In August 2024, Emily Burns noticed something was off with her vision. As her sight became worse over the next week — and was accompanied by omnipresent headaches — she went to the first place one would think to go when having vision issues: the eye doctor. When a field vision test at her ophthalmologist’s …
Fragrant garden staples part of the sprawling mint family like thyme, basil and lavender are hiding some super-sized secrets with big applications, according to Spartan researchers. While unraveling the genetic makeup of a mint relative called ground oak, MSU biochemists discovered it sported a truly massive genome — nearly as large as our own — …
Michigan State University Research Foundation Professor Federica Brandizzi has been named the next director of the MSU-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, or PRL. Brandizzi is a prolific researcher within the plant science community. Her lab has contributed many important pieces to the canon of plant research in organelle biology, biofuel research and space biology. “Becoming the next …
New research from Michigan State University reveals that photorespiration — long considered a wasteful process — is essential for producing a crucial nutrient for preventing birth defects. For the first time, scientists have measured how much carbon flows through photorespiration to make folates, a class of compounds that includes vitamin B9 — known for its …
With cases on the rise, researchers are aiming to develop a “one-two punch” vaccine strategy against pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough. This work could ultimately help reduce transmission of the disease and combat the threat of resistant bacteria mutating into stronger, more lethal “superbugs.” The project aims to improve upon current vaccines by …
Many student-athletes are preparing or returning to the field or court for their upcoming season. With the start of both collegiate and professional sports, injuries are inevitable — and when they do happen, getting fast, reliable results can make all the difference. Researchers at Michigan State University found that wireless ultrasound devices, which are smaller …
One of Michigan State University’s most significant medical breakthroughs happened somewhat by chance when researchers discovered the cancer-fighting properties of platinum in 1965. This led to the breakthrough creation of cisplatin, one of the world’s most widely used cancer-fighting drugs that continues to change lives to this day. Today, medical breakthroughs from labs at MSU …
As global carbon emissions continue to hit all-time highs, strategies for achieving net-zero emissions have only become more important. Specifically, bioenergy has an important role in displacing fossil fuels and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Therefore, a team of economists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Madhu Khanna and Gal Hochman), the …
Waiting is the hardest part. Especially in the case of testing for water or food contamination, which can take days or even a week in some cases for the results, leaving the possibility that people have been unknowingly exposed. To address this issue, Michigan State University researchers have developed two innovative methods to test for …
Michigan State University has a new way for students, faculty, staff and visitors to get around campus for free while also contributing to the future of mobility research. The SpartanXpress, MSU’s new autonomous and electric bus on campus is ready for passengers with a fresh look, new route and exciting research opportunities to explore. Thanks to …
