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.
A new poll finds that 45% of adults aged 65-80 and 42% of all adults aged 50-80 lack online medical accounts, which could hinder COVID-19 vaccine scheduling. Patient portals can help bridge this gap, especially for those with lower incomes, education levels, or who require assistance setting up accounts.
Two studies from Michigan Medicine reveal COVID-19 deaths are primarily due to lung damage, unlike other lung failures. Evidence-based interventions like prone positioning and mechanical ventilation improve outcomes.
A study found nearly half of summer camps didn't have official policies requiring campers be vaccinated, with only 39% mandating staffers vaccinations. Camps allow unvaccinated children with nonmedical exemptions to attend programs.
A new study found that more than half of people using cannabis for pain experience clusters of multiple withdrawal symptoms when they're between uses. About 10% of patients experienced worsening changes in sleep, mood, mental state, energy, and appetite over two years.
A study by Michigan Medicine finds that more than half of patients who received telepsychiatry during the pandemic want to continue with virtual mental health care even after COVID-19 ends. The convenience, avoiding exposure to the coronavirus, and patient experience factor heavily into this preference.
Research found that ginger's 6-gingerol lowers autoantibody production and helps halt disease progression in mice with antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus. The compound prevents neutrophil extracellular trap release, triggering autoantibodies and inflammation.
A new study found that tumors in the liver siphon off critical immune cells, rendering immunotherapy ineffective. However, coupling immunotherapy with radiotherapy restored immune cell function and led to better outcomes in mice. Researchers are now exploring potential clinical trials to understand the mechanisms at play.
Studies reveal that income level, employment, housing location, medical insurance, education, tobacco and alcohol use, diet and obesity, access to medical care are common causes of poorer outcomes in both Black patients with cancer and COVID-19 patients.
Researchers found that blocking the androgen receptor reduces coronavirus infection in mice and cellular models. Anti-androgen treatments are already FDA-approved, opening up potential COVID-19 treatment options.
A new study finds that when people consider being a protector for others, they approach risk differently. They are less likely to let their personal beliefs and politics discourage them from practicing COVID protection. Emphasizing the act of protecting others may help people feel independent and strong, rather than compliant or obedient.
A team from the University of Michigan has created nine COVID-19 guidebooks based on the wisdom and experience of people who have lived through the disease or served as caregivers. The guides offer practical advice and places to record important information for hospital and post-hospital care.
Researchers discovered a link between antibodies and aggressive lung rejection, and found targeting B cells and interleukin-6 can reduce fibrosis and rejection. This approach may lead to personalized therapies for patients with chronic rejection.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found a link between autoantibodies and lung fibrosis progression in systemic sclerosis patients. The researchers discovered that osteopontin, a protein previously implicated in fibrosis, may be responsible for triggering lung scarring.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that pulse oximeter readings may be less accurate in Black patients than in White patients, leading to potential mismanagement of treatment. The findings suggest that device makers may need to make changes to ensure accurate readings for all patients.
A national poll of people aged 50 to 80 found that nearly one in four have visited an emergency department in the last two years due to cost, COVID-19 risk, or delays. Health providers can improve acute care by better supporting older adults during and after medical emergencies.
A new study found that COVID-19 patients are at a higher risk of health complications, hospital readmission, and death in the first 10 days after leaving the hospital. In contrast, heart failure and pneumonia patients have different patterns of readmission or death over 60 days.
A study found COVID-19 in post-mortem corneal tissue, highlighting the importance of donor screening processes. The research team discovered that even healthy donors with negative nasopharyngeal swabs tested positive for COVID-19 RNA, posing a transmission risk to recipients.
A new study suggests that personal appeals from emergency physicians on social media are more effective in changing public attitudes and behaviors than impersonal messages from federal officials. The simulated online study included over 2,000 participants and found that the personal appeal was associated with increased perceived effect...
A new study found that physicians did not recognize significant symptoms in over half of breast cancer patients who reported pain, itchy skin, swelling, or fatigue during radiation therapy. The under-recognition was more common among younger patients and those from Black backgrounds, suggesting the need for better symptom detection met...
A growing global population is exacerbating the need for eye care services, with no significant reduction in treatable vision loss over the last decade. The study highlights cataracts and refractive errors as major causes of moderate to severe vision impairment.
A new study suggests a link between low levels of glycine and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), potentially leading to novel treatment options. Researchers found that improving body composition and glutathione synthesis with a tripeptide called DT-109 could attenuate experimental NAFLD.
A new CRISPR/Cas9 variant, miCas9, has been developed to improve the efficiency of gene editing while reducing unintended insertions or deletions. This advancement holds promise for advancing gene editing in genetic research and potentially treating diseases.
Researchers analyzed national organ transplant data from 2008 to 2017 and found a wide variation in organ procurement organizations' efficiency. They proposed three new metrics that would give a more accurate and equitable representation of performance, highlighting the need for improved evaluation of the organ donation system.
A new special edition of Rehabilitation Psychology examines the diverse ways caring for an individual with TBI impacts well-being, including family life, mood, physical health, sleep and social relationships. A unique tool called the TBI-CareQOL Measurement System helps standardize measures for quality of life in caregivers.
A new poll reveals that while most adults over 50 say they'll get vaccinated against COVID-19, many are hesitant due to concerns about vaccine safety and cost. The poll found that people of color, those with lower incomes or education levels, and older adults are less likely to take the vaccine.
A new study found that suicidal thoughts and self-harm among childbearing women nearly tripled between 2006 and 2017, with significant increases seen among Black, low-income, and younger individuals. The prevalence of maternal suicidality increased from 0.2% to 0.6%, affecting an estimated 24,000 individuals.
A genetic study of the live polio vaccine has identified critical mutations that allow the virus to evolve into a more virulent form, posing a risk to eradication efforts. However, the study also found that these changes are not easily transmitted from person to person.
A new medication, mavacamten, has been shown to reduce heart muscle thickness and improve cardiac structure and function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study found significant reductions in heart mass and improvements in blood flow, exercise capacity, and markers of fibrosis.
A new study reveals significant health and life impacts on patients treated in Michigan hospitals for COVID-19. Nearly 7% of patients died within two months, while 15% were rehospitalized, with many struggling with basic activities, jobs, mental health, and finances.
A new study published in BMJ Quality & Safety shows significant reductions in opioid prescribing and consumption after surgery, with no increase in patient pain or satisfaction. The study's findings suggest that team-based approaches to reducing opioid use can lead to sustained success and improved patient outcomes.
A Michigan Medicine-led study finds that nearly 170,000 underinsured transgender Americans access hormones from non-licensed sources, posing health risks. The study highlights the need for improved insurance coverage and access to gender-affirming hormone therapy.
A new study suggests that eliminating out-of-pocket costs for contraception is linked to more consistent contraceptive use and lower birth rates across all income groups. The most significant decline was observed among people from the lowest income group, experiencing a 22% drop in births.
A new study identifies an autoimmune antibody as a cause of COVID-19 blood clots in up to half of patients. Researchers found that blocking or removing these antibodies may improve outcomes for severely ill patients.