A new poll reveals nearly one in five older adults say their mental health has gotten worse since the pandemic began, with an equal percentage saying their sleep has suffered. Despite this, two-thirds of respondents report excellent or very good mental health, and over 80% say it's as good or better than 20 years ago.
A new study found that Black patients are more likely to die after heart bypass surgery in hospitals where care teams are segregated by race, but not when teams treat patients of all races. Researchers used social network analysis to track provider overlap and created a care team segregation score for each hospital.
A new study from the University of Michigan shows that overdose rates were two and a half times higher among patients who filled a prescription for an opioid medication after a dental procedure compared to those who didn
A recent study found that only 16% of male teenagers received the HPV vaccine, highlighting a significant gap in vaccination rates. The vaccine is essential for preventing oropharyngeal cancer, which affects 80% of male patients diagnosed with this condition.
A study in cells and mice finds a positive allosteric modulator can boost endorphins' ability to activate the mu-opioid receptor, producing analgesia with reduced side effects. The compound shows promise as an alternative to traditional opioid drugs for pain relief.
Recent polls of people aged 14 to 24 reveal most young people are taking COVID-19 seriously and motivated by a desire to protect others. They prioritize following public health guidance when near close contacts or in 'pod' situations.
Researchers developed an algorithm to screen for pulmonary arterial hypertension in scleroderma patients, outperforming standard methods. The algorithm correctly identified all 10 patients with the condition in a study of 68 subjects.
A new algorithm developed by Joshua Welch and his team enables researchers to analyze large datasets using standard computer memory, greatly speeding up single-cell sequencing research. The technique allows for real-time analysis of millions of cells without reprocessing older data.
A new study found that nearly one-third of patients prescribed a direct oral anticoagulant were also taking aspirin without a clear reason, leading to an increased risk of bleeding events. The researchers emphasize the importance of consulting with doctors to determine if combination therapy is necessary for individual patients.
Postponing cardiovascular surgeries during the pandemic sparked anxiety and fear among patients, illustrating the profound impact of medical decisions on their emotional well-being. Many patients preferred to wait for surgery due to uncertainty about COVID-19's impact on their health.
A team of researchers has discovered that JMJD3 enzyme promotes inflammation in monocyte/macrophages, leading to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Blocking this enzyme prevents aneurysm formation, providing a potential new target for treatment.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are working to develop innovative solutions to prevent firearm-related deaths and injuries, building on federal funding for the first time in years. The effort aims to strike a balance between public health and gun rights, with initial studies revealing promising results.
A recent survey of youth aged 14-24 found that most are willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with 75% unconditionally willing or already vaccinated. Black young people were more likely to express concerns about vaccine safety.
A new study finds that convenience and access outweigh reputation when older adults choose a doctor, with online ratings playing an important role. The study also reveals disparities in the perceived importance of online ratings among different demographic groups.
A new study found that positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea reduces Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia risk. Researchers analyzed Medicare claims of over 50,000 Medicare beneficiaries ages 65+, finding a significant association between PAP use and lower dementia risk.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are conducting a nationwide trial to investigate allergic reactions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The study aims to identify molecular markers of allergic reactions, with results expected in late summer 2021.
A recent poll suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has created a chance for older adults to discuss their healthcare wishes with loved ones, but many are still not taking action. Only 59% of respondents said they had discussed their preferences, and 46% had completed advance directives or powers of attorney. Despite these efforts, 1 in ...
Women with high-deductible health plans opted for long-acting reversible contraception devices more than those with other plans, increasing LARC use by 35% between 2013 and 2017. The study found that higher out-of-pocket costs before the ACA mandate severely inhibited women from using LARCs.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that patients who had virtual 'urgent care' visits for upper respiratory infections were more likely to receive additional follow-up care compared to those with in-person visits. This contradicts the expectation that virtual care would reduce downstream visits and emergency department use.
A recent study found that end-of-life care for people with ovarian cancer has not improved significantly since 2007, with Black patients experiencing higher rates of emergency department visits and intensive treatment. Palliative care recommendations have been included in guidelines, but its adoption remains limited.
A new study found that Middle Eastern and North African individuals in Michigan are more likely to experience chronic illness, mental health issues, and poor overall health due to various barriers. The survey also highlighted the prevalence of food insecurity, transportation issues, and financial strain as major risk factors for poor h...
Researchers found that tocilizumab treatment stabilized forced vital capacity in patients with systemic sclerosis, preventing irreversible lung damage. The study suggests a window of opportunity for select patients to benefit from anti-inflammatory therapy.
Researchers analyzed over 500 subjects and found that people who had COVID produced antibodies, making the tests predictive of prior infection. Rapid screens can predict infection with nearly the same precision as lab-conducted antibody tests.
A recent study found that nearly 60% of adult patients who needed hospitalization for injuries eventually returned to work. However, they often faced significant challenges, including increased rates of food insecurity, physical disability, and difficulty accessing healthcare. The research team analyzed data from the National Health In...
A multidisciplinary research group discovered that inhibiting IRE1α, a molecule activated by the endoplasmic reticulum in neutrophils, counters disease progression in lupus mice. The study found that abnormal activation of this pathway tracks closely with disease severity.
