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.
Michigan's Medicaid expansion provides a unique blend of public and private sector approaches to health coverage, blending compassion with economic realities. The Healthy Michigan plan includes market-oriented reforms and provisions that limit the state budget impact if certain benchmarks aren't hit.
A University of Michigan study found that following a low-sodium DASH eating plan for 21 days can lower blood pressure similar to taking anti-hypertension medicine. The diet improves left ventricular relaxation and reduces diastolic chamber stiffness, leading to better heart function.
A team of U-M neuroscientists reports that SIRP alpha plays a critical role in stabilizing the most active synaptic connections between brain cells. This finding may aid research on conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability, which are linked to abnormal synapse function.
Researchers found significant improvements in facial appearance, including reduced puffiness and redness, after just a few months of CPAP treatment for middle-aged patients with sleep apnea. The study used face mapping and photogrammetry techniques to measure changes in facial contours.
A new study reveals that nearly one in five older adults experience emergency department visits within a month of common surgeries, with significant variation between hospitals. Hospitals can use this measure to assess their quality of care and focus on preventing post-surgery emergencies.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that incoming Medicaid enrollees may be younger, whiter, and healthier than current beneficiaries. These individuals are more likely to be smokers and heavy drinkers. Overall, the expansion could bring in a new, healthier group with different demographic characteristics.
A new study found that certain immune cells help cancer stem cells survive and thrive. This finding has significant implications for the development of targeted therapies to eliminate cancer.
A study found that heart attack mortality rates have not declined despite a significant reduction in door-to-balloon time, highlighting the need for further strategies to improve care. The analysis of 100,000 heart attack admissions revealed that faster treatment times did not lead to better patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new laser-based technology that can distinguish between cancerous and healthy brain tissue in real-time during surgery. This could lead to better outcomes and longer survival rates for patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the most deadly type of brain tumor.
A University of Michigan Medical School physician and medical historian argues that the 30-year-old Bayh-Dole law needs revision to prioritize public benefit over profits. The law's haphazard history and modern risks, including patenting human genes, warrant a rational dialogue about revising it.
A new study from the University of Michigan researchers found that children with higher BPA levels had a higher odds of obesity and adverse levels of body fat. The study measured BPA levels in children's urine and found an association between high BPA levels and abnormal waist circumference-to-height ratio.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that nearly 20% of women did not believe their breast cancer risk, citing concerns about family history and personal health habits. The study highlights the need for improved communication and understanding of risk information to make informed medical decisions.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found a significant decline in ischemic stroke rates among Mexican Americans over 60, with an overall decrease of 36% between 2000-2010. Despite this drop, the relative burden of stroke remains higher among Mexican Americans, with a rate 34% higher than non-Hispanic Whites.
A University of Michigan study reveals that rats display brain activity patterns characteristic of conscious perception shortly after clinical death. The findings suggest that the brain is capable of well-organized electrical activity during the early stage of clinical death.
A study published in Pediatrics found that school lunch and TV time are linked to childhood obesity, with girls who drank milk daily less likely to be obese and boys who played sports at a healthier weight. The research suggests that improving school lunches and decreasing screen time can help reduce the risk of obesity in children.
The lack of investment in tumor biomarker research, inconsistent regulatory rules, and inadequate payment have created a vicious cycle preventing the development and testing of reliable biomarker tests. Experts recommend reforms to break this cycle and increase the value of tumor biomarker tests.
A new study using Y chromosome DNA sequencing sheds light on human ancestry by tracing the male lineage back to a common ancestor between 120,000 and 156,000 years ago. This timeframe agrees with previous findings on the female most recent common ancestor, providing significant insights into human history and migration patterns.