The University of Michigan has launched WellSpringboard.org, a crowdsourcing and crowdfunding platform for medical research. The platform allows the public to submit ideas, vote on their favorites, and donate to support research projects. U-M researchers will be matched with top-rated ideas and allocated funds to pursue them.
A new study found that standard depression screening tools may not work as well for black Americans as they do for whites. However, listening to black participants' own descriptions of their mental health may help predict risk. Self-rated health was found to be a key predictor of later depression in black participants.
Researchers developed a novel brain tumor model in mice with DNA damage-repair problems, which can help test new treatments for children's brain cancer. The model shows that treating tumors with DNA-damaging drugs can shrink them more effectively and improve survival.
Paul Lee examines the USPSTF's latest report on vision screening for asymptomatic older adults. The study highlights strengths and challenges in the current recommendation process, emphasizing the need for more rigorous clinical trials to inform treatment decisions.
A University of Michigan team proposes customer loyalty programs in healthcare to enhance both health and financial benefits. They suggest perks for patients based on how long they've stayed with the same doctors or received care from network sites.
A small study found significant associations between difficult child behavior and mobile technology use to calm kids down. Parents with less control over their children's behavior were more likely to turn to devices like phones and tablets as a coping strategy.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a novel method to observe insulin production in the pancreas of living animals. The technique allows researchers to see how much insulin is present and respond to sugar levels in real-time, revealing surprising insights into pancreatic function.
A new study finds that most cancer screening guidelines do not adequately explain the risks and benefits of recommended actions, leading to unclear tradeoffs. Guidelines are often presented in a way that gives a false picture of the benefits and harms.
A national look at PET scan use for lung and esophageal cancer survivors found widespread variation between hospitals, with some using scans eight times more often than others. The study suggests that this approach doesn't improve survival rates and is being inappropriately used at many hospitals.
Researchers have developed a new nanoparticle that kills tumor cells in the eye by mimicking an enzyme used by immune cells, extending survival of mice with advanced breast cancer. The treatment offers advantages such as producing toxins per hour and being activated by light.
Researchers analyzed data from 10 Michigan hospitals to show significant variation in peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use, with nearly one in four PICCs removed within five days. The study also found wide variation in complication rates, including serious and life-threatening events such as blood clots and infections.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that many medical schools fail to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, making it difficult for prospective students with disabilities to find information and access accommodations. The researchers call on schools to reexamine their policies and improve compliance.
A new study finds that pregnancy can reduce PTSD symptoms in some women, while exacerbating them in others. Women who suffered a new stress or trauma during pregnancy and had anxiety about giving birth were at highest risk of worsening symptoms.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that immigrant children with special health needs are more likely to lack a true 'medical home', despite growing popularity of the model. The disparity affects even American-born children whose parents are foreign-born, highlighting the need for family-centered care coordination.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have identified a strong interaction between KRAS and AGO2 that could contribute to its role in cancer development. The study suggests that targeting this interaction may be a potential therapy for KRAS-related cancers.
A new study in veterans found that the threshold for safe prescribing may be lower than most people think, with overdose victims receiving higher doses on average. Lowering top prescription strengths below a 100 MEM threshold could benefit those at risk of an overdose while affecting few patients who aren't at risk.
Researchers discovered a rare genetic mutation in Turkish children with ataxia, which caused a significant impact on the brain's autophagy process. This finding has important implications for understanding and treating neurological disorders, such as ataxia and developmental delays.
Research by Michigan Medicine found that nearly 15% of colorectal cancer patients were diagnosed before age 50, often with more advanced disease. Younger patients had better survival rates due to aggressive treatment, suggesting the need for improved long-term survivorship resources.
A new study suggests that childhood trauma is associated with worse impulse control in adulthood, particularly among those without bipolar disorder. The research found that adults who experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse as children performed poorly on a quick task measuring inhibitory control.
The USRDS annual data report reveals a decline in deaths among dialysis and transplant patients, while prevalence of end-stage kidney disease continues to rise. Home dialysis use has increased, offering improved quality of life, but awareness of kidney disease remains low.
A large new study found previously unknown risk factors associated with keratoconus, a condition that causes progressive nearsightedness at a young age. The study revealed higher odds of developing keratoconus among men, African Americans, Latinos, and those with asthma and sleep apnea.
A study found that high-achieving children who underwent adenotonsillectomy, a procedure to remove tonsils and adenoids, improved their behavior and daytime functioning. The research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea should be considered in all children, regardless of IQ level.
Scientists discover that Xist RNA is insufficient to silence one of the two X chromosomes in every female cell, suggesting a complex interplay between molecules. This finding could lead to new ways to fight X-linked diseases in females, including those linked to autism, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy.
A study published in Childhood Obesity found that low-income communities have higher rates of childhood obesity, with each 1% increase in low-income status corresponding to a 1.17% increase in overweight/obese students. Family income, not race, is the stronger predictor of obesity among children.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion resulted in a 50% decrease in uninsured hospital stays and a 20% increase in care for people with Medicaid coverage. This has significant implications for the financial status of hospitals, particularly those in states that did not expand Medicaid.
