Research at Montana State University reveals that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in protecting against acute arsenic toxicity. The study found that certain microorganisms in the human gut can neutralize arsenic, reducing its toxic effects.
Rosana Molina, a Montana State University doctoral candidate, received a three-year F31 fellowship grant to develop more efficient two-photon excitation methods for neuroscience research. This technology enables deeper brain imaging and has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the brain.
Researchers at Montana State University are leading a multi-pronged approach to control bindweed and creeping thistle, two chief hardships in organic farming. The four-year, $2 million grant aims to develop effective management strategies that preserve soil health.
Researchers at Montana State University are studying Familial dysautonomia, a rare genetic neurological disease, to understand its connection with the human gut microbiome and metabolism. The study aims to develop new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers are studying how variations in federally qualified health centers impact efficiency and patient health outcomes. They aim to develop models to better understand the strengths and challenges facing Montana's healthcare system, with a focus on pregnancy-related health outcomes and disparities.
A multidisciplinary team led by MSU Extension Plant Pathologist Mary Burrows will investigate root rot and effective ways to prevent or overcome it. The project aims to develop resistant plants, study farm practices, and share findings with stakeholders.
A $1 million grant will support research into tree chemical defenses against bark beetles, exploring mechanisms of tree death and susceptibility. The study will investigate tree responses to drought conditions and manipulate water availability in pinyon pine forests.
A Montana State University study examines 35 ecological vital signs in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, finding increased human population and density, as well as a changing climate, are affecting its overall health. The research also highlights opportunities for citizen scientists to gather data and contribute to ecosystem assessments.
A Montana State University-led team discovered that low humidity, high winds, and extreme temperatures contribute to Chile's massive fires. The researchers found that Chile replaced native forests with more flammable tree plantations, which facilitated the spread of fires.
A team of over 200 scientists from 73 institutions worldwide has completed the entire sequence of bread wheat's genome, which could lead to higher yields, enhanced nutritional quality, and improved sustainability. The reference genome sequence will enable breeders to develop improved varieties and address food security challenges.
A Montana State University biochemist will study the role of microorganisms in breaking down and converting complex carbon compounds in the deep sea. The research aims to provide a benchmark for the field of deep-sea sediment microbiology and lay the foundation for future physiological studies.
The grant aims to prepare MSU nursing students for community-based primary care settings and provide professional development opportunities for registered nurses. Key findings include the project's focus on recruitment of American Indian students into the MSU College of Nursing and a new community-based primary care nursing track.
Meredith McClure's research uses circuit theory and least-cost path models to predict animal movement patterns, finding that circuit theory is more effective for wolverine dispersal while least-cost path models are better for elk migrations. This work informs conservation efforts by providing more accurate wildlife corridor maps.
A MSU neuroscientist published research that reveals how the brain maintains attentional focus during eye movements, which could lead to new treatments or therapies for some brain disorders. The study's findings may also contribute to the development of screening technologies and targeted behavioral therapies for conditions like autism.
A Montana State University professor has won a five-year, $3.12 million grant to conduct research on sexual and reproductive health among American Indian youth in Montana and abroad. The 'We Are Here Now' study aims to improve the health and well-being of indigenous youth through community-based participatory research.
Montana State University's lidar technology can identify clusters of lake trout to a depth of 26 feet, allowing for more efficient removal. This tool could save time and money by detecting fish in shallow water, potentially reversing the decline of native cutthroat trout.
The Last Artifact documentary follows scientists as they seek to establish a new definition for the kilogram, with implications for modern life. The film showcases the history of the current standard and the challenges of updating it.
Researchers found a new archetype of microbes living in Yellowstone National Park's thermal features that sheds light on the origin of life and the importance of iron in early Earth. The discovery is critical to understanding the universal tree of life and evolutionary history of the Earth.
Kristopher Olshefski, a Montana State University graduate student, has won a prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. He will use the award to advance his research on fluid sprays, which could lead to improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency and the development of new propulsion systems for spacecraft.
A Montana State University ecologist has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright appointment to work on a project helping countries meet conservation goals set by an international agreement. The project aims to analyze ecosystem data gathered by NASA, which could help over 30 countries protect biodiversity.
Mark Owkes, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Montana State University, has earned the National Science Foundation's CAREER award for his research on complex liquid-gas interactions. His goal is to create more accurate and faster simulations to help engineers design better technologies.
A Montana State University researcher found that LGBQ students are 7% less likely to complete their STEM degree than heterosexual peers. Despite this, nearly 50% of LGBQ undergraduates reported working in a lab or doing fieldwork, suggesting a commitment to the field.
Researchers have found that a synthetic pheromone can lure beetles to concentrate on tamarisk bushes, doubling the die-back of the plants. This method is more precise and lower-cost than traditional methods like herbicides and mechanical removal.
A study by Montana State University researchers found lower fruit and vegetable desirability in more rural areas of Montana, affecting daily food choices. This can lead to long-term health implications due to the quality of available fruits and vegetables.
Researchers at MSU have discovered a new way viruses assemble themselves and eject DNA into host cells, with potential applications in medicine and biotechnology. The study focused on the Acidianus tailed spindle virus, which can change shape to interact with its host cells.
