Researchers found that brief conversations in waiting rooms increased fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income families, with a nearly four-fold increase in program use. The Double Up Food Bucks program matches SNAP funds spent on healthy foods, supporting local growers.
Researchers found PDX1 plays a complex role in pancreatic cancer, maintaining cell identity in normal cells but contributing to growth once tumor forms. Blocking PDX1 may actually make the cancer more aggressive by selecting for MYC-expressing cells.
A new study finds that the Veterans Health Administration's Opioid Safety Initiative reduced high-dose opioid prescribing by 24% and very-high-dose prescribing by 21%, resulting in 331 fewer patients per month receiving prescriptions above 100 MEQ. The initiative also led to a 21% decrease in patients receiving both opioids and sedatives.
Researchers propose a high-value health plan that combines consumer-driven HDHPs with exemptions for clinical services proven to benefit patients. The concept has already gained bipartisan appeal in the US House bill.
A new study finds that prostate cancer treatment rates dropped by 42% due to changes in screening recommendations, but treatment rates among those diagnosed remained high. Low-risk patients with limited life expectancy can now opt for surveillance instead of treatment.
A new study finds that even low-deductible plans can result in high out-of-pocket costs for individuals with chronic health conditions. The researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 people and found that those with high-deductible plans spent more than 10% of their total income on healthcare costs.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that hospitals' decisions on sending surgery patients to healing destinations greatly impact healthcare spending. The choice between inpatient, home, or outpatient care drives post-acute spending, with inpatient rehabilitation being a key driver of total 90-day costs.
A new mouse model has revealed the role of CCN6 protein in developing metaplastic breast cancer, a rare and aggressive subtype of triple-negative breast cancer. The study identified potential genes to target with therapeutics, offering hope for better treatment options for patients.
A new study found that Michigan's Medicaid expansion has boosted the state's economy and budget, generating over $2.3 billion in personal spending power each year. The program is expected to continue having a self-paying effect for at least five years, with the state ending up with more money than it spends.
A new research from Michigan Medicine supports combining immune checkpoint blockade with gene therapy to fight gliomas. The approach showed stronger results when used in combination with either depletion of immunosuppressive cells or immune checkpoint blockade.
Researchers found that atrial fibrillation patients are more likely to discontinue warfarin therapy if they've had a recent procedure. The study analyzed 734 patients and found that over half were off warfarin within a year of starting it, with procedures being the most common reason for discontinuation.
A new study found that nearly half of early-stage breast cancer patients considered having a double mastectomy, despite knowing it offers little benefit. Patients were unaware of the surgery's risks and benefits, with many choosing it for peace of mind.
Researchers found that complex reaction time accuracy, or 'brain speed,' is a key factor in determining an older person's ability to recover from a trip or stumble. This measure was shown to be more predictive of fall-related injuries than lower limb strength and perception of motion.
Women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases due to a new regulatory mechanism identified by researchers. The study found that the master regulator gene VGLL3 promotes autoimmunity in women, regardless of sex hormone involvement.
A new study found that urinary epidermal growth factor levels provided improved ability to distinguish between patients with kidney involvement and those without. The biomarker was also associated with overall lupus damage, suggesting its potential role in monitoring disease progression.
A study found that patients with oropharyngeal cancer who recur have higher levels of antibodies for proteins E6 and E7, which can detect recurrence before it's diagnosed. This biomarker could provide an early window for treatment.
A survey of 393 hospital neonatal intensive care units found only 56% believe there are enough ophthalmologists to screen and treat retinopathy of prematurity. Screening can be done with telemedicine, but only 21% of respondents used retinal imaging devices, with half being unsure about its safety.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that rural communities have seen a dramatic increase in newborns diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome due to opioid exposure. The rate of diagnosis increased by nearly 80% between 2003 and 2013, compared to urban areas.
A new study finds that women who have implant reconstruction following radiation therapy had more complications from the surgery and were less satisfied with the result. Autologous reconstruction showed similar results, regardless of radiation treatment. The study suggests alternative approaches for breast cancer patients
A new study found that only half of highly rated mHealth apps for people with asthma and stroke, and a quarter for elderly users, responded appropriately to dangerous health values. Many apps offered useful tracking functions and reminders but lacked tailored guidance or ongoing engagement.
A new review of 55 kidney stone studies suggests alpha blockers may be useful in facilitating stone passage, particularly for patients with larger stones. The findings indicate a 57% higher risk of stone passage for larger stones with an alpha blocker, but no benefit for smaller stones.
A new study highlights the importance of medical evaluations in refugee asylum cases, but notes a shortage of doctors to conduct them. Lawyers say independent, thorough exams can provide corroboration and reveal additional details, strengthening cases.
Researchers identified altered proteins affecting gene expression as the driving force behind childhood ependymomas. This discovery provides a critical marker for predicting prognosis and offers a potential new therapy target.
A survey of 1,976 adult radiology outpatients found that most patients want to meet with a radiologist and have limited understanding of their role. Radiologists should make themselves available to address patient concerns and improve communication.
A new study finds that dementia rates are decreasing in the US, particularly among those with more years of education. However, three risk factors – diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity – are on the rise and could offset these gains.
