MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Jenny and Jeff Klomp, leading cancer researchers, were recruited to Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. Their work on KRAS, a key gene in cancer, offers hope for more effective treatments and overcoming drug resistance in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers. Their collaborative approach aligns with MSU's goals, emphasizing partnership over competition in research.

Korean red ginseng's Rh2 compound inhibits colon cancer cell growth by blocking AXL signaling, while red ginseng extract restores gut microbial balance, preventing bone loss and leaky gut syndrome.

Star Health launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about osteoporosis, offering free bone scans in 46 cities. The initiative emphasizes early detection and preventive care, featuring wellness camps with healthcare consultations and educational resources. A representative noted the importance of early diagnosis to mitigate long-term impacts.

The University of Miami will invest $30 million to enhance research in basic science, neuroscience, and aging, creating a new computational biology program at the Miller School of Medicine and fostering university-wide collaborations.

A $10 million Rwanda Agricultural Biotechnology Program (Cassava, Maize, Potato - CMP) aims to improve crop productivity from 2024-2029. Launched by Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), it targets high-yielding, pest-resistant crops like virus-resistant cassava, late blight-resistant potato, and drought-tolerant maize. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it supports biosafety compliance and local seed systems.

Guo-Qing Song, MSU's Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center Associate Director, received the American Society for Horticultural Science's Outstanding International Horticulturist Award for his contributions to international horticulture, education, and leadership. He has trained 180 horticulturists from 30 institutions in 13 countries and led a $5 million grant for a biotechnology research center in Kenya.

Guo-Qing Song, Michigan State University’s Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center Associate Director, received the American Society for Horticultural Science’s Outstanding International Horticulturist Award for his extensive contributions, education efforts, and transformative impact on horticultural science. Song has trained 180 international horticulturists from 30 institutions in 13 countries and played a key role in establishing a $5 million biotechnology research center in Kenya.

CELICA, a Michigan partnership with the U.S. DOE, aims to reduce energy bills for low-income communities via community solar. Community solar allows multiple customers to benefit from solar energy, often through off-site arrays. CELICA's phases have included projects with co-op utilities and low-income households, focusing on equity and positive justice outcomes. Despite lacking enabling legislation, Michigan's community solar projects have seen success with state grant funding. New financing options and federal support, like the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, further bolster community solar initiatives.

MSU's School of Packaging received EPA funding to develop low-impact packaging alternatives to non-biodegradable and single-use options, aiming to reduce microplastics and PFAS pollution, improve public health, and stimulate economic growth.

Bickel established the International Quit & Recovery Registry at Virginia Tech, aiding scientific understanding of long-term recovery. The registry now includes over 10,000 participants from 60 countries. Bickel also developed the Experimental Tobacco Marketplace to study health behaviors influenced by policy. His legacy includes BEAM Diagnostics, a digital screening tool for behavioral health conditions. Bickel's career was marked by collaboration, mentorship, and numerous awards. Despite a terminal cancer diagnosis, he continued his research, co-authoring studies on addiction until his final months.