Study Finds Ransomware a Key Factor in U.S. Health Data Breaches
A new study led by researchers from Michigan State University, Yale University and Johns Hopkins University reveals that ransomware attacks — which involve a hacker putting encryption controls into a file and then demanding a ransom to unlock the files—have become the primary driver of health care data breaches in the United States, compromising 285 million patient records over 15 years.
MSU Faculty Elected to the National Academy of Sciences
Three Michigan State University faculty members have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for 2025. Christoph Benning, Jianguo "Jack" Liu and Philip Robertson are among the 120 members and 30 international members being recognized for their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.
Tolhurst Examining Economic Behavior Changes, Impacts Caused by Extreme Weather Events on Agriculture
Tor Tolhurst, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, studies how extreme weather and rare ‘tail events’ impact agricultural decision-making and economic behavior.
Johnson Receives $500K Grant to Study Tree Species Suited to Future Michigan Climates
Jeremy Johnson has received a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to explore assisted tree migration as a way to protect the future productivity of Michigan forests.
Study Links Problematic Social Media Use to Belief in Fake News
A first-of-its-kind study from researchers at Michigan State University reveals that individuals who experience the most distress and impairment in daily functioning from social media use are more likely to believe fake news.
Writing Architect: Bridging Research and Classroom Practice to Strengthen Student Writing
A new tool from MSU researchers is giving teachers practical support to strengthen student writing by showing exactly where young writers need help and how to guide them.
Inside the Castle: Studying Social Motivation in Young Children With Autism
“The beauty of science is the more questions you ask, the more answers you get,” says Barbara Thompson, who studies social motivation in young children with autism. Kids play in a castle lab while researchers observe how they respond to connection.
MSU Researchers Compare PFAS Exposure in Men And Women
PFAS encompass thousands of man-made chemicals found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, grease-resistant food wrappers and water-resistant clothing. The chemicals can stay in the bloodstream years after intervention has occurred, the study found. However, for those in the low-exposure group, men had a higher chance of retaining the PFAS in their blood long term.
Announcements