From discovering two new truffle species to a study that shed light on variability in sleep times and so much more, take a look at some of the fascinating research that came from MSU this month. For even more MSU research, check out msutoday.msu.edu.

MSU researcher’s breakthrough model sheds light on solar storms and space weather

 

Thomas Do, an astronomy graduate student at MSU published a paper predicting how particles accelerate under a wider net of circumstances than previous models. His model could be applied to solar storms that impact technology in space.

New MSU study explains the delayed rise of plants, animals on land

MSU researcher Dalton Hardisty contributed to a new Yale University-led study finding that Earth’s early atmosphere hosted a battle royal between iodine and oxygen. This war effectively delayed the creation of a stable ozone layer that would shield complex life from much of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, or UVR.

MSU researchers and dogs discover new truffle species

 

Tuber canirevelatum, meaning the “dog-found”truffle, was named in honor of truffle dogs and Monza, the dog who discovered it with her trainer Lois Martin. The other, Tuber cumberlandense, was named for the Cumberland Plateau where it was found by Margaret Townsend and her truffle dog, Luca.

MSU study finds children of color experience more variability in sleep times

Researchers from MSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies revealed that sleep patterns may vary across different racial and ethnic groups — notably for non-white and multiracial children.

MSU researcher connects change in DNA to cleft palate phenomenon

 

Researchers have identified a likely culprit: a change in DNA variant near a specific gene. Previous studies showed that DNA changes in this gene cause and contribute to risk for both cleft lip and cleft palate. Surprisingly, in this new study, published in Nature Communications, researchers found the effect of this DNA variant only increases risk for cleft palate.