Three decades of butterfly counts in the Midwest show none of the 136 species studied have increased, with many in decline. Analyzing more than 4.3 million observations, researchers found biodiversity loss across both common and rare species. The results highlight the urgent need for pollinator conservation.

A new study from advertising and public relations researchers at Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences digs deeper into consumer attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of “Made in USA” claims. Published in the Journal of Law, Business and Ethics, it is only the second peer-reviewed study to explore what “Made in USA” claims mean to consumers.

New findings from Michigan State University researchers suggest that some popular approaches for learning may not be as practical as parents think. Preschoolers who played more literacy games scored lower on reading assessments, while those engaged in print-focused activities saw the most significant gains.

A Precision Health team has combined nanomedicine, artificial intelligence and causal analysis to uncover rare biomarkers for prostate cancer and heart disease. This breakthrough is the first to directly connect these biological clues to disease. The approach could transform early detection and open the door to more personalized treatments.

A new $12 million program will tackle nutrient runoff in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Funded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the initiative uses a performance-based approach to improve water quality. Partners will work with farmers to target conservation where it delivers the greatest impact.

Michigan State University’s Institute of Water Research has recently received a $12 million investment from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to address nutrient contributions to the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) in Michigan.

For over 40 years, legume research advanced farming and global food security. The MSU-led Legume Lab, ended in 2025 due to USAID cuts, had aimed to build resilient, sustainable systems and support future scientists.

Assistant Professor Jerome Graham of Michigan State University's College of Education will examine the relationship between chronic absenteeism and student well-being across Georgia with a $450,000 grant.