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Michigan State University


MSU, Audubon fight to conserve a disappearing bird species

Research from Michigan State University and National Audubon Society reveals new insights for conserving the declining black tern population in Michigan and nationwide. The team developed an integrated population model that combines sparse data on black terns with new land management practices, potentially improving their outlook.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2023

Mixing theory, observation to envision warmer world

Researchers combine theory and observation to understand damselfly responses to warming temperatures, discovering a more realistic predator-prey simulation model. This work provides groundwork for understanding how other species will adapt to a warmer world, particularly species like mosquitoes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateApr 25, 2023

Study reveals inequity in journal peer review

A study by Michigan State University researchers found that authors from historically excluded groups face worse peer review outcomes, with authors from Asia and countries with low social and economic development facing rejection rates of up to 50% higher than those from Western countries. The study suggests that journals can adopt sol...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 13, 2023

Michigan State University researchers uncover potential climate change-nutrition connection in plant metabolism

Researchers at Michigan State University have found a link between climate change and nutrition, showing that increased carbon dioxide levels can affect plant metabolic processes. The study highlights the importance of understanding how plants use amino acids to produce proteins, as this may impact their nutritional value.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Plants·DateDec 22, 2022

Insights get the right fish on the right plate

A team of scientists from Michigan State University conducted a study to track the supply and demand of fish in sub-Saharan Africa, revealing surprising gaps in traditional analysis. The research found that smaller fish species like usipa were more widely available than larger species like chambo, but policies were prioritizing the lat...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Food·DateDec 15, 2022

Guiding conservation with local touch

A group of biologists is exploring the potential of seed banks, frozen zoos, gene editing, and assisted gene flow to create second chances for species affected by climate change. By understanding local adaptation strategies, conservationists can design more effective conservation actions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBioScience·DateDec 5, 2022

Power to the people must include the people

A group of international scientists transformed a top-down process into one that provides electricity to remote Amazonian communities. The "Inclusive engineering" approach engages with local values and preferences, ensuring the system is maintained by the community.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2022

Satellites cast critical eye on coastal dead zones

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a way to use satellite views to understand and predict the formation of dead zones in coastal areas. The study found that satellites can provide near-real-time information on where, when, and how long hypoxic zones persist, enabling better management of these critical problems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateNov 21, 2022

New MSU research: How nature handles Earth's nitrogen

Researchers at Michigan State University have made significant contributions to our understanding of the nitrogen cycle, a complex process that underlies the balance of nitrogen in the environment. The team, led by Timothy Warren, has uncovered new pathways and reactions involved in the conversion of nitric oxide to nitrous oxide.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 20, 2022

Gender-balanced teams produce more innovative, impactful scientific work, according to new research from MSU, Northwestern, Notre Dame and NYU

A study by researchers at MSU, Northwestern, Notre Dame and NYU found that gender-balanced teams produced significantly more novel and impactful scientific work compared to unbalanced teams. Teams with an equal number of men and women had the highest likelihood of novel and impactful results.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2022

Getting data to do more for biodiversity

A new model developed by MSU researchers uses low-cost data about abundant species to generate insights on harder-to-find neighbors, helping monitor and preserve biodiversity. The model can be particularly helpful for rare and elusive species, providing valuable information with minimal data.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 26, 2022

Say hello to a record-setting isotope

Scientists have created the world's lightest version of magnesium, a record-setting isotope that helps refine theories on atomic structure. The unstable isotope was produced using particle accelerators and decays within tenths of a second, making it impossible to measure directly.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 6, 2022

Helping smooth New Zealand sea lions’ road home

A team of researchers has developed a new tool to predict the habitat needs of New Zealand's endangered sea lions, enabling conservation efforts to better prepare for their return to the mainland. The model takes into account various factors such as sand, grass, and forest types, slopes, and human impact like roads and farms.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2021