A new study found that surgeons have a substantial impact on genetic testing rates among breast cancer patients who need it. High-volume surgeons were more likely to refer patients for testing, while those with lower volumes saw less of a correlation between risk factors and testing rates.
Researchers have found that cancer stem cells exist in multiple states and can change form, making them resistant to treatment. By targeting cell metabolism, they may be able to kill these stem cells, potentially opening up a new approach to cancer therapy.
A recent patient study found that more than half of hospital patients who had a urinary catheter experienced complications, with non-infectious problems being five times more common than UTIs. The study highlights the importance of avoiding indwelling catheters and removing them as soon as possible to prevent these issues.
A therapist-based intervention significantly reduced dating violence perpetration and depression symptoms in teens. The study found a 47% lower rate of self-reported dating violence among participants who received the intervention compared to those without one.
Researchers found that hospital occupancy levels, particularly in the middle range, were associated with a lower risk of C. diff infections. When the hospital was between 25 percent and 75 percent full, the risk of infection was more than three times higher compared to less than 25 percent or more than 75 percent occupancy.
A new observational study reveals that apixaban is potentially safer than warfarin in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation, with a significantly lower risk of major bleeding. The study found that patients on apixaban had a 30% lower risk of major bleeding without a difference in stroke rate.
A recent study has identified 246 candidate genes involved in dog domestication, which influence brain function, development, and behavior. The research suggests that changes in these genes may have contributed to the evolution of dogs from wolves, making them more active during the day rather than at night.
A national study reveals significant gaps in hearing aid use among Americans over 55, with non-Hispanic whites, college-educated individuals, and those with higher incomes more likely to have a hearing aid. The cost of hearing aids is a major barrier, but having VA insurance coverage levels the playing field.
A novel study by Michigan Medicine researchers suggests that the prefrontal cortex has a crucial switchboard-like relationship with other brain areas, helping to ignite awareness of visual information. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating individuals with disorders of consciousness, such as coma or vegetative states.
University of Michigan researchers have made a breakthrough in treating Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) using gene silencing technology. They successfully reduced mutant RNA levels without toxic effects, offering hope for disease-slowing therapy.
A new study found that rheumatoid arthritis inflammation alters brain connectivity and structure, contributing to cognitive symptoms. Higher levels of peripheral inflammation were associated with changes in the inferior parietal lobule and medial prefrontal cortex.
Researchers identified a new subtype of prostate cancer characterized by loss of the CDK12 gene, which was found to be more common in metastatic cases. Tumors with this alteration were responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy treatment.
Primary care providers report that the Healthy Michigan Plan has helped patients manage their health, detect problems early, and improve their ability to work and live independently. The plan's coverage has also led to better adherence to prescribed medicines and improved emotional well-being among patients.
A new study finds that video consultations between primary care physicians and specialists improve liver disease care and increase patient survival rates. Patients who participated in these consultations had a 54% higher survival rate compared to those without access to virtual consultations.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that playing recordings of mothers' voices can significantly improve sleep quality for babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The study, which enrolled 50 babies born after 33 weeks gestation, showed that babies slept better and woke up less often when exposed to their mother's voice. Researc...
A study of over 4,000 patients found that doctors' attire can significantly impact patient satisfaction. Formal wear scored highest, followed by scrubs with a white coat, and was particularly popular among older adults and those in certain medical specialties.
A new study lengthens intervals between blood draws for stable warfarin patients, reducing frequency and discomfort. Researchers found that more than two-thirds of patients can wait longer than five weeks without needing a blood draw.
Most non-VA hospitals now require flu vaccination, with nearly 70% of institutions mandating the shot. In contrast, only 4% of VA hospitals have a similar requirement. Vaccination mandates are more effective in reaching high vaccination rates among healthcare workers.
The poll found that only about half of people aged 50 to 80 have set up an account on a secure online access site, or 'patient portal,' offered by their health care provider. Despite the benefits of patient portals, many older adults are uncomfortable with electronic interactions and prefer telephone contact with their providers.
A new online tool takes into account personalized risks and benefits of lung cancer screening, while also allowing for a range of patient preferences. The tool is designed to help doctors fine-tune their advice to patients, taking into account individual attitudes about looking for problems and dealing with the consequences.
A novel long non-coding RNA, ARLNC1, controls signals from the androgen receptor, a key player in prostate cancer. Knocking down this RNA led to cancer cell death, suggesting it as a potential target for future therapies.
Triple-negative breast cancer patients have fewer effective treatments due to high levels of immune suppressor cells. Researchers identified a metabolic pathway linking glycolysis and C/EBP-beta expression, which supports suppressor cell growth and reduces patient outcomes.
A new study reveals how a cancer gene influences cell signaling, leading to aggressive cancer growth. The researchers found that the 'swallowing' of certain molecules affects tumor suppressor genes and proliferation.
A new study found that over half of older adults (56%) have a high risk of OSA, but only 8% have been tested, highlighting the need for increased evaluation and treatment.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could be a cost-effective option for patients who fail to get relief from two other types of treatment, such as antidepressant medications and talk therapy. ECT emerged as a cost-effective choice for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
A new study surveyed 620 people representing 331 camps in the US and Canada, finding both pros and cons of screen time at camp. While some children enjoyed technology activities, others were preoccupied with media interactions, leading to distraction and decreased engagement in camp activities.
