team plans to test the effectiveness of 149Pm against industry-standard 177Lu and explore its potential for treating other types of cancers.
A recent study by MSU researchers doubles the number of known dark comets and identifies two distinct types. Dark comets are near-Earth objects that may contain water, a potential source for delivering materials to Earth necessary for life. The discovery challenges current classification methods for asteroids and comets.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing engineered enzymes that increase plants' heat tolerance, enabling them to survive high temperatures and maintain physical and chemical structures. This research aims to prepare plants for elevated temperatures and address the challenges of climate change.
Researchers found that pregnant women experiencing life stress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD had distinct oral microbiomes. These microbe communities showed high alpha diversity in those with anxiety and depression, while post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were linked to high beta diversity.
Researchers from Michigan State University used brain-scanning tools to predict visitation patterns in urban environments. The study found that the brain's reward system can shape human behavior within cities, aiding in designing sustainable living spaces.
A new study from MSU finds that AI-generated summaries can enhance public understanding of scientific studies and increase trust in scientists. The research uses a large language model to create simple summaries, which are more accessible and accurate than human-written ones.
Researchers aim to develop vaccines that can prevent the spread of Brucella abortus, a highly contagious and antibiotic-resistant disease affecting livestock and humans. The study focuses on understanding the genes and pathways used by the bacteria during infection, with the ultimate goal of creating effective vaccines for wildlife.
Researchers from MSU found that paper birch trees maintain similar enzyme capacities across different environmental conditions, indicating a built-in mechanism for survival. This discovery suggests that plants can adapt to changing temperatures and will continue to provide fuel, food, and fiber for humans.
A multidisciplinary team of MSU researchers has pioneered a way to detect diseases sooner using biomarkers in plasma, enabling faster treatment and better patient outcomes. Their new method reduces masking effects of highly abundant proteins, allowing for more precise and earlier detection of diseases.
A new genetic breast cancer model developed by MSU researcher could help scientists better understand why and where cancer metastasizes. The model uses a genetically engineered mouse to study the E2F5 gene's role in breast cancer development, revealing altered regulation of Cyclin D1 and tumor formation.
A Michigan State University researcher has identified key challenges in communicating scientific research on environmental health issues. The study found that different communication strategies can have unintended consequences, highlighting the need for scientists to be more intentional about their messages.
Skirycz's five-year grant will support a novel method to characterize the 'dark matter' of the metabolome, identifying previously unknown functions of compounds. By comparing multiple interaction networks across different organisms, researchers aim to validate potential targets for understanding organismal health.
Researchers have identified the first high-resolution experimentally determined structure in proteins that helps bacteria survive harsh conditions. SpoIVFB, a specialized enzyme, plays a critical role in sporulation and facilitating biochemical product creation.
A new nanotherapy infusion was tested in pig models to prove its effectiveness and lack of side effects. The infusion targets specific immune cells that eat away at plaque cores, reducing blood vessel inflammation.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that voter purging in the state disproportionately affects lower-income and minority communities. The study suggests that these groups are more likely to be incorrectly identified for removal from voter rolls due to outdated data and inadequate verification processes.
Researchers found that lakes in communities of color were significantly less likely to be sampled for water quality than those in white communities. This disparity affects the ability to assess water quality in these areas, highlighting the need for more inclusive lake monitoring programs.
The study found significant geographic variations in concussion diagnoses in US emergency departments, with a higher frequency of diagnoses in the South due to high population density. The researchers highlight the need for tailored public health strategies to address these variations effectively.
A recent study reveals that red-backed salamanders are more abundant than expected in eastern North American forests, with an estimated 5,300 individuals per football field-sized patch. The discovery highlights the ecological importance of these small but mighty creatures in maintaining forest health.
A Michigan State University study found that nondeceptive placebos reduced stress, anxiety, and depression in just two weeks, even when participants knew they were taking placebos. The study used remote administration and showed significant benefits with minimal effort.
Michigan State University researchers have developed a method for CRISPR-based genome editing in Nile grass rats, which are diurnal rodents with sleep patterns similar to humans. This breakthrough could provide an alternative model for studying human health and disease, as existing models rely heavily on laboratory mice.
Michigan State University researchers have found a new way to prevent antibiotic resistance by unleashing 'DNA scavengers' in wastewater treatment plants. The enzyme, developed by Syed Hashsham and James Tiedje, breaks up strands of antibiotic-resistant DNA before bacteria can pick them up and take on their properties.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a protein pair, BAP2 and IRE1, that work together to regulate the response to ER stress in plants. This finding has significant implications for breeding crops more resilient to drought and heat conditions.
Researchers at Michigan State University characterized how fungi restructure their cell walls to thwart current antifungal medications. The study found that fungi enhance their survival odds by making specific changes to the structure and organization of the components in their cell walls, rendering existing drugs ineffective.
A study by Michigan State University reveals that certain proteins and peptides in the nasal and oral environments create lubricants for bacterial colonies to move towards vulnerable sites. The discovery provides new insights into how staphylococcus bacteria spread, shedding light on conditions that accelerate their movement.
The study found that the percentage of hospitals offering at least one form of telemedicine service increased from 46% in 2017 to 72% in 2021. Despite rapid growth, persistent disparities in implementation across different hospital types and challenges in health information exchange remain.
Physicists at Michigan State University have developed a new approach that combines high-resolution microscopy with ultrafast lasers to detect misfit atoms in semiconductors. The technique enables researchers to spot defects with unparalleled precision, which is critical for the performance of modern electronics.
A recent Michigan State University study found that people of color and white women are significantly underrepresented in randomized controlled trials due to systematic biases. The researchers identified design and implementation flaws as the primary causes of this lack of representation.
TopoFormer uses a transformer model trained on tens of thousands of protein-drug interactions to recreate 3D structures as one-dimensional information that current models can understand. This enables more accurate predictions of new drug interactions and potentially reduces development time and costs.