Research News

Experts in road safety know that electronic speed feedback signs are helpful in getting drivers to slow down in road construction sites and that can help saves lives. National research recorded 850 fatalities and 42,084 injuries in work zones in 2024.

People with limited mobility are at risk for pressure injuries (PI). PI are painful, costly, and unfortunately, common. They affect 2.5 million US patients annually and lead to infections that cause more than 60,000 deaths and $26.8B in costs to US hospitals. Plus, injuries sustained by caregivers who reposition patients to avoid PI can impose a heavy toll, leading to lasting pain and the potential for ending careers.

Two faculty members from the Michigan State University College of Engineering have received among the highest honors presented to faculty members at MSU. The awards recognize outstanding faculty members for research that enhances MSU’s intellectual prominence nationally and globally.

Skin-interfaced wearable health technology has a hidden flaw: Many systems work best on smoother skin, which tends to be on younger bodies — not the older adults who often need them most. This is because aging-related changes in skin, including wrinkles, thinning and dryness, can significantly impact the contact and data quality of wearable devices.

If you’ve ever driven through a whiteout or dense fog you’ve experienced the danger of navigating with low visibility. Autonomous vehicles face the same challenge, especially in places with changing seasons because they were trained to operate in clear weather conditions. 

Traumatic brain injuries from blasts and hard hits are a big problem for soldiers, first responders, and athletes. Doctors can see the damage on scans after the fact, but the moment when a fast hit turns into tiny tears deep inside the brain is still hard to capture.

Spartan Engineers are among the top researchers at Michigan State University for producing commercialization and innovative discoveries. Two new grants, totaling more than $1 million, are adding to MSU’s ability to build the economy and generate jobs for Michigan and the Midwest. 

Michigan State University’s AgeAlive Education & Research Forum and Awards Ceremony brought together researchers, community leaders, and aging advocates Thursday, March 26, 2026, to discuss ways to improve the lives of older adults through research, technology, and community engagement. The event is part of MSU’s efforts as a designated Age-Friendly University.

From apple orchards and biomedical labs to wastewater systems, electric grids and drone training fields, Spartan Engineering innovation was well represented at the 2026 MSU Innovation Celebration. Hosted by the MSU Innovation Center on April 7 at the Henry Center for Executive Development, the annual event recognizes technologies, startups, research partnerships and inventions emerging from Michigan State University.