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.
A new study found no clear common characteristic of microbe populations in obese individuals, disappointing those hoping for a solution to weight loss through gut bacteria alteration. The researchers suggest that a more complex relationship exists between the microbiome and health, warranting further investigation.
A new study suggests that genomic sequencing research may be missing key mutations in different racial and ethnic groups due to a lack of tumor samples from minorities. This could lead to unequal treatment opportunities and worsen disparities in cancer care.
A study by the University of Michigan's Kellogg Eye Center found that low-income children are less likely to be diagnosed with strabismus, a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. The study highlights the importance of ensuring access to eye care professionals and necessary services for all children.
The Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Core Center will support researchers and clinicians from three major universities in developing new treatments and understanding the causes of dementia. The center aims to provide training opportunities across many areas of research and facilitate collaboration among experts.
Two-part series of studies examines health behaviors and management challenges in spinal cord injury patients, highlighting strategies for overcoming obstacles and improving quality of life. Recent research findings emphasize the importance of proactive health management and resilience after a spinal cord injury.
African-American adolescent girls prefer straightened hair and avoid sweating during exercise due to concerns about ruining their hairstyle. The study explores the impact of cultural pressure on physical activity among black teens, finding a consistent theme across three states.
Researchers identify citron kinase as key to building a normally sized human brain, finding mutations associated with severe microcephaly and lissencephaly. Studying stem cells and human brain tissue provides clues to the condition's origins, paving the way for further research into its causes.
A new study found that hospitals with high ICU use perform poorly on measures of quality care for patients with heart attacks and congestive heart failure. These hospitals tend to have smaller numbers of heart attack and failure patients, are more likely to be for-profit, and serve low-income ZIP codes.
A study published in Stroke found that elderly stroke survivors require nearly double the caregiving hours of non-stroke patients. The estimated annual cost of caregiving is around $40 billion due to a need for approximately $11,000 per week in assistance. Caregivers can include family, friends, and paid caregivers.
A study from Michigan Medicine found that women who engaged on social media after a breast cancer diagnosis expressed more deliberation about their treatment decision and more satisfaction with the path they chose. However, the researchers also identified significant barriers to social media use among certain groups of patients.
A new study shows that a non-drug approach combining behavioral therapy and social support can effectively manage chronic pain in individuals with addiction, improving their ability to function and reducing substance use. The low-cost approach, called ImPAT, has the potential to be widely adopted by addiction treatment centers worldwide.
A universal one-time HCV screening based on age can bypass discomfort and democratize preventive care, increasing screenings among all demographics. The screening test detects the virus antibody, with fewer than 1% of targeted baby boomers testing positive, yet helping identify those who benefit from curative treatment.
A new analysis of hospital data reveals 17 patient characteristics associated with developing postoperative pneumonia after cardiac surgery, including age, race, smoking habits, and white blood cell count. The study identifies proactive measures that can help patients reduce their risk of pneumonia through prehabilitation.
Late preterm babies, born between 34 and 36 weeks, were developmentally on track with peers at age two. However, by preschool and kindergarten, they showed less than optimal math and reading scores compared to full-term infants.
A new study found that while more imaging after thyroid cancer treatment identifies recurrence, it does not always lead to improved survival. Radioiodine scans, however, were associated with better outcomes.
Researchers discovered gut bacteria in the deepest reaches of failing lungs, which was previously thought to be an impossible environment for them. The more severe critical illness, the more gut bugs outnumbered usual lung bacteria.
A new study found that 50% of disabled seniors had some form of in-home help in 2012, up from 30% in 1998. The sharpest rise was among those with milder disabilities, suggesting a trend towards 'aging in place'.
Researchers discovered that inadequately hydrated obese individuals tend to have a higher BMI, suggesting water intake plays a crucial role in weight management. The study also highlights the importance of staying hydrated for overall health regardless of body mass index.
A new study found that acupressure reduced persistent fatigue in women treated for breast cancer, improving sleep quality and overall quality of life. Two-thirds of participants achieved normal fatigue levels after six weeks of relaxing acupressure.
A study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that long-term marijuana users show a decreased response in their brain's reward system, making them more susceptible to addiction. This decrease can lead to a blunted emotional response, also known as anhedonia.
Researchers developed biomarker ratio imaging microscopy (BRIM) to differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The technique combines traditional pathology and mathematical analysis, identifying biomarkers that can indicate the potential for cancer to become invasive.
A team of experts has proposed a standard list of essential diagnostic tests to support the use of medicines listed on the Model List of Essential Medicines. The list includes 147 critical laboratory tests across 57 categories, which can guide the use of many different EML drugs and improve healthcare quality in developing nations.
A recent study analyzed data from over 50 million privately insured patients, finding a 37% rise in out-of-pocket spending for hospital stays. Deductibles and co-insurance costs increased by 86% and 33%, respectively, with average total bills ranging from $1,200 to $1,800.
A new study reveals that the Healthy Michigan Plan has led to a significant shift in insurance coverage for hospital patients in Michigan. The proportion of uninsured patients dropped by nearly 4 percentage points, while the proportion of Medicaid-covered patients rose more than 6 points within three months of the plan's launch.
