oldentomologybldg.png

News

Person wearing VR headset and smiling

Researchers Explore How Virtual Sports Aid Mental Health

Physical sports have long been known to help with anxiety and mental health. But can augmented and virtual reality sports games improve psychological well-being and reduce loneliness? Researchers at Michigan State University’s Department of Kinesiology say yes.
Person holding phone while using computer

‘Wiggling’ Atoms May Lead to Smaller, More Efficient Electronics

Researchers at Michigan State University have figured out how to use a fast laser to wiggle atoms in a way that temporarily changes the behavior of their host material. Their novel approach could lead to smaller, faster and more efficient electronics — like smartphones — in the future.
Green head silhouette with glowing brain on a green and white tiled background

New Research Could Advance Treatment of Brain Disease, Injury

MSU researchers collaborated with scientists from Rutgers University–New Brunswick to identify a previously unknown role for cypin in the communication between specialized brain cells called neurons.
Doctor taking notes and browsing computer

Researchers Address Gap in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

A team of researchers from Michigan State University and community partners has conducted critical research to address gaps in treatment of substance use disorder in Michigan’s St. Clair County and the city of Port Huron.
Spartan logo in pavement

CSE Researchers Add $1.16 Million in New Research

The College of Engineering is among Michigan State University’s top producers of research discoveries and commercialization that help build a diversified economy and generate jobs for Michigan and the Midwest. Three new National Science Foundation, or NSF, grants will add $1.16 million in research funding to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Chris Somerville posing near plants

Seeding the Field

Today, Arabidopsis thaliana is used in plant labs at Michigan State University and around the world. It's led to major discoveries in their labs and the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory. And it all began with a husband-and-wife team who would help pioneer Arabidopsis research at Michigan State University.
Lake Michigan shoreline

Lake Michigan Study Shows Increase in Structures to Combat Rising Water Levels

New research from Michigan State University Assistant Professor Ethan Theuerkauf, decided to document the increase of shoreline armoring in response to rising lake levels and its associated effects on coastal erosion.
Berkley Walker analyzing plant under microscope

‘Wasteful’ Plant Process Makes a Key Prenatal Vitamin

New research from Michigan State University reveals that photorespiration — long considered a wasteful process — is essential for producing a crucial nutrient for preventing birth defects.
Announcements
MSU Scientist Jason Rowntree Recognized for Sustainable Agriculture Research, Leadership
Jason Rowntree received NCR-SARE's Hero Recognition for his long-term leadership and contributions to sustainable agriculture across the North Central region.
12 MSU Scholars, Students Named Fulbright Finalists
The Fulbright Program has selected five Michigan State University faculty members and seven students as finalists for the 2026–27 academic year.
Seed Grants Nurture New Directions and Collaborations Campus Wide
MSU’s Ecology, Evolution and Behavior program awarded seed grants to 12 interdisciplinary research teams, providing early funding to help launch innovative projects and secure future external research support across fields ranging from AI to conservation and public health.
MSU AgBioResearch Funds Three Projects to Advance Health, Food Systems and Community Well-Being
MSU AgBioResearch has selected three projects to fund through the Growing Healthy Together Initiative, a program designed to solve complex health challenges through transdisciplinary research.
Ren and Shipley Named Guggenheim Fellows
Two MSU professors have been named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows: Xuefei Ren, a professor of sociology in the College of Social Science, and Lara Shipley, assistant professor of photography in the College of Arts and Letters’ Department of Art, Art History and Design.

Michigan State University Advances One Health Research at Summit
This faculty-based initiative brought together more than 600 researchers to shape interdisciplinary pathways and position MSU as a national leader in One Health.