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News

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‘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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Announcements
Shipley Named 2026 Guggenheim Fellow
MSU photography faculty member Lara Shipley has been named a Guggenheim Fellow for the 2026 cohort. She will use her Fellowship to help finance an art project on wolves in Minnesota.
O’Halloran Named Member of American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Thomas O’Halloran is among the 252 newest members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, joining a historic group that includes figures like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein.
Spartan Researchers Convene for One Health Research Workshops
Faculty voices are helping shape the future of One Health Research at MSU, where interconnected health challenges meet collaborative, real-world solutions.
Douglas Awarded Honorary Doctorate in Belgium
Philosopher Heather Douglas of Michigan State University was awarded an honorary doctorate in Belgium for her influential work on science, ethics and public trust.
Ren Named 2026 Guggenheim Fellow
Xuefei Ren was named a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow for her internationally recognized research and upcoming project examining AI, data centers and the future of urban regions in China and the U.S.
Malete and Pfeiffer Named Gwen Norrell Professors
Two Michigan State University professors were named Gwen Norrell Professors, recognizing their work in youth sport and student-athlete well-being. Their research will advance physical, mental and developmental outcomes for young athletes.