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News

Equations on a Blackboard

How Race, Socioeconomic Status Contribute to Math Education Inequalities 

There is a long-documented problem of inequalities in mathematics education across the United States and in other countries around the world. Previous research suggests socioeconomic status, or SES, and race play a role — but to what extent and how? Research from Michigan State University scholars answers these questions.
Solar Flare

MSU 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.
Announcements
Request for Discretionary Funding Initiative (DFI) Proposals
The Office of Research and Innovation (OR&I) requests applications for the 2024-2025 Discretionary Funding Initiative (DFI). The application and proposal development document deadline is March 13, 2025.
Neogen Land Grant Prize Applications Due Febraury 27, 2025
The Office of Research and Innovation is seeking applications for the Neogen Land Grant Prize.
Update on Executive Orders and Federal Funding
University leadership is closely monitoring the recent announcement from HHS/NIH and evaluating any impact to the research enterprise at MSU. The pause in communications from HHS/NIH is scheduled through February 1, 2025.
Planned Click IRB Maintenance 1/31 – 2/3
On Friday, January 31, 2025 at approximately 5:00 PM through Monday, February 3, 2025 at approximately 8:00 AM, the Click™ Research Compliance System IRB module will experience scheduled maintenance and be unavailable to users during this time.
New Michigan Innovation Fund to Benefit MSURF Startup Programs
On Jan. 13, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 5651, 5652 and 5653, sponsored by Reps. Alabas Farhat, Jason Hoskins and Greg VanWoerkom, which will create the Michigan Innovation Fund. This $60 million fund will provide critical funding to Michigan’s existing early-stage evergreen venture funds, emerging evergreen funds and the entrepreneur ecosystem.
Victor Receives National Creative Capital Award to Support Book About South Asian American Experiences
Michigan State University Associate Professor Divya Victor received a national Creative Capital Award for literature to support development of her upcoming book of essays, “Kin.” Victor is part of the MSU Department of English and director of the Creative Writing Program.