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.
A new University of Michigan Medical School study reveals that certain antipsychotic medications may help normalize the activity of genes involved in communication between brain cells. The research found similarities in gene expression patterns among patients treated with these medications and those without bipolar disorder, suggesting...
Autophagy, a type of internal 'spring cleaning', helps maintain neural stem cells' readiness to become new brain and nerve cells. Without this process, these crucial stem cells suffer damage from waste products and their ability to differentiate diminishes.
A new study found that one-quarter of women who need hormone-blocking therapies as part of their breast cancer treatment either do not start or do not complete the five-year course. Side effects were cited as the most common reason for skipping treatment.
A new study estimates that dementia care costs are comparable to those of heart disease and cancer, with annual costs ranging from $159-$215 billion. The majority of these costs are due to long-term daily care and supervision provided by families and nursing homes.
A new study of 1,535 patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer found that taking breaks from hormone-blocking treatments may not be as effective as continuous treatment. The study suggests that patients should be counseled about the potential risks of intermittent therapy if they wish to try it.
A new study finds that frequent use of the gastroesophageal reflux disease label in infants leads to overuse of medication, causing needless expenses for families. The researchers concluded that parents' expectations of medication are driven by the doctor's words, which can make a normal process seem like a disease.
A new study links Lynch syndrome to a higher lifetime risk of prostate cancer and earlier age of onset, suggesting regular screening for men with the condition. The research estimates that men with Lynch syndrome have a 30% lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer, compared to 18% in the general population.
A new study found that group-based financial incentives for weight loss are significantly more effective than individual incentives. Group-based rewards led to nearly three times more weight loss among participants. The study suggests that peer pressure and competition can be powerful motivators in promoting healthy behaviors at work.
A University of Michigan-led study found that supine sleep increases the risk of low birth weight and subsequently stillbirth in pregnant women. The researchers suggest that encouraging pregnant women to avoid sleeping on their backs could be a simple approach to improve pregnancy outcomes.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that Michigan hospitals have significantly lower rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to other US hospitals. The study, which used a low-tech approach to timely removal of urinary catheters, resulted in a 25% decrease in UTI rates at Michigan hospitals.
A recent study of over 2,300 first-year residents found that the percentage of self-reported medical errors increased after new work-hour restrictions took effect in 2011. The researchers suggest that the reduction in work hours led to a decrease in 'down time' and an increase in communication gaps, contributing to the rise in errors.
A new University of Michigan poll shows that only one-third of parents follow their child's health care provider's advice all of the time. Most parents say they follow provider advice 'most of the time', but lower-income households and black and Hispanic parents are more likely to report following advice only occasionally.
Researchers found that pneumonia patients are nearly twice as likely to develop depression and cognitive impairments, which can lead to disability and nursing home admissions. Hospitalization for pneumonia also increases the risk of losing daily life activities.
A new international study identified eight behaviors that can reduce anxiety and chances of allergic reactions in passengers with peanut/tree nut allergies on airplane flights. These behaviors include requesting accommodations, wiping tray tables, and avoiding airline pillows and blankets.
A University of Michigan study reveals that probiotics can reverse the effect of stress on gut microbiota, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The study also highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through lifestyle changes.
A new technique for reconstructing the nose after skin cancer has been developed at Michigan Medicine, offering a more efficient and effective solution. The procedure eliminates the need for a skin flap, reducing the risk of complications and allowing patients to achieve good cosmetic results without undergoing a second surgery.
A University of Michigan Stroke Program study suggests that the combination of blood thinners and tPA treatment for stroke does not increase the risk of brain bleeding. The research, based on data from 830 patients, found no significant difference in brain bleeding rates even among those taking aspirin or clopidogrel.