A University of Michigan study found that rapid Medicaid expansion in Michigan improved primary care appointment availability for new patients, rather than crowding doctor's offices. The Healthy Michigan Plan enrolled 600,000 Michiganders and saw better odds of getting an appointment before and after the expansion.
A new study analyzing Medicare data identifies four patterns of end-of-life spending, revealing that nearly half of older Americans' high spending was already in motion a year before death. The 'High Persistent' group had the highest spending, while the 'Late Rise' group had very low spending until their final months.
A new study has identified a connection between a cancer gene and the metabolic processes that fuel the rapid growth and movement of aggressive cancer cells. Researchers discovered that the RhoC gene regulates cell metabolism and energy production, driving cancer cells to move faster than normal.
A University of Michigan study found an association between obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. Treating OSA with CPAP therapy may help improve cognitive function in these patients.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine identified a promising new compound for targeting triple-negative breast cancer. UM-164 blocks the kinase c-Src and inhibits another pathway, p38, involved in this subtype. The compound had very few side effects in mice.
A new combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has shown a remarkable 53% response rate in pediatric neuroblastoma patients, with some tumors shrinking or disappearing completely. Researchers plan to expand the study to include more children, offering hope for a potential cure.
Researchers found that Medicare Advantage patients are younger, healthier, and more likely to be black and live in cities than those enrolled in traditional Medicare. They also reported better health outcomes and fewer problems performing daily life activities on their own.
A new study found no connection between hospital safety culture survey scores and actual improvement in patient infection rates. Despite efforts to improve safety culture, many hospitals reported minor changes in survey scores despite significant reductions in infections.
A team of senior neuroscientists recommends changes to neuroscience education to adapt to the new reality that more than half of graduates will work outside academia. The report calls for incorporating computational science, promoting interdisciplinary skills, and informing students about various career paths.
Researchers found that sweat glands contribute less cells to wound closure in elderly skin, leading to delayed healing and thinner repaired epidermis. Chronic sun exposure damages skin structures supporting sweat glands, highlighting the importance of sunscreen use.
A national effort showed that reducing catheter use and UTIs can be achieved through training and tools, saving money and suffering. By the end of an 18-month program, UTI rates dropped by a third in general wards, while catheter use decreased.
A clinical trial conducted by Michigan Medicine demonstrated the effectiveness of a low FODMAP diet in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study found that over 50% of patients on the low FODMAP diet experienced major improvements in abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and stool urgency compared to the control group.
Researchers investigated late mortality rates among sepsis survivors and found a high rate of death within two years. The study suggests that pre-existing health conditions do not explain the increased risk of late death after sepsis, implying that treatments may be more effective than previously thought.
A new toolkit introduced by the federal government aims to improve patient safety by removing barriers to reporting harms, analyzing incidents, and communicating proactively with patients. By adopting this approach, hospitals can reduce emotional trauma, litigation, and costs, while serving patients better.
Researchers discovered that immune T cells can overcome chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer by outsmarting fibroblasts. By boosting these immune cells, the tumor cells begin to die off, suggesting a new approach to treating ovarian cancer.
A survey of high-achieving physician-scientists found that nearly a third of women reported experiencing sexual harassment, with 30% reporting incidents in their professional careers. Women were more likely to perceive and experience gender bias than men.
A new report highlights seven areas of focus within COPD care, including improving access to education, medications, and non-medication interventions. The report also emphasizes the need for more research funding and development of cost-effective treatments.
A comprehensive analysis of data from 1.6 million hospital stays found that patients undergoing common operations at critical access hospitals had lower risks of major complications and were healthier before surgery. These hospitals also cost the Medicare system nearly $1,400 less than larger hospitals.
A new study reveals that smokers without COPD diagnosis often experience respiratory symptoms, and those with 'normal' breathing tests still require medical attention. Researchers are exploring the use of bronchodilator medication to improve symptoms for this patient group.
A study published in NeuroImage reveals that general anesthesia leads to a 'communication breakdown' in the cortex, where isolated cognitive islands process sensory information without communicating with other areas. The researchers used precise measurements to observe the interruption between brain regions.
Researchers developed a new approach to prostate cancer treatment using vessel-sparing radiation combined with MRI. The technique reduces side effects such as erectile dysfunction and bladder or rectal irritation while achieving high cure rates.
Research suggests environmental pollutants may increase likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rapidly progressive motor neuron disease. The study found higher concentrations of pesticides and other toxic chemicals in individuals with ALS, but no strong correlation between occupation and risk.
Researchers from 39 institutions worldwide analyzed 91 samples of adrenocortical carcinoma, uncovering double the number of genetic drivers known to fuel adrenal cancer. The study also identified three distinct subtypes of adrenal cancer linked to different outcomes, suggesting a way to use molecular biomarkers for targeted therapy.
A new study reveals vast differences in treatment recommendations among physicians for brain hemorrhage patients. The variation was found to be influenced by factors such as the physician's specialty and experience with the condition. Researchers recommend that clinicians consider these variations when communicating with families, as i...
Persistent Critical Illness (PerCI) affects a small but significant portion of ICU patients, using up 33% of available beds. Researchers hope their findings will lead to improved treatments and patient outcomes.