Psychologists are monitoring pregnant women and their children until age 4 for early markers of psychopathology. Preliminary findings suggest associations between prenatal stress timing and maternal mental health and infant outcomes.
Researchers have developed a unique combination of microscopy techniques to study the biological effects of nanoparticles and their interaction with human plasma. This approach allows for an unprecedented view of the nanoparticle's 'corona', also known as its biological 'crown', which contains clues about how nanoparticles interact wit...
A study of 323,200 participants from 99 countries found that friendships have health benefits regardless of location. In cultures with more individualism, those without resources benefit most from friendships for physical and psychological health.
The article highlights the potential of fish as a solution to global malnutrition and hunger. Scientists argue that viewing fish as more than just a natural resource can help alleviate poverty and improve nutrition, especially for vulnerable communities. The authors suggest four pillars for action: improving metrics, promoting nutritio...
A new study predicts that the number of people suffering extreme droughts will more than double by the late 21st century due to climate change. Global land area and population facing extreme droughts could increase from 3% to 7-8%, posing significant threats to food security and human migration.
Researchers found Geobacter bacteria can coat themselves with cobalt nanoparticles, protecting them from toxic metal. This discovery opens doors to biotechnology applications in reclaiming and recycling cobalt from lithium-ion batteries, reducing dependence on foreign mines.
Despite panda conservation efforts, some species suffer from habitat loss and degradation under 'umbrella' policies. Research found that Asiatic black bears, forest musk deer, and Chinese serows are negatively impacted by panda-centric management.
Research reveals a direct relationship between insulin resistance and severe lung inflammation and scarring in people with pre-diabetes or diabetes. High ozone exposure may exacerbate pulmonary fibrosis, particularly in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes.
A team of scientists from Michigan State University discovered that supernovae can forge carbon atoms over 10 times faster than previously thought. This finding challenges existing theories about the creation of Earth's heavy elements, particularly ruthenium and molybdenum isotopes.
Enslaved.org, a searchable database cataloging the lives of enslaved Africans and their descendants, welcomes public contributions to deepen understanding and respect. The platform allows users to run analyses and create visualizations, shedding light on the complexities of personal history.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that countries like Japan and China show less age bias, while individualistic nations like the US and Germany exhibit greater ageism. States in the US with high age bias also tend to have poorer health outcomes for older adults.
A new study from Michigan State University found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are more likely to develop cognitive impairment at older ages. The research suggests that depression may be a key underlying factor contributing to these disparities, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity and acceptance to support menta...
A new study by Michigan State University reveals the far-reaching effects of irrigated agriculture on the environment, including water scarcity and greenhouse gas emissions. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex connections between food production, energy use, and environmental sustainability.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a potential genetic target for treating an especially painful and invasive form of endometriosis. They discovered that targeting super-enhancers, altered by a mutation in the ARID1A gene, could lead to effective treatment using epigenetic therapy.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing softer materials for robots to navigate safely and build trust with humans. The team plans to test their 'Soft Mult-Arm Robot' prototype in apple orchards and operating rooms.
A liquid nanofoam material with nanopores creates a large surface area, making it pliable and deformable for effective protection. The material outperformed traditional foam in laboratory tests, offering potential to be used in helmets and other safety devices.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a deep learning model to predict the binding sites of known protease inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The model can help drug developers prioritize promising candidates and save time and money in the early stages of drug development.
Research from Michigan State University and Ohio State University found that empowerment initiatives can be effective when implemented by leaders who value being respected, but can lead to micromanaging and decreased motivation when led by those who prioritize control. The study suggests that candid conversations between employees and ...
A new study by Michigan State University found that STEM television programming for kids ages 3-6 underrepresented Latinx and female characters, but showed efforts to promote racial diversity through racially ambiguous characters. The research highlights the need for authentic representation in children's media.
A new software tool called ATLAS measures children's phonological awareness, a critical skill for literacy development. The study found that the software was effective in assessing over 1,100 children aged 3-7 with varying levels of speech and language impairment.
A Michigan State University researcher found that counterfeit identity documents are being sold on the open web, with most buyers seeking passports from European countries. The study also revealed that vendors use specific language to appeal to their audience and often offer discounts for referrals.
Michigan State University researchers are developing a precision nanotherapy that turns the body's own cells into weapons against breast cancer. The approach targets cancer cells' CD47 protein, which defends against immune cells, and uses ultra-thin carbon tubes to arm immune cells for a covert attack.
A new study by Michigan State University found that teens with fewer friends are more likely to experience depression as adults. However, for women, being popular in adolescence can lead to lower depressive symptoms in adulthood. The study suggests that gender roles and expectations may contribute to this difference.
A new framework examines human-nature interactions across space and time to reveal successes and setbacks in achieving sustainable development goals. The analysis found 33 synergies and 14 trade-offs among 10 SDGs, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to sustainability.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that people who want to improve their empathy tend to shift towards more liberal ideologies, prioritizing care and fairness. This study is the first to explore shifts in personalities and morals due to volitional change.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers connects specific hormones present before and after birth with immune response and lifelong immunological disease development. Females are at increased risk for common diseases like asthma, allergies, and irritable bowel syndrome due to their perinatal hormone levels.
