A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that vision problems are more common in older adults with dementia. The study of nearly 3,000 older adults showed that even mild vision issues were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers reveals that modifications to amino acids in sperm may be linked to infertility. The team analyzed the molecular sequence composition of protamines, finding non-arginine amino acids with unexpected post-translational modifications that affect sperm shape and function.
A study found that taking more daily steps improves symptoms and physical limitations for people with heart failure, with little association seen beyond 5,000 steps. Participants who increased their step counts experienced improved symptom control and physical function.
A new study reveals that rapid state law changes mean many families will need to drive longer distances to access gender-affirming care for their transgender children. The restrictions have led to 25% of Americans aged 10-17 living more than a day's drive away from a clinic offering such care.
A new study finds that people with dementia account for nearly 7% of all emergency visits over age 65, with twice the rate of seeking care after accidents or behavioral crises. Better supporting dementia caregivers could prevent future emergency visits and reduce risks associated with antipsychotic medications.
Telehealth use in Michigan has increased significantly, especially for mental health needs and rural residents. The study found that 11-17% of appointments take place virtually, up from less than 1% before the pandemic.
A Michigan Medicine study in Texas found that 61.4% of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, but one-third of caregivers have concerns about their care recipient's ability to drive safely. Researchers emphasize the need for open discussions between caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure safety.
A study analyzing kidney functions and predictors of disease has identified 28 altered cellular states in injured kidneys. The researchers mapped kidney cell interactions with active immune responses, establishing a data source for therapeutic development.
A new poll of people aged 65-80 found that 80% believe cognitive tests can give early warning signs of memory decline and 60% think healthcare providers should offer them annually. Despite this, only 1 in 5 have had a cognitive screening test in the past year.
A Michigan Medicine study finds that patients who participate in cardiac rehabilitation have a decreased risk of death years after surgery. The greatest reduction in mortality was found in patients who completed 36 or more sessions, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to improve participation and adherence.
Scientists have created human brain organoids free of animal cells, which could greatly improve the study and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. The novel method uses an engineered extracellular matrix to support stem cell growth, resulting in more accurate models of brain development.
A new analysis found that combining weight-based dosing and shared single-use vials in VA hospitals could reduce cancer spending by 14%. This concept could be applied nationwide to improve cost-effectiveness of cancer care.
A new study found that people with low incomes in states that expanded Medicaid received more preventive care and overall health care compared to those in non-expansion states. The likelihood of high-value care, such as medications for heart problems or osteoporosis, increased in expansion states.
A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.
A study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that lower oxygen delivery thresholds are associated with reduced risk of kidney injury. Researchers recommend reevaluating current guidelines for oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass to minimize unnecessary blood transfusions and improve patient outcomes.
Research suggests that glioblastoma cells possess large-scale coordination, allowing them to respond unison to therapies. Disrupting this organization may result in more powerful treatments for brain tumors.
The Rogel Cancer Center has received a $37 million National Cancer Institute grant to support its comprehensive cancer research and treatment programs. The center, one of the top-ranked in Michigan, will continue to improve outcomes for cancer patients and survivors with innovative research and treatments.
Researchers developed a polygenic scoring system to predict ALS disease risk, improving case status prediction in Michigan and Spain. The system takes into account common genetic variants and explains 4.1% of ALS cases caused by genetic factors.
Researchers found that 'concerning' CT imaging results were associated with lower clinical outcomes and shorter hospital stays in low-risk patients with acute pulmonary embolism. This suggests that emergency physicians may be managing these patients differently, leading to unnecessary hospitalizations.
A study of hospital transfers during COVID-19 found that decision-makers, environmental factors, and patient characteristics played a significant role in transfer decisions. The researchers identified three categories of factors affecting these decisions, which often resulted in moral distress for healthcare workers.
Researchers found that only 6.8% of cancer patients underwent genetic testing within two years of diagnosis, with lower rates among Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients. The low rates are attributed to lack of integration of test results into cancer management and prevention.
A recent study from Michigan Medicine suggests relief may be possible for individuals with tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or hissing sounds. The innovative bi-sensory treatment device improved quality of life and reduced tinnitus loudness in nearly 70% of participants.
A new poll shows that three-quarters of people aged 50-80 have used at least one patient portal, with lower rates among those with lower incomes or physical/mental health concerns. Portal users prefer online access over phone calls for some tasks, but some still face barriers to using the platforms.
A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that life stressors across the lifespan, including childhood trauma and adult abuse, contribute significantly to worsening health and functional outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis. The findings highlight the importance of analyzing the impact of life stressors on MS patients.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that higher cumulative blood sugar levels after a stroke contribute to faster cognitive decline. Researchers adjusted data for various factors and discovered no association between high blood pressure or cholesterol and accelerated cognitive loss.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a new nutrient source that pancreatic cancer cells use to grow in the absence of glucose. Uridine is found in the tumor microenvironment and its exact source remains unknown. Blocking uridine metabolism may lead to new treatment options for pancreatic cancer.
