A University of Michigan-led study found that depressed mothers' bodies may play a role in the development of their unborn children's brains. Babies born to depressed moms had higher levels of stress hormones and decreased muscle tone, but also showed signs of neurological maturity.
Researchers have shed light on dopamine's role in the brain's reward system, finding that individual differences in response to environmental cues can fundamentally influence chemical reward patterns. The study provides new insights into compulsive behavior and may lead to preventive tools or treatments for addiction.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that chemotherapy delays are common among patients with surgical complications after colorectal cancer surgery. The study, which analyzed data from 17,108 patients, suggests that surgical complications can have long-term impacts on quality of care.
A U-M study found that adding an interactive online community to an Internet-based walking program significantly decreased participant dropout rates. Seventy-nine percent of participants who used the social component stuck with the program, while only 66% of those without it completed it.
Researchers found that the Caprini Risk Assessment Model is effective in predicting which plastic and reconstructive surgery patients will develop blood clots. Patients with a high-risk score are at disproportionately higher risk for developing late clots if not given clot-preventing medications after surgery.
Scientists have solved the structure of a protein integral to maintaining healthy hearts and nervous systems. The discovery of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) may lead to smarter drug design for better understanding of homocystinuria, a genetic disorder affecting cardiovascular and central nervous systems.
A new study found a 30-40% higher risk of colorectal cancer among men treated with hormone-based therapy for prostate cancer. The study suggests continued routine preventive care, including colorectal cancer screening, is essential during prostate cancer treatment.
Researchers discovered key differences in how E. coli bacteria behave in humans compared to mice, identifying potential targets for a vaccine. The study's findings could lead to the development of a vaccine that saves billions in healthcare costs and millions of doctor visits annually.
A study by the University of Michigan Health System found that specialists spend over 650,000 work weeks on routine follow-up care for patients with common chronic conditions. Delegating a proportion of this care could create system-wide efficiencies and free up specialists to focus on new patients and complex cases.
A new indicator, TLR9 receptor, has been found to mark rapidly progressing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, potentially leading to new treatments. Researchers identified the receptor in patients' lungs and showed its role in fibrotic tissue growth using human cells and mice.
A University of Michigan Health System study reveals that younger adult cancer patients experience more pain flares and emotional issues compared to older adults. Younger adults also reported smaller incomes and struggled more with paying healthcare bills, affecting their overall well-being.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that door-to-balloon time has dropped dramatically for heart attack patients, from 113 minutes in 2003 to 76 minutes in 2008. However, despite the quicker hospital care, mortality rates remained unchanged at around 4%.
A recent study found a decline in unnecessary care for prostate cancer patients not likely to benefit from treatment after Medicare policy changes reduced reimbursement. In contrast, patients with clear benefits from the therapy continued to receive it at the same rate.
A University of Michigan concept for value-based insurance design is featured in a thematic cluster of papers in the November issue of Health Affairs. The approach focuses on removing barriers to high-value services and aims to improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.
A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach may reduce the severity of colitis caused by Salmonella. The research found that H. pylori infection alters the immunological environment of the lower gastrointestinal tract, leading to reduced inflammation.
Research found that 60% of hospitalizations for severe sepsis were associated with worsened cognitive and physical function among surviving older adults. Cognitive impairment was 3.3 times higher following an episode of sepsis than for other hospitalizations.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers shows that providing small amounts of flexible, targeted follow-up care can help chronically depressed patients manage their symptoms. The approach includes self-monitoring tools and follow-up phone calls from a care manager, resulting in higher remission rates and reduced-function days.
A novel approach to treating cardiovascular disease is being explored through recycling pacemakers, with experts finding the process safe and effective. The study aims to reduce the financial burden of pacemakers on impoverished nations, where access to these devices is limited.
New studies by Michigan Medicine's Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit found no increase in the number of nurse practitioners and physician assistants entering pediatric care, despite overall increases. Healthcare systems need to rethink future plans as they transition to caring for an aging population.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have identified four new DNA hotspots that may aid in developing new treatments for psoriasis. The study, published in Nature Genetics, builds on past work by U-M researchers and provides a better understanding of the hereditary factors of the disease.
A peer partnership program improved diabetes patients' conditions by reducing blood sugar levels and increasing insulin therapy rates compared to traditional nurse care management. The study found that peer support activated patients to take a more active role in managing their condition.
A collaborative approach to sharing patient safety data among Michigan hospitals has led to a nearly 10% reduction in surgical complications. The study, which examined general and vascular surgeries between 2005 and 2007, also found improvements in reducing blood infections, septic shock, prolonged ventilator use, and cardiac arrest.
The US Department of Defense has awarded a $1.5 million grant to develop and test nanoemulsion technology against a wide range of wound infections, including drug-resistant forms. The project aims to create a broadly effective treatment that can prevent infection, increase survival and enable rapid healing in wounded military personnel.
Researchers have identified a potential target for diabetes drugs by discovering how certain insulin gene mutations cause proinsulin proteins to misfold in pancreatic beta cells. The study found that misfolding of normal proinsulin proteins occurs when mutant protein is present, leading to insulin deficiency and diabetes.
A study published in Journal of Women's Health reveals a rapid increase in diabetes hospitalizations for young adults, particularly young women, which echoes the dramatic rise in obesity rates across the US. The number of hospitalizations among younger adults more than doubled from 1993 to 2006.
