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.
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.