A recent study suggests that many older adults with rheumatoid arthritis are not prescribed disease-modifying medications, despite guidelines calling for early and aggressive treatment. Only 45% of patients over 65 were prescribed these medications, highlighting the need to improve prescribing practices among primary care physicians.
A randomized controlled trial found that community health workers (CHWs) employed by Medicaid plans can help low-income individuals rely less on emergency rooms and more on outpatient care. The study showed significant reductions in acute care visits and costs, while outpatient visits increased among participants who connected with a CHW.
A new study reveals that nearly half of all older adults now die with a dementia diagnosis listed on their medical record, a 36% increase from two decades ago. This rise may be attributed to better public awareness, more detailed medical records, and Medicare billing practices, rather than an actual increase in the condition.
A new study found that non-medical first responders, such as police and fire departments, are associated with higher cardiac arrest survival rates. They initiated CPR in 31.8% of incidents and AED use in 6.1% of cases, leading to significantly improved chances of survival and hospital discharge.
A rehabilitation psychologist's role is to guide patients through the process of rehab and recovery, addressing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional barriers that hinder progress. These experts can help individuals adjust to a new diagnosis, stay motivated during recovery, and deal with the emotional aftermath of hospitalization.
Researchers create detailed 'atlas' of fallopian tube cells to better understand fertility and disease. The study identifies 10 epithelial cell subtypes and reveals new insights into ovarian cancer origins.
Researchers collected hundreds of cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with Diffuse Midline Glioma, tracking changes in cell-free tumor DNA over time. The findings suggest that this method could provide data about tumors sooner than MRIs alone, allowing clinicians to address aggressive brain cancer more effectively.
Researchers identified common features of pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease causing inflammation and recurring blood clots. Nearly half of children with APS experienced recurrent blood clots despite treatment, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and prevention.
A new poll reveals that older adults aged 50-80 who consider elective surgery harbor concerns about costs, discomfort, caregiving needs, and more. Despite these concerns, most adults are satisfied with the result of their operation. Satisfaction varies depending on physical and mental health status.
A new study found that dual-eligible patients for Medicare and Medicaid have poorer outcomes and higher costs after cancer surgery, even in high-quality hospitals. These patients are more likely to experience complications, longer hospital stays, and lower chances of going home instead of a nursing facility.
A new study found that hospital-affiliated emergency physicians prescribed antibiotics to patients with acute respiratory infections nearly twice as often as contractor-supplied physicians. This disparity highlights the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in telemedicine settings.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that a medium-chain fatty acid called octanoic acid can reduce further injury and improve heart function after a heart attack. This discovery could lead to the development of a new therapy to treat heart attacks, targeting the interplay between energy metabolism and epigenetics.
A biodegradable nanoparticle has shown promise in reducing skin and lung scarring in mice with scleroderma. The treatment targets specific immune cells responsible for the disease's chronic inflammation and scarring.
Researchers developed a microneedle treatment that increased desensitization rates to peanut allergy in mice, outperforming existing immunotherapy methods. The novel approach achieved significant results using lower doses of allergen, offering new hope for millions suffering from peanut allergy.
A U-M study defines how a cytokine and fatty acid combination triggers ferroptosis, a type of cell death previously studied with synthetic molecules. This natural mechanism could make immunotherapy treatments more effective, particularly for cancers where the treatments currently work for only about 30% of patients.
A survey of young adult cancer survivors found that crowdfunding provides relief in paying bills, but also involves compromises such as revealing personal health details and feeling uncomfortable asking for help. The study suggests that crowdfunding could be exacerbating racial and economic disparities.
A new Michigan Medicine study suggests that genes from oceanic bacteria have entered the human gut microbiome, enabling digestion of seaweed polysaccharides. The research found that these genes are more common than previously recognized and are linked to the ability to process certain seaweed-derived sugars.
A new study finds that nearly one in six older Americans undergo repeat hernia surgery, highlighting the need for more effective treatment options. The research suggests that minimally invasive procedures may be associated with a higher risk of subsequent operations.
Melanoma referral centers worldwide have adopted systemic therapies to treat high-risk melanoma, reducing the need for lymph node removal surgeries. The shift in treatment plans was driven by rapid adoption of effective treatments and a desire to avoid lifelong complications of surgery.
A Michigan study found that Black pregnant women were twice as likely to contract COVID-19 as white women, with all infected pregnant people at a higher risk of early preeclampsia. COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective, protecting both mothers and babies.
A new study shows that ZIP code social vulnerability index is linked to COVID-19 severity, with more disadvantaged areas experiencing higher symptom rates. However, differences disappear when patients are discharged from hospitals, suggesting equal access to care plays a crucial role in reducing initial disparities.
Scientists at Michigan Medicine have developed a new way to grow tiny models of organs, called organoids, using a simple suspension culture. This breakthrough improves the understanding of human development and could lead to new insights into disease.
Researchers found higher-than-expected levels of antiphospholipid autoantibodies in COVID-19 patients, causing endothelial cell activation and promoting clotting. Removing these antibodies from blood samples lost the activation effect, suggesting a potential cause of severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Researchers developed a novel method of measuring aortic growth, called vascular deformation mapping, which outperforms standard manual rating methods. The technique uses high-resolution CT imaging to calculate three-dimensional changes in the aortic wall, achieving an accuracy of less than 1 millimeter.
