The Spark: A Seed in the Stacks Innovation often begins with a single question. For Mammoth Distilling, that question emerged during a routine research session in the Michigan State University (MSU) library: What happened to Michigan’s legendary rye varieties? While researching whiskey heritage in the MSU library, Ari Sussman, an MSU graduate and a Mammoth …
The Breakthrough: Science Meets Urgency In the race to address climate change, the ability to measure and value nature with precision has become a critical need for companies, governments, and communities alike. Michigan State University (MSU) and IORA Nature Tech have forged a partnership that is redefining what’s possible in this space. Their breakthrough: a …
The world faces a growing threat from antibiotic-resistant bacteria, rapidly evolving viruses, and diseases for which traditional vaccines are ineffective or impractical. Existing vaccines often require multiple doses, cold storage, and complex manufacturing barriers that limit global access. At Michigan State University (MSU), Dr. Xuefei Huang, a professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and …
A wide range of disciplines are adopting artificial intelligence, or AI, at a rapid pace. From science and medicine to the humanities and education, AI is influencing the landscape of how information is accessed and processed. At Michigan State University, the College of Engineering is exploring new ways for AI to improve lives through railway safety, AI security, …
Dear Innovators, Collaborators, and Friends of MSU, Innovation is the driving force that shapes economies, elevates lives, and redefines the future. Thirteen years ago, the vision for the MSU Innovation Center was ambitious: to bring together brilliant minds, dedicated partners, and diverse communities to create an ecosystem where breakthrough ideas blossom into tangible solutions for …
Glaucoma is a painful eye disease that can cause blindness in both animals and humans. In Shiba Inu dogs, the condition is especially concerning because the breed is predisposed to narrow or closed iridocorneal angles from birth, making them more likely to develop the disease. While treatment can only slow glaucoma’s progression, researchers are working …
Michigan State University’s W.J. Beal Botanical Garden is officially internationally recognized. The garden recently earned accreditation from Botanic Gardens Conservation International, or BCGI, a UK-based membership organization representing botanic gardens in more than 100 countries around the world with the goal of linking the gardens together in a global network for plant conservation. With BGCI accreditation, Beal Botanical …
Researchers have revealed a previously unknown way plants shape their growth in response to light — a breakthrough that could better equip crops to handle environmental stress. In a first-of-its-kind finding, the team discovered how a compound that’s involved in plant metabolism can directly “reprogram” an unrelated light-sensing protein. This unexpected interaction, which was reported in the …
New research led by Michigan State University and partners shows that virtual reality, even in its simplest form, can help students with disabilities learn important life skills and apply these skills in real-world settings. Two recent peer-reviewed studies found that non-immersive virtual reality, or VR — screen-based programs on devices like laptops or Chromebooks, rather …
A team of researchers from Michigan State University and community partners has conducted critical research to address gaps in treatment of substance use disorder in Michigan’s St. Clair County and the city of Port Huron. This research, culminating in support resources, comes in time for September: National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. To assess the …
