A recent study discovered a connection between glioma cells expressing the protein TAU and better patient outcomes. The presence of TAU helped regulate blood vessel formation, contributing to tumor aggression. Researchers suggest TAU levels could serve as a biomarker for tumor progression in IDH1/2 mutant gliomas.
A new antiviral compound based on a protein found in bananas has been shown to safely protect against multiple strains of the influenza virus in mice, with over 80% survival rate. The compound also shows promise against Ebola, HIV and other deadly viruses, including a synergistic effect with Tamiflu.
Researchers found a neuron in mice that can suppress appetite without causing nausea, potentially leading to new treatment options for obesity. The study discovered that activating this CALCR neuron increases food intake and contributes to obesity, while deactivating it decreases food intake and body weight.
A prehabilitation program that encourages patients to move more, eat healthier, cut back on tobacco, breathe deeper, reduce stress, and focus on their goals after surgery has been shown to reduce hospital length of stay and total costs. The study involved hundreds of patients in 21 hospitals across Michigan and found that prehab patien...
A study by University of Michigan researchers sheds light on the role of WDR5 and p53 proteins in influencing stem cell fate, with implications for cancer research and potential treatments for heart disease. The team found that inducing a short delay in WDR5 expression steered embryonic stem cells towards different tissue types.
Researchers found that Sestrin, a naturally occurring protein, can improve endurance and respiration in flies and mice. It may also help prevent muscle atrophy, potentially leading to new treatments for aging-related muscle wasting.
States with Medicaid work requirements have higher opioid overdose death rates and fewer substance use disorder treatment facilities. Increasing access to evidence-based opioid addiction care is crucial for individuals with these conditions.
A new study found that less than 2% of people at risk for an opioid overdose received naloxone, a life-saving drug. The study suggests that there are significant gaps in naloxone prescribing, particularly among high-risk groups such as those who have survived previous overdoses or have a history of opioid use disorder.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that a person's BMI measurement from 25 years ago is a better predictor of their current BMI than a polygenic risk score. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 young adults and found that baseline BMI explained 52.3% of BMI variation over time.
Children with public and private insurance are both likely to receive unnecessary medical services, highlighting the need for global efforts to reduce waste. Researchers estimate that up to 4% of publicly insured and 3% of privately insured children receive low-value care at least twice.
A new poll suggests that while older adults use online physician ratings, they are cautious in their approach, prioritizing factors such as wait time and doctor experience over the number of stars. Meanwhile, only a small percentage of those polled have actually posted reviews or ratings of doctors online.
A new study found that out-of-pocket health care spending for maternity care increased significantly between 2008 and 2015, with 98% of women paying some costs. The Affordable Care Act requires full coverage of preventive services but leaves room for plans to impose co-pays, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
Researchers used rats to demonstrate that EEG doesn't always track with being awake, raising questions about interpreting EEG data in medical decisions. The study suggests certain EEG features may not accurately capture consciousness levels, but still have value in detecting unconsciousness.
Adolescents and young adults ages 12-21 are at similar risk for prescription opioid overdose as adults, with mental health or substance use disorders increasing overdose odds by three times. Safe prescribing practices include using short-acting opioids and avoiding concurrent prescriptions with benzodiazepines.
A research team discovered that dendritic cells play a crucial role in the immune system's response to disease-causing pathogens, which may explain why TNF inhibitors carry a risk of serious infections and cancer. The study suggests that programming dendritic cells could lead to better treatments for persistent infections and cancer.
Aging adults are more likely to develop and die from cardiovascular disease due to narrowed, hardened arteries. The study reveals a novel pathway where mitochondrial dysfunction and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 co-exist with aging to promote atherosclerosis.
A recent study found that young doctors experienced significant mood changes in response to major political events, but not non-political events. The study suggests that the current generation of physicians are deeply engaged with politics and may be more likely to engage in public discussions about medical issues.
The Michigan Medicaid expansion program successfully doubled access to primary care and increased the discussion of healthy behaviors among low-income residents. According to new studies, nearly 90% of enrollees reported reduced stress and worry due to HMP coverage, with many going without dental care they needed before enrollment.
A new study has found that rural women in the US experience higher rates of life-threatening childbirth complications than their urban counterparts. The research, published in Health Affairs, analyzed 6.8 million births between 2007 and 2015 and found a 9% greater chance of dangerous childbirth situations in rural areas.
A new study finds that married couples with multiple chronic conditions experience rising depression symptoms, with husbands faring worse when their conditions differ from their wives. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these dynamics to maintain mental and physical health.
A new study reveals that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition characterized by prolonged seizures. The three drugs stopped seizures and improved responsiveness in approximately half of the study participants.
A new study found a sharp increase in medical students disclosing disabilities, leading to more accommodations and a potential improvement in patient care. Despite the rise, students with disabilities still represent less than 5% of future physicians.
A new study finds that nearly half of 50- to 64-year-olds think they're likely to develop dementia, but only 5% have talked to a doctor about reducing their risk. Meanwhile, many use unproven tactics like supplements and brain games to stave off the disease.
A new study at U-M found that the addition of IVF coverage to health insurance plans increased the rate of IVF among university employees, with a nine-fold increase in the lowest-salary bracket. The benefit led to greater equity in fertility rates across income groups.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a small-molecule compound that harnesses the power of a natural cellular cleanup system to eliminate tumors. The degrader achieved nearly complete elimination of tumors in mouse models of leukemia and lymphoma, with lasting results.
