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News

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.
A field of mint plant

The Mint Blueprint: Unlocking Plant Chemistry to Fight Pests, Microbes and More

While unraveling the genetic makeup of a mint relative called ground oak, MSU biochemists discovered it sported a truly massive genome — nearly as large as our own — as well as an extra-large gene cluster and four sets of chromosomes.
Nexus exhibit

‘Nexus’ Exhibit Features Work by Artists Who Help Shape MSU’s Arts Community

Michigan State University’s Department of Art, Art History and Design, or AAHD, is shining a spotlight on the creative work of its academic staff, offering the public a look into the lives and practices of the artists who help shape MSU’s arts community.
Woman running on track

Study Finds Accessible Wireless Ultrasounds Are Accurate

With the start of both collegiate and professional sports, injuries are inevitable — and when they do happen, getting fast, reliable results can make all the difference. Researchers at Michigan State University found that wireless ultrasound devices, which are smaller and more portable compared to standard machines, can provide athletic trainers and other medical professionals with similar information.
Older woman on a swing

What Obituaries Reveal About a Life Well-Lived

What constitutes a life well-lived? A new Michigan State University-led study is turning to a common cultural artifact to find out: the obituary. This research introduces a new framework for the psychological study of legacy by shifting focus from how individuals wish to be remembered to how they are actually remembered by others.
Close up of hair

Shampoo-Like Gel Could Help Chemo Patients Keep Their Hair

Cancer fighters know that losing their hair is often part of the battle, but Michigan State University researchers have developed a shampoo-like gel that has been studied in animal models and could protect hair from falling out during chemotherapy treatment.
Announcements
Hanna Named to TIME100 Health List
Mona Hanna of MSU’s College of Human Medicine has been named to the 2026 TIME100 Health list. She is recognized for founding Rx Kids, the nation’s first community-wide maternal and infant cash prescription program.
The Jenison Fund: Supporting MSU’s Research Momentum
The Jenison Fund helps researchers sustain momentum amid changes in federal funding. The second round of funding for this three-year initiative has recently been awarded.
Mahmoudi Receives National AAAS Award
Michigan State University Professor Morteza Mahmoudi has been named the recipient of the 2026 Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS.
Klump Honored With National Beckman Mentoring Award
MSU Foundation professor and clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychology Kelly Klump was awarded the prestigious 2025 Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award, a national award that recognizes academic faculty members who have inspired their former students to make a significant contribution to society.
Impact of Interdisciplinary Collaboration Showcased at the Tetrad Symposium
Forty Tetrad teams convened at the MSU Union to present their collaborative research at the Tetrad Symposium.