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News

MSU's Cook Hall

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.
Tree with painted spartan logo in a field

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.
A phone's home screen including several social media apps

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.
MSU's Agriculture Hall building

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.
A person watches video feeds of toy filled playrooms on a computer screen

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.
A person filling a glass with water under a faucet

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

The Fish Doctors: Improving Aquatic Health Through Collaboration and Research

Fish producers have sought Kebus and Loch’s help in combatting one of the top diseases affecting salmon and trout—bacterial cold-water disease. Loch and his lab team have been working to develop a vaccine to combat this disease.
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?
Announcements
Shipley Named 2026 Guggenheim Fellow
MSU photography faculty member Lara Shipley has been named a Guggenheim Fellow for the 2026 cohort. She will use her Fellowship to help finance an art project on wolves in Minnesota.
O’Halloran Named Member of American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Thomas O’Halloran is among the 252 newest members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, joining a historic group that includes figures like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein.
Spartan Researchers Convene for One Health Research Workshops
Faculty voices are helping shape the future of One Health Research at MSU, where interconnected health challenges meet collaborative, real-world solutions.
Douglas Awarded Honorary Doctorate in Belgium
Philosopher Heather Douglas of Michigan State University was awarded an honorary doctorate in Belgium for her influential work on science, ethics and public trust.
Ren Named 2026 Guggenheim Fellow
Xuefei Ren was named a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow for her internationally recognized research and upcoming project examining AI, data centers and the future of urban regions in China and the U.S.
Malete and Pfeiffer Named Gwen Norrell Professors
Two Michigan State University professors were named Gwen Norrell Professors, recognizing their work in youth sport and student-athlete well-being. Their research will advance physical, mental and developmental outcomes for young athletes.