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.
A new rat study reveals genetic differences in the brain's pleasure receptor and epigenetic tags that affect cocaine addiction and relapse. The findings suggest inherited traits and epigenetics play a role in addiction vulnerability, with some rats more likely to seek out cocaine repeatedly due to genetic markers.
A biomarker associated with basal cell carcinoma, EZH2, has been identified in a study published in JAMA Oncology. Higher levels of EZH2 and Ki67 were found in more aggressive tumors, suggesting that the protein may serve as a marker for increased cancer recurrence or tumor aggressiveness.
A new study suggests that a single half-hour session with a trained therapist during an ER visit can motivate people to reduce their use of prescription opioid painkillers and lower their risk of overdose. The study found a significant reduction in risky behaviors among those who received the intervention, compared to those who did not.
A study analyzing 727 articles found that 45% of media coverage about celebrity diagnoses mentioned double mastectomy. Meanwhile, the number of women undergoing double mastectomy at a Michigan hospital nearly five-fold during this time. The
A new study finds that toddlers who reach for sweet treats after a filling meal are at a greater risk of weight gain. Researchers from Michigan Medicine found that eating in the absence of hunger is associated with being overweight among young children.
Researchers created a growth chart for brain networks to identify early signs of attention difficulties and potential ADHD. The chart showed underdeveloped networks in children with attention issues, predicting poor attention performance.
The Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative has shown modest improvements in patient experience, with costs and quality measures remaining largely unchanged. To truly improve care, efforts must extend beyond primary care and integrate it with specialty care and hospital care.
The cost of insulin more than tripled from $231 to $736 per year between 2002 and 2013, while other diabetes drugs saw a decrease. The study suggests looking again at non-insulin therapies due to the high cost-effectiveness gap.
A new study in veterans with PTSD finds that mindfulness training can enhance the ability to manage thoughts and emotions, leading to reduced symptoms. Brain scans reveal stronger connections between brain networks involved in attention and inner thoughts, suggesting a potential tool for emotional regulation and trauma processing.
A new nationwide academic study reveals significant variation in physician disciplinary actions and malpractice claims rates among US states. The study found that some states have much lower disciplinary action rates than others, highlighting the need for standardized regulations and resources to address this issue.
Researchers discovered 19 new non-human DNA sequences from ancient viruses, one containing a complete viral genome, found in 50 out of 2,500 human genomes. The study sheds light on how humans and viruses have evolved together over time.
Researchers found that butyrate production is reduced in the intestinal tract of experimental mice after bone marrow transplantation, leading to an increased risk of graft vs. host disease. Increasing butyrate levels can mitigate this condition by bolstering the gut lining's resistance to the donor immune system.
Researchers have developed a drug that can erase epigenetic markers on chromatin to restore the original state of stem cells in mice. The study shows that over half of mouse epiblast stem cells treated with the drug regained embryonic pluripotency, opening up new possibilities for regenerative medicine.
Castro aims to develop novel immunotherapies for brain cancer using cutting-edge technology, including genetically engineered mouse models and gene transfer technologies. Her research focuses on understanding the tumor immune-microenvironment and its response to therapeutics.
A recent study found that one-quarter of seniors admitted to post-acute care facilities have superbugs on their hands upon admission. The number increases to over one-third during follow-up visits. Researchers call for patient education and hand hygiene training to prevent the spread of these resistant organisms.
A new study suggests that having a younger sibling may be associated with a lower risk of obesity by first grade. The research, which tracked 697 children across the U.S., found that children who became big brothers or sisters between 2-4 years old were nearly three times less likely to be obese.
A study found that an antioxidant regimen of beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium helped slow progression of hereditary deafness in mice with a connexin 26 gene deletion. In contrast, the same regimen had no effect on another mutant mouse modeling AUNA1, a rare type of hearing loss.
A team of researchers is using computational models and data from actual patients to understand C. difficile colonization and infection. They aim to develop tools to prevent and treat infections that kill thousands annually.