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Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan


Mathematics enable scientists to understand organization within a cell’s nucleus

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Early blood tests predict death, severe disability for traumatic brain injury

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2022

Pathway uncovered for greatest lupus genetic risk factor, study shows

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Whether it’s medical records, blood or tissue, patients want to know if researchers may use something from them

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeSurvey·DateAug 9, 2022

Children and teens getting spinal surgery don’t need so many opioids, study suggests

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2022

When heart-assisting implants could save a life, patients who are Black or female don’t get them as often

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2022

Coaching patients to advocate for themselves can offset the effects of doctors’ racial bias

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2022

Many older adults look beyond conventional medicine for help, but few talk to their doctors about it

According to a new poll, nearly 40% of older adults (50-80) use at least one integrative medicine strategy to alleviate symptoms or relax. However, only 18% discuss these strategies with their healthcare providers. The poll highlights the importance of primary care clinicians discussing integrative approaches with patients.

Finding the right memory strategy to slow cognitive decline

A new study led by researchers from the University of Michigan and Penn State College of Medicine compared two approaches for people with early form of memory loss: mnemonic strategy training and spaced retrieval training. Mnemonic strategy training showed increased brain activity in areas often affected by Alzheimer's disease, while s...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAlzheimers Disease & Dementia·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 22, 2022

Patient deterioration predictor could surpass limits of traditional vital signs

Researchers developed an AI-driven device that detects and predicts hemodynamic instability using a single ECG lead, outperforming traditional vital sign measurements with nearly 97% sensitivity. The technology has the potential to provide continuous dynamic monitoring capabilities in patients with intermittent static vital sign measur...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCritical Care Explorations·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Costs for emergency allergy injectors still high for some?

A new study found that while the availability of lower-priced epinephrine auto-injector competitors has improved affordability for many patients, a significant minority still pay significantly more for life-saving medication. High-deductible health plans are a major contributing factor to these high costs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Opioid prescriptions significantly higher for patients with lifelong disabilities, study finds

A Michigan Medicine study found that people with cerebral palsy and spina bifida are prescribed opioids at a rate up to five times higher than those without the conditions. Chronic pain is the most commonly reported symptom among these individuals, raising concerns over addiction and overdose issues.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHeliyon·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2022

Study of pre-teens yields surprises about alcohol, tobacco and marijuana

A new study reveals that up to 10% of pre-teen children are curious about using substances, with boys more likely than girls to be interested. Parents' rules and home access play a significant role in shaping their children's curiosity, with Black parents being more likely to set rules against substance use.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJul 1, 2022

Winning by default: Tonsillectomy study shows power of pre-set opioid Rx size

A new study found that hospitals can reduce excessive opioid prescribing by implementing an evidence-based default setting for opioid prescriptions written in electronic health records. The study showed that patients who received a standard prescription size with a lower default dose of opioids had similar pain control, but took home f...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 2022

Dynamic cells linked to brain tumor growth and recurrence

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified oncostreams, highly active cells connected to brain tumor growth and invasion. The team found that eliminating Collagen 1 production from tumor cells reduces tumor aggressive behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutic targets for treating lethal brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

How MRI and CT predict flap failure after head and neck reconstructive cancer surgery

Researchers used CT and MRI perfusion techniques to analyze 19 patients with successful free flap reconstruction and five with wound failure. The study found that both methods showed significant differences between the two patient groups. Early postoperative scans could help surgeons intervene earlier, potentially reducing hospital stays.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 23, 2022

High fat diet, unregulated athletic exercise endurance enhancers linked to risk of pancreatic cancer

A study found that high fat diets and synthetic substances in unregulated athletic performance enhancers can activate a receptor accelerating the progression of pre-cancerous lesions to pancreatic cancer in mice. Limiting exposure to these substances may help prevent pancreatic cancer development.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

What will it take to transform obesity care for all?

The US healthcare system faces a significant challenge in providing high-quality, personalized obesity care due to lack of insurance coverage for effective medications and societal stigma. Recent efforts aim to address this issue through framework development and policy changes, which may lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savi...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPrimary Health Care Research & Development·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 2022

Good news, bad news on risky medication use in nursing homes

A decade-long effort to reduce medication risks for nursing home residents with dementia has shown some positive results, but also unintended consequences. Fewer people are receiving antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs, which can raise the risk of falling or dying, but more are receiving alternative behavior-changing medications with ...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2022

Common prostate cancer medications may be less safe than previously thought

Research found that men taking abiraterone or enzalutamide plus hormone therapy had a higher risk of metabolic and cardiovascular issues than those undergoing hormone therapy alone. This increased risk was observed in patients with Medicare health insurance, who were significantly older than those in clinical trials.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 25, 2022