Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation in the RBP4 protein that causes severe vitamin A deficiency and eye deformities. The mutation creates a functional 'double-whammy' by blocking both the transport of retinol to the developing embryo and the cell surface receptor for RBP4, leading to birth defects.
A study of 41,568 patients found that allowing family presence during cardiac arrest resuscitation has no impact on patient outcomes. Family members who witness the process experience benefits such as reduced depression and PTSD.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are creating mini-guts in a dish using human stem cells to study the complex interaction between microbes, cells, and disease-causing bacteria. The 'guts in a dish' model aims to aid research on a wide range of diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders and emerging infections.
Research by University of Michigan Medical School found that brain 'hubs' consistently attract information flow, shedding light on how the brain processes and transfers critical information. This discovery may help better understand principles of information processing in the brain.
A new University of Michigan study found that young people who have been injured in a fight have a nearly 60% chance of being involved in a violent incident involving a firearm within two years. The study also identified associated factors, such as drug use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, that increase this risk.
A new laboratory study by the University of Michigan Medical School reveals that near-death brain activity can destabilize heart function and accelerate cardiac demise. The study suggests that blocking brain-heart connections during cardiac arrest may improve survival chances for patients.
A third of breast cancer patients report strong desire for genetic testing but many do not receive relevant discussions with healthcare professionals. This study highlights the unmet need for addressing genetic risk in these patients.
The University of Michigan's 1000+ OBGYN Project has developed four new collections of high-quality educational materials to support obstetrician-gynecologist training in low-resource countries. These materials, made publicly available for free, cover topics such as abnormal uterine bleeding and postpartum care, and are intended to imp...
A team of researchers has found tiny genetic triggers inside brain cells that regulate appetite and weight. The discovery reveals how a protein called Islet 1 and two small stretches of DNA act as triggers for the Pomc gene, which controls feelings of fullness or hunger.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new compound that shows promise in treating acute leukemia and may also play a role in prostate cancer. The MLL-menin interaction is a key driver of the disease, and blocking this interaction has shown potential in laboratory studies.
Researchers identified a panel of genetic markers that predicted which tumor samples would likely respond to treatment for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, a cancer affecting older adults with limited treatment options.
A new study reveals that adults treated with ECMO have better survival rates when cared for at hospitals that use the treatment frequently. The research analyzed data from over 56,000 patients across 290 hospitals worldwide, finding significant variation in survival rates between centers.
A majority of new general pediatricians are satisfied with their first job, with lifestyle and family considerations being the most important factor. The study found that over 80% of new pediatricians were very satisfied with their first jobs, with many wanting to spend more time in patient care and less in administrative tasks.
Researchers found that patients with narrower PICC lines and those taking aspirin and statins before PICC placement have a lower risk of DVT. Doctors should use PICCs only when necessary and monitor for clots, ensuring continued medication to prevent complications.
Researchers estimate that installing alcohol ignition interlock devices in all new cars could prevent up to 85% of crash deaths attributable to alcohol-involved motor vehicle crashes. This would save over 59,000 lives and prevent 1.25 million non-fatal injuries. The estimated cost savings would be $343 billion over 15 years.
A new study finds that antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of death in dementia patients, particularly those taking higher doses. Researchers analyzed nearly 91,000 veterans and found a higher mortality risk among those taking these medications compared to those not taking them.
A new international study has found a small subset of patients with adrenal cancer respond significantly to the investigational drug linsitinib, paving the way for personalized treatment options. The researchers plan to analyze DNA collected from the study to identify possible markers for response.
More than half of mothers and one-third of fathers discuss child health and parenting on social media. Despite benefits like reduced feelings of loneliness, parents worry about oversharing and its potential consequences for their children's privacy and safety.
Researchers found that combining naproxen with omeprazole reduced bladder cancer incidence by 75% in rats. This combination may be a valuable cancer prevention strategy for those at high risk of colon, esophageal, or other cancers.
A new study by the University of Michigan finds that religious women's opinions on reproductive health policies, such as contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act, are mixed. While some Protestant and Catholic women support employer-provided contraception coverage, others, including Baptists and other Christians, disagree.
A new study found that nearly 42% of sepsis survivors are readmitted to the hospital within three months for preventable conditions, with a focus on kidney or lung failure and infections. Researchers suggest that targeted post-hospital care could help avoid these expensive rehospitalizations.
A new study found that more than half of parents are interested in whole genome sequencing technology to determine their risk of hereditary diseases. The technology allows for the examination of a person's DNA makeup to provide information about future disease risks.
A new report from Michigan Medicine and Johns Hopkins University concludes that non-drug approaches, such as caregiver training, work better and carry fewer risks than behavior-calming drugs for Alzheimer patients. The DICE framework provides a tailored approach to address behavioral issues in dementia patients.
A new study found that people with depression release less of a natural pain and stress-reducing chemical called natural opioids when rejected, prolonging the pain of social rejection. In contrast, they experience relatively better feelings when someone they're interested in likes them back, but only momentarily.
A large-scale study found a 0.22% incidence of uterine sarcoma in women after hysterectomy, with most cases being unexpected endometrial cancer. Researchers emphasized the need to balance minimally-invasive procedures with cautious preoperative planning.
Researchers developed a model to predict who stands to gain most from diabetes-preventing drugs or lifestyle changes like exercise and weight loss. The model identified seven key factors: fasting blood sugar, A1C level, triglycerides, family history of high blood sugar, waist measurement, height, and waist-to-hip ratio.
