A new study from Michigan Medicine found that 60% of U.S. Army soldiers who couldn't return to a military career after an Iraq deployment had a muscle, bone or joint injury and nearly half had a mental health diagnosis. The strongest predictors of inability to continue serving were musculoskeletal conditions, psychological diagnoses, a...
A new study finds that for many patients with type 2 diabetes, the benefits of treatment are outweighed by the negative impact of side effects like weight gain and frequent insulin shots. The study suggests that individualized treatment recommendations based on patient risk factors and preferences may be a better approach than focusing...
A new research approach could improve medical study recruitment by adjusting treatment odds based on early results. In a recent study, patients shown an explanation of the odds were more willing to participate, with 67% volunteering compared to 54% without such explanation.
A new study found that working parents often turn to urgent care visits when their sick children are excluded from child care due to strict health rules. The study suggests that these exclusions create a socioeconomic emergency for many families, especially single/divorced parents and African Americans.
African-Americans with colon cancer are half as likely to have a genetic marker linked to better outcomes compared to Caucasian patients. The study also found that African-Americans are more likely to have right-sided colon cancer, which is easier to miss with screening.
A genetic risk component of type 1 diabetes has been shed light on by a study identifying the role of gene Clec16a in faulty cell recycling. Healthy mitochondria are crucial to insulin production and blood sugar control, making this finding a significant step towards treating or preventing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that a sleep education program for preschoolers increased their average bedtime by 30 minutes, resulting in better daytime functioning. The program improved parents' awareness and knowledge of good sleep behaviors but had limited long-term effects.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have created a new mouse model of primary dystonia, which closely mimics the human form of the disease. The discovery could aid people with dystonia, Parkinson's and more, providing new insights into the basic biology of the disease and potentially leading to better treatments.
A recent poll found that nearly half of parents believe any qualified healthcare provider can perform a sports physical, despite acknowledging the limitations of these exams. The vast majority (89%) agree that sports physicals are not a substitute for regular care.
Researchers analyzed the impact of mammography on breast cancer rates and found a significant decrease in late-stage diagnoses. The study attributed this decline to successful screening programs, which led to increased detection of early-stage cancers.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that naloxegol increased bowel movements among patients with opioid-induced constipation, providing rapid and sustained relief without compromising pain management. The investigational drug is designed to block opioids from binding to receptors in the gastrointestinal t...
A substantial proportion of hypertensive pregnant women have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder that can reduce blood oxygen levels during the night. Habitual snoring is often an early sign to identify this risk, which can improve health outcomes if recognized and managed.
A new study found that prostate cancer patients who underwent external beam radiation therapy were 70% more likely to develop rectal cancer and 40% more likely for bladder cancer. Survivors should be aware of symptoms such as pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, or blood in stool to monitor for potential secondary cancers.
Researchers have found that eliminating scar tissue and inflammation in pancreatic cancer tumors can actually make them more deadly. In a new study, mice without desmoplasia developed tumors earlier and died sooner, suggesting that treatments targeting this complex scar tissue may need to be reevaluated.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that about 70% of women with breast cancer who underwent a double mastectomy had very low risk of developing cancer in their healthy breast. However, many of these women were driven by fear of recurrence rather than medical necessity.
According to a University of Michigan poll, parents of overweight children are more likely to give schools failing grades (D or F) for obesity-related efforts. Parents were twice as likely to fail the school on opportunities for physical activity and much more likely to give a failing grade for nutrition education than parents without ...
Researchers found that suppressing taste buds in fruit flies can significantly increase or decrease lifespan and potentially promote healthy aging. Bitter tastes had negative effects on lifespan, while sweet tastes had positive effects, particularly for water taste.
A new study analyzing Michigan hospital data found that Medicaid patients who underwent surgery had twice as many health risk factors, more emergency operations, and two-thirds more complications than those with private insurance. They also used 50% more hospital resources.
A smartphone app has shown promise in detecting early signs of mood changes in people with bipolar disorder through voice analysis during everyday phone conversations. The app, called PRIORI, analyzes broad features and properties of speech to identify potential mood swings.
Researchers discovered that a subset of immune cells called Th22 acts as a tumor helper, supporting colon cancer cells in renewing and developing stem cell properties. The study suggests targeting the pathway involving epigenetic factor DOT1L to potentially treat colon cancer.
A study reveals that women with peripheral artery disease (PAD) experience excellent treatment outcomes, with higher success rates compared to men. Despite having more severe symptoms, women performed just as well in minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stent placement.
A University of Michigan study found that 90% of parent drivers engaged in at least one distraction while their child was a passenger. The study highlights the need to consider multiple sources of driver distraction when kids are passengers and emphasizes the importance of reducing distractions to prevent crashes.
A new poll found that 53% of parents limit children's entertainment screen time by location, while 13% do not. Parents' views on reasonable screen time vary by age, with 88% of those with children aged 2-5 years old believing two hours or less daily is reasonable.
Microfluidic technology reveals potential biomarker for early pancreatic cancer, capturing circulating pancreas cells in 33% of patients with early lesions. The detection may indicate an early sign of cancer, and a clinical trial is underway to predict patient risk.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that nearly one-third of working women who had breast cancer were unemployed four years later. Women who received chemotherapy were most affected, with a significant increase in unemployment over time.
