oldentomologybldg.png

News

World Map

Is Narcissism a Uniquely American Trait? A New Study Suggests Not

But a recent study from researchers at Michigan State University’s Department of Psychology found that narcissism is a universal trait with consistent patterns across cultures. Interestingly, their findings indicate the U.S. is not even in the top five countries with the highest levels of narcissism — and that rates are higher among young adults and men.
Dr. Sara Doan outside Yale University’s Library

Experience Architecture Professor’s Research Supported by Yale University Fellowship

As a Beinecke Library Fellow, Sara Doan, spent two weeks immersed in the archives of Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, uncovering materials to inform her forthcoming book, Visualizing Pandemics: A History of Data in Action, that focuses on public health communication and the history of persuasion during disease outbreaks
Dry beans growing in plant cage

Research Helping Drive Michigan’s Dry Bean Industry

Michigan State University researchers are helping power Michigan’s dry bean industry from seed to shelf through more than a century of innovation and partnership. From elite bean breeding programs to on-farm trials and sustainability research, MSU’s work boosts yields, quality and global competitiveness. Growers and food companies alike say this research is essential to keeping the industry strong, resilient and profitable.
Trees reflecting on a river

Michigan Cherry Farmers Find a Surprising Food Safety Ally: Falcons

The cherry harvest wrapped up months ago. But in northern Michigan, some growers are already anticipating the spring resurgence of a tiny raptor that could benefit next season’s crop. The American kestrel is the smallest falcon in the U.S. As birds of prey, kestrels deter smaller birds that like to snack on farmers’ fruit. But new research suggests that these winged security guards may have an additional benefit: food safety.

Cowles Hall Building

Groundbreaking Technique Unlocks Secrets of Bacterial Shape-Shifting

Scientists have long known that bacteria come in many shapes and sizes, but understanding what those differences mean has remained a major challenge, especially for species that can’t be grown in the lab. Now, a new study led by Nina Wale introduces a groundbreaking method that could change how researchers study bacterial diversity.
Group of children in nature with books

Researchers Awarded $2.6 Million Grant to Evaluate Michigan’s Federally Funded Out-of-School-Time Programs

From after-school tutoring to STEM projects and community service, Michigan’s 21st Century Learning Centers give thousands of students a safe place to grow. A new $2.6M grant empowers MSU researchers to continue ensuring these programs truly make a difference.
Macroalgae Close-up 2mm

Study Finds Early Life Clues in 3.3-Billion-Year-Old Rocks

A new international study has revealed chemical evidence of life in rocks more than 3.3 billion years old, indicating that oxygen-producing photosynthesis may have emerged nearly one billion years earlier than previously understood.
Fruits displayed in plastic containers at grocery store

Researchers Develop Easier-to-Recycle Multilayer Plastics

Each year, the world produces roughly 100 million tons of flexible multilayer plastic packaging — materials that keep food fresh and pharmaceuticals safe from moisture and oxygen. Yet most of these plastics are nearly impossible to recycle due to their complex, chemically incompatible layers. Michigan State University scientists have developed a new kind of plastic film that could change that.
Announcements
MSU Scientist Bruno Basso Honored for Contributions to Agronomic Research
The American Society of Agronomy and partnering scientific societies are recognizing MSU’s Bruno Basso for research that has transformed modern agricultural practices.
MSU, Michigan Tech Partner to Advance Dual-Use Technologies That Improve Everyday Life
MSU and Michigan Tech are partnering to advance technologies that address national security challenges while benefiting areas such as health, energy, and manufacturing.
Physiology Professor Receives Mayo Clinic Early-Career Alumni Award
Erica Wehrwein’s work at MSU is advancing physiology education by helping students connect complex biological systems to real-world health and medicine.
Teena Gerhardt Named 2027 Association for Women in Mathematics Fellow
MSU mathematician Teena Gerhardt has been named a 2027 Fellow of the Association for Women in Mathematics for her leadership, mentorship, and service to the field.
Agnieszka Sorensen Receives NSF CAREER Award to Study Dense Nuclear Matter
Using machine learning, theoretical modeling, and experimental data, MSU researcher Agnieszka Sorensen is working to better understand dense nuclear matter and the universe’s strong force.
North Wind Leaders Join MSU to Explore Dual-Use Innovation and National Security
From AI and advanced computing to workforce development and technology transfer, leaders from North Wind and MSU explored how collaboration across academia, industry, and government can accelerate dual-use innovation and strengthen national security.