A new observational study reveals that COVID-19 patients with elevated suPAR levels are more likely to develop kidney injury and require dialysis. High suPAR levels were found in nearly three times the number of severe COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals.
A new paper suggests three strategies to address the COVID-19 surgery backlog, including expanding telemedicine services and providing transparent surgical billing. By adopting these solutions, hospitals can efficiently work through their backlogs and improve patient outcomes.
A new study provides a framework for guideline developers to offer specific guidance on right-sizing care, including when to start and stop treatments or screening. The recommendations are tailored for adult primary care and aim to reduce unnecessary testing and treatment, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 56% of people over 50 felt isolated from others in June 2022, more than double the 2018 rate. Technology and social interactions with neighbors helped alleviate loneliness.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel approach to combat HIV using an antibiotic molecule called concanamycin A. The compound inhibits the Nef protein, allowing cytotoxic T lymphocytes to recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells. This breakthrough offers new hope for a potential cure for HIV by combining with existing treatments.
A study found that children from families with lower education levels are more likely to have their personal information transferred to third parties, despite federal laws prohibiting the practice. The research suggests that social and economic factors influence which children are at greater risk for these violations.
A genome-wide association study identified specific genetic regions associated with SCAD, which also predict the risk of SCAD among individuals with fibromuscular dysplasia. The findings suggest a shared genetic basis for migraine headache and SCAD, highlighting the need for further research into its clinical implications.
A new study found that tumor cells outcompete T cells for the amino acid methionine, impairing its function. Supplementing methionine can restore T cell function, suggesting a potential target for immunotherapy against more cancers.
A $2.3 million NIH grant will train community health workers in research best practices to engage underserved communities in clinical research. The project aims to address four main issues: standardized education, culturally relevant training, accessibility, and empowering community health workers as peer mentors.
Researchers have developed first-in-class inhibitors of the NSD1 protein, a key enzyme linked to several types of cancer. The lead compound, BT5, showed promising activity in leukemia cells with the NUP98-NSD1 chromosomal translocation.
Researchers found that exposure-based therapy was more effective in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while stress-reduction therapy showed better results for those with lower brain activation in certain areas. The study aims to develop a personalized treatment approach for OCD, which may help improve therapy ou...
A new investigational therapy has shown to prevent the onset of Dravet syndrome symptoms in a mouse model, increasing gene expression up to 100 percent in neurons. The treatment uses an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that is reversible and non-invasive.
A new study from Michigan Medicine shows that over half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients received antibiotics soon after arrival, despite only 3.5% having both virus and bacterial infection. Faster testing and understanding infection risk factors could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and harm.
Researchers have used single-cell RNA sequencing to profile transcriptome-level changes in response to DNA damage across individual cancer cells. The study found three distinct groups of genes activated in response to chemotherapy, revealing new insights into why some cancer cells survive while others die.
Primary care providers face increasing workload with limited time due to insurance, EMR systems, and COVID-19. Many have reduced clinical schedules or switched to hospital medicine to manage workload.
Nearly one in four people aged 50-80 rely on mail delivery for at least one medication, with 29% receiving all their medications via mail. This reliance is largely driven by insurance requirements and cost savings.
A new study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults with dementia have filled prescriptions for medicines not designed for dementia, posing special risks. Antidepressants, opioids, and other drugs were commonly prescribed, often without addressing the underlying issues, and may even worsen cognitive symptoms.
Telehealth visits have skyrocketed for older Americans, with a significant increase in comfort levels and reduced privacy concerns. However, not all older adults see virtual care as an adequate substitute for in-person care, and some still lack experience or access to video conferencing tools.
A new study reveals that half of those who have opened a health savings account haven't put money into it in the past year. Those with lower levels of education and health insurance literacy are less likely to open or contribute to an HSA.
Researchers discovered that simultaneously targeting two energy-production pathways within cancer cells can help overcome the effects of a cancer-causing mutation in DIPG. In mouse models, inhibiting both pathways at once significantly improved survival rates compared to targeting each pathway individually.
A new study finds that oxygen therapy can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the lungs, contributing to lung injury. The researchers used mice and found that high concentrations of oxygen led to an increase in oxygen-tolerant bacteria, which are more likely to cause infections.
Researchers found that up to one-third of physicians ordered thyroid ultrasounds without a clear reason supported by clinical guidelines. The study suggests clearer guidelines could help reduce low-risk thyroid cancer cases.
Researchers developed an algorithm to monitor high blood sugar in COVID-19 patients, reducing secondary infections and kidney issues. The tool identifies risk categories based on hyperglycemia severity, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers.
A team of researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a guide to help oncologists navigate difficult conversations with patients due to the pandemic. The guide provides three core communication strategies and examples of language that can be used to respond empathetically, addressing concerns around risk, delays, and changes in treatment.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers documents how hospitals reacted to the pandemic and found that most implemented a 'no visitors' policy, but some allowed exceptions for end-of-life visits. ICU teams also shifted to telephones and video chats to connect with families.
Researchers found that targeting purine metabolism can disrupt DNA repair and increase sensitivity to radiation, offering a new approach to overcome resistance. A clinical trial is planned to test the effectiveness of an FDA-approved drug in human patients.