Researchers have uncovered how cells block mutation-causing activity of junk DNA, a process involving an enzyme called APOBEC3A. This defense mechanism may help explain a long-standing mystery and has potential implications for cancer treatment.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have found that BET bromodomain protein 4 binds to the hormone androgen receptor, making it a potential target for prostate cancer treatment. The study suggests that a drug targeting this protein could work even when prostate cancer becomes resistant to current therapies.
A national survey found that 69% of U.S. adults support requiring coverage of birth control medications in health plans, with women, blacks, and Hispanics more likely to agree. The majority also support other medical services like mammograms and vaccinations.
A new approach called DICE aims to reduce behavioral problems in dementia by empowering caregivers, patients, and health providers. The DICE method involves Describe, Investigate, Evaluate, and Create steps to change dementia patients' behavior through environmental modifications and other interventions.
A new study by the University of Michigan reveals that there is no single healthy microbiome, but rather a unique and varied collection of bacteria for each person. The research found that various factors such as diet, environment, medication use, and life history influence the types of bacteria present.
A team from the University of Michigan examines state-by-state navigation of the politics of health reform in a new JAMA article. The analysis shows signs of an emerging middle way toward reducing the ranks of the uninsured, with 11 states expanding Medicaid and going with federal or partnership exchanges, including six led by Republic...
A new study from Michigan Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System found that a record 72% of elderly Americans completed living wills in 2010, up from 47% in 2000. Despite this increase, hospitalization rates and deaths in the hospital remained largely unchanged over the decade.
A new study found that the more red blood cells patients receive through transfusions, the higher their risk of developing infections. Elderly patients undergoing hip or knee surgeries were most susceptible, with a 30% lower risk of infection when fewer transfusions were used.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that stronger adolescents and teens have significantly lower risks of heart disease and diabetes. The research suggests that muscle strength may play an equally important role in cardiometabolic health in children, particularly in those with higher strength-to-body-mass ratios.
Researchers derived stem cell lines from people with bipolar disorder to study brain cell development and behavior. The comparison revealed specific differences in gene expression, neuron development, and response to lithium, which may lead to new treatment options and personalized medicine.
A study by University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that 25% of breast cancer survivors reported financial decline after treatment. Racial disparities were also noted, with Spanish-speaking Latinas and Blacks being more likely to experience financial hardships.
A new study found that 12% of doctor visits for headaches result in unnecessary brain scans, costing around $1 billion annually. The researchers suggest better public education and insurance plan designs could reduce unnecessary use and spending on scans.
Scientists have identified a previously unrecognized gene variation associated with healthier blood lipid levels and reduced risk of heart attacks. The discovery uses a new approach to scan the genome for variations in genes that change protein function.
A study of 37 obese adolescents found that even after controlling for physical activity, low levels of sleep remained a significant predictor of cardiometabolic risk. Objective sleep assessment may be a useful screening tool to identify at-risk adolescents.
A study of 1,055 physicians found that married women with children spent 8.5 hours more on parenting and domestic activities than their male counterparts, despite accounting for a spouse's employment. The finding highlights the persistent gender differences in household labor among high-achieving female doctors.
A new study published in the journal Movement Disorders shows that a handheld electronic device can help essential tremor patients overcome their condition's effects. The device, called Liftware, improves patients' ability to hold a spoon still and eat with it, providing hope for those with debilitating hand shakes.
A new poll from U-M's National Poll on Children's Health found that only 12% of uninsured parents take breastfeeding support classes. The study highlights the need for more affordable and accessible support to promote breastfeeding among all families.
A new study led by Michigan Medicine researcher Sara Pasquali found that the cost of care for children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgical repair varies as much as nine times across US hospitals. Hospitals with higher case volumes have lower costs, but also higher rates of post-operative complications and longer hospital ...
A study found that breast reconstruction rates have increased significantly since 1998, with a six-fold increase in bilateral mastectomies and three-quarters of women receiving reconstruction. However, radiation therapy is less likely to be followed by reconstruction, raising concerns about the impact on patient outcomes.
A study from Michigan Medicine and Georgia Regents University identified a protein that increases cancer stem cells in triple-negative breast cancer. The researchers found that blocking this inflammatory pathway with the drug bortezomib may reduce cancer stem cells and improve patient outcomes.
A University of Michigan study finds 56% of MS patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, despite only 21% having an established diagnosis. The researchers suggest that treating sleep apnea may help alleviate fatigue in MS patients.
Researchers at U-M Medical School and institutions worldwide investigate the fiber of our being, discovering how one group of gut bacteria digests complex sugars. Their findings shed light on the science of human nutrition and have implications for commerce and industry.
A new study by the University of Michigan finds that pediatric providers are using less effective screening tests for type 2 diabetes in children, leading to potential missed diagnoses. The new American Diabetes Association guidelines have been criticized due to lower test performance and increased costs for non-fasting tests.
African-Americans are 39 times more likely to die from a stroke after an infection compared to other ethnic groups. Infection promotes blood clot formation and fat buildup in arteries, contributing to higher stroke mortality rates among blacks.
Researchers found that emergency patients were 59% less likely to have repeated CT scans, 44% less likely for ultrasounds, and 67% less likely for chest X-rays when both hospitals shared patient records. The study suggests health information exchanges (HIEs) may deliver efficiency they promise.