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News

A grassland witha  blue sky in the background

New Research Examines Biodiversity Factors of Grasslands

Researchers from Michigan State University's Brudvig Restoration Ecology lab are working to solve a longstanding question in community ecology: How do regional and local factors jointly determine biodiversity?
Joe Hefner pointing at a wall display of human bone x-rays

MSU to Create First-of-Its-Kind Database for Analyzing Human Remains

Michigan State University is leading the effort to create a computer program that produces a holistic biological profile of human remains and makes the investigative process clearer and more efficient. The project called MOSAIC is funded through a $2.1 million grant from the National Institute of Justice.

A person holding a glass of water

New Study of PFAS Forever Chemicals Highlights Need to Reduce Contamination in Drinking Water

A new study involving researchers from Michigan State University has revealed concerning findings on the long-term impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance, or PFAS, exposure in communities affected by industrial contamination in drinking water sourced near an abandoned paper mill landfill.
A dark empty lab with several lab coats hanging

The Uncertain Future of U.S. Cancer Research

Cancer research in the U.S. is backed by a complex system of interdependent funding. Partners rely heavily on each other and, when one struggles, the entire system suffers. Here, Jeffrey MacKeigan explains how cancer research funding works and what happens if there are cuts to those budgets.

Twisting tree branches on MSU campus with lawn and brick building behind

2025 MSU Innovation of the Year: Sit Sense

Pressure sores, also known as bedsores, form when individuals remain in the same position for extended periods without movement. Tamara Bush, professor of mechanical engineering and associate dean for inclusion and diversity at Michigan State University, and Justin Scott, biomechanics research associate, have developed a breakthrough solution to help address this widespread issue.
A person smiling holding a child

Groundbreaking Study Improves Children’s Health Across the Nation

Michigan State University researcher Jean Kerver leads one of the largest National Institutes of Health-funded studies of environmental influences on child health outcomes. She works with families in Michigan to understand a broad range of environmental factors, including air pollution, chemical exposure, inadequate nutrition and others, that may adversely affect pregnancy and child health.
A photo of Asteroid Vesta

New Research Shatters Long-Held Beliefs About Asteroid Vesta

For decades, scientists believed Vesta, one of the largest objects in our solar system’s asteroid belt, wasn’t just an asteroid. They concluded that Vesta has a crust, mantle and core – fundamental properties of a planet. Michigan State University has contributed to research that flips this notion on its head.
MSU Beaumont Tower

MSU Greenhouse Facility Expands With New Headhouse, Renovations to Boost Capacity

Just over a year ago, Michigan State University leaders broke ground on transformative renovations taking place at the MSU Plant Science Research Greenhouse Facility. As work continues to be done at the facility, its progress is clear and evident when passing by.

Announcements
McCarthy Named to Accounting Hall of Fame
William McCarthy, professor in the Department of Accounting and Information Systems will be inducted as the 128th member of the Accounting Hall of Fame in August 2026.
Douglas Joins National and Global Science Committees
MSU philosophy professor Heather Douglas has been appointed to national and international committees shaping research ethics and scientific responsibility.
FRIB Inaugurates K500 Chip Testing Facility
The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams or FRIB at Michigan State University today marked the inauguration of the K500 Chip Testing Facility or KSEE, expanding U.S. capacity for radiation effects testing of advanced microelectronics used in spaceflight, defense, wireless communications, and autonomous systems.
Jin Selected for National Early Career Energy Innovation Program
MSU researcher Bill Jin has been selected for a national ARPA-E Early Career program, earning $500,000 to develop ultra-flexible, self-healing concrete for extreme energy environments. His innovation aims to strengthen critical infrastructure and improve energy reliability.
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.