Biofilms and the Search for Life Beyond Earth
In a study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, researchers from Michigan State University explored how some of the planet’s most ancient and resilient life forms, microbial biofilms, survive in extremely harsh environments. These structured communities may hold the key to understanding how life could survive and be detected on other planets.
First Scientific Paper on 3I/ATLAS Interstellar Object
When the news started to spread on July 1, 2025, about a new object that was spotted from outside our solar system, only the third of its kind ever known, astronomers at Michigan State University — along with a team of international researchers — turned their telescopes to capture data on the new celestial sighting.
MSU Researchers Develop Wood-Based Material That Improves Safety and Life of Lithium-Ion Batteries
For consumers worried about the risks associated with using lithium-ion batteries — which are used in everything from phones to laptops to electric vehicles — Michigan State University has discovered that a natural material found in wood can improve battery safety while also improving the battery’s life.
MSU Study Unpacks How 2025 Tariffs Shocked Global Supply Chain
In the wake of the largest series of U.S. tariff hikes since 1930, a new study from Michigan State University explores how this economic shock is reshaping global supply chains and offers a framework to help researchers and policymakers make sense of the chaos. The study was recently published in the Journal of Supply Chain Management.
RFID Isn’t Just for Tracking Inventory: New MSU Research Shows It Secures Drug Supply Chain
New MSU-led research shows how real-time tracking using RFID can fight counterfeit drugs, protect patients, and help pharmaceutical companies meet new federal security standards. The breakthrough pilot, led by the Axia Institute, proves RFID’s potential for total traceability, from production to pharmacy.
Researchers Map the Worldwide Threat of Antibiotic Resistance in Livestock Waste
A major international study by Michigan State University and partner researchers has uncovered a hidden danger lurking in animal farms around the world: Livestock manure is packed with antibiotic resistance genes that could threaten human health. This study spanned 14 years and represents the most comprehensive survey of livestock antibiotic resistant genes to date.
O'Dell Publishes Book on Creating Theatre With Neurodiverse Audiences in Mind
MSU Theatre Specialist Dionne O’Dell releases her debut book, The Sense-Ability Ensemble’s Guide to Creating Theatre for Audiences that are Neurodiverse, offering an inside look at building inclusive performances from the ground up. Available July 1, 2025.
Some Studies Might Not Paint Full Picture of How Plants Respond to Climate Change
Scientists may be underestimating how plants will respond to rising global temperatures when they study hot summers but not warming winters, Michigan State University ecologists found.
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