Researchers found that only 11% of studies on species distribution models include human activities, despite humans being the primary drivers of change. New models aim to accurately account for human influence in conservation predictions.
Researchers discovered nine X-ray flares from Sagittarius A* and analyzed a decade's worth of data to understand the black hole's environment. They also examined the black hole's activity using echoes from a giant molecular cloud, providing insights into its past activity.
According to MSU research, linguistically simple headlines engage readers more than complex ones. The study found that simplicity impacts how often people click on stories, leading to increased demand for good journalism. By writing simply, news organizations can make their content more approachable and accessible to a wider audience.
The Zipkin Quantitative Ecology lab examines 36 highly cited papers on statistical ecology published in the journal Ecology since its inception in 1920. The team found a persistent evolution of models and concepts in the field, driven by refinements in techniques and exponential increases in computational power.
A recent MSU study identified large gaps between people's career interests and U.S. job demands, indicating unfulfilled interests at work. The study found that artistic interests are the most popular but least demanded among jobs, while conventional or systematic work is highly demanded despite being less popular.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that state-paid family leave policies can help prevent child abuse. The study compared four states with implemented paid family leave to those without it and found a statistically significant reduction in infant maltreatment rates.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a second parallel metabolic pathway for acylsugars in tomato roots, shedding light on the plant's defense mechanisms. The findings could lead to improved natural pesticides and a better understanding of the resilience of Solanaceae family plants.
A team of researchers from MSU and Harvard Medical School has created a promising vaccine candidate for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The vaccine targets Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with high levels of immunity observed in animal trials.
A new study from Michigan State University suggests that political confidence can be a barrier to tolerating differing opinions, leading to discrimination and hostility. Those with high internal political efficacy are more likely to sever social ties and refuse conversations over political differences.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that nearly one-in-four individuals experience persistent knee osteoarthritis symptoms after ACL reconstruction, highlighting the importance of timely intervention. The study suggests that addressing these symptoms with exercise or physical therapy can help prevent long-term structural d...
A recent study published in Phytobiomes Journal found that non-native crop viruses are infecting and harming wild desert plants. Infection rates with the virus CABYV reached as high as 88% in some populations, causing visible impacts on plant growth and root health.
A new study reveals how deep-seated geographic isolation drove divergent evolutionary paths among mammals, resulting in unique biodiversity patterns. The research highlights the crucial role of isolation in shaping modern ecosystems, with implications for conservation efforts and understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems.
A study by MSU researchers suggests that evaluating teacher effectiveness for students with and without disabilities requires separate value-added measures. The research team found that top-performing teachers for one group may not be effective for the other, highlighting the need for targeted training and support.
Soil microbes were analyzed near the Centralia mine fire, revealing new insights into how bacterial communities respond to intense environmental change. The team found that species that were active or dormant changed after the fire, but some populations recovered with new bacteria being blown in by wind.
The Ukraine-Russian war is spurring farmers to expand their croplands, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction. Informed policy can prevent this rapid expansion and protect biodiversity hotspots like Brazil's Cerrado.
A recent MSU-co-authored study identifies 10 insights to reduce vaccine hesitancy on social media, emphasizing the importance of messaging tailored to specific groups, correcting misinformation, and leveraging trust in vaccination campaigns. The research aims to alleviate bias and improve vaccine uptake behaviors.
The discovery reveals that microbes can conjugate bile acids beyond glycine and taurine, increasing diversity and function of bile acids. This challenges scientific dogmas and raises questions about the role of bacteria in gut health.
Researchers have identified the specific gene responsible for cold-induced sweetening and uncovered the regulatory element that switches it on under cold temperatures. This discovery holds promise for developing potatoes that are naturally resistant to cold-induced sweetening and producing toxic compounds.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed highly accurate synthetic human mini hearts that can be studied in a dish. This advancement is facilitating the development of new therapies and pharmaceutical drugs to treat various heart-related diseases. The mini heart organoids are becoming increasingly complex and realistic, ...
A team of researchers has successfully created five new isotopes at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, bringing the stars closer to Earth. These isotopes, known as thulium-182, thulium-183, ytterbium-186, ytterbium-187 and lutetium-190, represent a significant milestone in nuclear science and offer new opportunities for experimentation.
Researchers at MSU and Carnegie Science have developed a model connecting microscopic plankton relationships to predictably affect food webs on an ecosystem level. This new model could deepen understanding of nature's laws and create opportunities in ecosystem management.
Researchers studied how mosses and plants conquered land, discovering that fungi played a crucial role in nutrient absorption and plant resilience. The study also highlights the potential of mosses as natural fabricators for building materials or medicines in space exploration.
The multidisciplinary team, led by Nihar Mahapatra, is developing sustainable and impactful accessible voice AI solutions for people who stutter. The goal is to provide high-impact deliverables that will be sustainable beyond their support.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found a potential breakthrough in treating glioblastoma by targeting an acid sensor on cancer cell membranes. The compound OGM showed remarkable ability to kill glioblastoma cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.
