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.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified five genes that play a major role in the development of Takayasu arteritis, a debilitating disease causing inflammation and damage to major blood vessels. The findings may lead to new therapeutic targets for this under-studied condition.
Researchers created a 'dish' of patient-specific neurons from skin cells, discovering abnormal sodium current activity that could set off seizures in Dravet syndrome patients. The study holds promise for modeling seizure disorders and screening medications.
A new small animal model of the human norovirus has been developed, allowing researchers to study the virus and develop potential antiviral treatments. The model was created by infecting 'humanized' mice with the virus and identified macrophages as the cell type infected by the virus.
Rates of severe depression fell significantly among older adults between 1998 and 2008, particularly among those aged 80-84, with late middle agers experiencing increased depression symptoms. Despite this trend, a significant percentage of the population continues to experience severe symptoms.
A new study by the University of Michigan Injury Center found that nearly one in four young assault victims have a gun, mostly obtained illegally, which increases their risk for future firearm violence. The study also revealed high rates of substance use, fighting, and attitudes favoring retaliation among those with guns.
A new study found that children with extended evening office hours had half as many emergency department visits, but only half of parents knew their child's office was open after 5 PM. Enhanced access services like same-day sick visits were not associated with reduced emergency department use.
A recent Michigan Medicine study found that most state websites offering health care prices rarely provide information relevant or usable for consumers. The study analyzed 62 public websites and found that most only reported billed charges, not actual patient costs, with limited focus on outpatient services.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System has identified a potential therapy to prevent muscle atrophy after ACL tears. By blocking the hormone myostatin, researchers aim to restore athletic and functional abilities in the short term and prevent osteoarthritis in the long term.
Researchers found that none of the 169 cancer clinical practice guidelines met all eight criteria set by the Institute of Medicine. However, some guidelines were rated as 'good,' highlighting the need for a balance between ideal standards and practical implementation.
A new study shows that mothers in low-income countries often lack understanding of why their baby is in the hospital, leading to difficulty communicating preferences and recognizing future warning signs of illness. This communication gap puts sick newborns at high risk of adverse health outcomes.
Researchers from U-M and Johns Hopkins will create a web-based tool called WeCare to track, understand, and treat behavioral symptoms of dementia. The goal is to improve caregiver skills and provide tailored strategies for in-home care, aiming to reduce stress and burden on families.
Researchers have identified a novel approach to moderate and severe pain therapy that could lead to lower dosage painkillers. The compounds bind to a separate site on the opioid receptor, potentially working with the body's own natural painkillers to manage pain.
Researchers Brian Druker and Charles Sawyers developed imatinib, a widely used drug targeting cancer cells, transforming chronic myeloid leukemia from fatal to manageable. Their work inspired the pharmaceutical industry and future physician-scientists.
A study from University of Michigan Health System reveals black patients in segregated areas are up to 96% more likely to have surgery at low-quality hospitals, living nearly twice as close to high-quality facilities as white patients. The results suggest separate but unequal hospitalization patterns exist, with potential solutions inc...
A new, bioresorbable tracheal splint created using 3D printing technology successfully treated a baby with severe tracheobronchomalacia, saving his life. The device was designed and fabricated at the University of Michigan, where it was used to treat Kaiba, a 20-month-old boy who stopped breathing regularly.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tonsil/adenoid surgery improved behavior, quality of life, and other symptoms in children with obstructive sleep apnea. However, there was no significant difference seen in attention and executive function between the treatment groups.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that hospitals with the highest rates of cardiac arrests tend to have the poorest survival rates for those cases. Conversely, hospitals that do a better job preventing cardiac arrest among patients also tend to save more patients who experience an arrest.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that peripherally inserted central catheters more than double the risk of blood clots in critically ill patients and those with cancer. The device is often used for IV medication delivery and has lower infection risks, but may not be suitable for all patients.
A study by the University of Michigan found that African Americans are less likely to call 9-1-1 immediately after experiencing stroke symptoms due to concerns about medical costs and ambulance response time. The study aimed to address these barriers and improve prompt hospital care, as timely treatment can reduce permanent damage.
Research shows disrupted brain gene activity in depressed brains, out of sync with the usual daily cycle, offering a new target for diagnosis and treatment. The findings also reveal a previously unknown daily rhythm to gene activity across many areas of the brain.
A University of Michigan study found that despite strong recommendations to use decision aids, there is a lack of evidence on whether they work effectively. The researchers reviewed 73 decision aids for breast, cervical, colon, and prostate cancers but only half were evaluated for subsequent screening behavior.
A new study found that nearly 97% of obese enrollees met or exceeded the average goal of 5,000 steps a day via an Internet-tracked walking program. This suggests that incentivized wellness programs can encourage healthy behaviors and reduce health costs.
A new study found that adults with depression and certain antidepressant medications are more likely to develop Clostridium difficile infections, a serious and costly hospital-associated infection. Individuals with major depression were 36% more likely to develop the infection than those without depression.
A new study found no increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms or death in patients taking daily doses of citalopram above 40mg, contradicting the FDA's warning. Higher dosages were associated with fewer adverse outcomes than lower dosages.
A study published in Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that grapes reduce heart failure associated with hypertension by increasing antioxidant defense genes in the heart. Grapes are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which help improve glutathione levels and reduce oxidative stress.
A University of Michigan study found that survival from cardiac arrest is higher when it occurs in the operating room (O.R.) or post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) compared to other hospital locations. The presence of anesthesia providers in these areas may improve outcomes for certain patients.
A new study from the University of Michigan found significant geographic disparities in access to medical services and medications for children with diabetes. Only 26 states provided medical coverage and 24 states covered diabetes supplies.
Research reveals that strained relationships with spouses and low-quality social interactions significantly increase the risk of major depression. In contrast, individuals without a spouse are at no increased risk, highlighting the importance of relationship quality in mental health.
A new poll shows that many parents are giving young kids medicines that they should not use, despite FDA warnings. The medications can cause serious side effects in children under 4 years old, including allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that consuming grapes reduced inflammation and fat storage in obesity-prone rats. Grape intake also improved antioxidant defense, particularly in the liver and kidneys.
A new study by University of Michigan Health System researchers found that women who give birth as teens are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese later in life. The study, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, identified teen pregnancy as a predictor of obesity.
A team of scientists has discovered that a toxic protein, FMRpolyG, is made in an abnormal way due to a gene mutation, leading to Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). This unusual translation process, known as RAN translation, may hold the key to better treatments for older adults with the condition.
A new study from the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System found that group mindfulness activities significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines meditation, acceptance, and awareness to help individuals manage traumatic thoughts and emotions.