A recent study conducted by Michigan State University suggests that an improved method of self-collecting blood samples for testing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) could lead to early detection of health issues related to these “forever chemicals.” PFAS are persistent chemicals found in various products and environments, with detrimental effects on human health. The study …
Michigan State University (MSU) has achieved a record-breaking $759.2 million in research and development expenditures for fiscal year 2022. This marks a $49 million increase from the previous year and signifies progress towards the university’s strategic plan goal of reaching $1 billion in research expenditures by 2030. The growth was primarily driven by federally funded …
It’s estimated that by 2050, the global population could reach 9 billion. With limited natural resources, feeding, clothing and providing materials to support that many people will be challenging. In Federica Brandizzi’s lab at Michigan State University, she and her colleagues are finding ways to make plants part of the solution. “A way to sustain …
Dispatching drones equipped with remote sensing technology in the air and taking smartphone images on the ground, a Michigan State University researcher is helping farmers more quickly predict and quantify tar spot, a disease found in maize crops. “The fungus that causes tar spot likes cool temperatures and wet leaves,” said Addie Thompson, assistant professor …
Dairy cows often appear as slow, docile animals, but under the surface lies a highly tuned, milk-producing machine. “Compared to human athletes, dairy cows burn as much energy as a marathon runner,” said Dr. Barry Bradford, Dairy Management and Nutrition professor at Michigan State University’s (MSU) Department of Animal Science. Bradford’s research is focused on …
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of manufactured chemicals used in various industrial and consumer applications for over 60 years. They are often used in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpeting, and firefighting foam. PFAS are extremely persistent in the environment, meaning they do not break down easily, leading to them being …
Spectroscopy is a broad field that studies the interaction of electromagnetic radiation and matter and is used across numerous disciplines, including chemistry, physics, biology, and astronomy. “We use electromagnetic radiation, which could be visible light that we are all used to experiencing when we go outside and see the world before us. It could be …
Biometrics, or the recognition of individuals by means of unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, have been used in law enforcement for over 100 years. “The whole idea of biometric recognition is to use your body characteristics, either fingerprint, face, voice or the iris of the eye, to define your identity,” said Anil Jain, University …
Associate Professor David Ferguson is the first ever to receive an exercise physiology-related grant from NASCAR. The grant, awarded in January 2023, is expected to address the growing concerns of heat exhaustion a race car driver may experience during competition. Ferguson and his team of Kinesiology undergraduate and Ph.D. students will spend the next year …
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 …