A study found that cervical cancer screening rates decline among women aged 45-65, particularly those with lower education, rural residency, or lack of insurance. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and access to screenings for vulnerable populations.
Research reveals that E. coli bacteria gain a competitive advantage over beneficial microbes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by adapting their dietary preferences to amino acids, particularly serine. This finding suggests that a low-serine diet may help control the overgrowth of pathogenic E. coli.
A new poll finds that half of older Americans have taken leftover antibiotics without guidance, while one in five expect doctors to prescribe them for colds. Despite widespread awareness of antibiotic resistance, many older adults engage in risky practices, highlighting opportunities for education and improved prescribing.
Researchers discovered that itaconate, a compound produced by the immune system, tricks Mtb into using propionate as a growth source. This reaction produces a stable biradical that lingers for over an hour, enabling researchers to grow crystals of the enzyme and understand its mechanism.
A new study at Kellogg Eye Center finds that reducing opioid pills prescribed after cornea surgery doesn't compromise pain control, with most patients using only four pills. The policy change also leads to more responsible pill disposal practices.
Researchers developed a polygenic risk score tool to predict depression in medical residents under intense stress. The study found that interns with higher scores were more likely to develop depression, while those with lower scores showed resilience.
Gabapentinoid prescriptions for adults with cancer grew from 3.3% to 8.3% between 2005 and 2015, with total prescriptions increasing from 1.2 million to 3.5 million. Further study is needed to understand the effectiveness and risks of gabapentinoids in treating cancer pain.
A cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that individuals with new diagnoses of major depression should have access to both antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy, as the costs and benefits are equivalent after five years. This study provides insights into treatment decisions and could inform future care and insurance coverage.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that involving patients in pain management decisions significantly decreased opioid prescriptions without compromising pain control. The majority of patients reported their pain control as adequate or good and said their pain level was better or much better than expected.
Researchers identified genes that influence the balance between male and female offspring in mice, affecting male fertility. The study found that removing specific gene families led to skewed sex ratios and male infertility, providing a potential model for understanding sperm production.
A U-M study found that maximizer patients consume more health care resources without clear evidence of improved outcomes. Strong maximizers had four or more doctor visits, two or more ultrasounds, and one or more radioactive iodine scans in the prior year.
A new study suggests that up to 90% of people in treatment for addiction have a history of alcohol overdose, often combined with other substance use. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing alcohol use as a risk factor for severe overdose events.
Colon cells use an enzyme called SQR to convert hydrogen sulfide into CoA persulfide, allowing prioritization of poisonous gas clearance over energy production. A diet lacking in fiber may exacerbate the effects of hydrogen sulfide or ability to detoxify it.
A new study reveals a sharp rise in US firearm deaths across most states and demographics between 1999-2017. The majority of states saw firearm mortality rates increase by more than 20%, while Hispanic whites were the only racial/ethnic group to see reductions.
A new study reveals a stark mismatch between the number of US child firearm injuries and funding for research to understand and prevent them. Funding for pediatric firearm research is 30 times lower than needed to keep pace with other child health threats, resulting in less new knowledge and fewer discoveries.
A recent study found that aggressive breast cancers store large amounts of glycogen, a stored collection of glucose molecules. This stored energy enables the cancer cells to grow and spread. Researchers believe that targeting the enzyme PYG could be a potential target to treat or prevent breast cancer metastasis.
A new clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of whole-body cooling in comatose patients after a cardiac arrest, with a focus on optimal cooling duration. The study aims to improve neurological recovery rates and full recovery in cardiac arrest survivors.
A new study finds that patients want to give consent before their de-identified data is used for research, with racial and ethnic minorities expressing strong sentiments on this issue. The study's findings highlight the importance of transparency and clarity in communicating research goals and activities to patients.
A new national poll suggests that older adults are hesitant to try virtual health visits due to concerns about technology and quality of care. Despite this, many (64%) would be interested in telehealth options if they became unexpectedly ill while traveling or needed follow-up on previous care.
A new study by Michigan Medicine and University of Michigan found that nearly one in three low-income people with chronic illnesses discovered a new condition after enrolling in expanded Medicaid. Half of those with chronic conditions reported improved overall health within a year of coverage, with similar improvements in mental health.
A new study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that nearly one-third of patients with lupus use prescription opioids to manage chronic pain. The research, led by Emily Somers, aims to determine current levels of opioid prescribing for lupus patients.
A University of Michigan study found that Medicaid expansion improved the health, work, and job search outcomes of low-income adults with behavioral health conditions. Those with these conditions showed significant gains in physical and mental health, as well as better job performance.
A recent study found no long-term negative effects of time-outs on children's emotional and behavioral health. Despite previous alarming claims, researchers did not find a relationship between reported use of time-outs and increased behavior problems.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with newly diagnosed hearing loss who receive hearing aids have a lower risk of developing dementia, depression, and fall-related injuries compared to those who do not. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 115,000 Medicare beneficiaries, a...
A new national poll found that many older adults aren't fully prepared for emergency situations, with fewer than half having signed up for emergency warning systems or put together an emergency kit. The poll highlights the importance of key steps such as having a backup power supply and communicating evacuation plans with loved ones.