The way an octopus moves its limbs may have a hand in helping humans who have lost the use of their own. Michigan State University neuroscientist Galit Pelled and her team are studying a species of octopus to understand how its brain interacts with its tentacles in an effort to create “smart” prosthetics for people.

The current novel coronavirus pandemic has challenged the MSU community, but it’s not the first time the university has had to respond to such a sweeping threat to human health. Members of the MSU community came together to help one another through the flu pandemic of 1918, also known as the Spanish flu. Now, more than 100 years later, Spartans from research labs to the front lines of health care are responding to the COVID-19 threat, finding solutions and supporting each other and others around the world.

Each time a bag of potato chips is opened in the United States, there is a one in four chance that it’s filled with Michigan-grown potatoes. Michigan is the largest producer of potatoes grown for the potato chip industry, and more than 70% of the state’s annual 1.7 billion pounds of potatoes go toward chip production. The booming industry has not come about by accident or coincidence. A concerted effort made by industry stakeholders, spearheaded by Michigan State University Extension and MSU AgBioResearch, and coordinated by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, has built a partnership that is growing the industry.

Nurses have always provided vital care for patients, and their contributions are more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally and in Michigan, Spartan nurses deliver care and support amid unprecedented challenges to the health care industry. During this time, Spartan nursing students, faculty and professionals also continue to alleviate the national nursing shortage, lead federally funded research and practice in community-based settings.

This year has been unlike any in history. But while tough times are temporary, being a Spartan is forever. Take a moment to hear from some notable Spartans who are congratulating and celebrating members of the MSU class of 2020 for their determination and resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.

As traffic flows along Grand River Avenue in Lansing’s Old Town, few drivers may observe the name change to Cesar Chavez Avenue. When library patrons at Michigan State University check out a book or grab coffee at the café, they may not notice Chavez’s namesake collection and portrait on the first floor. The visible evidence may be subtle, but it’s a reminder of Chavez’s strong historic presence and influence at MSU and in mid-Michigan.

The six buildings of the West Circle neighborhood honor the legacies of MSU’s first female pioneers — Mary Mayo, Louise Hathaway Campbell, Linda Landon, Elida Yakeley, Maude Gilchrist and Sarah Langdon Williams. These women paved the way for future Spartan women to discover, create, innovate and advocate. Their legacies inspire the Spartan women who live there today.

We live in a critical time when bacteria have demonstrated an ability to develop resistance to every known antibiotic, and new antibiotic development has been nearly nonexistent for more than 30 years. But there is hope.?Michigan State University researchers?are working to identify new antibiotics and treatment methods to combat life-threatening bacterial infections.

The need for skilled workers and critical thinkers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math is more crucial than ever. Researchers at Michigan State University are revolutionizing STEM education to make science exciting and interesting to students of all backgrounds and ages. They are finding better ways to teach science that will capture imagination and create more interest, which will result in students being more successful in class.

A Michigan State University scientist is determined to increase the number of women and girls going into STEM fields. Kayla Conner is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics who says she wouldn’t be the student she is today if it weren’t for her high school chemistry teacher, Ms. Hardin.