Key findings show a decline in childhood and adolescent immunization rates in Michigan, with completion rates dropping sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the need for targeted efforts to increase immunization rates in counties with lower income and higher uninsurance rates.
A recent study found that human gut evolution is closely tied to the recent surge in gastrointestinal disorders globally. The research team created human and chimpanzee intestinal organoids using stem cells, identifying key genetic differences that may have primed the human intestine for better nutrient absorption.
Targeting CDK12/13 strongly activates STING signaling pathway, enhancing effectiveness of immunotherapies. Inactivation of both CDK12 and CDK13 is associated with higher T cell activity and better treatment outcomes in various cancers.
Researchers from Michigan Medicine found that glutamine is essential for photoreceptor survival, and its imbalance can lead to rapid vision loss. Maintaining glutamine levels may help prevent vision loss and blindness by supporting amino acid biosynthesis and suppressing the integrated stress response.
A national study finds that the percentage of patients who wait four or more hours for a hospital bed has increased significantly, with even lower rates during non-peak months. The issue, known as 'boarding,' has become a major concern, putting patient safety at risk and straining emergency departments.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum suggests that Medicare could save $3.6 billion annually by eliminating or reducing low-value tests and procedures for patients who do not benefit from them. This reduction in unnecessary care could also result in $800 million less in out-of-pocket costs for older adults.
Researchers uncover more clues about the risk conferred by variants in the MUTYH gene, which can cause abnormal growths and increase colon cancer risk. The study's high-throughput functional analysis method accurately sorts variants into functional and non-functional categories.
Research from Michigan Medicine found that one in three patients remain connected to a breathing tube after passing a spontaneous breathing trial, increasing the risk of ventilator-associated complications. The study highlights the importance of close communication between healthcare teams to determine the safest time for extubation.
A low FODMAP diet has been shown to improve colonic barrier function and reduce mast cell activation in patients with IBS-D. The study found that the diet reduced symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain, and improved intestinal permeability.
Two studies from University of Michigan researchers suggest many older adults and people with disabilities need more impartial help picking the best Medicare plan. Only about 13% of enrollees switch plans annually, and even fewer use the internet to research options.
A study of 22 million urgent care visits found 12.4% of patients received antibiotics, 9.1% glucocorticoids, and 1.3% opioids for generally inappropriate diagnoses. The trends highlight the need for improved clinician knowledge, patient demand, and decision support.
A recent study published in Nature Metabolism found that patients with type 2 diabetes have accumulated misfolded proteins in their mitochondria, which can lead to cell death. The researchers hope that targeting the protein-folding mechanism could be a new avenue for therapy.
A new report reveals that one in five parents experience potty anxiety during toilet training, while another one in five finds the process harder than expected. Parents cite various reasons for starting potty training, including readiness signs, daycare or preschool requirements, and cost pressures.
A new poll suggests that older adults are divided on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), with some expressing curiosity and others skepticism. The study found that nearly all participants wanted clear labeling of AI-generated information, while also acknowledging its potential benefits for independent living. However, many express...
A study suggests that more than half of newborns diagnosed with HIV by age one did not receive preventative medicine after birth, indicating undetected maternal infections. The study highlights racial disparities in HIV exposure, infection, and treatment, with the majority of infants who had not been treated being Black.
A new study from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center identifies a cellular signature that explains why about one-third of prostate cancers respond especially poorly to treatment. The researchers found that docetaxel could be a good option earlier on in patients whose tumor harbors a specific gene program linked to extreme no...
A study of over 2,500 adults aged 50-80 found that nearly 1 in 6 take aspirin for cardiovascular protection without a history of heart disease. Despite revised guidelines reducing aspirin use for primary prevention after age 70, many patients are unaware of the increased risk of bleeding.
Researchers discovered two distinct ways mutation of the FOXA1 gene alters tumor formation and therapy resistance in prostate cancer in mouse models. The findings provide insight into how different classes of FOXA1 mutations operate, shedding light on the complex mechanisms driving prostate cancer progression.
A study has discovered a connection between ferroptosis, a type of iron-dependent cell death, and inflammatory bowel disease. Lipid ROS activate ferroptosis, which drives cell death in the colon lining, and inhibiting this process may lead to new treatment options for IBD.
A new poll reveals significant variation in older adults' preparations to age in place, with 46% having taken steps to make their home more age-friendly. However, differences persist based on health, disability, and home ownership status, highlighting opportunities for policymakers and families.
A new study of 591 women with early-stage breast cancer found that nearly two-thirds opted for continued endocrine therapy beyond the initial five years. Patients with higher-risk stage 2 disease were more likely to continue treatment, highlighting potential benefits in extending hormone-based therapy for these patients.
A new study explains how the gene CDK12 drives high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Researchers discovered that inactivating CDK12 triggers an immune cell response and identified a partner gene, CDK13, as a target for a degrader or inhibitor.
Researchers found that histotripsy treatment reduces tumor hypoxia, triggering an anti-tumor immune response that targets distant cancer cells. This breakthrough understanding may lead to more effective treatment options with less patient side effects.
Researchers identified the PROX1 gene as an early driver of prostate cancer aggression, which leads to treatment-resistant tumors. The team found that a class of FDA-approved drugs, HDAC inhibitors, can disable PROX1 and reduce tumor survival in aggressive prostate cancer subtypes.
A new study found that problems with accessing high-quality care were a major driver for switching Medicare Advantage plans, not cost concerns. Dissatisfaction with medical care access was more common among those in poor health, and those who enrolled in MA plans with low star ratings were also more likely to switch.
