A new study finds that working-age people who survive serious traumatic injuries face a lasting financial burden, with higher rates of medical debt in collections and bankruptcy. The study suggests that restructuring health insurance plans to reduce or cap cost-sharing for highly necessary trauma care could help alleviate this issue.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found a strong association between lower grip strength and accelerated biological aging in middle-aged and older adults. This study provides evidence that maintaining muscle strength across the lifespan may help protect against age-related diseases.
Researchers discovered that a lipid called prostaglandin E2 weakens lung immune cells with age. This increased PGE2 production impairs alveolar macrophage health and leads to a suppressed immune response, making older people more vulnerable to flu infections.
A new study of 200,000 patients found that those who smoke cigarettes and drink heavily are more likely to experience post-surgical complications. However, talking to a health coach about drinking-related risks before surgery can help patients cut their alcohol use in half and reduce the likelihood of surgical issues.
Researchers used monoclonal antibodies to suppress the immune system in mice, tracking human neural stem cell survival using luciferase. The study reveals that monoclonal antibody-mediated immunosuppression enabled long-term survival of transplanted human neural stem cells in mouse brains for at least six to eight months.
A team of experts recommends adopting the Choosing Wisely campaign's principles to optimize administrative management practices, improving workforce satisfaction and retention. By applying these same principles, healthcare professionals can enhance their well-being and improve the value of clinical care.
A new poll finds that more than half of people over 50 have helped at least one person over 65 with various tasks, including health care needs, home repairs, and finances. The experience can be rewarding but also challenging, especially for those helping individuals with complex needs.
A new study found that only 12% of middle-aged adults are willing to participate in dementia prevention drug trials, citing concerns over the risks involved. The study suggests prioritizing those with a family history or perceived personal risk for dementia and communicating about trial safety could increase participation.
A large study of over 5,800 tween children found that growing up in a socioeconomically disadvantaged household can have lasting effects on brain development, with different patterns of connections between brain regions observed. Parental education emerged as the most significant factor associated with variations in brain connections.
A study finds that functional seizures, a type of non-epileptic seizure, are associated with structural changes in the brain, including thinning in the superior temporal cortex and thickness in the left occipital cortex. These differences can be detected using MRI scans.
A new study suggests that emergency departments saw 15 times more sexual assault-related visits in the past decade, with total hospital charges reaching $233 million in 2019. The study highlights disparities in health needs and admissions, with patients from lower incomes and government insurance plans being disproportionately admitted...
A banana protein-derived therapy called H84T-BanLec has been shown to be effective against all known strains of the flu and all human-infecting coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The therapy works by binding to high-mannose glycans on the surface of viruses but rarely found on normal human cells.
A study of over 17,000 first-year medical residents found a strong correlation between hours worked and depression symptoms. Working long hours was associated with a larger rise in depression symptoms, pushing some residents into moderate or severe depression.
Researchers have uncovered a unique mechanism by which the SV40 virus infects cells by exploiting the nuclear pore complex and LINC protein. This finding may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer-causing pathogens and shed light on basic cell biology.
A new study found that soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels are significantly higher in patients with heart failure, predicting both heart failure and death. When combined with traditional measures like BNP, suPAR's predictive ability increases.
A national study suggests that children who survive sepsis are at risk of long-term health consequences, including chronic respiratory failure and seizure disorders. One in five children developed new or progressive medical conditions within six months of leaving the ICU.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that early treatment with anti-anaerobic antibiotics can deplete gut anaerobes and lead to worse clinical outcomes. The research suggests that these 'good bugs' protect against pneumonia, organ failure, and mortality.
A recent poll reveals that 48% of people aged 50-80 have purchased at least one home health test, including COVID-19 and DNA tests. Notably, 82% of older adults express interest in future medical tests at home, while 90% agree to share results with their healthcare provider.
A national study found that patients with cardiovascular disease had a higher mortality rate than those without, but this association was largely due to shared risk factors. Myocardial injury was common among critically ill COVID-19 patients and associated with poor outcomes.
A new study suggests that phone calls and video chats can help patients access care, especially for those with barriers to traditional in-person visits. The study found that veterans who received virtual visits were more likely to stay on buprenorphine treatment, but there were disparities by race, housing status, and age.
Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive way to measure blood flow to the brains of newborn children at the bedside. This method uses real-time ultrasound color flow technique and 3D sampling to capture flow in a completely painless and safe manner.
Two studies reveal rising emergency department wait times and patient abandonment due to overcrowding, with 5% of hospitals experiencing over 10% patient abandonment and median boarding times reaching 3.4 hours nationally.
A Phase I/II study found tofacitinib effective in improving skin and organ issues in systemic sclerosis patients. The drug was well-tolerated, with minimal impact on T-cells, suggesting potential repurposing for treatment.
A study at Michigan Medicine found multiple lipid biomarkers linked to diabetic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. High scores for neuropathy were associated with changes in lipids reflecting impaired energy metabolism, suggesting a potential target for testing and managing the condition.
Researchers developed a computational platform to identify metabolic vulnerabilities in ovarian cancer genes, suggesting opportunities for targeted therapies. The study found that certain genetic alterations can create vulnerabilities in cancer cell metabolism, which can be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells.