Nicolas Yunes and Emanuele Berti will study colliding black holes with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) detector, which could help understand Einstein's theory of gravity. The data from LISA will analyze gravitational waves produced during mega-collisions, shedding light on extreme environments.
A Montana State University ecologist has received a prestigious Swedish professorship to further his research on predator-prey relationships and conservation of Africa's top carnivores. The award allows him to collaborate with experts in molecular ecology and explore how human activities isolate ecosystems.
A team of six MSU professors aim to increase women's representation in agricultural science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. They will provide an online course targeting freshman and sophomore students, highlighting the diversity of roles and contributions by women currently working in agricultural careers.
The researcher will create computer models to evaluate national and regional forest management policies and their impact on ecology, economy, and society. The goal is to provide information for improved forest stewardship in a changing world.
Booster seats reduce minor injuries specifically among children aged 8 to 12, while car seats and seat belts appear equally effective at saving lives. However, booster seats may not be the best option for younger children due to concerns over premature graduation to adult seat belts.
Bill Schell, a Montana State University assistant professor, has been recognized as an ASEM Fellow for his contributions to engineering management and leadership. He is one of only 72 members to receive the award since 1988.
The MSU McNair Scholars Program, a five-year grant-funded initiative, supports 25 undergraduates annually and provides services such as undergraduate research projects, conference presentations, and graduate school preparation. The program has already seen significant success, with 136 students participating since its inception in 2009.
Montana State researchers are studying the role of the human gut microbiome in detoxifying arsenic after ingestion. They aim to understand how microorganisms metabolize arsenic and potentially lower cancer risk through this process.
Research by Montana State University's Selena Ahmed aims to understand the effects of weather variability on maple syrup production. The study found that warmer temperatures lead to higher levels of phenolic compounds, resulting in darker syrups with lower demand and prices.
A MSU physicist developed a new model that predicts the speed of solar plasma during solar flares, likening it to the path traveled by a thrown baseball. The model has implications for understanding how solar flares evolve and providing better ways to predict them.
Researchers from Montana State University and collaborators from Cornell and Johns Hopkins universities have made a breakthrough in understanding how bacteria's CRISPRs distinguish between self and non-self DNA. This discovery has significant implications for the development of novel technologies to treat genetic diseases.
A study of 50 Maiasaura tibiae fossils revealed bird-level growth rates and a six-year window of peak physical fitness. The researchers also found that sexual maturity occurred within the third year of life and the average adult mass was 2.3 tonnes in eight years.
The US nursing workforce is projected to increase from 2.7 million to 3.3 million by 2030, driven by national initiatives and growing demand. However, a shortage of around 130,000 nurses by 2025 remains a concern due to aging population and skill shortages.
A team of researchers from Montana State University has identified a new chemical compound called IQ-1S that shows promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that IQ-1S significantly reduced the severity of collagen-induced arthritis and inhibited the destruction of cartilage and bone.
A research team at Montana State University and Sweden has discovered an antioxidant system in liver cells that helps sustain function during a crisis. The system is powered by methionine, an amino acid found in high levels in egg, meat, fish, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, and cereal grains.
A team led by Montana State University ecologist Jia Hu will investigate the movement of nitrogen through a western Montana forest to provide baseline information on nitrogen availability and forest productivity. The goal is to help forest managers make informed decisions leading to healthier forests across the West.
Researchers at Montana State University have discovered a critical molecule, IL-1a, that plays a crucial role in recruiting white blood cells to fight lung infections. The molecule helps prevent mold from invading lung tissue and growing, potentially reducing the death rate associated with Aspergillus fumigatus.
A recent study by MSU-led researchers found that oxygen-depleted dead zones between dams in the upper Missouri River are directly linked to the failure of endangered pallid sturgeon hatched embryos to survive to adulthood. This is a major breakthrough in understanding the decline of this species, which can live up to 100 years.
A three-year study found that injecting Siberian slippery jack spores into the soil around whitebark pine seedlings increased their survival rate. The native fungus helps trees take in more nutrients and water from the soil, and produces sugars to feed the fungi.
A new study by Montana State University researchers found that extreme weather events can significantly impact the chemical composition of tea. Samples from two extreme weather events revealed a 50% decrease in certain antioxidant compounds and a corresponding drop in household income for tea farmers.
A US expedition has made a groundbreaking discovery, finding microorganisms thriving beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The team, led by Montana State University professor John Priscu, drilled down to Subglacial Lake Whillans and discovered an active ecosystem with archaea-based life forms.
Scientists at Montana State University have developed a detailed blueprint of a bacterial surveillance complex that detects and destroys viruses. The discovery could lead to new innovations in medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture, as CRISPR-associated machines are being repurposed for precision DNA editing.
A team of researchers at Montana State University published a paper on how DNA responds to ultraviolet light, revealing its super-fast mechanism to resist damage. The findings advance our understanding of the genetic code's resistance to UV rays, which can lead to skin cancer and aging.
Researchers discovered that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for visual stability, filtering out unnecessary information during eye movements. This finding has implications for understanding mental health issues like dyslexia and attention deficit disorders.
New research reveals dryland ecosystems have emerged as a significant driver of the global carbon cycle, contributing to a four-fold increase in net carbon uptake. The study highlights the impact of climate extremes and desert greening on ecosystem processes, with surprising interactions discovered between natural events and biomes.