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.
Researchers created a new form of BanLec that fights AIDS, hepatitis C, and influenza viruses without causing inflammation. The engineered lectin molecule works by targeting the sugar code on virus surfaces and preventing them from entering cells.
A team of scientists from the University of Michigan Medical School has discovered a new way for RNA to regulate genetic activity on the X chromosome in females. The finding, which could lead to better treatment for sex-linked disorders, shows that female cells produce a special type of RNA called XistAR to silence one of their two X c...
A study found that nearly three quarters of doctors surveyed wouldn't refer children with multiple developmental delays to a genetics specialist. This may delay diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders, which can be treated earlier.
Researchers are testing a stimulated Raman scattering microscope to image brain tissue in real-time, allowing surgeons to see the difference between tumor tissue and normal brain. The technology has the potential to resolve a long-standing issue in cancer surgery by providing faster and more effective methods to assess tumor removal.
A new study from the University of Michigan Injury Center found that positive peer influences are associated with reduced dating violence among teenagers. The research analyzed individual and social factors, including alcohol use, mental health, and social connections, to identify risk and protective factors for dating violence.
A 3D printed model of a fetus's face helped doctors at the University of Michigan determine the severity of a life-threatening airway mass in a baby. The model was created using an MRI and allowed doctors to visualize the soft tissue mass, ultimately leading to a scheduled C-section instead of a risky lifesaving procedure.
A five-year trial found that emergency department-based brief interventions significantly reduced underage drinking and related consequences among patients aged 14-20. The study suggests that a single-session intervention can play a role in decreasing underage drinking among youth.
A growing number of state Medicaid agencies cover contraceptive devices immediately after delivery, improving maternal and child health outcomes. IUDs inserted postpartum have a slightly higher risk of falling out than delayed placement, but the risk of complications is low.
New research suggests that individuals who demonstrate a strong brain response to sham treatment are more likely to experience symptom relief when receiving actual depression medication. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments and biomarkers for treatment response in depression.
Research findings suggest that intensive care units (ICUs) may be beneficial for older adults with pneumonia, with a nearly 6% improvement in survival associated with ICU admission. The costs to Medicare and hospitals were the same for both groups, despite the ICU's reputation as a high-cost place to care for patients.
A national survey of parents found that there is no consensus on defining cyberbullying, with differing opinions on punishments. While some parents support referral to law enforcement for sex rumors, others believe academic cheating should be addressed through school sanctions.
A new comprehensive guide, MAGIC, offers a framework for clinicians to pick the right device for each adult patient, reducing complications and improving safety. The guide provides color-coded charts and algorithms to indicate appropriate or inappropriate use of IV devices.
A new study found that people with depression have higher levels of a brain protein called FGF9, which can be a target for developing new antidepressants. The research also showed that artificially increasing FGF9 levels in rats led to depression-like behavior changes.
A new study found that using a patient's entire genome helped suggest personalized treatment options for nearly half of children with cancer. The approach led to specific treatment changes in a quarter of these patients and showed promise in treating difficult-to-treat cancers.
A study found that fertility concerns led a third of young women with breast cancer to decline or discontinue tamoxifen. The study also showed that a quarter of women who started tamoxifen stopped taking it before the recommended treatment period ended.
Researchers at University of Michigan Health System tested strategically placed sound acoustic panels in hallways around patient rooms, reducing noise by 3-4 decibels. The study found a significant impact on patient satisfaction and hospital scores, highlighting the importance of minimizing noise levels in healthcare environments.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that electronic prompts and reminders resulted in significant increases in Tdap vaccine uptake among patients aged 11-64. The system improved vaccine rates by 76% for adults and 85% for adolescents, compared to 59% in similar-aged groups without automated prompts.
Researchers at U-M have identified a key link between stress signals and bacterial growth in the lungs, which may lead to better prevention and treatment of pneumonia. The study found that certain bacteria thrive in response to catecholamines, a type of distress signal produced by the body's immune cells.
Researchers found small clusters of cells with genetic mutations that can lead to primary aldosteronism, a form of hypertension. The study suggests most people have these origins of the condition already, and further research could improve diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have found two different types of fat cells in bone marrow, regulated and constitutive, which store different types of fat molecules. The discovery paves the way for more research on how marrow fat influences the body and its role in diseases like osteoporosis.
A new study by Michigan Medicine reveals that seniors receive prescriptions for mental health medications at more than twice the rate of younger adults. However, they are much less likely to be getting their mental health care from a psychiatrist, raising concerns about potential interactions with other medications.
A study found that certain combinations of gut bacteria, such as those from the Porphyromonadaceae and Lachnospiraceae families, resist colonization by C. difficile in mice. The researchers developed a computer model that accurately predicted C. difficile's success rate for other mice based on their gut microbiome composition.
A University of Michigan study shows that primary care appointment availability increased for people with Medicaid after the state's Medicaid expansion took effect. Despite predictions that appointments would be hard to get due to a surge in newly insured individuals, clinics offered more appointments before and after the expansion.
More adults are visiting doctors for anticoagulant treatment due to the popularity of new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which have fewer food and drug interactions than warfarin. The study found that DOACs have risen to nearly match the use of warfarin, with 57% of anticoagulant visits related to warfarin use in 2014.
A new study suggests that a change in the recommended Pap smear schedule for young women under 25 may have dramatically lowered the chances of getting tested for chlamydia. With the addition of a reminder system, clinic visits led to increased chlamydia screenings among this age group.
A new study compares Nixon's health plans with Obamacare, revealing that while both aimed to provide coverage for the uninsured, Nixon's proposals were more 'liberal' and preserved the insurance industry's role. The ACA faced intense opposition, with some Democrats initially rejecting it as too moderate.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a groundbreaking 3D computer model to study pelvic organ prolapse, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide. The model aims to better understand the intricacies of the pelvic floor and help personalize treatment options for individual patients.
A new study shows that stroke survivors experience accelerated and persistent declines in thinking ability over the years after their stroke, even after accounting for normal brain aging. The study suggests a need for better long-term follow-up care for stroke survivors to manage their cognitive problems.
A study of nearly 1,000 teens found that sexually active obese adolescents were significantly less likely to use contraception than normal weight peers. Obese adolescents who did use contraception were also less likely to use it consistently, according to the University of Michigan Health System study.
Research suggests that most pediatric and neonatal nurse practitioner programs have vacancies due to low interest, even with decreasing class sizes. Experts emphasize the need for greater awareness about employment opportunities for graduates.
A new study reveals wide geographic variation in use of clotbuster treatment for stroke, with some regions providing treatment to nearly all patients and others giving none. This disparity can lead to unnecessary disability and higher costs for stroke survivors.
A Phase II clinical trial presented promising results for baricitinib in people with diabetic kidney disease, reducing a key sign of kidney damage and inflammation. The trial's success demonstrates the potential of precision medicine in treating this common yet devastating condition affecting millions of Americans.
A new study suggests that having a stroke can reduce brain function by 8 years, affecting memory and thinking speed equally in black and white patients. The research analyzed data from over 4,900 seniors and found that strokes have serious consequences for cognitive health.