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Is there life out there? Our experts can provide some insight

According to a study published Wednesday in Nature, and announced at a NASA news conference in Washington – a mere 40 light years away, astronomers have discovered seven planets similar in size and shape as Earth. As well, scientists believe these planets are made of rock and not gas – meaning if the conditions were right, they could support life. This is an amazing discovery and a great step for science but what does this mean? What’s next? And how will we ever find out if there’s life out there? How far away is 40 light years and how long would it take to make contact or for a satellite to get there? There are a lot of questions. And astronomy and physics are not simple fields to understand nor comprehend. That’s where Missouri State University can help. Dr. Peter Plavchan is an assistant professor of physics, astronomy and materials science at Missouri State. He researches the formation and frequency of exoplanets around solar-type and low-mass stars, and is an expert in astronomy and astrophysics. Dr. Michael Reed is a professor of physics, astronomy and materials science at Missouri State who specializes in asteroseismology, binary stars and extrasolar planets. Both experts are well-spoken, available to speak and can explain to the media what this all means for science, the study of space and if there might actually be life out there. Click on either of their icons to arrange an interview. Source:

Nanotechnology is huge - is it the way of the future?

Earlier this week, the International Nanotechnology and Conference took place in Tokyo, Japan. Thousands of researchers, scientists and academics attended from around the world to discuss advances in the field, applications and how nanotechnology is transforming and shaping our world for the future. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and application of extremely small things and can be used across all the other science fields, such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science and engineering. It's the stuff once only seen in movies and books. Science fiction is now reality. But what will it mean for the public, for academics and for business? The benefits seem extraordinary, but what are the cautions or consequences? Like stem cells, there was much ethical, moral and scientific concerns about their use. Today, science and how we approach the human body has been radically changed because of that research. Will nanotechnology transform the scientific world in the same way? As well, what are the economic benefits? Will we one day just see nanotechnology as an everyday occurrence in our regular lives? There are a lot of questions and this is where Missouri State University's experts can help. We have two experts who can speak to media regarding this very interesting field of research: Dr. Adam Wanekaya's research focuses on the fabrication, modification, characterization and application of nanoscale materials. He also works on integrating these materials into functional devices with specific applications in chemical sensing, biomedical sensing and remediation of heavy metals and other toxins from the environment. Dr. Robert Mayanovic works on investigating the physical and chemical properties of primarily nanophase materials in extreme environments. Both professors will be able to explain the field of nanotechnology and how it is shaping the future of technology, healthcare and the world we live in. Simply click on either of their icons to arrange an interview. Source:

There’s no app for that. Financial planning and your retirement are not a click away

Smartphones may be one of the best technological advancements of our era. In your pocket, you have you home computer, your phone and for most people – their life. Be it a cab, your bank account or a dinner reservation – anything you may need is simply a touch away. Apps have transformed service models and convenience, but not everything in life should be as simple as posting to social media or hailing a ride with Uber. A growing trend some financial experts are seeing is investing apps. People are investing small and large amounts of money through their phone. Some are minor increments, some can be substantial sums of money. Most are done without thought or advice. While convenient – what’s not clear are the fees nor the portfolios. Odds are someone is getting rich, and it might not be those investing. James Philpot is an associate professor in finance and general business, and director of the Financial Planning Program at Missouri State University. He's an expert in this area and is available to speak to media. Click on his icon to arrange an interview. Source:

Super Bowl is over. Is it time to kick-off a healthier lifestyle?

The big game is over and football players have hung up their cleats for another season. Odds are just about everyone had their fill of food. And with that, perhaps it is time to put away the snacks and call time out on the junk food as well? In America, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for all adults in the United States. Most of these deaths could be prevented by simple changes to diet, lifestyle and increased physical activity. But it’s not as simple as it sounds. What to eat, when to eat and how to eat are all factors in changing habits and leading a healthier, longer life. Natalie Allen is a clinical instructor in biomedical sciences at Missouri State University. She is also the lead dietitian for all MSU athletes. She is an expert in this area and is available to speak to media. Click on Allen's icon to arrange an interview. Source:

A billion-dollar boost for Facebook – New accounting rules could mean huge returns for tech companies

Somewhere in California Mark Zuckerberg is smiling. That’s because earlier this week his company saw a $934 million reduction in its income-tax provision all coming from a new rule affecting the accounting for stock payments to employees. And Facebook isn’t alone. The new rules affect all companies like Microsoft and other corporations that rely on employee stock compensation as incentive. And with this week’s announcement of close to a billion dollars – expect more to get on board. But with accounting rules like this – who wins, who pays and obviously, someone out there must be making up the difference? Is this good for the economy or just another example of how enormous companies are finding ways of paying fewer and fewer taxes? Clever accounting is never simple to explain – that’s where the Kelly School of Business can help. Laureen Maynes is the Executive Associate Dean of Faculty and Research at The Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business. Laureen is an expert in the fields accounting and financial services and is a leading opinion on this topic. She can help explain how companies are reaping hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits and why it is allowed. Simply click on her icon to arrange an interview. Source:

It's up to us to make America healthy again

Health care costs continue to rise in the U.S. despite a number of approaches in government policy and the marketplace to control them during the last decade. One of the main reasons is due to the increase in unhealthy trends among our population such as chronic diseases. As the saying goes, 'Prevention is better than cure.' Instead of trying to figure out how we pay for "sick care," we should focus more on preventing it in the first place by making a conscious effort to take care of our own health and trying to achieve the six "normals.” Coined by Cleveland Clinic, this involves having normal measures in these six areas: (1) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at Source:

More than half of Americans do not have $500 in savings

Nearly six in 10 Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $500 or $1,000 unplanned expense, according to a new report from Bankrate. Only 41 percent of adults reported having enough in their savings account to cover a surprise bill of this magnitude. A little more than 20 percent said they would put it on a credit card, the report said, while 20 percent would cut their spending and 11 percent would turn to friends and family for financial assistance. So, is there cause to worry? Just how leveraged is the average American and what does this mean when looking at the long-term forecast of the country’s economy? America seems to finally be back from the financial meltdown it faced in 2008. Is the bubble about to burst again? Dr. David Mitchell is a professor of economics and a director of both the Bureau of Economic Research and Center for Economic Education at Missouri State University. He is a respected expert in economic forecasting and is ready to speak to this important topic. Click on his icon to arrange an interview. Source: