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News

Solar Flare

Astronomer's Breakthrough Model Sheds Light on Solar Storms and Space Weather

Thomas Do, an astronomy graduate student at Michigan State University, published a paper predicting how particles accelerate under a wider net of circumstances than previous models. His model could be applied to solar storms that impact technology in space.
Brian Schutte talking to someone

MSU Connects Change in DNA to Cleft Palate Phenomenon

Cleft lip and cleft palate are some of the most common birth defects in people, affecting roughly one in every 700 babies in the world. Researchers have identified a likely culprit: a change in DNA variant near a specific gene.
Student writes with pen on graph paper

Highlighting the Negative Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Special Education Students in Michigan

Researchers at Michigan State University’s College of Education published a new study exploring learning gaps for students with disabilities and especially for those who are Black, Asian, and economically disadvantaged students — with the 2019-21 school years showing staggering declines in identifying students who could benefit from special education.
A graphic of the Earth in deep space

Bringing Dark Comets to Light

Darryl Seligman, a postdoctoral fellow in the College of Natural Science’s top-ranked Department of Physics and Astronomy, is the lead author on a paper that uncovers seven new dark comets in our solar system.
A graphic of immune cells

Reprogramming Immune Cells to Decrease Rejection of Medical Implants

When it comes to medical implants, Michigan State University researchers have discovered that using a drug that is a metabolic inhibitor performs like an opening act and makes the body more receptive to medical devices such as pacemakers, replacement joints and dental implants.
Two people reviewing an ultrasound picture

Worried About a Pregnant Woman’s Stress and Mental Health? Her Saliva May Hold the Key

New research out of Michigan State University found that the number and type of microbes present in the saliva of pregnant women differ according to whether they are experiencing life stress and symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Aphids on a plant

Uncovering Plant Resistance Through Aphids Saliva

Aphids are small yet mighty. In the right conditions, these tiny creatures can be among the most destructive insect pests to crops and cultivated plants, making understanding aphids’ feeding process crucial to the plant health field.
An aerial view of a city

Using Brain Activity to Predict Visits to Urban Areas

Researchers from Michigan State University are the first to measure brain activity to make predictions that could help inform enhanced urban planning and design that addresses the well-being of residents and visitors.
Announcements
MSU Research Foundation Designates $75M to Propel Michigan State’s Vision for a Far Better World
In a bold demonstration of philanthropic leadership and long-standing commitment to Michigan State University, the MSU Research Foundation has designated $75 million over the next eight years to support the university’s comprehensive campaign, Uncommon Will, Far Better World.
Michigan State University Ranked Among the Top 100 U.S. Universities for Utility Patents in 2024 by the National Academy of Inventors
The Top 100 U.S. Universities List is an annual ranking created to highlight and celebrate U.S. universities that play a large role in advancing innovation and invention in the United States.
Trifecta Announces Spring 2025 Projects
The Trifecta Initiative Facilitating Fund (TIFF) Awards are designed to provide investigators from the Trifecta Initiative colleges with resources towards federally funded NIH or NSF proposals.
Celebrating the 2025 Postdoctoral Excellence Awardees at MSU
Michigan State University proudly recognizes two exceptional postdoctoral scholars for their outstanding contributions to research. Selected through a highly competitive nomination and peer-review process, Dr. Miguel Chirivi, Ph.D., D.V.M., and Dr. Ajmir Khan, Ph.D., were honored with the 2025 Postdoctoral Excellence in Research Awards (PERA).
MSU Salutes Breakthroughs in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at 2025 Innovation Celebration
Michigan State University’s Innovation Center hosted the highly anticipated 2025 Innovation Celebration on April 1 at the Kellogg Center, honoring the trailblazers advancing research, entrepreneurship, and economic development in the region and beyond.
Xia Named MSU AgBioResearch Associate Director
Kang Xia has been named associate director of Michigan State University AgBioResearch. Her appointment begins April 14.