U-M, Michigan State, and Wayne State Universities continue to climb in the rankings of national research clusters. Producing an average of 20 new companies a year, the URC schools also awarded the third largest number of high tech degrees in the country and made a $1.4 billion impact on the Michigan economy.

“In the coming years, U.S. consumers will save more and spend less,” said U-M economist Richard Curtin. “The recovery will be slow and uneven, and it could take a decade or more for consumers to restore their sense of financial security to pre-recession levels.”

Related: Older Americans: How they are faring in the recession?

Older Americans have weathered the financial crisis relatively well, although many now expect to work longer than they did just a year ago, according to a University of Michigan study.

Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing’s certain: young people who do live together think it’s the best way to head off divorce later.

In an effort to keep lakes and streams clean, municipalities around the country are banning or restricting the use of phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers, which can kill fish and cause smelly algae blooms and other problems when the phosphorus washes out of the soil and into waterways.

“If you want your kids to do well in school, then the amount of education you get yourself is important,” said U-M’s Pamela Davis-Kean.

Beautify your world. Leave an inspirational message in a public place. Connect with a family member. Those are just a few of the proposed acts of kindness pushed out to users of a new smartphone application developed by University of Michigan students.

Some video games can make children kinder and more likely to help—not hurt—other people.

How come dishing with a girlfriend does wonders for a woman’s mood?