A team led by Michigan State University is developing diamond devices to monitor brain biochemistry for early warning signs of Parkinson's disease. The devices aim to detect low levels of dopamine, a chemical neurons use to communicate, and could potentially treat the disease earlier.
Researchers studied the interactions between humans and nature in panda reserves, discovering nine synergies among Sustainable Development Goals, including economic growth and poverty alleviation. However, they also found that habitat disturbance occurred when hiking trails were built for tourists.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that nondeceptive placebos can reduce self-reported emotional distress and brain activity related to emotional events. The study showed a significant reduction in brain markers of emotional distress within just a couple of seconds, suggesting genuine psychobiological effects.
Researchers found that 79% of participants were consistently married, while 8% were consistently single; however, the happiest groups had varied relationship histories or lived single their whole lives. Married individuals showed a slight increase in happiness, but not substantially.
A team of Michigan State University engineers has designed a soft-hard hybrid flexible gripper that can generate larger grasping forces than traditional pure soft hands. The new research, published in Soft Robotics, aims to create safer human-robotics interactions for tasks such as fruit picking and medical care.
Researchers found that college-aged participants spent more time on Snapchat, demonstrated more problematic use, and reported higher preference for negative social potency rewards. They also attempted to quit Facebook more than Snapchat, contradicting expectations.
A new study in Nature Sustainability shows that international trade improved the sustainable development goals of 70% of developed countries but reduced them by over 60% for developing countries. The research found that trading with distant countries had more environmental benefits, as close neighbors often share similar constraints.
Researchers found that people tend to become more optimistic as they age, with a significant increase during young adulthood. Despite major life events, such as divorce or illness, people generally remain positive about their future, finding ways to maintain emotional balance and focus on happiness.
A study conducted by Michigan State University researcher Zachary Neal found that only 16% of a person's satisfaction with their neighborhood depends on the neighborhood itself. Instead, factors such as individual personality and perception play a significant role in determining neighborhood satisfaction.
A new study from Michigan State University found that consumer arrogance drives both positive and negative word-of-mouth communication, with consumers bragging about their purchases to show off their superiority. The research suggests that tapping into this phenomenon can be a key strategy for marketers on social media.
A new self-powered alarm system detects forest fires by harvesting energy from moving tree branches, reducing the need for maintenance and increasing efficiency. The MC-TENG technology converts mechanical energy into electricity, enabling continuous monitoring of fire and environmental conditions.
A large-scale study of over 212,000 active duty Army personnel found that those with stable positive character strengths prior to deployment were less likely to struggle with mental health issues after returning home. In contrast, those with lower character strengths experienced further declines and were at higher risk for major mental...
A new study in Nature reveals a process that allows molecules to guide scientists on how to modify them for better solar energy absorption and conversion. By mimicking the energy conversion systems found in nature, researchers aim to develop more abundant, scalable materials for solar energy technology.
A study by Michigan State University found that language learning apps, such as Babbel, can improve oral communication skills and not just grammar and vocabulary acquisition. Students who used the app for longer periods showed greater improvement in their Spanish language knowledge.
A new measure, Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP), is proposed to value nature's contributions to economic activity and human well-being. GEP summarizes the economic value of nature's services, highlighting the need to balance domestic and ecosystem needs for a sustainable future.
Researchers at MSU solved the long-standing enigma of the magnesium dimer's high-lying vibrational states using advanced computational methods. The team's findings, published in Science Advances, provide new insights into the molecule's behavior and pave the way for future experimental studies.
A Michigan State University scientist has proposed a point-of-care diagnostic platform using nanotechnology to diagnose COVID-19 infection and assess future risk. The platform uses nanoparticles or magnetic levitation to analyze biological fluids, creating unique patterns that can identify patients at high risk of death.
A team of Michigan State University scientists developed a reliable model to study giant viruses, identifying key proteins that orchestrate infection and release their genome. The study revealed three environmental conditions that induce stargate opening, allowing researchers to mimic stages of infection with high frequency.
A new nanoparticle-based technique allows researchers to capture mechanical properties of living cells in real-time, revealing key findings on how cancer cells stiffen as they form tumors. This breakthrough has promising applications in disease diagnosis and treatment.
A study by Michigan State University examines the complex relationships between small-scale fishing activities, including pre- and post-harvest interactions, to understand the impact on fishers' livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of trust and collaborative relationships in shaping these dynamics.
Researchers propose a two-step process to develop a more sustainable land management system: designing a framework with digital agriculture technologies and implementing policies that support farmers. The study suggests targeted tax incentives and subsidies can help drive policy change and reduce environmental impacts.
A new study sheds light on the lesser-known internet crime of sextortion, which poses a threat to adults and minors. The research highlights the importance of protecting the public from online criminals and calls for increasing awareness and changing legislation to include other forms of internet-based sexual abuse crimes.
A team of researchers has developed a new system to evaluate proposed scientific research projects that distributes the workload among proposers and uses machine learning to match reviewers with proposals. The system also includes a feedback mechanism to improve the review process.
A new study by Michigan State University scientists reveals that plants have genetic systems to host and nurture the right microbiome, promoting healthy growth. Increased microbiome diversity correlates with plant health, while abnormal compositions lead to tissue damage and symptoms similar to human inflammatory bowel disease.