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.
A statewide effort in Michigan resulted in a 56% reduction in opioid prescriptions after six common operations and a 26% drop in persistent opioid use. The achievement surpassed national trends, driven by voluntary prescribing guidelines and surgical team involvement.
Researchers developed an AI-based diagnostic screening system called DeepGlioma to analyze tumor specimens and detect genetic mutations rapidly. The system identified molecular subgroups with high accuracy and has the potential to improve access and speed of diagnosis for patients with deadly brain tumors.
Research suggests Medicare reimbursements for complex cataract surgery are far lower than simpler procedures, resulting in a 'negative' margin. This disparity affects ophthalmologist practice patterns and patient accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that women with multiple sclerosis were more likely to report sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and sleepiness. Insomnia mediated more than 10% of the cognitive problems reported by women with MS, while sleep apnea accounted for 34%.
A new poll shows a decline in loneliness and isolation among older adults, but one-third still experience these feelings, especially those with poor health or disabilities. The study highlights the importance of social interaction for overall mental and physical health, and the need for a concerted effort to address these issues.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that racial inequities in newborn drug testing rates remained similar after recreational cannabis legalization in Michigan. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 births between 2014-2020 and found that Black newborns were more likely to receive a drug test than white newborns. Impl...
A new algorithm predicts female patients are at higher risk for kidney damage after aneurysm repair, with those having reduced glomerular filtration rate facing a 4.7 times increased risk. The algorithm could help identify patients at risk and optimize them before surgery.
A University of Michigan study suggests that exhaled breath contains unique volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can mark distinction between COVID-19, variants and non-COVID illnesses. The researchers developed a portable gas chromatography device to analyze breath samples with high accuracy.
A study found that RNA methylation plays a pivotal role in TDP-43-related neurodegeneration in ALS. The researchers observed highly abundant RNA methylation in the end-stage tissues of patients with ALS. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the disease, which is linked to environmental exposure.
A new protein degrader, AK-2292, shows promise against STAT5, a key player in leukemia and other cancers. By targeting the protein's degradation, researchers have overcome previous challenges in designing small molecule inhibitors.
A new study found that a medication previously used to treat seizures can reprogram donor hearts to boost the production of beneficial enzymes, increasing storage time and improving post-transplant function. This technology could lead to a paradigm shift in extending heart storage and reducing primary graft dysfunction.
Researchers discovered that glucose takes longer to reach the nucleus accumbens in obesity-prone rats, leading to excess glutamate levels. This defect in neurotransmitter recycling process may contribute to overeating behavior and obesity.
A new study reveals rural pregnant individuals are less likely to have adequate health insurance before, during, and after pregnancy compared to urban residents. This disparity affects access to quality care and increases the risk of adverse maternal health outcomes.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine and U-M found that 13% of people aged 50-80 experience addiction to highly processed foods, with higher rates among women and those in poor physical or mental health. The survey used a standardized questionnaire to measure addictive eating habits.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine discovered a gene, ZMYND8, that contributes to the survival of mutant IDH1 glioma cells in response to radiation. Knocking out ZMYND8 renders the cells radiosensitive, offering a new therapeutic avenue for patients.
A Michigan Medicine study found that hospitals with the highest stroke care designation reported significantly higher rates of stroke detection after TAVR. The study suggests that comprehensive stroke centers are better at detecting smaller strokes, but this does not necessarily mean they are finding more strokes overall.
A study led by Robert Dickson found that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, both in health and during sepsis. The researchers discovered that certain bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum were strongly associated with increased fever response.
Researchers found that certain gene signaling pathways, such as interferon γ and beta-catenin, can lead to tumor hyperprogression after immunotherapy. Targeting these pathways may prevent hyperprogression in preclinical models.
A recent study found that social support has a significant impact on depression risk, particularly in individuals with high genetic risk scores. The research used data from two groups: first-year doctors and recently widowed older adults, showing that those who gained social support during stressful times had lower depressive symptoms.
A recent study found that patients treated at centers that don't perform transplants have a 79% higher odds of being denied bridge-to-transplant designation. This change could exacerbate existing disparities in access to heart transplantation, according to the research team.
A new study maps consciousness to brain geometry, revealing three cortical gradients that align with dimensions of consciousness. The findings have potential for developing brain-based diagnoses or assessments for neurologic patients.
A new study found that nearly a third of patients with chronic pain use cannabis to manage their symptoms, leading to decreased use of pain medications. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the benefits and risks of using cannabis for chronic pain management.
APS patients often experience internal feelings of poor health despite normal lab values, with significant impairments in physical and cognitive function linked to lifestyle factors and mental health medications. Researchers are now working to better understand these impacts through systematic patient-reported outcomes measures.
Research from Michigan Medicine reveals that high levels of ammonia in colon tumors can lead to reduced T cell growth and immunotherapy resistance. A study published in Cell Metabolism found that using an FDA-approved drug to lower ammonia levels made tumors more sensitive to treatment.
A recent study found that 1 in 5 children and teens who visit emergency departments due to mental health crises will still be there after 12 hours. Another 1 in 13 will remain after a full day, with over 60% being suicidal or having self-harmed.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new biomarker-based strategy to screen for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis, which can cause muscle damage and liver injury. Early detection of these biomarkers can lead to earlier treatment and improved survival rates.
Researchers have identified a Vegf-Notch signaling system that enables Muller glial cells to regenerate retinal neurons in zebrafish. This discovery may help understand why the human retina does not regenerate and could inform treatments for blindness.
A new study reveals that older adults are hesitant to seek emergency care due to financial worries. Among those who may need care, 22% skip the visit altogether. Those in their 50s and early 60s, women, uninsured individuals, low-income households, and those with poor mental health are disproportionately affected.
A recent study discovered a link between soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and the development of atherosclerosis, a hardening of arteries that affects over a billion people worldwide. SuPAR was found to cause inflammation in blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular events and increasing risk of heart disease.
A new study found that a machine learning-based blood test can accurately predict an individual's entire diet over 19 food groups, outperforming traditional methods. The test, which uses molecular profiling, also identifies who is more likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease based on each food group.
A study published in The Journal of Arthroplasty found that prescribing smaller initial opioid prescriptions can reduce the risk of refill in patients after surgery. This approach also creates an opportunity for doctors and patients to discuss the risks of continuing opioids if needed.
A new study found that frequent use of digital devices to soothe young children ages 3-5 is associated with increased emotional dysregulation in kids, particularly in boys. Alternative soothing methods can help build emotion regulation skills and prevent tech-related tantrums.