A new poll of people aged 50 and older found that nearly 1 in 3 had a COVID-related delay for healthcare appointments in 2021. Many unvaccinated individuals still haven't rescheduled their appointments, posing concerns about preventive care, chronic condition management, and operations.
New studies from Michigan Medicine researchers aim to remove financial barriers for patients who receive abnormal test results, enabling them to complete the diagnostic process. The findings suggest that removing cost barriers could save lives by increasing screening uptake, particularly among women and underserved populations.
A new poll found that less than half of people aged 50-80 have ever used a health-related app, with those in poor health and lower incomes being even less likely. Only 28% of current users share information with healthcare providers, highlighting the potential for apps to support health behaviors and improve outcomes.
Adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions compared to those without the injury. Chronic pain is equally negatively impacting mental health, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in most cases.
A randomized study of over 1,000 people with PTSD and/or bipolar disorder shows that telehealth and integrated care models can improve treatment engagement and outcomes. Patients who received guidance from local clinic team members and in-person follow-up with nurses or social workers had better results.
The US healthcare system is failing to provide adequate care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors, experts warn. A recent report recommends using a comprehensive classification system that incorporates the Glasgow Coma Scale score, CT scans, and blood tests to better assess the severity of TBI.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that people with diabetes have more macrophages in their fat tissue, particularly the anti-inflammatory CD206+ subtype. This subtype is unique in terms of gene expression and may play a role in the development of diabetes.
A new poll shows that most teens and young adults know it's possible to catch or spread a sexually transmitted infection by having unprotected oral sex, but over half underestimate the level of that risk. Young people also call for more education about the risks of oral sex and normalization of protection through popular culture.
A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.
Researchers found that hyaluronic acid is not only present in pancreatic tumors but also serves as a nutrient source for cancer cells. This discovery indicates potential new treatments for pancreatic cancer by targeting the sugar scavenging pathway.
A study by Michigan Medicine reveals that 25% of young American men experience both delivering and receiving technology-facilitated abuse. Healthcare providers should consider addressing this issue, as men who have mental health care visits are more likely to be involved in abusive relationships.
Scientists have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas3 editor from the bacteria Neisseria lactamica that improves editing efficiency and is more easily produced. The tool enables 50% editing efficiency in stem cells and 95% efficiency in other human cell lines, paving the way for research in genetic diseases and developmental biology.
Researchers found that glioma cells with mutated ATRX have reduced Chk1 activity, leading to dysregulated cell cycle and heightened sensitivity to ATM inhibitors. The study suggests that combining radiation therapy with these inhibitors may improve treatment outcomes for patients with this gene mutation.
A new study reveals that health insurers are covering most of the cost of ivermectin prescriptions for COVID-19, despite the drug's ineffective treatment against the virus. The study estimates that U.S. private and Medicare plans may have paid $2.4 million for ivermectin prescriptions in a single week alone.
Researchers discovered that bacteria use an ancient molecule called polyphosphate to silence problematic genetic elements, similar to heterochromatin in eukaryotes. This process helps protect the bacterial cell from harm and could enable scientists to develop new antibiotics.
A new study suggests that combining two drugs can reduce postoperative opioid use and side effects in adolescents with scoliosis. The combination of intrathecal morphine and oral gabapentin provides more effective pain control, resulting in fewer side effects and lower narcotic consumption.
Researchers discover a chromatin degrader that blocks cancer-causing genes, offering potential treatment for over 90% of prostate cancers. The study found that blocking the SWI/SNF complex slowed cancer cell growth and induced cell death, especially in tumors driven by FOXA1 or androgen receptor.
Children who require intensive care miss days to weeks of school during hospitalization while parents miss work to be at their side. Even after discharge, the impact on family continues, with two-thirds of children missing school for up to two weeks and half of primary caregivers missing work.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new genetic tool to study Candida auris, revealing key factors behind its shape-shifting abilities and drug resistance. The study could aid in understanding the fungus's transmission on hospital surfaces.
A common mutation in a rare cancer subtype has led researchers to an already-approved drug that shows promise against uterine serous carcinoma. The RNR inhibitor clofarabine effectively stops the highly aggressive type of cancer in its tracks.
Patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease may benefit from Belzutifan, a daily oral medication that shrinks tumors and keeps patients from undergoing surgery. The drug targets the molecular defect in the VHL gene, producing few side effects and showing long-lasting anti-cancer effects.
Scientists have developed a new method using CRISPR-Cas9 to target specific fat cells, reducing the time and cost of genetic discovery in obesity research. The technique allows researchers to study genes in brown adipose tissue, which plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature.
A new poll of people over 50 finds most are finding joy and staying resilient amid the pandemic, but a sizable minority feel significant stress, particularly about COVID-19 risk. The poll highlights the importance of focusing on those in poor health and finding safe ways to enjoy favorite activities.
A study found that nearly a quarter of pregnant and postpartum women in the US reported unmet healthcare need due to cost. Women with private insurance and lower incomes were more likely to experience unaffordable healthcare, while those with public insurance and higher incomes had better access.
Researchers found that defibrotide suppresses neutrophil release of NETs and reduces downstream blood-clotting in mice with antiphospholipid syndrome. The treatment neutralizes toxic histones, preventing activation of blood vessel cells.
Research suggests that severe maternal morbidity rates continue well into the late postpartum period, particularly among Black women, those with anxiety and depression. The study found alarming data showing increasing rates of maternal mortality later in the first year postpartum.