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.
FRIB is using machine learning to accelerate nuclear physics experiments, simulations, and data analysis. The initiative aims to shorten the timeline for experimental discovery and improve the efficiency of facility processes.
Researchers at MSU are working on a project to create an electric autonomous vehicle that can travel long distances without charging, addressing the issue of range anxiety. The team is exploring battery chemistry, electrical systems, and materials to develop a fully autonomous, lightweight all-terrain vehicle.
Table salt has been found to outperform expensive catalysts in the pyrolysis process, which breaks down plastics into simpler compounds. The researchers' findings have significant implications for reducing costs and increasing efficiency in plastic recycling, with potential applications in industries such as packaging and energy.
Researchers from Michigan State University identify opportunities for win-win situations in land use, exploring the potential of legal reserves to balance agriculture with forest conservation. The study suggests an ecosystem restoration market could economically benefit regions with lower food production potential.
Researchers found a buildup of cholesterol in the retina contributes to diabetic retinopathy. Non-invasive retina evaluations can detect crystalized deposits, allowing for earlier diagnosis. The study suggests new treatments could be less invasive than current options.
Researchers at Michigan universities and institutions will continue studying environmental factors during pregnancy and early childhood, aiming to understand their impact on health outcomes. The study aims to identify ways to mitigate and improve child health from birth through adolescence.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found that over half of Campylobacter jejuni infections in Michigan are caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, which can lead to severe complications and death. The study's findings highlight the importance of food hygiene and safety, particularly in rural areas where exposure to animals a...
Researchers are using neuroscience and AI to develop more secure vision systems for autonomous vehicles, which can be deceived by hackers through optical illusions. The goal is to improve the overall safety and success of autonomous vehicles.
A new study from Michigan State University finds that natural selection can slow down evolution and keep similar traits across generations. Researchers used the wild radish plant as a model organism and selectively bred individuals with varying stamen lengths to test the influence of selection and constraint on this trait.
Scientists at Michigan State University used big data to study bird coexistence in the Albertine Rift ecosystem. They found that birds partition their habitat use along environmental gradients and adopt different strategies to survive, allowing them to coexist without driving each other to extinction.
Researchers from Michigan State University's School of Packaging have developed a bio-based polymer blend that is compostable in both home and industrial settings. The blend, which includes polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic starch, reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and enables efficient recycling.
A team of researchers, led by MSU's Mehr Un Nisa, used the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory to detect gamma rays emitted by the sun with unprecedented brightness. These high-energy particles, known as gamma rays, were found to be surprisingly abundant and have a energy level of 1 trillion electron volts.
A new study found that affective polarization, a global bias against opposing political parties, is fueled by shared cognitive frameworks and disagreements over issues. The research suggests interventions like highlighting shared opinions and unique perspectives may reduce polarization.
Researchers at MSU and Henry Ford Health will study the connections between maternal body mass index (BMI) and childhood obesity. They aim to identify biological mechanisms that contribute to childhood obesity and develop interventions to prevent it in infancy.