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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
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.