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.
A new study reveals that small physician practices serving children are unprepared to become recognized as 'medical homes', which prioritize quality improvement and comprehensive care. This limitation may hinder efforts to improve healthcare for children, particularly those with higher medical needs.
A new study finds that more than one-third of ER physicians are unsure if their department provides child passenger safety information to parents. Fewer than half said they would provide discharge instructions with advice on car seats for a 2-year-old child.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that scoring methods for evaluating Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICU) are inconsistent, leading to unreliable comparisons. The research suggests that these scores may not level the playing field well enough and can be unfair to hospitals with high numbers of sick infants.
A new University of Michigan study found that the protein HER2 plays a role even in breast cancers traditionally classified as HER2-negative. The research suggests that the drug Herceptin may have a greater impact on treating breast cancer and preventing its spread, particularly when given early to prevent tumor recurrence.
A team of University of Michigan doctors analyze the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act and Reagan-era emergency access law, emphasizing the need for preventive care and coordinated care. The authors conclude that modern healthcare reform must address these gaps to bring the nation closer to a goal of comprehensive care for all.
Researchers combined police reports, drug offenses, and alcohol availability data to identify 'hot spots' of violence. The analysis showed that types and densities of alcohol outlets were directly related to violent crimes, despite typical demographic factors.
Researchers discover that tranylcypromine can reverse the effects of sickle cell disease in mice and human red blood cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for the life-threatening condition, which causes misshapen red blood cells to cause vascular damage and premature death.
Researchers analyzed Boston data and found correlations between alcohol availability, drug possession, and violent crimes. The study aims to help policy makers and police focus resources on areas with higher risk factors for violence.
A new poll from the University of Michigan found that only 25% of parents consider doctor rating websites very important in their search for a pediatrician. However, younger parents (under 30) are more likely to say online ratings are very important, with mothers being more likely than fathers. Despite this, nearly one-third of parents...
Researchers have identified novel gene variants linked to Behçet's disease, a chronic condition causing painful ulcers and brain inflammation. The study also reveals multiple independent genetic risk regions within the HLA region, which could lead to better understanding and treatment options for this devastating illness.
A study mapping the landscape of kinases in cancerous and non-cancerous tissue identified outlier kinase expression that can be targeted with existing drugs. Researchers found promising combinations, including adding a FGFR4-inhibitor to Herceptin for HER2-positive breast cancer tumors.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that Mary Ingalls likely suffered from viral meningoencephalitis, which caused her blindness, rather than scarlet fever. The study analyzed historical records and Laura Ingalls' memoirs to reach this conclusion.
Researchers found that patients' severity of illness is not always strongly associated with their likelihood of being admitted to the ICU. Electronic health records can calculate which patient has the highest risk of death, providing a powerful tool to efficiently use scarce and costly health resources.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that public awareness and matching research needs with participant characteristics are key barriers to participation. The study suggests that effective community engagement can help attract more participants to medical research.
A new technique called Bru-Seq allows researchers to label newly created RNA, enabling them to analyze the synthesis and stability of RNA in cancer cells. This breakthrough has the potential to provide deeper insights into gene expression and identify early warning signs of disease.
A University of Michigan study reveals how certain genes activate cells that cause rheumatoid arthritis in mice, potentially leading to new treatments for both arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The discovery challenges long-held theories on the association between HLA genes and autoimmune disorders.
A new poll from the University of Michigan found that only 35% of parents are very concerned about misuse of narcotic pain medicines by children and teens. Despite rising rates of abuse and overdoses, most parents do not support policies to discourage misuse or return unused medications.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing a decision-making aid to support parents in making informed decisions about their child's diagnosis and treatment. The guide will educate families about sex development, genetic testing, and possible consequences of decisions on their child and entire family.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a genetic anomaly that could improve diagnosis and treatment of rare solitary fibrous tumors. The NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion was found in every tumor sample analyzed, providing a potential target for therapies.
The REVIVE-IT study will investigate the potential benefits of left ventricular assist devices for patients with advanced heart failure. Researchers aim to determine if implanting these devices earlier can improve patient outcomes.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that two-thirds of mothers with sick babies in Ghana are at risk of postpartum depression. This condition can lead to poor infant growth and nutrition, as well as increased mortality rates for both mothers and babies.
A new NIH-funded study shows that inexpensive education efforts can increase safe use of clot-busting drug tPA at local hospitals, improving stroke care. Community hospitals across Michigan saw a significant improvement in tPA use rates after receiving educational support and round-the-clock treatment assistance.
Patients who quit smoking and took aspirin and statin before undergoing treatment for blocked leg arteries were less likely to suffer complications six months later. The study found that more than half of patients studied failed to receive minimal medical therapy, despite doctors' efforts.
Patients with diabetes may receive high-dose cholesterol-lowering medications unnecessarily, increasing the risk of adverse side effects. The new study suggests adopting a more personalized treatment approach based on each patient's risk profile, combining blood pressure and prescription data in electronic records.
A new study suggests that the University of Michigan Health System's (UMHS) approach to medical errors, known as the "Michigan Model," has helped reduce malpractice claims and costs. The model focuses on compensating patients quickly and fairly, supporting clinical staff, and reducing patient injuries by learning from experiences.
A new study reveals that the SIRT6 gene plays a critical role in suppressing cancer growth by repressing aerobic glycolysis and inhibiting Myc activity. The loss of SIRT6 protein in mice increases tumor size and aggressiveness, highlighting its potential as a tumor suppressor.
A new poll reveals strong support for required hearing screening across all age groups, with 82% of parents backing it for 6- to 7-year-olds and 77% for 2- to 3-year-olds. Hearing loss from prolonged sound exposure is a concern, particularly among tweens and teens.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have made skin cells in senior citizens act like younger cells again by adding more filler to the surrounding extracellular matrix. The study shows that this approach can trigger a signal for cells to wake up and respond positively to alterations in their environment.
A new class of drugs has been shown to reduce the risk of graft-vs.-host disease, a deadly side effect of lifesaving bone marrow transplants, by half. The study used vorinostat, a cancer drug with anti-inflammatory effects, and found it safe and tolerable for patients undergoing reduced-intensity bone marrow transplants.
A new drug demonstrated dramatic effects on prostate cancer that had spread to the bone, with two-thirds of patients showing improvements on their bone scans. Additionally, 67% of patients with bone pain reported improved pain control after treatment with cabozantinib.
A recent study found that 70% of women with breast cancer have both breasts removed despite a very low risk of recurrence in the healthy breast. The study suggests that concern about recurrence drives the decision, but this procedure is often associated with higher morbidity and unnecessary complications.
Researchers found that eccrine sweat glands store adult stem cells that can quickly aid wound healing. This discovery advances understanding of the normal healing process and paves way for designing better targeted therapies.
A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that 16% of emergency room patients aged 14-20 may have undiagnosed binge eating, bulimia, or other eating problems. Those with signs of eating disorders were also more likely to show signs of depression and substance abuse.