Researchers discovered that C. difficile bacteria can wreak havoc on the gut within 24 hours of exposure, causing severe diarrhea and life-threatening disease. The study found that bile acids 'wake up' dormant spores, allowing them to grow into toxin-producing cells in the large intestine.
A national poll of parents found that half would support later school start times to allow teenagers to get more sleep, with benefits including reduced risks of obesity and depression. However, concerns about logistics and school budgets remain, with some parents worried about the impact on after-school activities and transportation.
Researchers analyzed genetic samples from over 300,000 individuals to find genetic variations associated with obesity traits. They discovered 140 locations across the genome that play roles in various obesity traits, including waist-to-hip circumference ratio.
A U-M study found that switching to generic glaucoma medication led to improved adherence rates among patients. Lower copays after the introduction of generics were a key factor in this improvement. However, black patients with severe disease showed decreased adherence compared to white patients.
A new study found that exposure to mercury, even at low levels considered safe, is associated with an increased risk of autoimmunity in women. Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that greater exposure to mercury was linked to a higher rate of autoantibodies, a precursor to autoi...
A recent retrospective study found that Lung-RADS guidelines generated fewer false-positives than the National Lung Screening Trial, reducing unnecessary follow-up testing. The guidelines provide structured reporting tools for practices to benchmark performance and improve lung cancer screening's cost-effectiveness.
A comprehensive review of studies on physician attire finds that patients prefer formally dressed doctors, but fashion takes a back seat in emergency and surgical care. The study's lead author suggests that healthcare systems capture the 'voice of the customer' to provide tailored guidance on physician attire.
The University of Michigan has launched a major initiative to find new ways to treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) thanks to a $10M gift from the Joyce and Don Massey Family Foundation. The new Emergency Critical Care Center will provide advanced care to patients with TBI, stroke, or other critical illnesses.
A new study published in JAMA found that hospital report cards had no effect on surgical safety, including death rates, complications, readmissions, and costs. The study analyzed data from over 1 million Medicare patients and suggested that reporting data back to hospitals is not enough to improve quality.
Researchers found that a protein called FADD picks up a phosphate for a specific amino acid when KRAS is active, and that blocking this process can prevent tumors from forming. A CK1-alpha inhibitor is currently being developed as a potential treatment for lung cancer caused by KRAS mutations.
Researchers have identified a novel brain pathway that produces the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), which acts as a crucial sensor of blood glucose levels. The discovery may lead to new treatments for hypoglycemia and its side effects, particularly in patients who suffer from unawareness due to repeated bouts of low blood sugar.
A new study found that high-risk neuroblastoma cells use an efficient but erroneous DNA repair pathway, giving them a survival advantage. This alternative repair mechanism may be the target of new therapies to improve treatment options for children with neuroblastoma.
A new analysis has identified over 58,000 long non-coding RNA genes that may play a role in cancer. The study also found that one lncRNA, SChLAP1, is a potential biomarker for aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers found a 30% relative increase in falls among older adults aged 65+, with an 8% absolute increase, from 1998 to 2010. The study suggests that the rise in reported falls may not be due to aging population demographics.
A new study reveals that a specific gene, ATDC, plays a key role in the development of pancreatic cancer by promoting tumor growth and spread. The study found that patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer have a survival rate of only 30 percent.
Researchers used next-generation sequencing techniques to analyze archived tissue samples of phyllodes tumors, identifying two genes (EGFR and IGF1R) that were amplified in malignant tumors. The study also found the gene MED12 was frequently mutated in all classifications of phyllodes tumors.
Researchers developed a new scoring system to predict graft vs. host disease (GVHD) severity in bone marrow transplant patients. The Ann Arbor GVHD score uses biomarkers to determine treatment intensity and identify patients who may not respond to standard therapy.
Preschoolers who entered Head Start overweight or obese achieved a healthier weight status by kindergarten age compared to comparison groups. The study found that Head Start's high-quality meals, physical activity opportunities, and structure may positively influence children's BMIs.
Researchers analyzed Beethoven's compositions for clues of a heart condition and found striking rhythms that reflect the irregular patterns of his cardiac arrhythmia. The study suggests that Beethoven's music could be 'musical electrocardiograms,' a readout of modern heart rhythm testing equipment.
A study published in Nature suggests that gut bacteria can utilize yeast carbohydrates, potentially supporting the development of new treatments for yeast infections and autoimmune diseases. The research identified a specific bacterium, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, with the ability to degrade complex carbohydrates in yeast cell walls.
A recent study by researchers at Michigan Medicine has uncovered a key gene involved in regulating TGF-beta receptor, explaining the paradox of cancer-promoting proteins. The identified gene, Bub1, was shown to bind to the TGF-beta receptor and promote aggressive cell growth.
A recent study found that almost three-quarters of parents transition their children to forward-facing car seats too early, with many doing so before the child is one year old. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using rear-facing car seats until age two or until the child has outgrown the weight/height limits.
Researchers discovered new gene fusions in lung cancers with worse outcomes than patients with fewer fusions. The study identified several new genetic anomalies, including those found in smokers, which could be targets for developing new treatments.
A comprehensive review of recent studies provides insight into the causes and consequences of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), offering doctors and patients actionable advice. The guide highlights the importance of aerobic exercise, mental activity, social engagement, and stroke prevention in reducing MCI progression.