A new study reveals that nearly one in four PICC placements are made for less than five days, resulting in complications such as blocked lines, infections, blood clots, and serious kidney problems. This raises concerns about the risks associated with short-term IV device use.
Scientists have identified a key protein quality control mechanism in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and weight. The discovery sheds light on how genetic mutations can lead to severe forms of childhood obesity.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new CRISPR-Cas9 protein, NmeCas9, that can edit both DNA and RNA with high precision. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic possibilities for diseases caused by genetic mutations in RNA.
A new study finds that only 18% of children with sickle cell anemia receive daily antibiotics to reduce the risk of deadly infections. The condition affects racial and ethnic minority populations and can lead to serious complications like meningitis or death if left untreated.
A new study reveals that efforts to discourage benzodiazepine use among older adults are showing progress, with prescription rates declining by seven percentage points since 2010. However, many prescriptions are still being written, highlighting the need for continued education and alternative treatments.
A new algorithm provides a comprehensive guide to managing spinal metastases, integrating specialties and offering personalized treatment approaches. The algorithm focuses on spine-specific issues and incorporates popular treatment paths, including surgical decompression and stereotactic body radiotherapy.
A new study reveals how basal cell cancer responds to treatment and offers new ideas for controlling this disease. The researchers found that the relative location of a cell within a tumor can have a big effect on its sensitivity to drug treatment.
Researchers have developed a new therapeutic approach to enhance bone healing by delivering additional Jagged-1 protein at the site of injury. In a study published in npj Regenerative Medicine, rodents treated with Jagged-1 showed improvements in skull and femoral bone injuries, unlike BMPs which caused excessive bone growth.
A new interactive online tool helps breast cancer patients better understand their treatment options, resulting in higher knowledge and preparedness. The tool assesses patients' values and provides a customized bar graphic to guide decision-making.
Researchers analyzed over 500 cases of DIPG and related tumors to find that tumors with histone mutations that haven't invaded surrounding brain tissue have better outcomes. Patients with non-invasive tumors had approximately 4-5 times longer survival rates compared to those with invasive tumors.
A national survey of over 700 adults who helped manage common chronic illnesses found that many wish they could understand their loved one's condition better or get more involved in their care. However, health providers often fail to inform them or involve them in decisions, despite the potential benefits for patient success.
Researchers found a link between PD-L1 expression in antigen presenting cells and clinical response to treatment in melanoma and ovarian cancer patients. This suggests that current biomarkers, such as tumor PD-L1 expression, may not be reliable indicators of immunotherapy efficacy.
A new high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) assay can measure lower concentrations of troponin, allowing for earlier diagnosis of heart attacks. The test has shown a significant reduction in wait times for emergency department patients, as well as improved patient satisfaction and safety.
Hyperreactive brain networks may contribute to the hypersensitivity of fibromyalgia. Researchers found that patients with fibromyalgia have brain networks primed for rapid responses to minor changes, leading to explosive synchronization.
A new study found that caregivers of children with obesity used more direct statements to restrict their child's eating, unlike mothers of healthy-weight children who relied on indirect comments. This discovery has important implications for practice guidelines and future research.
A new poll suggests that nursing homes should require flu shots for all staff and patients to protect vulnerable patients from serious complications. The majority of respondents (73%) also believe that non-medical staff should be vaccinated, while 71% think visitors should be required to get vaccinated before visiting loved ones.
Researchers have developed a new approach to treating tinnitus by targeting unruly nerve activity in the brain with precisely timed sound and skin stimulation. Human participants reported improved quality of life after four weeks of daily device use, while sham treatment did not produce similar effects.
A new study analyzing heart attack care and spending in America since the turn of the century shows increased survival rates and growing costs, with variation between hospitals on both scores. Early stenting treatment has been found to be cost-effective, particularly for high-volume hospitals.
A new study by Michigan Medicine finds that babies with spina bifida have early symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, which can contribute to lifelong issues with neurodevelopment. The research team identified SDB in all 20 newborns with the most serious form of spina bifida.
A new nationwide clinical trial aims to make managing type 1 diabetes easier for patients using the world's first hybrid closed-loop system automated insulin delivery device. The trial, funded by Medtronic, will monitor blood glucose levels and adjust insulin doses continuously to help patients maintain stable blood sugar levels.
A University of Michigan team has identified seven distinct phenotypes in people with bipolar disorder, each with unique biological mechanisms and external influences. These findings have the potential to help patients, clinicians, and researchers better understand the condition.
A team of researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a novel gene called THOR that plays a role in cancer development. Knocking out THOR was found to halt tumor growth, while overexpressing it led to increased cell proliferation.
A study from Michigan Medicine found that 20% of young colon cancer patients have an inherited genetic abnormality, highlighting the need for broader genetic testing. The research suggests that even without family history, these alterations can impact care and family members.
A study of over 4,000 Michigan Medicaid enrollees found that nearly half are employed, while 11% are unable to work due to serious health issues. Those who cannot work face significant health challenges and may be more likely to experience worsening conditions without treatment
A study published in Nature Communications reveals a genetic mutation in the C9orf72 gene causes a vicious cycle of toxic protein production, driving neuronal death in ALS. The researchers found that cell stress activates more toxic protein production, creating a loop that potentially drives disease progression.