A national cost-sharing cap on insulin can help reduce the financial burden on families of children and young adults with type 1 diabetes. The study found that approximately 60% of patients would benefit from a $25 cap, with average savings of almost $480 per year.
Research reveals a complex interaction between bacteria and their viruses in the gut, where some bacteria can resist infection while others remain susceptible. The study suggests that beneficially altering the gut microbiome through bacterial viruses could offer a new treatment for disease.
A new study explores patients' views on hospital fundraising practices, finding that certain strategies cause concerns. Hospitals can show appreciation to donors through nicer hospital rooms, expedited appointments, or providing doctors' cell phone numbers, while avoiding wealth screening and sharing patient names without permission.
A new study reveals that middle-aged Americans have worse health than their English counterparts, particularly among the poor. The difference in health between rich and poor is much larger in the US, with even top-income earners showing higher rates of diabetes and mental health conditions.
A single dose of the drug tocilizumab was found to reduce mortality by 45% and increase the likelihood of patients leaving the hospital or being off a ventilator within a month. However, this benefit came with an increased risk of additional infection.
A new poll finds that over 80% of Americans over 50 experience at least one form of everyday ageism, which is linked to poor mental and physical health. Despite this, most older adults have positive attitudes towards aging, including increased comfort with themselves and a strong sense of purpose.
A new study found that Michigan's Medicaid expansion program significantly improved health outcomes for the most vulnerable residents, including those with extremely low incomes and chronic health conditions. The program also saw improvements in health among participants of all ages, backgrounds, and geographic regions.
Recent COVID-19 policy shifts have made it possible for more people to access addiction care via telemedicine, specifically video chats and telephone calls. Key treatments like medications, psychotherapy, and peer group support can now be delivered remotely, but sustaining this approach will require continued changes.
Lactating emergency physicians face challenges in emergency departments due to lack of support and policies. Implementing strategies like time management, flexible scheduling and adequate lactation spaces can improve their ability to meet lactation goals.
A new study reveals that poor oral health can exacerbate gut inflammation in IBD patients, potentially leading to reduced quality of life and surgery. The research suggests that promoting oral health could improve clinical outcomes in IBD, making it a crucial aspect of total body health.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in ischemic stroke admissions and mechanical thrombectomy procedures. A study found a 17.8% reduction in March admissions compared to February 2020 and 2019.
Aging and immune response to viral infections play a crucial role in understanding COVID-19. Dysregulated inflammation is linked to higher mortality in older populations, according to researchers.
A new study suggests that steroid-sparing therapies can reduce the risk of developing perianal fistulas in children and young adults with Crohn's disease. These treatments have been found to be nearly 60% less effective in developing fistulas, and if they do occur, those treated with such therapies are 55% less likely to undergo surgery.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a dramatic drop in patients seeking care in emergency departments during March and April 2020. Social distancing measures and increased hand washing helped lower the transmission of viruses, while changes in epidemiology and healthcare policies also contributed to the decline.
A study of 13 black male heart transplant patients with COVID-19 reveals higher rates of mortality and critical illness compared to non-transplant recipients. The researchers call for further research on racial and gender disparities in COVID-19 and its management in immunosuppressed patients.
A comprehensive new report by the University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center documents cannabis trends in Michigan, including increased use among Michiganders, revenue generated for the state, and growing public health concerns related to cannabis use disorder, motor vehicle crashes and emergency department visits. The report prov...
Research found that patients with ARDS experience financial toxicity, leading to physical and emotional consequences. Long hospitalizations result in large medical bills, affecting patients' ability to recover and return to work.
A national poll of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 reveals that most were capable home cooks before COVID-19, with those who cooked at home most often rating their diets as excellent. However, solo diners reported less healthy diets and relied more on fast food, highlighting the need for support during the pandemic.
A new study finds that people with Type 1 diabetes spend an average of $2,500 a year on healthcare costs, with diabetes-related supplies costing more than insulin. The study also highlights the importance of automating glucose monitoring and insulin delivery for young children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a sharp rise in mental health symptoms among Chinese medical residents in Shanghai during the first month of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study shows that depression and anxiety symptoms worsened, with fear of workplace violence doubling compared to previous years.
A new framework published in NEJM offers a responsible approach to patient data-sharing, allowing companies to access massive data troves with transparency and consent. The system includes an easy-to-understand informed consent document and a dedicated gatekeeper committee to review and approve projects.
A new study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine finds that human growth hormone (HGH) treatment after ACL reconstructive surgery may prevent the loss of muscle strength in the knee. Researchers found a 29% higher knee extension strength in patients who received HGH injections compared to those in the placebo group.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that most finicky eaters maintain a healthy childhood weight and are less likely to experience obesity. Parents' efforts to control and restrict children's diets may actually make picky eating worse, according to the researchers.
A new app calculates individualized mortality risk assessment for cancer patients receiving immediate versus delayed treatment. The OncCOVID app draws on global cancer and coronavirus data to create personalized assessments, providing doctors with a tool to balance treatment needs against COVID-19 risks.