For centuries, potatoes have been a staple crop of many countries and, to this day, remain an essential crop in many nations worldwide. However, potatoes can be susceptible to various fungal infections called blights, which can wipe out entire crops. One of the most notable examples, the Irish Potato Famine, was caused by a potato …
Dr. Tamara Bush, a Mechanical Engineering professor at Michigan State University, and biomechanics post-doctoral student Dr. Justin Scott have developed the world’s first Smart Wheelchair. Current wheelchair designs have a limited range of adjustment, often only allowing users to recline by tilting the seat back rearward. However, these designs are often inadequate to treat pressure …
Although our farmers may feed the world, agriculture can also create waste byproducts that harm our environment. To help make farming a greener practice, Dr. Bahar Aliakbarian, an Associate Professor in the MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and Director of Development and Research at the Axia Institute, is researching how the industry can …
Younsuk Dong, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at the MSU Department of Biosystem and Agricultural Engineering (BAE), has created a system that will improve irrigation and plant disease management. Dong’s hardware, entitled the Low-Cost Monitoring System (LOCOMOS), is aimed at helping farmers determine optimal crop water patterns and can help farmers decide when crops …
Dr. Muhammad Rabnawaz, assistant professor in the School of Packaging and professor in the Chemistry Department, is developing new ways to create plastics. Rabnawaz is researching ways to produce biodegradable plastics and recycle polymers. He utilized resources at the MSU Innovation Center to assist on the technological side of his work and stated that the …
MSU researchers to study movement disorders and falls in the elderly Two researchers from Michigan State University are working on designing and implementing scalable wireless systems that will assist caregivers with real-time patient motion tracking to detect and prevent falls for caregivers of elderly falls in real-time. Huacheng Zeng, an assistant professor in the …
Dr. Dong Zhao’s research at Michigan State University is working to generate optimal solutions to make cities more sustainable and user-friendly. Zhao is an assistant professor of construction management in MSU’s school of Planning, Design, and Construction. His research is focused on the human-building integration that considers occupants, technologies, and environments in the creation of …
Q&A with engineer Chengcheng Fang Michigan State University is one of the top 100 research universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, widely regarded as among the top research-intensive institutions in North America. The following story highlights one of the many examples of MSU’s research excellence and innovation. …
“Ask the Expert” articles provide information and insights from MSU scientists, researchers, and scholars about national and global issues, complex research, and general-interest subjects based on their areas of academic expertise and study. They may feature historical information, background, and research findings or offer tips. Michigan State University’s Peter Savolainen is always thinking about how to …
Michigan roads are in need of repair, and Dr. M. Emin Kutay is looking for the solution with his research in pavement technology. Kutay, associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, researches ways to enhance pavement technology to extend the durability and longevity of roads. He and his team have developed a …