A recent study found that 38% of people with cardiovascular disease were food insecure in 2017-2018, more than doubling from two decades earlier. Food insecurity exacerbates existing racial and ethnic health disparities and can lead to increased risk for cardiometabolic risk factors.
A new study finds that high blood pressure speeds up cognitive decline in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adults. However, differences in blood pressure control do not fully explain the higher risk of dementia in Hispanic adults.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that the Emergency Critical Care Center within an emergency department improved patient survival rates without increasing costs. The ED-ICU model reduced total direct cost per encounter by 22.1% for critically ill patients, likely due to early, coordinated critical care.
A study identifies a molecule called NIK that promotes the growth of bile duct cells in the liver, leading to scarring and liver fibrosis. Removing NIK or blocking its action with inhibitors may prevent disease progression.
A recent poll found that rising food prices have a disproportionate impact on the diets of older adults, especially those in lower-income households and with fair or poor physical or mental health. The study also shows that these groups are more likely to experience food insecurity and eat less healthy diets due to increased food costs.
A new study found that only around half of older adults with hypertension regularly check their blood pressure at home. Those who received a healthcare provider's recommendation to do so were three and a half times more likely to monitor their blood pressure regularly.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that adults with more chronic health conditions are at higher risk of serious financial problems, including late payments, poor credit scores, and bankruptcy. The study analyzed nearly 3 million privately insured adults and found that those with seven or more chronic conditions had three to four...
Researchers developed a new mathematical technique to analyze cell nucleus organization, revealing self-sustaining transcription clusters that play a key role in maintaining cell identity. This understanding may expose vulnerabilities for targeting cancer cells and reprogramming them to stop uncontrollable cell division.
Researchers analyzed over 6,700 patients treated for blood clots and irregular heart rhythms. Stopping aspirin significantly reduced bleeding complications by 32.3% and prevented one major bleeding event per every 1,000 patients who stopped taking aspirin.
A new study reveals that androgen receptor inhibitors can fundamentally rewire prostate tumors, making them more aggressive. The researchers found that most tumors remain fuel-dependent after treatment, but a small percentage convert to double-negative prostate cancer.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that the mortality rate for patients with a torn aorta has decreased significantly, from 37% in the 1950s to nearly 6% today. However, patients who did not receive surgery died at a rate five times higher than those who underwent treatment.
A new poll reveals that nearly half of people over 50 experience joint pain, and many turn to prescription-based treatments despite potential health risks. The poll's authors stress the need for healthcare providers to discuss medication interactions and non-drug options with patients.
A new study reveals that over half of hospital-based maternal deaths in the US occur during pregnancy or postpartum, rather than at delivery. Researchers are calling for a renewed focus on examining the causes of these deaths to inform clinical and policy interventions.
A new map of brain stem circuits controlling eating behavior could lead to better obesity treatments. The atlas, built from recent discoveries in mice and human studies, identifies two food intake-suppressing circuits in the brain stem, one causing nausea and another not.
A study published in PLOS ONE demonstrates that adding two 8-inch rubber bands to a surgical mask can improve its protective seal against particle exposure to N-95 levels. Thirty-one of 40 test subjects achieved modified masks that passed an N95 fit test, with improved results over time.
A substance produced by gut microorganisms, TMAO, can lead to scarring and vascular damage in scleroderma. The Western diet rich in meat contributes to TMAO formation, which reprograms cells to become scar-forming myofibroblasts.
Researchers developed a blood test that predicts poor outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), allowing clinicians to make decisions earlier on possible treatment. The test, which measures protein biomarkers GFAP and UCH-L1, showed high accuracy in predicting death and severe disability six months after injury.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a molecular mechanism that drives the disease-causing effects of the most common genetic risk factor for lupus. The study suggests that targeting this new pathway could lead to the development of safe and effective treatments for SLE, an autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide.
Researchers developed a new anti-cancer drug LP-182 that simultaneously targets two molecular signaling pathways responsible for cancer growth. The drug is absorbed through the gut's lymphatic system, maintaining optimal therapeutic levels over time.
A new poll shows that 61% of people over 50 who have already gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine are very likely to roll up their sleeves for an updated booster shot. Health providers' recommendations will play a crucial role in increasing vaccination rates among older adults.
A new study suggests that members of the public want to know if their health information or samples from their bodies will be used in research or to help develop new biomedical products. The study found that patients are more likely to want notification about research use of their health information than biospecimens.
Researchers found that higher suPAR levels were associated with increased risk of blood clot formation in COVID-19 patients. Combining suPAR and D-dimer may improve predicting who is at high or low risk of blood clots, enabling targeted therapies to prevent critical outcomes.
A Michigan Medicine study found that patients who received preoperative education on opioid risks and nonopioid pain management options consumed significantly less oxycodone, with only 16 doses used despite similar pain scores. The results suggest a multimodal approach to managing pain can reduce harm and prevent substance use disorders.
A new study reveals racial and gender disparities in access to life-saving heart-assisting implants, with Black patients and women facing lower rates of surgery. Despite similar survival rates, the findings suggest that unconscious bias may be influencing healthcare provider decisions.
A University of Michigan-led analysis found that training patients to voice their concerns and advocate for themselves can reduce the impact of physicians' racial biases on care. The study showed that 'patient activation' creates more equitable interactions between patients and physicians.