News | Office of Research and Innovation

AgBioResearch Helps Propel Potato Industry

The Michigan potato industry is seeing significant returns from investment in Michigan State University research. Scientists are helping growers deliver chips and fries that stay local longer, cut costs, and keep hundreds of jobs in Michigan.

M-AAA Backs Research on High Oleic Soybeans, Driving ‘Once-in-a-Generation’ Gains for Michigan Dairy Farmers

MSU-led research shows how feeding dairy cows high oleic soybeans can cut feed cost, boost milk quality and spark economic growth — allowing one southwest Michigan dairy farm to add more than $1 per cow per day in income over feed cost.

Researchers Explore How Virtual Sports Aid Mental Health

Physical sports have long been known to help with anxiety and mental health. But can augmented and virtual reality sports games improve psychological well-being and reduce loneliness? Researchers at Michigan State University’s Department of Kinesiology say yes.

Person holding phone while using computer

‘Wiggling’ Atoms May Lead to Smaller, More Efficient Electronics

Researchers at Michigan State University have figured out how to use a fast laser to wiggle atoms in a way that temporarily changes the behavior of their host material. Their novel approach could lead to smaller, faster and more efficient electronics — like smartphones — in the future.

Green head silhouette with glowing brain on a green and white tiled background

New Research Could Advance Treatment of Brain Disease, Injury

MSU researchers collaborated with scientists from Rutgers University–New Brunswick to identify a previously unknown role for cypin in the communication between specialized brain cells called neurons.

Doctor taking notes and browsing computer

Researchers Address Gap in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

A team of researchers from Michigan State University and community partners has conducted critical research to address gaps in treatment of substance use disorder in Michigan’s St. Clair County and the city of Port Huron.

CSE Researchers Add $1.16 Million in New Research

The College of Engineering is among Michigan State University’s top producers of research discoveries and commercialization that help build a diversified economy and generate jobs for Michigan and the Midwest. Three new National Science Foundation, or NSF, grants will add $1.16 million in research funding to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Seeding the Field

Today, Arabidopsis thaliana is used in plant labs at Michigan State University and around the world. It's led to major discoveries in their labs and the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory. And it all began with a husband-and-wife team who would help pioneer Arabidopsis research at Michigan State University.

Announcements

Neogen Land Grant Prize Applications Due Febraury 26, 2026

Jan 20, 2026

Ogunwobi Named Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences

Jan 6, 2026

Internationally renowned cancer researcher Olorunseun “Seun” Ogunwobi, MD, PhD, has been elected a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). Ogynwobi is chair of Michigan State University’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and co-director of the Center for Cancer Health Equity Research.

Gordon Named Fellow of the American Academy of Osteopathy

Dec 16, 2025

Travis Gordon, D.O., MSc, an assistant professor and alumnus of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Osteopathy. He will be formally recognized at the AAO Convocation in March 2026.

Winter Break 2025 Hours for Research and Innovation Units

Dec 15, 2025

Jain to Help India Update National ID (Aadhaar) Innovation Roadmap

Dec 5, 2025

Anil Jain, University Distinguished Professor and the Douglas E. Zongker Endowed Professor of Engineering at Michigan State University, has joined a panel of experts for a strategic and technological upgrade of India’s digital identity platform.

Belin Joins MSU as the Audrey and John Leslie Endowed Chair in North American Indian and Indigenous Literary Studies

Dec 2, 2025

A citizen of the Navajo Nation and an acclaimed poet, artist, and educator, Esther Belin joined Michigan State University this fall as the new Audrey and John Leslie Endowed Chair in North American Indian and Indigenous Literary Studies in the Department of English. She is the second scholar to hold this position, following Gordon Henry, who retired in 2023 after serving as the inaugural Leslie Chair.