Researchers developed a new metric to analyze the relationship between nerve density and oral cancer progression. Normalized nerve density was found to be associated with poor survival rates for patients with tongue cancer, highlighting its potential as a tool for identifying aggressive tumors.
A study published in Cell Reports found that saturated fatty acids promote the immune escape of oral cancers in mouse models. Obesity helps establish a type of tumor microenvironment that promotes tumor progression by suppressing STING-type-I interferon pathway and NLRC3.
A new study from University of Michigan suggests that the perception of not enough food can be sufficient to slow aging in flies. The researchers induced hunger in flies through various methods, including altering amino acid levels and using optogenetics, and found that these flies lived significantly longer than controls.
A new study found that young adults with advanced heart disease desire to be actively involved in their medical care decisions, despite their parents' preference for a shared decision-making approach. The research highlights the importance of understanding individual preferences and personalizing communication methods with each patient.
A new Michigan statewide study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks of pregnancy does not necessarily reduce the risk of cesarean births. In fact, for some birthing individuals, it may even have the opposite effect if hospitals don't take a thoughtful approach to induction policies.
A new study published in PNAS reports surge of gamma activation in dying brains of humans and animals post-cardiac arrest, hinting at conscious-like activity.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 infection can lead to serious financial issues, including debts sent to collection agencies and lower credit scores. Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 had the highest rates of financial problems after their illness.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that nitrous oxide, LSD, and ketamine induce similar changes in brain connectivity, particularly in the cortical 'hot zone' where conscious experience is determined. This common biology may hold the key to using psychedelics as therapeutics.
A new study finds that buprenorphine initiation rates and six-month retention rates remain flat despite policy changes aimed at increasing access to the medication. Only 22% of patients who started treatment kept refilling their prescriptions for at least six months, highlighting barriers to prescribing enough of the life-saving drug.
A majority of people over 50 are open to stopping one or more prescription medicines, but many don't discuss it with their health provider first. The poll shows that comprehensive medication reviews and cost considerations play a crucial role in deprescribing conversations.
Scientists have successfully mapped the landscape of m6A modification in mouse embryos, revealing intriguing patterns of gene activity and distribution in transposable elements. This study fills a gap in the transcriptome field, providing new insights into the function of m6A during development.
A study of over 7,000 patients found that Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with vascular disease have more severe symptoms before bypass surgery and are at greater risk for amputation and other complications after the procedure. Advanced disease accounted for up to half the effect of race on odds for amputation after ...
A mouse study suggests that a specific brain receptor, the leptin receptor, may be involved in the development of PCOS symptoms. Researchers found that mice exposed to excess androgens prenatally had improved estrous cycles and regulation of their menstrual cycles, offering potential therapeutic targets for people with PCOS.
A study found that hospital characteristics, such as staff comfort and ICU nurse availability, significantly impact who receives ICU care. Researchers also discovered that hospitals prioritize expedited interhospital transfers to prevent delays, rather than following medical guidelines.
A recent study found that the Epic sepsis model's accuracy in predicting sepsis onset depends on hospital factors such as sepsis incidence and multiple health conditions. The model performed worse in hospitals with higher rates of these conditions, suggesting it may be more useful in lower-acuity settings.
A randomized trial found tailored education and peer support significantly reduced binge-drinking among Army National Guard members over the course of a year. Participants who received online education sessions and supportive phone calls from veteran peers showed substantial declines in binge-drinking days and scores on risk assessments.
A new study found that financial toxicity of cancer impacts partners' health-related quality of life, causing anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Younger partners were more likely to report financial burden and debt.
Researchers have developed a glycine-based tripeptide that successfully treats nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in non-human primates and mice. The compound, DT-109, reverses fat buildup and prevents scarring by stimulating fatty acid degradation and antioxidant formation.
A study published in Diabetologia found that bariatric surgery can regenerate damaged nerves and improve metabolic risk factors related to diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy, a condition affecting over 30 million Americans, showed improvements two years after the procedure.
A new study finds significant variation in life-threatening maternal complications among Medicaid enrollees, with rates differing by state and race-ethnicity. The five states with the highest rates of severe maternal morbidity included D.C., California, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York.
Researchers found decreased lung injury, coughing up blood, and mortality rates after balloon pulmonary angioplasty between 2013 and 2022. The minimally invasive procedure is now considered a safer option for inoperable CTEPH patients.
Researchers used microfluidic devices to track what happens to cancer cells as they migrate and take root in the brain. They found that Dkk-1 triggers cancer cell migration, and reducing its levels near tumor cells may disrupt crosstalk between brain niche cells and cancer cells.
A recent study found that nearly 64% of US youth experience eye problems and need glasses, but over half are deterred by appearance concerns. Researchers suggest making stylish, affordable glasses for young people to improve access to eyewear.
A new study analyzed 183,780 non-birth related hospitalizations among 130,826 privately insured children covered aged 18 and under from 2017-2019. The average out-of-pocket spending was $1,300, with some families paying over $3,000. High deductibles and co-insurance payments were the main drivers of higher costs.