Research News

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. 

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.

The Michigan State University College of Engineering recognized outstanding graduate students during its Graduate Awards Ceremony on April 30, celebrating doctoral research, academic achievement and the ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact. The annual awards highlight graduate students whose work reflects the breadth of Spartan Engineering, from artificial intelligence, advanced materials and biomedical innovation to sustainable infrastructure, environmental systems, computational modeling and mechanical design.

For heart failure patients, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) keep blood flowing when the main pumping chamber fails. Yet supporting the left side can overload the right, triggering lower survival rates or longer ICU stays.

Nine of the 21 Michigan State University students and alumni selected for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program are from the College of Engineering.

Years of research. One slide. Three minutes.

That was the challenge on April 10 as doctoral student finalists took the stage at Michigan State University’s College of Engineering Three Minute Thesis competition, transforming complex engineering research into clear, compelling presentations for a broad audience.

Across North America, industrial activity and intensive agriculture have left a quiet but persistent mark on waterways. Selenium, released from mining, power generation, and irrigated farmland, enters rivers and streams daily. This element is difficult to remove, but can build up through the food chain, damaging aquatic ecosystems and threatening human health.