Research News

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.

Thermoelectric materials can turn temperature differences directly into electrical power, with no moving parts and no working fluids. Devices based on these materials already power deep-space missions and provide precise solid-state cooling for sensitive electronics and sensors.

However, today’s thermoelectric materials are often too inefficient, expensive, or reliant on scarce or toxic elements to be used widely for energy recovery or cooling on Earth.

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.

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.

Research can take years to complete. Explaining it clearly to a broad audience in just three minutes is another challenge altogether. That challenge will take center stage Friday, April 10, when Michigan State University’s College of Engineering hosts its third annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition from 2 to 4 p.m. in Room 115 of the International Center. The event is open to the public.