A study from Michigan Medicine discovered that blocking a gene called FOXM1 can reduce the development of fibroblasts and fibrosis in IPF patients. The research used siomycin, an experimental compound designed to block FOXM1, which prevented fibrosis in mice with lung disease.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine has found that over one-third of cirrhosis cases are related to alcohol consumption, with women being disproportionately affected. The study reveals that patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis have higher healthcare costs and poorer health outcomes compared to those without the condition.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine's Kellogg Eye Center report cases of uveal effusions and eye inflammation caused by immunotherapy treatments. Ophthalmologists emphasize the importance of referring patients with eye problems to an ophthalmologist, while oncologists should ask about medications that may be causing symptoms.
A new poll finds that older adults are generally satisfied with their sex lives, but health-related issues, lack of communication, and age-related changes can affect intimacy. Nearly two-thirds of older adults are interested in sex, and 73% say they're satisfied with their current sex life.
A new analysis highlights that undocumented people in certain states may get more medical help due to the current administration's effort to give states more flexibility with their health care spending. States like Florida and Texas have already received permission to increase funding for safety-net hospitals, leading to a 50-70% rise ...
A new study found that curiosity is a significant factor in determining academic achievement, with curious children performing similarly to their higher-income peers. This research has implications for families, educators, and policymakers looking to address the achievement gap.
A new study finds that older adults with severe hearing loss who use hearing aids are less likely to visit the hospital or emergency room, despite high costs of the devices themselves. The association is significant, even considering factors such as income and education level.
A new study found that low total testosterone levels are associated with chronic disease in men of all ages, including those under 40. The research team studied the relationship between testosterone, age, and chronic disease prevalence, using a population sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
A new mouse study reveals that environmental pollutants like dioxin and cigarette smoke interact with the HLA gene variant to cause more severe rheumatoid arthritis. The disease leads to excessive bone destruction through overactive osteoclasts, a process targeted by researchers for potential new treatments.
A recent $5 million NIH grant has funded a research consortium at Michigan Medicine to address firearm-related fatalities among children in the US, known as the second leading cause of death. The five-year effort aims to develop evidence-based solutions through an interdisciplinary group of scientists and stakeholders.
Researchers developed a nanodisc delivery system that combines chemotherapy with immune checkpoint blockers to eliminate tumors in 85% of treated mice. The therapy also showed an excellent response rate of 88% in a challenging model, and no overt side effects were detected.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that can redirect the immune response to prevent allergic symptoms, providing extended relief from peanut allergies. The study shows promise for potential therapy of allergies in humans and may lead to long-lasting suppression of food allergies.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that Medicaid expansion in Michigan did not negatively impact patient outcomes for coronary artery disease procedures. The research used data from 7,558 CABG procedures and 45,183 PCI procedures performed at various hospitals across the state.
Most older adults (4/5) support allowing medical marijuana if recommended by a physician, while 2/3 advocate for more government-sponsored research on its health effects. The poll also reveals conflicting views on pain management, with prescription medications seen as more effective in controlling dosages.
A study by Michigan Medicine and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School found Flint childhood blood lead levels decreased from 11.8% in 2006 to 3.2% in 2016, with a historic low of 1.15 micrograms per deciliter in 2016. A random spike in blood lead levels was also observed between 2010 and 2011.
A new study reveals that residency training takes a significant impact on sleep, physical activity, and mood. Doctors in the pilot study lost 2 hours and 48 minutes of sleep per week due to high workloads and frequent schedule changes.
A new study found that nearly half of women with breast cancer who should undergo genetic testing did not receive it. Genetic counselors were underutilized, with only half of those in the high-risk group receiving counseling before surgery.
A study by Kellogg Eye Center links smaller social connections to reduced likelihoods of cataract surgery in older adults. Adults with few family members had 40% lower odds of receiving the procedure compared to those with three or more family ties.
Researchers discovered that gut bacteria play a role in brain impairment after sepsis, with certain strains associated with neuroinflammation and cognitive difficulties. The study suggests treating gut bacteria may help reduce long-term effects of critical illness.
A retrospective study of patients with laryngeal cancer who underwent radiation treatment found that those with low thyroid hormone levels were more likely to experience fistula formation and prolonged hospital stays. Researchers propose administering a common hormone supplement, levothyroxine, to prevent these complications.
A new genomic classifier score predicts aggressive prostate cancer, potentially changing treatment guidelines. The model integrates gene expression biomarker risk scores into existing risk groups, increasing accuracy and confidence in treatment recommendations.
A new study from the University of Michigan Depression Center finds that a student-led depression awareness program significantly boosts knowledge and attitudes among high school students. The manual for the program, called Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness Program (P2P), is now available online for schools to use.
Studies analyzing brain activity during sedation, surgical anesthesia, and vegetative states reveal fragmented networks and decreased information integration. Researchers hope to develop better methods for quantifying anesthesia depth and assessing consciousness in patients.
A new poll of older Americans reveals that many see a mismatch between what they need and what their doctors prescribe. The study suggests improving communication could reduce unnecessary tests, screenings, medications, and procedures. Healthcare providers may have more leeway to deny services that hold little value for certain patients.