New University of Michigan studies find that women primary care physicians are more likely to experience burnout from patient portal messages, but also spend more time managing these messages. Innovative solutions like Patient Asynchronous Care Effort (PACE) slots can help reduce workload and improve physician experiences.
A pilot study found that the Mediterranean diet provided symptom relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with 73% of participants experiencing improvement. The low FODMAP diet was also effective but led to greater improvements in abdominal pain intensity and IBS severity score.
Scientists have engineered a herpes virus to activate pathways in T cells, enhancing their ability to fight cancer. The approach uses proteins from the herpes virus to recruit enzymes that sustain T cell function in tumors.
A new study found that eight times more American young adults now take HIV-prevention medication than a decade ago, but inconsistent use and barriers persist. PrEP can reduce the chances of acquiring HIV by 99%, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers and public health agencies to promote consistent use among high-risk patients.
Roundworm C. elegans avoids deceased conspecifics due to olfactory cues from metabolites AMP and histidine, leading to reduced fitness and increased egg laying. The detection of these signals may be an evolutionarily maintained mechanism for detecting cellular death.
A new protein target has been identified for treating childhood medulloblastomas. High levels of dihydrolipoyl transacetylase make Group-3 medulloblastomas vulnerable to cuproptosis, a newly discovered form of copper-dependent cell death.
Experts recommend stopping pacifier use and thumb-sucking before two years old due to potential dental health and speech development impacts. Parents report various strategies to break the habits, including hiding the pacifier, limiting use, or using deterrents like hot sauce.
A new molecular process discovered by researchers contributes to the failure of donor hearts after transplant, but a therapy using medication for high blood pressure has been found to reduce damage. The treatment significantly improves the function of donor hearts and increases their distance in cold storage.
Researchers found that specific combinations of personality traits can predict bipolar disorder outcomes, with certain styles raising and others lowering the risk of depression. The study used data from over 2,500 people with bipolar disorder and suggests a personalized approach to treatment planning.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed an improved model system to study embryo development, revealing insights into critical periods of formation. The new system allows for the prolonged culture of gastruloids, enabling researchers to visualize key processes such as mesoderm migration and gene expression.
Researchers identified a balance between two proteins, STAT3 and STAT5, as crucial for making tumors vulnerable to immune checkpoint therapy. Targeting STAT3 degradation with molecules SD-36 and SD-2301 boosted immunity and increased STAT5 signaling, effectively treating large, advanced tumors.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the loss of SOX9 gene contributes to greater tumor invasion and poorer outcomes in mice. The team discovered that combined inactivation of SOX9 and APC results in more invasive tumors, highlighting the potential for targeting both genes as a future treatment strategy.
A recent study found that calprotectin levels can predict future atherosclerotic heart disease risk in healthy individuals, even after accounting for common risk factors. Higher calprotectin levels were associated with increased coronary artery calcium scores and higher risk of heart disease.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that Medicaid unwinding may have disrupted the care of people receiving treatment for opioid addiction. Patients were less likely to continue filling buprenorphine prescriptions and more likely to pay with cash or private insurance in states with large versus small Medicaid enrollment drops.
A new study finds that Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids' and young adults' access to chronic disease medication, particularly for those living in states with the largest drops in Medicaid enrollment. The disruptions led to increased use of private insurance or cash for prescriptions, exacerbating health issues.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine reveals that nearly two-thirds of Americans over 50 believe Medicare will cover their nursing home costs, despite it not currently paying for this type. Only half have taken key actions to prepare for long-term care needs. The poll also shows that 70% of people who survive to age 65 will need long-term c...
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that the proportion of men undergoing surgery for low-risk prostate cancer decreased by over fivefold between 2010 and 2024. This decline is attributed to increased adoption of active surveillance and improved diagnostic methods.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that robotic cholecystectomy is associated with a higher risk of bile duct injury compared to the conventional laparoscopic approach. The study, led by Dr. Cody Mullens, analyzed Medicare data and found that bile duct injuries were approximately three times more common in robotic chol...
A combination of bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens reduces obesity-related changes in rats, including fat cell accumulation and insulin resistance. The treatment also increases beneficial gut microbes and improves metabolic health, making it a promising alternative to tamoxifen for women at high breast cancer risk.
A recent study discovered that simultaneously targeting PIKfyve and KRAS-MAPK can eliminate tumors in preclinical human and mouse models. This approach shows promise for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer, which is challenging to treat due to its cellular environment.
A study found that patients who experienced vision impairment due to microbial keratitis had poorer treatment outcomes if they delayed seeking medical attention or had more extensive eye damage. In contrast, patients in the US who wore contact lenses had better outcomes, possibly due to earlier treatment by their physicians.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have created nanodiscs that can target cholesterol levels in glioblastoma, starving cancer cells and increasing survival rates of treated mice. The combined treatment with radiation therapy was able to preserve normal brain structure and elicited an immunological memory.
Researchers successfully treated atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease using DT-109 in nonhuman primates, which has potential as a dual therapy for two common conditions. The compound reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and stopped critical processes that lead to vascular calcification.
Researchers found that using twice-daily tacrolimus resulted in lower rates of chronic lung allograft dysfunction and improved overall survival after lung transplantation compared to cyclosporine. This study provides promising news for lung transplant patients, highlighting the importance of effective treatment strategies to prevent CLAD.
A national poll suggests parents are evenly split on when to start talking about puberty, with some fearing embarrassment or saying the wrong thing. Parents' own experiences may influence their approach, with many having had limited discussions themselves.