Researchers found that starving gut microbes of natural fiber leads to erosion of the mucus layer, making them vulnerable to infection. A high-fiber diet helps maintain a healthy mucus barrier, protecting against invasive bacteria.
Scientists at the University of Michigan are studying protein degradation in pancreatic beta cells to better understand diabetes at the molecular level. They found that proinsulin misfolding can lead to diabetic disease and identified a way to stimulate the degradative pathway to restore normal insulin secretion.
A new study suggests that social determinants of health and disability significantly impact readmission risk for patients with heart failure, pneumonia, or a heart attack. The factors that make the most difference vary greatly from condition to condition, and are largely not something a hospital can change through treatment.
A five-year project is building on longstanding partnerships with Flint community collaborators to boost stroke awareness and get treatment to more stroke patients. The 'Stroke Ready' program will address barriers to timely evaluation and treatment, helping to reduce the risk of disability by over 30 percent.
A new study found that heart surgery patients' chances of survival depend on the overall level of teamwork among all physicians who cared for them. Tight 'social networks' of physicians are linked to improved patient outcomes, including lower readmission rates and reduced mortality.
A new U-M vaccine using siderophore molecules prevents E. coli growth in mouse bladders and kidneys, offering hope for a treatment against UTIs. The approach has shown success in mice but is still years away from human trials.
A new review suggests that testing for inherited thrombophilia is often unnecessary and can be costly. Experts argue that hospital patients who have already had dangerous clots don't need the test to justify medication and preventive measures, and there's no evidence it helps prevent future clots.
A review of medical literature found only 92 gold-standard clinical trials on immediate cardiac arrest treatment over the last 20 years, despite 535,000 annual cases in the US. The study highlights a significant lack of research on post-arrest care and long-term survival outcomes.
A new analysis suggests that Medicare's current system is misaligned, penalizing hospitals for low readmission rates while allowing high mortality rates. The researchers propose a revised incentive structure that would incentivize both good outcomes and patient survival.
A new study found that a genetic test assessing breast cancer recurrence risk is being used to guide chemotherapy decisions in early-stage breast cancer patients. The test, which looks at 21 genes known to increase the risk of cancer recurrence, has been shown to align treatment recommendations with individual patient profiles.
Michigan Medicine launches initiative to help doctors and hospitals across the state care for surgical pain without setting up chronic opioid use or addiction. The network will collect data on opioid prescribing patterns to combat the epidemic.
Research reveals that 35% of patients presenting to emergency departments in Ghana tested positive for alcohol, with certain groups showing higher rates. The study highlights the need for low- and middle-income countries to conduct their own research on alcohol-associated injuries, as global estimates may not accurately reflect local t...
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting digital media to one hour a day for children aged 2-5, while avoiding it in children under 18 months. Parents should also engage with their children during use, using devices as tools to support family connection and promote healthy habits.
A new measurement system, HDQLIFE, captures the effect of Huntington's disease on physical, mental and social health through patient-centered 'smart tests'. These tests allow clinicians to evaluate specific quality of life concerns for individuals with the disease.
The University of Michigan will train junior faculty scholars in emergency critical care research through a new NIH K12 Career Development Program. Scholars will receive broad training in modern clinical and translational science, as well as expertise in grant writing and research mentoring.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $7.5 million grant to researchers at the University of Michigan to study chronic pain. The team aims to investigate how peripheral damage, inflammation, and central nervous system factors interact to cause chronic pain, with potential breakthroughs in treating high levels of chronic pain
A new study suggests that parents' excessive use of smartphones around young children can lead to internal tension, conflicts, and negative interactions. The study's findings highlight the need for parents to set boundaries and prioritize family time to maintain emotional well-being.
Researchers propose that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results from disrupted context processing, which affects the brain's ability to recognize and respond to stimuli. This disruption can lead to symptoms such as hypervigilance, sleeplessness, and intrusive thoughts.
A new study reveals significant variation in care costs for patients with the same surgery complication, with high-cost hospitals often having higher rates of complications. Medicare payments for rescued patients at high-cost hospitals were two- to three-fold higher than at low-cost hospitals.
A pair of experts, Mark Fendrick and Michael Chernew, propose altering consumer cost-sharing in health insurance plans to make services more affordable based on individual patient and provider factors. They suggest changes to IRS rules, Medicare plan design, and encouraging value-based cost-sharing to promote high-value clinical services.
A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that the brain chemical serotonin guides fruit flies' protein-rich food choices, which can affect their lifespan. The research found that blocking serotonin's reward system extended the flies' lifespan by nearly twice as long.
A new study found that Medicare's mandatory bundled payment program could cause financial difficulties for hospitals caring for older, sicker patients. Introducing risk adjustment to the program could mitigate this impact and ensure fairer reimbursement.
Researchers found that adults who spent eight hours in bed daily showed greater improvements on all fronts, including faster response to treatment and higher remission rates. In contrast, those who spent six hours in bed experienced no significant differences in treatment response.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that African Americans and Hispanics have higher Medicare costs for end-of-life care, despite controlling for individual factors. The researchers conclude that disparities are rooted in the healthcare system as a whole.
Researchers found that patients are willing to participate in telemedicine for diabetic retinopathy screening if it is convenient and tailored to their needs. The study suggests that telemedicine could ease the burden on patients who face high costs, lack of access, or difficulty with transportation.