A new technique for reconstructing the palate after tonsil cancer surgery has been shown to maintain patients' ability to speak clearly and eat most foods. The technique, developed at Michigan Medicine, separates the mouth from the nasal cavity and closes during swallowing, allowing patients to recover their complex throat functions.
A study found that black patients have lower survival rates after in-hospital cardiac arrests compared to white patients. The racial difference was largely associated with the quality of hospitals where black patients received care.
Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a nanoemulsion lotion that sharples curbs bacterial growth and reduces inflammation in second-degree burns. The treatment shows promise in overcoming current creams' limitations, reducing bacterial growth one-thousand-fold compared to control animals.
A recent study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that only half of eligible patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation underwent surgery, despite meeting at least one indication for treatment. The study suggests that cardiologists may overestimate surgical risks and underestimate potential benefits.
University of Michigan scientists have identified a fundamental mechanism regulating immune T-cell activity, with implications for conditions like autoimmune diseases, cancer, and organ transplants. The discovery reveals that regulatory T cells influence aggressive immune cells through redox chemistry.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women's decisions on breast cancer surgery are often influenced by family and friends. The study discovered that when patients take a more active role in decision-making, they are more likely to choose mastectomy over breast-conserving surgery.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a novel gene and enzyme that may hold the key to treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a life-threatening lung disease. The discovery could lead to new treatments for not only pulmonary fibrosis but also other organ-based diseases such as cardiac and kidney fibrosis.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that hospitals treating more black cancer patients have lower survival rates for breast and colon cancer, regardless of race. The researchers suggest that factors such as hospital resources and quality of care are key contributors to these disparities.
Researchers at the University of Michigan used brain imaging to study the effects of acupuncture on chronic pain. They found that traditional Chinese acupuncture increases binding availability of mu-opoid receptors in regions processing and dampening pain signals, leading to reduced pain levels.
A three-protein DNA repair complex called MRN is crucial for a normal gene-shuffling process to proceed properly. The study found that Mre11 plays a critical role in preventing cancer by repairing double strand breaks in B cells.
A study developed an animal model revealing why imatinib (Gleevec) helps patients with chronic myeloid leukemia survive longer but not prevent disease recurrence. Researchers are now testing combinations of imatinib and other drugs to enhance its power.
A study found that nearly two-thirds of parents reported needing to watch over their child's care to prevent medical errors, with parents who speak non-English languages being more concerned. Parents' confidence in communicating with physicians was linked to lower levels of concern about medical mistakes.
A University of Michigan research suggests that using body mass index (BMI) to detect high cholesterol in children may not be effective. The study found that approximately 50% of children with abnormal cholesterol levels would be identified, but also up to 30% of healthy-weight kids would be tested unnecessarily.
A University of Michigan survey reveals that most parents would allow researchers to use their children's newborn screening samples for research purposes if permission is obtained beforehand. However, over half of the parents surveyed said they would be very unwilling to permit use of their child's sample without granting or denying pe...
A study of nearly 20,000 patient records found that African-American breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer patients die earlier than others with similar treatment, suggesting biological or host genetic factors as the cause. The survival gap persists even after controlling for socioeconomic factors.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a single round of chemotherapy can identify patients most likely to benefit from preserving their speech. After three years, 78% of T4 study participants were still alive and 58% had an intact larynx.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that two types of antibiotics can cause moderate to wide-ranging changes in the ranks of helpful guardians in the gut. The armada of good bacteria did not recover its former diversity even many weeks after a course of antibiotics was over.
Researchers at University of Michigan and University of Utah are conducting a multi-center trial to investigate whether lowering body temperature can prevent or reduce brain damage in children who suffer cardiac arrest. The Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Cardiac Arrest (THAPCA) Trials will randomize children into two therapy g...
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women are under-represented in clinical cancer research, with only 37% of studies including adequate numbers of female participants. The study analyzed 661 prospective clinical studies with over 1 million total participants and found that st...
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that dysfunctional telomeres can trigger cancer mutations, even in the absence of shortening. The study used mice prone to develop cancer and found that deprotection alone is enough to trigger cancer.
Researchers found that a deficiency in tumor suppressor gene p53 leads to glioblastoma, a highly aggressive type of brain cancer. The study suggests that targeting the subventricular zone, where neural stem cells reside, may improve treatment outcomes and enable early detection.
A study conducted by Michigan Medicine scientists found that a deficiency in the p53 gene in the brain leads to glioblastoma, a type of adult brain cancer. The researchers discovered that neural stem cells in the subventricular zone may be the origin of this aggressive cancer, suggesting a new target for treatment and early screening.