A new study found significant inconsistencies in bloodstream infection surveillance methods across hospitals, making it challenging to compare performance. The variations have implications for pay-for-performance and reimbursement, as well as the accuracy of publicly reported data.
Researchers at U-M are investigating adaptive clinical trials to improve the efficiency of clinical trials. The goal is to accelerate drug and device evaluation, improve safety for patients, and reduce costs. Adaptive clinical trials make adjustments based on accumulated data to identify effective treatments more accurately.
A University of Michigan study found that in-country OB/GYN training programs significantly contributed to doctors' decision to remain in Ghana. The availability and presence of a viable training program played a crucial role, along with social and economic factors, in graduates' choices.
A study published in Preventive Cardiology found that doctors' own health habits influence their confidence in counseling patients on healthy diet and exercise. The survey showed that attending physicians were more likely to counsel patients on these topics than trainees, especially those who exercised regularly.
A University of Michigan-led team identified a gene responsible for a devastating inherited kidney disorder using a new, faster genetic analysis technique. The success offers hope that scientists can speed the search for genes responsible for many rare diseases and test drugs to treat them.
A U-M study reveals that 53.3% of medical students with high depressive symptoms worry revealing their illness will be risky, while 62% believe seeking help means inadequate coping skills. The results highlight a concerning level of intolerance towards depression among medical peers.
Researchers found that chest compressions first approach may be better in cases of long waits for EMS, with higher one-year survival rates and benefits for cardiac arrests with prolonged response times. The study suggests an emphasis should be placed on high-quality chest compressions.
The Southwest Oncology Group has selected five young investigators to attend a three-day workshop in Seattle, where they will receive intensive training on designing and conducting cancer clinical trials. The YITC program provides mentorship and career support to promising researchers.
A study from University of Michigan Medical School found that school children who eat vended snack foods are more likely to develop poor diet quality, being overweight or at risk for diabetes and coronary artery disease. The study recommends restricting unhealthy vended foods and promoting healthful options.
A new study finds that when plastic surgeons are involved in the initial treatment decision-making process, women are more likely to receive breast reconstruction. The study highlights the importance of discussing reconstruction options with a plastic surgeon and emphasizes the need for comprehensive care coordination.
The University of Michigan Health System has received the first 1,250 DNA samples from the National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank, the largest single collection of psoriasis DNA samples. The samples will be used to identify new genes that increase a person's risk factor for developing psoriasis and examine its connection with other...
Researchers at U-M will explore how genetic variations of C. difficile, gut microbiota, and immune response influence the disease. The project aims to develop better prevention measures, treatments, and ways to prevent recurrence.
A team of University of Michigan scientists found that suppressing a newly discovered gene, drr-2, lengthens the lifespan of roundworms. The study suggests that manipulating the drr-2 gene's action could produce similar effects as reducing caloric intake.
A recent study by the University of Michigan Health System found that black patients are prescribed fewer pain medications than whites, while women receive weaker doses. The research highlights racial and gender gaps in pain care and suggests changes are needed to address these disparities starting in primary care.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that the University of Michigan's full disclosure program for medical errors resulted in a significant decrease in new claims, time to resolution, and liability costs. This improvement in transparency and compensation led to reduced malpractice costs and enhanced patient safety.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that reminder systems encouraging prompt removal of urinary catheters reduced CAUTIs by 52%. The researchers suggest that low-cost interventions like nurse-empowered catheter stop orders could be effective in reducing infections. Hospitals can implement these strategies to improve...
A study at University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin-Madison found that 98% of medical students are interested in using technology, including video games and virtual reality, to enhance their education. The survey also showed a significant gender disparity, with male students more likely to play video games.
A University of Michigan study found that brief motivational talks in the emergency room reduced peer violence and alcohol misuse among teens by 34% and 32% respectively. The talks helped adolescents weigh the pros and cons of their choices, using role-play exercises to cope with risky situations.
Researchers found that African women are more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer, a condition characterized by the absence of estrogen and progesterone receptors. The study suggests that African ancestry may be associated with a higher risk of hereditary predisposition for breast cancer related to BRCA1 gene mutations.
A study by the University of Michigan Health System found that female physicians are more supportive than male physicians when it comes to honoring patient requests for a doctor of the same gender or background. The study also showed that racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslim patients, are more likely to have their requests...
A study from Michigan Medicine and Saint Louis University found that 14.7% of people with alcohol-related problems used clergy services, highlighting their role in overall system of care. Factors associated with increased likelihood of using clergy services include being Black, aged 35-54 years, and major depressive disorder.
A recent study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that head and neck cancer patients with poor sleep quality had more symptoms of chronic pain and complaints of dry mouth related to radiation treatments. The researchers suggest that reducing these factors may be warranted to improve sleep hygiene and enha...
U-M researchers identified a DIAPH3 gene mutation that causes over-production of a diaphanous protein, leading to hearing loss. The discovery will aid in developing genetic tests for auditory neuropathy, a rare disorder previously difficult to diagnose.
Researchers found that black patients are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer and receive inadequate treatment. The study attributes these disparities to patient trust issues, lack of access to quality care, and limited resources at hospitals serving primarily black patients.
Researchers found that pyruvate kinase enzyme is reduced in pregnant women, leading to a modified immune response. This discovery may lead to the development of drugs targeting pyruvate kinase activity to treat conditions like pre-eclampsia and rheumatoid arthritis.