Scientists are studying how animals like squid and newts use bacteria to defend themselves against predators, with the goal of applying these principles to maintain beneficial bacteria in the human gut. This research could provide insights into the mutualistic relationships between animals and their microbiomes.
According to a study by Michigan State University, more Michigan adults now say they never want to have children due to the uncertainty surrounding reproductive health care following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.
A recent study found that only 18% of US hospitals reported consistent COVID-19 reporting directives across government agencies. The research highlights the need for standardized protocols and automation to improve data submission efficiency and enhance public trust in healthcare.
A new study reveals that pandas are more socially active than previously thought, using scent-marking trees to exchange information about their lives. In non-mating seasons, they primarily hang with family members, but branch out during mating seasons.
A new study suggests that giant pandas are active users of 'social media' in the form of scent-marking trees. The research team analyzed DNA from fresh panda poop to determine which bears were close to each other and used this information to explore their social network. The findings reveal that during non-mating seasons, pandas tend t...
Researchers found that despite interest differences, gender gaps in career opportunities are substantial, particularly at lower education levels. The study suggests a need for gender diversity efforts to focus on professions that don't require a college degree.
Research from Michigan State University reveals that spotted hyenas form mobs based on strong social relationships and can cooperate even when there's no obvious benefit. The study found that female hyenas were more likely to join mobs when there were no male lions present.
Researchers are working to better understand and reduce the health risks associated with mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. A new approach has been piloted, which can help reduce mercury emissions in these mines.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that glial cells in the gut can sensitize nearby neurons, causing them to send pain signals more easily during inflammation. This discovery could help develop new therapies to alleviate visceral pain by counteracting the glia's sensitizing efforts.
A team of MSU scientists has identified a key protein in transporting antimicrobial proteins out of plant cells, which could lead to breakthroughs in crop productivity and yield. By understanding how plants defend themselves against pathogens, researchers can develop new strategies to improve crop resilience.
A recent study published in Plant Physiology reveals the inner workings of photosynthesis and plant productivity by investigating the interaction between RBL10 and ACP4 proteins. The researchers identified that these proteins act independently in parallel ways to affect lipid biosynthesis, paving the way for engineering crop plants wit...
Researchers at MSU have solved the mystery of the cytoplasmic droplet (CD), a poorly understood sperm structure found in all mammals. The study reveals that the CD acts as a 'storage room' to pack up critical proteins needed for sperm function, and its formation is controlled by a novel protein trafficking system.
A new study found that public spending on social safety net programs and education independently affects high school graduation rates. The researchers discovered that investing in these areas results in a positive impact, with higher spending associated with higher graduation rates for historically underserved student groups. By analyz...
A Michigan State University study of 767 people found no reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pet owners reported pets improved their lives, but this was not reflected in their overall happiness levels.
Researchers have found that halophilic fungi can restructure their cell walls to withstand extremely salty conditions, minimizing water loss and maintaining structure. This discovery could lead to the development of new technologies harnessing these microbes for industrial processes.
A team of MSU researchers, supported by a $750,000 grant from JDRF, is creating a new approach to image immune cells in living subjects. This could enable better treatment opportunities and outcomes for patients with Type 1 diabetes, particularly those who are eligible for cell transplantation strategies.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that plants have fine-tuned systems to deal with varying day lengths. To survive, they adjust their photosynthetic rate and energy allocation.
Elise Zipkin and her team at Michigan State University have developed a framework to utilize data from well-quantified animals to reveal insights about less common, harder-to-observe species. The new methodology enables the estimation of trends and demographic rates for rarer species using integrated community models.
Researchers at MSU are developing new, sustainable materials that can repair themselves and capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By combining 3D printing with microorganisms, they aim to create carbon-negative building materials.
The new plan provides a roadmap for advancing nuclear science research programs over the next decade. It highlights FRIB's importance in advancing the field and ensures continued US leadership in nuclear physics.
A team from Michigan State University discovered that, on a warming planet, plants like oaks and poplars will emit more of a compound called isoprene, exacerbating poor air quality. This finding has significant implications for understanding the impact of climate change on air pollution.
A $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation enables MSU researchers to create an AI-powered wearable tracker for children with developmental disabilities. The technology tracks parameters such as location, speech, and movement to infer peer interactions and provide feedback to educators.
MSU is working to make drinking water safer by better understanding pathogens like Legionella and disinfection byproducts in distribution systems. The research aims to create a systematic way to monitor water systems and assess health risks associated with these contaminants.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $115 million to support the development and operation of the High Rigidity Spectrometer at FRIB. This instrument will enable scientists to characterize rare isotopes created in high-energy reactions, expanding FRIB's scientific reach and productivity.
A new study from Michigan State University finds that dairy producers are overtreating cows with non-severe cases of clinical mastitis, leading to increased farm costs and loss of milk. The researchers estimate that using the minimum labeled duration for treatment could reduce direct costs by $65.20 per case.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a drone-based biometric recognition system that can identify individuals from up to 400 meters away using whole-body biometrics. The system, called FarSight, uses videos from drones as input and outputs a candidate list of identities from a database.