A new guideline based on patient data and education has been shown to effectively reduce opioid prescribing in surgery patients by up to 66%, while maintaining similar levels of pain control. The study's findings have the potential to significantly impact the national opioid crisis, with estimates suggesting over 13,000 excess pills ha...
A new poll shows that only about one in three older Americans have discussed possible drug interactions with their doctors or pharmacists, putting them at risk of health problems. Patients can reduce risks by being open with their providers and tracking their medications.
A new study suggests that despite the rise in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), most Americans who have them aren't pursuing consumer-like behaviors such as saving, shopping around, or discussing costs with healthcare providers. Key findings include low savings rates and limited engagement with providers.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that ambulatory surgery centers performed 73% of cataract surgeries in 2014, up from 43.6% in 2001. The shift is driven by convenience, lower out-of-pocket costs, and decreased cost-per-case for insurers.
A new approach models and predicts the spread of 'superbugs' by analyzing genomic data, identifying key drivers of transmission and enabling early intervention. The method successfully pinpointed the facility origin of every patient's infection in a real-time outbreak simulation.
Researchers at University of Michigan develop new PCR-based approach to study chromosomes' centers, yielding clues about Down syndrome. The technique accelerates analysis of centromere DNA, potentially leading to breakthroughs in birth defects and cancers.
Researchers discovered that tumor metabolism damages naïve T-cells, affecting cancer immunity and immunotherapy. The study suggests targeting lactate pathway to improve immunotherapy effectiveness.
A new study found that 1 in 20 children received codeine after tonsil and adenoid removal surgeries, despite the FDA warning on significant safety risks. The researchers recommend increasing efforts to eliminate inappropriate prescribing and encouraging non-opioid medications.
Women with ER-positive breast cancer still face a substantial risk of cancer returning or spreading even 20 years after diagnosis, according to a new analysis. The risk is directly tied to the original cancer's size and characteristics, as well as the number of lymph nodes involved.
A team of scientists discovered that a non-pathogenic strain of E. coli helps the lining of a newborn's gut prepare for the surge of other bacteria in their lives, leading to better resistance to inflammation and damage.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that less than 1 in 5 adults believe kids are physically healthier today compared to when they were growing up. Mental health issues are also a dominant factor in children's well-being, with only 15% of respondents believing the chances for good mental health have improved.
A team from Michigan Medicine proposes a data-driven, insurer-funded approach to make surgery safer and less expensive for all; the Value Partnership model has saved lives and dollars at 72 Michigan hospitals, with potential for federal help to accelerate nationwide adoption.
The US Renal Data System report highlights the high burden of kidney disease in the US, with over 30 million adults affected, and a significant cost to healthcare. However, there is low awareness about the condition among patients, especially those with early stages of CKD.
Treg cells suppress immune function, but eliminating them doesn't eliminate their effects. In fact, dying Tregs release metabolites that affect T-cells, making them unhealthy and reducing the cancer-fighting effect of immunotherapy. The study suggests a new approach to limit this function and block the suppressive activity.
A recent poll found that 78% of caregivers experience stress while caring for a loved one with dementia, but 85% also report it as a rewarding experience. The poll suggests that caregivers often neglect their own health and well-being due to caregiving demands.
The Choosing Wisely movement has successfully started conversations about low-value care, but its impact is limited by the difficulty in changing doctor behavior. Researchers recommend prioritizing recommendations, consolidating guidelines, and evaluating efforts to make a greater difference in quality and value in healthcare.
Researchers develop algorithm to transform healthy and diseased cells into desired cell types, leveraging gene expression and transcription factor data. The approach aims to regenerate tissue and fight cancer, offering a shortcut to traditional cell transformation techniques.
A new study found substantial variability across US medical centers in diagnosing and treating disorders of sex development (DSD), with some institutions lacking specialist teams. Families often face difficult decisions about irreversible procedures, highlighting the need for improved guidelines and collaboration among providers.
A new systematic review of evidence suggests that primary care physicians and their teams can provide effective addiction care using anti-opioid medication. The studies found that patients had the highest chance of successful treatment when working with a team of non-physicians, including nurse case managers.
A new tool developed at the University of Michigan provides guidance on prescribing powerful opioid pain medications to surgery patients. The Opioid Prescribing Recommendations for Surgery are based on data and surveys from surgery patients across Michigan, aiming to prevent chronic opioid use and addiction.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that women who undergo a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction are 7.8 times more likely to miss work than those who opt for lumpectomy and radiation therapy.
A study suggests that donor organs classified as 'increased risk' due to factors like drug use or incarceration are less likely to be used by transplant patients. Despite low disease transmission risks, these organs account for 1 in every 5 deceased donor organs and could lead to hundreds of additional transplants each year.
A new study reveals that older workers born in 1960 will face more challenges as they continue to work, seek work, or try to retire due to worsening health issues. The research found that younger cohorts have higher rates of poor cognition and limitations in daily living tasks compared to earlier birth cohorts.
A new poll finds that nearly half of older Americans struggle with sleep, but many don't discuss it with their doctors. Prescription sleep medications carry significant health risks for older people, and non-medication-based habits are a more effective solution.
Researchers have discovered a powerful combination treatment that disrupts multiple factors in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. The novel approach, combining a protein inhibitor with a chemotherapy drug, produced a synergistic effect that was more effective than either drug alone.