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News

Ricardo Lorenz

Humboldt’s Nature to Premiere With LA Philharmonic

Commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the newest orchestral work by composer Ricardo Lorenz, Humboldt’s Nature, will premiere at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on February 12, 2026.
A garden of yellow day lilies

Midwestern Butterfly Count: Big Data Yields Bad News and Clues

Three decades of butterfly counts in the Midwest show none of the 136 species studied have increased, with many in decline. Analyzing more than 4.3 million observations, researchers found biodiversity loss across both common and rare species. The results highlight the urgent need for pollinator conservation.
American flag

Study Shows Consumer Confusion Over ‘Made in USA’ Labels

A new study from advertising and public relations researchers at Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences digs deeper into consumer attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of “Made in USA” claims. Published in the Journal of Law, Business and Ethics, it is only the second peer-reviewed study to explore what “Made in USA” claims mean to consumers.
A man reading story to child

Study Finds Print Wins Over Digital for Preschoolers Learning to Read

New findings from Michigan State University researchers suggest that some popular approaches for learning may not be as practical as parents think. Preschoolers who played more literacy games scored lower on reading assessments, while those engaged in print-focused activities saw the most significant gains.
Scientist pipetting in lab

Nanomedicine and AI Uncover Rare Biomarkers for Early Disease Detection

A Precision Health team has combined nanomedicine, artificial intelligence and causal analysis to uncover rare biomarkers for prostate cancer and heart disease. This breakthrough is the first to directly connect these biological clues to disease. The approach could transform early detection and open the door to more personalized treatments.
Scientist collecting bee pollin

Buzz-Worthy: Spartan Research Saves the Bees

A new $12 million program will tackle nutrient runoff in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Funded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the initiative uses a performance-based approach to improve water quality. Partners will work with farmers to target conservation where it delivers the greatest impact.
Lake Erie map view

$12M Investment to Advance Performance-Based Conservation in Western Lake Erie Basin

Michigan State University’s Institute of Water Research has recently received a $12 million investment from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to address nutrient contributions to the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) in Michigan.
Red beans in a basket

The Legacy of the Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research

For over 40 years, legume research advanced farming and global food security. The MSU-led Legume Lab, ended in 2025 due to USAID cuts, had aimed to build resilient, sustainable systems and support future scientists.
Announcements
MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory names Brandizzi as next director
Michigan State University Research Foundation Professor Federica Brandizzi has been named the next director of the MSU-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, or PRL.
Yumibe Named a Research Foundation Professor
In recognition of his influential scholarship in film and media studies and his contributions to Michigan State University’s research mission, Joshua Yumibe has been named an MSU Research Foundation Professor. He is among just four MSU faculty members to earn this prestigious designation in 2025.
Liu Awarded Young Investigator Award for Making AI Safer
Sijia Liu, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), was presented the Aharon Katzir Young Investigator Award from International Neural Network Society (INNS) during its 2025 joint conference in Rome, Italy, in early July.
Barton Named Fellow of the Electrochemical Society
Scott Calabrese Barton of Michigan State University has joined a renowned group of 12 experts in the U.S. and abroad as a Fellow in The Electrochemical Society (ECS). A professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (ChEMS), he was selected in recognition of his technological and service contributions to the society.
Sant’Ambrogio Elected to American Law Institute
Michigan State University College of Law Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio has been elected to the American Law Institute, or ALI, one of the nation’s most respected organizations dedicated to clarifying and improving the law.
Ferguson Receives National Ubuntu Award From LSAC
Mary Ann Ferguson, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Equity Services at Michigan State University College of Law, has received the 2025 Camille deJorna Ubuntu Award from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).