Selexipag, an orally available selective prostacyclin IP receptor agonist, demonstrates effectiveness in treating pulmonary hypertension, reducing hospitalizations by 40%. The medication targets a well-known disease pathway, improving heart function and opening blood vessels to the lungs.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that paid sick leave can significantly reduce the financial burden on cancer patients. The study, which surveyed over 1,300 patients with stage 3 colorectal cancer, showed that those with paid sick leave were nearly twice as likely to retain their jobs af...
A new study has identified potential genetic alterations in penile cancer, revealing similarities with other squamous cell cancers. The researchers found a common combination of alterations in genes KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS, as well as EGFR, which may impact the tumor's response to an EGFR inhibitor.
Neurologist Brian Callaghan's team identified 74 unnecessary medical services in neurological care, including imaging for low back pain and headaches. The goal is to inspire discussions between clinicians and patients about avoiding wasteful or unnecessary tests and treatments.
Researchers investigated the reasons behind tamoxifen's varying efficacy in women. Genetic variants on the CYP2D6 gene were initially linked to worse survival rates, but subsequent studies found no association. Advanced statistical modeling suggests that genotyping errors may have contributed to these findings.
A recent survey found that only 42.7% of US hospitals require flu vaccination for all healthcare providers, leaving many staff members unprotected against the virus. This poses a significant risk to patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
A new study analyzing 50 years of research on depression in medical residency found that nearly one-third of new doctors may be depressed, with potential consequences for their patients' health. The study's findings emphasize the need for improved mental health support and strategies to prevent and treat depression among young doctors.
A new study in mice successfully preserved fertility using ovarian follicles, producing live births and addressing concerns about reintroducing cancer cells. The technique could be beneficial for women with cancer who cannot afford to delay treatment.
Researchers found that different regions of a single tumor shared varying levels of genetic mutations, ranging from 67% to 93%. This variation could make it harder for targeted therapies to work effectively. The study's findings have significant implications for treatment recommendations and patient care.
Researchers have identified a simple, non-invasive test to identify patients at risk of chronic kidney disease progression by measuring epidermal growth factor levels in urine. Decreased epidermal growth factor protein is an early sign of diminishing kidney function and pinpoints the at-risk patient population.
A new study from the University of Michigan found adults with cerebral palsy are at a higher risk of developing secondary chronic health conditions. The research team analyzed data from over 207,000 adults and found that those with cerebral palsy were up to five times more likely to have conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
A new study offers insights into how ovarian cancer grows, revealing a patterned hierarchy of cancer stem cells. The research identifies a key protein, BMP2, that regulates the growth of these stem-like cells. Targeting this protein could lead to more effective therapies for ovarian cancer.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that a free, web-based cognitive behavioral therapy tool called MoodGYM can reduce suicidal thoughts in interns by nearly four times the normal rate. The tool offers a digital, streamlined form of talk therapy to support mental health.
A new report by Physicians for Human Rights documents 45 hospital attacks in eastern Aleppo, with two-thirds forced to close. The authors call for an international stance against violating medical neutrality, warning that such attacks could become the 'new normal' in armed conflicts.
Researchers investigated skin samples from pregnant women with recent-formed stretch marks, finding disrupted elastic fibers that remain damaged after giving birth. The study suggests that preserving existing elastic fibers may be a more effective approach than repairing damaged ones within stretch marks.
Scientists have identified the poly(A) tail as a crucial component in LINE-1 retrotransposition, a process that can cause genetic mutations and diseases. Without the tail, the parasite's jumping ability is significantly impaired, offering new strategies for inhibiting its movement.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that hospital patients taking acid-reducing drugs have a higher risk of dying from infections such as pneumonia and C. diff. The simulation model used by researchers found that around 90% of hospital inpatients who were first prescribed these drugs had a higher ris...
A University of Michigan Medical School team compared the cost-effectiveness of two anticoagulant drugs, dabigatran and warfarin, for preventing stroke in patients over age 65 with atrial fibrillation. They found that new drugs are more cost-effective for those with prescription coverage, but may not be worth it for those without cover...
A U-M study of patients at a free clinic found that perceived cost and knowledge gaps about low-cost plans are major barriers to healthcare for the uninsured. The researchers hope their findings will prompt other safety net clinics to offer personalized insurance counseling services.
Researchers found that cancer cells hijack glucose to alter immune cells, leading to reduced T cell effectiveness. However, they also discovered a potential metabolic pathway to make T cells resistant to glucose restriction, which could improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers have identified a new way to trigger the instructions given by the muscle protein dystrophin, which is found in muscles used for movement and in cardiac muscle cells. The study suggests using drugs that activate AMPK signaling to bypass defective steps in the protein complex pathway.
A new study from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation found that nearly all nonprofit hospitals have written charity care policies, but many fail to notify patients about their potential eligibility or charge them fairly. Hospitals in states without expanded Medicaid reported having less generous ch...
Researchers discovered a protein called Zmiz1 that sticks to the Notch gene, triggering its cancer function. Deleting Zmiz1 from Notch eliminates the cancer effect while preserving normal health functions.
Two new studies published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggest that doctors should work together with patients to de-intensify treatment for high blood pressure or diabetes in older people. In some cases, stopping or cutting back on medications can be safer than continuing treatment due to the risk of low blood pressure and sugar levels.
Researchers have discovered molecular changes within tumors that prevent immunotherapy drugs from killing off cancer cells. By reprogramming an epigenetic mechanism, the therapy might work for more patients, according to senior author Weiping Zou.