Studies found that disrupting interaction between p53 and Mdm2 in tumor cells is less effective than thought, as it can impair immune cell function. New compound APG115 showed promise in boosting T cell activity against cancer, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.
A new study found that Michigan Medicaid expansion's dental coverage improved oral health in 57% of enrollees, with Black respondents and those uninsured for a year or more experiencing the greatest improvements. The program also helped participants find work or improve their job search by 76%.
A recent study found that people who received a flu shot last flu season were significantly less likely to test positive for COVID-19 and had fewer complications if they did. Researchers reviewed medical charts for over 27,000 patients and discovered a strong association between flu vaccination and reduced COVID-19 infections.
A new poll shows that 10% of older adults between 50-80 years old obtained a pet during the pandemic, with 59% of those in this age range being pet owners. Pet ownership was higher among women, whites, and employed individuals, providing companionship and social support.
Researchers have found that disrupting the interaction between cancer cells and certain immune cells is more effective at killing cancer cells than current immunotherapy treatments. The new approach, targeting protein CD6, has shown promise in mice and may also treat autoimmune diseases.
A new study reveals that a long noncoding RNA molecule named Linc00402 plays a key role in mobilizing the immune response after bone marrow or solid organ transplantation. The researchers found that inhibiting this RNA could improve outcomes for transplant recipients, reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease and cancer relapse.
A new study found that 1 in 7 people with dementia are taking at least three brain and nervous system medications, which can accelerate memory loss and increase the risk of falls, overdoses, and death. Regular prescription drug reviews could help spot risky combinations.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine shows a significant increase in COVID-19 vaccination enthusiasm among older adults with high risk of severe illness. By late January, 71% of people aged 50-70 were ready to get vaccinated, up from 58%, while those in fair or poor health saw an 11-point jump in likelihood.
A meta-analysis of 48,000 people found that vision impairment is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to normal vision or mild vision impairment. The risk increases significantly among those with severe vision impairment.
A national poll reveals that 80% of Americans over 50 haven't had their hearing checked by a professional in two years. Despite growing evidence about the importance of hearing, many older adults face barriers to timely care due to cost and stigma.
A new study by University of Michigan and Boston University researchers found that only 21% of dollars spent on 15 top-selling partial orphan drugs went to treating rare diseases, while 70% went to common diseases. This raises questions about whether the benefits of orphan drug status are always warranted for these drugs.
A new study analyzes out-of-pocket costs for influenza-related hospitalizations to estimate potential COVID-19 hospital bills. Americans over 65 hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2021 may owe an average of nearly $1,000 after discharge due to co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance.
A study found that older adults understand the risks of overusing antibiotics, but many still use them incorrectly. Over 91% of respondents are cautious about using antibiotics, yet nearly 56% believe doctors overprescribe them, while 34% think antibiotics can help with viral illnesses like colds and flu.
A study of over 2,100 first-year medical residents found that irregular sleep schedules can increase the risk of depression and negative mood. Those with variable wake-up times and sleep times were more likely to experience symptoms of depression.
A urine test has been found to be extremely accurate at detecting aggressive prostate cancer with few false negatives. The test avoids unnecessary biopsies for patients with slow-growing or no cancer, reducing costs and invasive procedures.
A recent poll shows significant inequality in older adults' ability to isolate a COVID-positive person at home, with those who are Hispanic or Black, or have lower incomes or poor health, being more likely to lack access. The poll also highlights disparities in outdoor spaces and social connections among older adults.
A new universal screening tool, CASSY, helps caregivers predict an adolescent's suicide risk by identifying risk factors such as suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbance, and family issues. The tool has been shown to be accurate in predicting future suicide attempts with over 88% accuracy.
A new study found that some COVID-19 patients have an unbalanced ability to break down clots, contributing to a high bleeding risk. This imbalance is linked to a potential clinical biomarker seen in later stages of the disease and may be consistent with recent trial pauses.
A new technique using deep mutational scanning has identified important mutations in the MSH2 gene associated with Lynch Syndrome, a major cause of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. This approach could improve predictive value of genetic screening for individuals at risk of developing colorectal cancer.
A new study from Michigan Medicine shows that the more disadvantaged a county's population was before the pandemic, the higher the toll of coronavirus. The Social Vulnerability Index tracked closely with COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 residents in each county.
Researchers have identified a little-known glycoprotein called stanniocalcin-1 that blocks the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. By targeting this pathway, scientists hope to improve response rates to cancer immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers have developed a system to capture and 'farm' natural killer immune cells from the blood to harvest their cancer-killing exosomes. The technology uses a microfluidic chip and ExoBeads to isolate NK exosomes, which are more stable and easier to modify for therapeutic purposes.
A recent study found that over half of primary care clinics in nine states refuse to accept opioid patients due to perceived stigma. Clinics gave more favorable responses when patients mentioned their last doctor had retired, suggesting systemic biases influence decision-making.
A study of 620 patients who had surgery found that those counseled to use opioids only as backup experienced less pain and similar patient satisfaction compared to standard care. The approach took a middle ground between controlling pain and reducing the risk of long-term opioid use or addiction.
Scleroderma researchers discover a connection between inflammation, metabolism, and scarring. A study found that NAD+ breakdown leads to multi-organ scarring, with CD38 playing a previously undiscovered pathogenic role.