A new study from the University of Michigan found that parents of newborns with sickle cell anemia are less likely to receive genetic counseling than those whose babies are cystic fibrosis carriers. This disparity may be due to physicians' perceptions of the risks associated with each condition.
Researchers studied 980 children undergoing cardiac surgery and found no benefits from tight glycemic control using insulin. The study suggests that routine control of blood sugar levels in pediatric cardiac intensive care units should not be standard practice.
A study published in American Journal of Pathology found that two genetic mutations, beta-catenin and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), cooperate to induce adrenal cancer. The research provides new insights into the rare and deadly disease, which affects about 600 Americans annually, and may lead to targeted therapies.
A U-M analysis shows that removing payment for hospital-acquired catheter-associated urinary tract infections had negligible financial impact on hospitals. The study highlights the inaccuracies of billing data used to implement the policy, leading to unfair penalties for some hospitals.
Researchers found that patients at hospitals with longer resuscitation attempts have a higher likelihood of immediate survival and survival to discharge. However, the study does not recommend an optimal duration for resuscitation, emphasizing the need for careful clinical judgment.
A simple assessment checklist improves the predictive accuracy of inexperienced psychiatrists when assessing violence risk in patients. The tool, called HCR-20-C, is a brief and straightforward checklist with five items that can be assessed by trained mental health professionals.
Scientists have restored the sense of smell in mice through gene therapy, providing a hopeful sign for those born without or losing their sense of smell due to disease. The breakthrough may also aid research into other cilia-related diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease and retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers used an experimental cancer drug to treat abnormal brain cell growth in mice with neurofibromatosis 1. The study showed that early treatment can prevent learning disabilities in these children by promoting normal neural stem cell development.
A team of researchers warns that the US may lose its position as a hub for medical discovery due to Asian nations' increased funding and long-term plans. This could lead to a 'brain drain' of top young researchers and economic damage for the US.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered the crucial role of Mof in preserving stem cells' ability to become any type of cell. By regulating DNA access, Mof enables stem cells to maintain their 'stem-ness' and differentiate into specialized cells.
According to a US national poll, a lack of exercise is the biggest child health problem in the country. Obesity ranks second, while smoking and tobacco use are also major concerns. The results highlight the importance of public programs and communication initiatives to address these issues.
Researchers demonstrate that bacteria can form antibiotic-resistant clumps in a short time, even in a flowing liquid such as the blood, leading to severe infections. These clumps persist even when two different types of antibiotics are added, suggesting that sticking together protects the floating bacteria from the drugs' effects.
Pregnant women experiencing depression may benefit from mindfulness yoga, which can significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve attachment to their babies. This study provides promising evidence that yoga could be an effective alternative to pharmaceutical treatment for pregnant women showing signs of depression.
New research from the University of Michigan found that a 10-percentage-point increase in federal matching funds for Medicaid and CHIP is associated with an increase of 1.9 percent in the number of children enrolled in Medicaid nationwide. This translates to approximately 500,000 additional children gaining health insurance coverage.
A U-M study reveals that natural killer cells, a crucial part of the immune system, are not fully matured until adulthood. By blocking a specific cell signaling pathway, infants' immune systems can be boosted, potentially reducing their susceptibility to infections.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that women with vulvodynia are at a higher risk for other chronic pain conditions. The study showed that millions of women suffer from unexplained vulvar pain that can severely impact daily life.
The combination of anastrozole and fulvestrant improved overall survival and progression-free survival in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The study showed a six-month extended median survival time compared to anastrozole alone, and improved median time to disease progression.
Researchers have identified a compound that could prevent damage to the retina in diabetic retinopathy by targeting two important pathways: inflammation and blood vessel weakening. The finding is promising for developing a new therapy.
A new cause of congenital myopathy has been identified through research published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. The discovery of a previously uncharacterized gene provides a genetic explanation for the disease and may lead to the development of therapies.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a safer method for steadying abnormal heart rhythms, using photodynamic therapy to target specific cells causing the arrhythmia. This cell-specific approach aims to decrease unwanted cell injury and inflammation, paving the way for more effective therapies.
Researchers have identified RhoC as a key driver of breast cancer stem cell metastasis. High levels of RhoC are associated with worse patient survival rates. Targeting this molecule may lead to more effective treatments for certain types of cancer, potentially managing cancer stem cells and invasive behaviors.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that an inflammatory pathway involving Interleukin-6 drives resistance to Herceptin in HER2-positive breast cancers. Blocking this pathway with a drug improved the treatment's effectiveness, and also prevented cancer stem cells from forming.
A University of Michigan study reveals that spouses of severe sepsis patients are nearly four times more likely to experience substantial depressive symptoms. Greater mental health screenings may be necessary for these individuals to support their loved ones' rehabilitation and decision-making.
New research reveals that adolescents and young adult cancer patients often lack access to the necessary psychological, social support, and information resources. Studies found significant proportions of patients in this age group report unmet needs for mental health services, camp programs, and age-appropriate online resources.
