The University of Michigan Injury Center has received $2.5 million from the CDC to continue its research on preventing injuries such as opioid overdoses, concussion, and motor vehicle crashes. The center aims to reduce injury by publishing innovative research and translating it into practice for local communities.
A new study published in Neurology found that most newborns with epilepsy (83%) have identifiable genetic causes, which can help guide treatment and connect families with condition-specific support groups. Genetic testing can provide comfort and closure for families, allow for tailored treatment, and improve diagnostic outcomes.
A new study sequenced DNA and RNA of 500 patients with metastatic cancer, revealing a host of molecular factors driving tumor growth and spread. The analysis identified potential treatment targets and shed light on the underlying mechanisms behind metastatic cancer.
HIV hides in more types of bone marrow cells than previously thought, including hematopoietic progenitor cells that can pass the virus's genetic material to daughter cells. This discovery expands understanding of the type of cells that harbor functional HIV and could aid the search for new drugs to clear it entirely.
Researchers found that Fusobacterium nucleatum in the gut can stop chemotherapy from causing apoptosis, a type of cancer cell death. The bacterium activates autophagy, a cell-survival mechanism that protects cancer cells from destroying themselves.
A large new study shows that only one in three patients who have bariatric surgery succeed in getting their body-mass index below 30 in the first year. Patients with lower BMIs before surgery had higher odds of achieving this goal and better health outcomes, including stopping medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Excess gut calcium plays a crucial role in triggering the germination of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores, according to new research published in PLoS Pathogens. This discovery may lead to better treatment for vulnerable patients and help slow or stop the transmission cycle of C. diff infections.
A new poll reveals that many older adults aren't getting help from doctors and pharmacists on drug costs, despite taking multiple prescriptions. Patients who spoke up about cost received recommendations for less expensive drugs, but there's a need for health professionals to engage with patients more routinely.
A new study found that nearly three-quarters of women relied on a support network to discuss their treatment options and attend appointments. Larger support networks were associated with more deliberation about treatment, suggesting patients are thinking through pros and cons.
A new study by Michigan Medicine finds that 60% of patients with acute conjunctivitis are prescribed antibiotic eye drops despite antibiotics rarely being necessary. The study also highlights the socioeconomic factors driving this trend and the potential negative consequences of overprescription.
A survey of newly covered Michigan residents reveals that expanded Medicaid improved their job performance, allowing them to better do their jobs or seek new opportunities. The coverage also had a positive impact on physical and mental health, with nearly half of participants reporting an improvement in health.
Researchers found that zolpidem can have significant effects on patients with disorders of consciousness or movement disorders, including those in comas and vegetative states. The medication's effects were often transient but repeatable, and some patients showed improvement to a minimally conscious state.
A new national poll on healthy aging will release its first results on June 29, tracking key health issues for people between 50 and 80 years old. The poll aims to provide timely insight into current issues affecting older Americans, informing healthcare policy and clinical practice.
Researchers at U-M Medical School discovered that a molecule called cathepsin protease L is crucial to the parasite's ability to survive the cyst phase and cause disease. Interfering with this protein can stop the parasite, offering new hope for treatments. The study suggests that targeting the 'stomach' of the parasite may be key to p...
A new study reveals that US scientific teams still publish more biomedical research discoveries than any other country, but China's rising investment is slowly closing the gap. Chinese teams now rank fourth globally for new discoveries published in top-tier journals.
Researchers have developed a new sequential multiple assignment randomized (SMART) trial method to test two hypotheses at once. This approach allows for the simultaneous evaluation of different treatments, potentially leading to more accurate results and increased efficiency in clinical trials.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that the level of benefit, risk, and cost significantly influence patients' decisions to receive a diagnostic test. The researchers discovered that participants were more likely to accept a diagnostic test when the cost was lower, highlighting the impact of financial burden on medi...
A new analysis found that nearly three-quarters of patients with advanced cancer could be referred to a targeted treatment based on their tumor's genetic landscape. Genetic sequencing identified anomalies in 11% of patients, including hereditary variations that increase cancer risk.
Researchers found that disease incidence in states with prohibitive EPT legislation grew significantly faster than in states where EPT was allowed. States with EPT laws may see reduced rates of chlamydia infections, with an average increase of 14.1 cases per 100,000 people.
The University of Michigan has received a $58 million grant to support clinical and translational research, partnering with Michiganders of all ages and backgrounds. Over 50,000 volunteers have signed up for the MICHR registry, allowing researchers to reach out when a study needs participants.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that ketamine does not prevent delirium and does not reduce post-surgical pain, contradicting widespread medical practices. However, higher doses of ketamine were associated with increased negative effects such as hallucinations and nightmares.
Researchers have discovered two genetic variants associated with bicuspid aortic valve development, which affects the heart's ability to pump oxygen-rich blood. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that these variants affect a key cardiac transcription factor called GATA4, leading to disruptions in valve formation.
Researchers found that faster administration of care was linked with lower mortality in patients with sepsis and septic shock. The study suggests that hospitals and health care systems should invest in infrastructure to get antibiotics to patients as soon as possible.
A new study found that even low amounts of digital technology interruptions by parents can cause greater child behavior issues such as oversensitivity and hyperactivity. Researchers suggest carving out technology-free times for family bonding and reducing device use during parent-child activities.
Researchers have identified 16 new genetic markers associated with psoriasis, bringing the total to 63 loci linked to the disease. The largest psoriasis meta-analysis to date, involving over 39,000 participants, has shed light on pathways related to the disease and pinpointed potential gene targets.
Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered how polyomaviruses hijack cellular molecular motors to build a portal for itself, allowing it to reach the nucleus and cause problems. The findings could aid in the development of new treatments or preventive strategies against polyomavirus diseases such as Merkel cell carcinoma.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 patients with lap-band surgery undergo multiple device-related reoperations, and complication rates range greatly. Accredited bariatric centers also vary significantly in their rates of serious complications, with a 17-fold difference between the highest and lowest rates.
Critical care is a constantly evolving field with a huge literature base. EM physicians must stay up-to-date on medical literature to provide the best care for their patients. The recent PEITHO 2 study has sparked debate on pulmonary embolism treatment, and sepsis care requires being mindful of fluid type, pressors, and culture data.
A new COPD National Action Plan was released by the NHLBI, outlining key goals to raise public awareness, advance research, improve patient care, and develop management strategies. The plan aims to empower people with COPD to recognize and reduce its burden, as well as promote education and training for healthcare professionals.
A national patient safety effort led to a significant reduction in urinary tract infections related to catheters in nursing homes. The study shows that implementing a toolkit of training materials and coaching support can lead to improved catheter care and infection prevention.
Michigan Medicine researchers explored best practices in EMS oversight to improve pre-hospital care. They identified seven key factors for high-quality EMS oversight: competition and collaboration, leadership, organizational structure, quality improvement culture and practice, relationships and communication, resources, and community-s...
A large population-based study found that 6.5% of thyroid cancer patients experienced general post-operative complications, while 12% had complications specific to thyroid surgery within a year after their operation. Patients over 65 and those with more advanced thyroid cancer were at higher risk for these complications.
A new study suggests that early solid or tube feeding can lead to fewer symptoms, shorter hospital stays, and similar risk outcomes for patients with mild pancreatitis. However, the evidence for patients with severe disease was weak, but still did not show harm.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine discovered a protein called free C3d that stops cancer's ability to prevent the immune system from destroying cancer cells. The study showed an 80-90% decrease in cancerous tumors, and free C3d has potential as a cancer vaccine and treatment.
Research suggests that access to IUDs and implants immediately after childbirth increased sevenfold between 2008 and 2013, but still remains less than 2% of sterilization rates. The service is largely unavailable at non-teaching hospitals, affecting poorer women delivering in urban areas.
A new pilot study reports that Mexican-American stroke survivors are less likely to receive inpatient rehabilitation than non-Hispanic whites. The research team found that only 30% of Mexican-Americans received inpatient rehab while 73% of non-Hispanic whites did.
A clinical trial found that the drug teprotumumab significantly reduces eye bulging, pain, and swelling in patients with moderate-to-severe active thyroid eye disease. The treatment, which blocks an autoimmune attack on muscles around the eyes, showed rapid therapeutic benefits within six weeks of infusions.
The Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program has received a $5 million gift commitment from the World Heritage Foundation - Prechter Family Fund, which will double donations to bipolar disorder research. The program aims to identify effective solutions for people with bipolar disorder through long-term studies and DNA analysis.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that 'visual abstract' graphics on Twitter can nearly triple the number of people who click the link in a tweet to read a full research paper. The study showed that tweets with visual abstracts were retweeted more than eight times as often and seen by nearly eight times as many people.
Researchers developed a virtual reality program to teach medical students advanced communication skills, including delivering difficult news and managing patient reactions. The study found that the simulation was an effective tool in teaching these skills, which transferred to real-life clinical situations.
A mouse study reveals that Clostridia bacteria provide key protection against infection, in addition to aiding digestion. Newborn mice lack these beneficial bacteria, making them more vulnerable to pathogens. The findings suggest that the introduction of protective bacteria may hold promise for preventing gut infections in human newborns.
A new database, Virtual Microscopy Database, launches to provide high-quality images of human body structures, making it easier for educators and researchers to access and use digital microscopic images. This resource is expected to benefit schools in the developing world by reducing the need to purchase microscopes and glass slides.
A large study found patients with follicular and medullary thyroid cancer had the highest rate of bone lesions and fractures, and increased risk of death. Researchers suggest targeting this high-risk population with specific drugs to prevent or treat complications.
People taking oral corticosteroids for less than 30 days are at higher risk of broken bones, dangerous blood clots, and sepsis. Researchers call for better education on the potential risks and most appropriate uses of steroids.
A study published in Surgery found that basic fitness and wellness coaching can reduce surgical patients' average hospital stay by two days and cut medical costs by 30 percent. The program, which includes walking and stress reduction, was shown to improve physical healing and provide emotional benefits.
A new study finds that patients with certain pre-operative conditions, such as smoking or depression, are more likely to become long-term opioid users after surgery. The research suggests that other factors contribute to the risk of prolonged opioid use beyond the normal recovery period.
Researchers developed a clinical risk index tool to gauge future firearm violence risk among urban youth, considering peer and partner violence, community exposure, and family influences. The SaFETy score demonstrates superior predictive power, helping emergency physicians identify high-risk individuals and tailor preventative services.
A new study found that language barriers, information overload, and cultural differences disadvantage some Latina breast cancer patients. However, no significant inequities were recorded in how doctors provide information. The research highlights the need for providers to be more culturally sensitive and patient-centered.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers identified that younger age, female gender, higher severity of illness, fewer days of corticosteroid treatments, and treatment with GM-CSF were associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms. The study found that more days of corticosteroid treatments seemed to be protective from anxiety, ...
A new study found that surgeons' recommendations against contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) did not increase the likelihood of patients seeking a second opinion or receiving surgery from a different surgeon. In fact, many patients were satisfied with their treatment despite no discussion about CPM. The study surveyed 1,140 pat...