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.
A new study found that keeping blood sugar levels under good control for many years can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or amputation. The researchers conclude that a long-term average A1C level of around 8 is enough to achieve most cardiovascular benefits.
A study of 1,949 women found that nearly half considered double mastectomy but only 37% knew it didn
A national study of over 240,000 teens found that prescription stimulant misuse peaks between 16-19 years old. Education programs should start in middle school to prevent such misuse.
A new University of Michigan and VA study suggests that hospital stays can increase the risk of sepsis in older adults by disrupting their gut microbiome. The research found that older adults are three times more likely to develop sepsis within 90 days of hospitalization, especially after care that alters the balance of microbes.
A two-year clinical trial will study whether human growth hormone can safely improve recovery and prevent long-term osteoarthritis after an ACL tear. The trial aims to help professional athletes recover more easily and maintain their quality of life.
A new study suggests that obese male mice produce higher levels of white blood cells that encourage inflammation, contributing to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, female mice exhibit a mild inflammatory response to obesity, indicating differences in immune system responses between sexes.
A large international study found that approximately 90% of cases with advanced prostate cancer harbor clinically actionable genetic anomalies. The researchers sequenced DNA and RNA from tumor biopsy samples to identify potential treatments, shedding light on this aggressive type of cancer.
A risk prediction model has been developed to identify patients with hepatitis C who have the most urgent need for new anti-viral drugs. The model uses routine lab values and machine-learning methods to predict health outcomes, allowing doctors to target treatment to those with high risk of complications.
Researchers developed a new micro-device that separates and analyzes highly mobile cancer cells, which are believed to be the more aggressive cells responsible for metastasis. The study aims to gain an understanding of what makes some cancer cells able to spread to other areas of the body.
A new urine-based test, Mi-Prostate Score, has been shown to improve prostate cancer detection compared to traditional models based on PSA levels. The test combines PSA with two markers for prostate cancer, T2:ERG and PCA3, and can detect more aggressive forms of the disease.
A new study suggests that early detection and treatment of type 2 diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The research found that screening followed by treatment led to a reduced risk of cardiovascular events within five years compared to patients with no screening.
Researchers have developed a new assay that simplifies gene sequencing analysis, making it easier and less expensive. This tool can help identify relevant genetic variants associated with FDA-approved drugs or investigational therapies, potentially leading to personalized treatment strategies.
Patients aged 9-26 are more likely to get HPV vaccinated after receiving reminders via electronic health records during appointments. The study found that these prompts significantly increased vaccination rates, especially among young African-American women.
A new detailed guide provides advice on urinary catheter use, suggesting that far fewer hospital patients should receive them. The Ann Arbor Criteria recommend using catheters only in certain situations, such as for intensive care unit patients who need hourly urine volume measurement.
Women with depression and bipolar disorder performed poorly on a test of cognitive control, which requires sustained concentration. Brain scans showed different levels of activity in the right posterior parietal cortex compared to healthy women.
Researchers report promising results from using custom-designed airway splints to treat severe tracheobronchomalacia in three babies. The bioresorable splints successfully restored breathing and saved the lives of Kaiba, Garrett, and Ian, who were previously at risk of dying due to the condition.
A recent study surveying nearly 400 hospitals found that 48% lack strict limits on antibiotic use, allowing the dangerous gut infection to flourish. Hospitals with such limitations have stronger evidence-based programs in place.