The American Heart Association has released a scientific statement addressing varied cardiac evaluation policies in transplant patients. The guidelines aim to standardize cardiac evaluation practices before kidney and liver transplantation, reducing unnecessary testing and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new single-gene cause of chronic kidney disease, which implicates DNA damage response signaling. The study found that mutations in Fanconi anemia-associated nuclease 1 (FAN1) lead to increased DNA damage and apoptosis in patients with CKD.
The $100,000 Taubman Prize is awarded to Dr. Harry Dietz for his pioneering work on modifying genetic defects in connective tissue, potentially leading to new treatments for Marfan syndrome and other disorders. The prize recognizes the clinician-researcher who has transformed laboratory discoveries into clinical applications.
The University of Michigan will use the funding to train researchers, provide tools and services, and involve more volunteers in their work. Over 11,000 people have already signed up for the registry.
A new 'adaptive' way of designing medical studies could help patients and researchers. Adaptive design assigns patients at slightly less than random chance, allowing for more personalized care. This approach may be most beneficial in emergency care or situations with high medical stakes.
A new study by U-M researchers found that residency programs vary in their interpretation of National Residency Matching Program rules, leading to stress for both OB-GYN residents and program directors. The study suggests that frequent communication with candidates may create an unfair advantage, undermining the original purpose of the...
Researchers at the University of Michigan have made a surprising finding about WNT signaling and its role in fat cell growth. They discovered that Sfrp5, a molecule previously thought to have an opposing effect, actually stimulates fat cells to grow larger and burn fat slower.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that patients who receive a mid-urethral sling during prolapse repair have less than half the risk of urinary incontinence. The study suggests that inserting a sling during surgery can significantly reduce urine leakage, but also increases the risk of certain side effects.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a new method to generate cardiac muscle patches from stem cells, which can mimic the heart's crucial squeezing action. The engineered cells displayed activity similar to most people's resting heart rate and could potentially be used to help 2.5 million people with arrhythmia.
A recent poll by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll found that childhood obesity was ranked highest, followed by bullying, drug abuse, and child abuse and neglect. These four priorities were chosen by over half of US adults, regardless of political party affiliation or race/ethnicity.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found a causal link between unconscious conflicts and conscious anxiety disorder symptoms. The study used subliminal and supraliminal presentations of words related to unconscious conflicts and conscious symptom-related stimuli, revealing an inhibitory effect on brain activity.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System discovered that digoxin, a centuries-old heart drug, enhances the body's natural protection against high blood pressure and heart failure. By activating RGS proteins, digoxin may improve survival rates in patients with congestive heart failure.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that male doctors make $12,001 more per year than their female colleagues after adjusting for various factors. This translates to a difference of over $350,000 over a 30-year career.
A new study finds that nearly half of infants who survive GBS meningitis experience developmental delays, with 56% having age-appropriate development and 19% having severe impairment. Long-term follow-up evaluations are crucial to identify subtle developmental delays and address them early.
Researchers develop new approach to designing antibiotics that target bacterial ribosomes without damaging hair cells, addressing ototoxicity. Apramycin shows promise against drug-resistant TB and other 'superbugs' without causing hearing loss.
A clinical trial found that duloxetine reduced painful tingling feelings caused by chemotherapy in 59 percent of patients. The study suggests that this antidepressant may be an effective treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy pain.
A large survey by the SWOG cancer research cooperative group found that lower-income cancer patients were less likely to participate in clinical trials than those with higher incomes. This disparity is concerning, as it may limit their access to cutting-edge treatments and impact the accuracy of trial results.
A seventeen-year study led by SWOG found that intermittent hormone therapy for metastatic prostate cancer is inferior to continuous therapy, with overall survival times shorter for many patients. The treatment approach was also shown to have varying effects on different disease stages.
A new study found that caring for patients with fecal incontinence costs over $4,000 per person each year, making it a significant economic burden. The condition affects 8.3% of adults and can lead to depression and social isolation.
University of Michigan Health System study shows that lean thinking techniques can improve efficiency, morale, and teamwork in the operating room. The study found significant improvements in turnaround time, staff empowerment, and problem-solving skills.
A study found that over 8% of VA patients with diabetes may be over-treated, while 6% are under-treated. An individualized approach could help identify the right treatment plan for each patient.
A study analyzing industry-funded studies at psychiatric conferences found that 97.4% reported positive results for medicines being marketed, while non-industry funded studies showed a more balanced outcome. This 'presentation bias' echoes publication bias seen in major journals and may impact clinical care.
A University of Michigan Health System study reveals that Bcl10 is necessary for the harmful effects of high-fat foods on insulin action and blood sugar regulation. The findings suggest that even short-term changes in diet can induce insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of understanding the body's response to indulgent eating.
A new study reveals that a combination of three drugs used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can lead to increased risk of death and hospitalization. The researchers found no improvement in lung function or slowing of disease progression with the treatment, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing methods.
Specialized care from experienced teams reduces the chance of immediate death and disability by 30% for patients with bleeding brain aneurysms. Patients who receive this treatment have better long-term survival and quality of life.
A U-M study shows medical students have negative views of their future work lives as physicians, particularly primary care physicians. Students believe they have too much administrative work and are overwhelmed by patient needs.