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.
New research reveals vulvodynia affects Hispanic women more frequently than black women, with higher incidence rates in younger women and those with pre-existing pain disorders. The study found that nearly 10 million women experience vulvodynia at any given time, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have discovered two types of breast cancer stem cells, each playing a crucial role in metastasis. The findings highlight the need for targeted therapies that can tackle both forms of stem cells, offering new hope for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
A new University of Michigan study found that white parents are more likely to use age-appropriate car seats for their children than non-white parents. The study, which analyzed data from over 600 parents, also showed that non-white parents were more likely to prematurely transition their children to booster seats and seat belts.
The US has lost its lead in global biomedical research spending, with Asia's share increasing from 18% to 24%, while the US dropped from 51% to 45%. Industry funding cuts drove this decline, not public sector reductions. Increased support from governments and lower labor costs in Asia are key factors.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that surgery significantly improves survival rates and functional outcomes for patients with advanced oral cavity cancer. In contrast, those who received chemotherapy after initial treatment had poorer results.
A texting service, txt4health, motivated people to change behavior and reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes, but less than half of enrollees stuck with the service. The program led to significant improvements in diet and physical activity habits among participants.
Tinnitus affects millions of Americans, including veterans, and can be debilitating. Researchers at U-M have discovered a process called stimulus-timing dependent multisensory plasticity that is altered in animals with tinnitus. This finding provides a science-based approach to treating the condition.
A new study finds that Massachusetts' broader health insurance reform improved the state's health status and preventive care, especially among low-income residents. The study also showed increased access to personal doctors and reduced cost barriers to care.
A new study reveals that even low levels of daily UVA1 exposure can cause skin damage and premature aging. Researchers found that just two daily exposures can start the skin-aging process, highlighting the need for better sunscreens to protect against these damaging rays.
A new class of drugs has been shown to reduce the risk of graft-vs.-host disease, a serious complication of bone marrow transplants. In a study of 61 older adults undergoing reduced-intensity bone marrow transplants, vorinostat was found to be safe and effective in preventing GVHD.
Male fruit flies that expect sex but don't receive it experience rapid decreases in fat stores, resistance to starvation, and more stress. Mating partially reverses the negative effects on health and aging. The study provides new insights into how sensory perception and physiological state are integrated in the brain.
Older patients with traumatic injuries can regain more daily activities with geriatric care, according to a new study. Geriatric interventions helped them take better care of themselves and be more independent.
A national survey of pediatricians found that many order few genetic tests, don't discuss risks and benefits, and take limited family histories. The study highlights the need for robust education, access to resources, and improved electronic health records systems to enhance integration of genetic medicine into routine primary care.
Researchers used brain imaging to track pregabalin's effects on fibromyalgia patients, finding reduced glutamate levels and decreased insula connectivity. This study suggests a future of targeted brain imaging approaches for chronic widespread pain treatment.
A University of Michigan study found that reminder letters sent to parents of children with chronic conditions increased vaccination rates. The Michigan Care Improvement Registry was used to identify high-risk kids and prompt vaccinations during the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are conducting a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy on tennis elbow. The study compares PRP injections to other treatments, including physical therapy and dry needling, in a blind study to minimize bias.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that female family physicians are more likely to order the HPV test for low-risk women aged 30-65 compared to their male counterparts. The likelihood of ordering the test also varies among clinics and physician training levels.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that prenatal group visits for expectant Japanese women who discussed childbirth and baby care topics with peers felt less anxious and better prepared. The groups allowed women to connect on a personal level, share experiences, and take control of their pregnancy.
The Rogels' $50 million gift will support student scholarships and the Center for Chinese Studies, bolstering U-M's global engagement and research capabilities. The gift also marks Richard Rogel's leadership role in the Victors for Michigan campaign to raise $1 billion for student support.
A new approach to treating high blood pressure aims to reduce medication usage while preventing more heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found that considering multiple factors beyond just blood pressure levels can lead to more effective treatment.
A study found that six patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer developed mutations in the estrogen receptor after taking anti-estrogen therapies, leading to treatment resistance. The discovery sheds light on why patients become resistant to hormonal therapy and offers new insights into developing targeted treatments.
Chronic snoring during pregnancy linked to poor delivery outcomes, including smaller babies and C-sections. Researchers found that pregnant women with sleep-related breathing problems are more likely to deliver underweight babies and require emergency or elective C-sections.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have identified two new proteins, Wapal and Synj1, that control T-cell responses and may help reduce graft-vs.-host disease. The study found that blocking these proteins reduced GvHD in mice, suggesting a promising approach for improving bone marrow transplant outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus that causes immune-system cells in the skin to react and produce eczema-like rashes. The finding suggests a specific mechanism behind the link between staph bacteria and eczema, which could lead to new treatments.
A new University of Michigan study finds that 10.4% of teens and young adults treated in the emergency room admitted to misusing prescription painkillers or sedatives at least once in the last year. The study suggests that emergency departments could be an effective setting for screening and intervening early before problems arise.
A new study found that young black women in Southeastern Michigan have the highest rate of developing lupus and are more likely to experience serious health complications. Lupus prevalence was three times higher among black females compared to white women, with a higher risk of kidney and neurologic complications.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that the newly insured will make more outpatient visits and fewer emergency room (ER) visits than they do today. The study found that clinic visits rose significantly among adolescents after the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) went into effect, while ER visits remained flat. Howeve...
A new University of Michigan study found that Medicare's data source for reporting rates of pressure ulcers is not accurate for comparing hospital quality. The study revealed drastic differences in performance depending on the type of data used.
A University of Michigan study found that the brain's natural painkiller system responds to social rejection, releasing chemicals called opioids to ease social pain. Individuals with high resilience scores exhibited greater opioid release during social rejection, suggesting a protective or adaptive response.
Researchers at U-M Health System have begun a Phase II clinical trial using stem cells to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating disease affecting nerve cells. The trial, approved by the FDA and funded by Neuralstem Inc., aims to assess the safety and potential effects of injected stem cells on motor neurons.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that high-skilled surgeons had significantly fewer post-surgery complications and shorter operations. The study used video ratings data of 20 bariatric surgeons' operating skills to predict patient outcomes, with low skill surgeons experiencing higher complication rates.
A massive DNA study has uncovered 157 genetic changes that alter cholesterol and blood fat levels, potentially leading to new medications. Triglycerides play a larger role in heart disease risk than previously thought, and the research provides strong foundation for further investigation.
Researchers developed a clinical tool to predict the risk of end-stage renal disease among liver transplant recipients. The Renal Risk Index calculates a score based on recipient characteristics and identifies factors associated with increased risk, such as BMI over 35 and hepatitis C diagnosis.