A study has identified a breast cancer gene called AGTR1 that is overexpressed in up to 20% of breast cancers and can be blocked by the blood pressure drug losartan. The researchers found that treatment with losartan shrunk tumors by 30% in mice, suggesting a potential new treatment option for women with AGTR1-positive breast tumors.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center found that PTEN pathway affects growth of breast cancer stem cells and discovered a 90% reduction in stem cell population with perifosine treatment. This study suggests that targeting this pathway may improve current therapies for breast cancer
Researchers found that elevated triglycerides are significantly more likely to result in worsening neuropathy over a year. Doctors can use this predictor to address lowering lipid counts with their diabetes patients with neuropathy, similar to pursuing glucose control.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of cancer research published in high-impact journals disclosed a conflict of interest, with industry funding being the most frequent type. This suggests that researchers may be biased towards positive findings, and that public funding is necessary to minimize this bias.
A University of Michigan study found that grapes lowered blood pressure and reduced signs of heart damage by altering cellular activity. The researchers suggest that the phytochemicals in grapes turned on protective genes that reduce damage to the heart muscle.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a method to analyze changes in a tumor's blood flow and volume, allowing for early prediction of patient survival. The 'parametric response map' approach showed promising results in predicting treatment response earlier than traditional methods.
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that higher doses of radiation combined with chemotherapy improve survival in patients with stage III lung cancer. Concurrent chemotherapy increases treatment effectiveness and overall survival rates.
Researchers found no correlation between aggressive treatment and improved survival rates for early stage bladder cancer patients. Aggressively treated patients were more likely to undergo major surgery, resulting in higher treatment costs.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that health choices at diagnosis play a major role in head and neck cancer survival. Patients with better habits such as not smoking, exercising regularly, eating enough fruits, and limiting alcohol use had longer survival times.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a gene called ATDC that is overexpressed in 90% of pancreatic cancers, making cells resistant to chemotherapy. The study found that targeting this gene may make cancer cells more sensitive to existing therapies.
A panel of small molecules, including sarcosine, has been identified as potential markers for aggressive prostate cancer. Sarcosine was found in higher levels in advanced prostate cancer samples and was a better indicator than traditional PSA test.
Researchers have developed a nanoemulsion that effectively kills a wide range of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, including those causing cystic fibrosis. The treatment uses ultra-fine oil-and-water emulsions that disrupt bacterial outer membranes, making resistance unlikely and offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that 19% of women eligible for post-mastectomy radiation were not treated. Researchers emphasize the importance of educating patients and improving doctor-patient communication about this potentially lifesaving treatment.
Researchers discovered that atypical spitzoid tumors (ASTs) respond well to treatment, with 27 patients experiencing complete remission after a lymph node biopsy. The study suggests ASTs behave differently from other types of melanoma and may not be as aggressive.
University of Michigan researchers are using mathematical modeling to develop a more complete understanding of how cancer develops and interacts with its environment. This approach has led to new insights into the complex signaling pathways involved in cancer growth and metastasis.
One in eight physicians are inactive for at least a year and return to practice without competency testing. States lack regulation to assess clinicians' competence upon reactivation.
A recent study from the University of Michigan found that six million US children have unmet medical needs, with uninsured and underinsured children at highest risk. The study highlights the need for targeted initiatives to address both coverage and access to improve healthcare outcomes for vulnerable children.
Researchers have discovered DNA hotspots associated with psoriasis, an autoimmune disease characterized by skin patches and joint pain. The study identified four novel genes linked to the condition, providing potential targets for new treatments.
A new study led by Michigan Medicine suggests that older Americans are supportive of family surrogate-based research, which can aid in the development of treatments for dementia. The survey found that most respondents believed society should allow family surrogate consent and would participate in such research if needed.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center identified recurrent gene fusions that drive certain cancers to develop. New gene sequencing technology enabled quicker and easier detection of these fusions.
University of Michigan researchers have identified the protein Mre11 as a 'caretaker' that repairs DNA damage, in addition to its existing role as a 'gatekeeper' signaling injury. This discovery may lead to new cancer treatments by predicting tumor sensitivity to radiation and therapies.
In a six-month study, women doubled their fruit and vegetable intakes by following a Mediterranean diet plan with an exchange list. The plan maintained caloric and total fat intakes, leading to significant changes in their eating habits.
A nationwide study found that most child deaths occur while in the hospital, with newborns being the most vulnerable group. Children without insurance had significantly higher mortality rates compared to those with insurance, with mortality rates ranging from 0.33% for children with private insurance to 0.58% for uninsured children.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that a commonly used tool for estimating breast cancer recurrence risk is not effective at explaining risk to patients. Women with early-stage breast cancer may struggle to understand the benefits and risks of chemotherapy, leading to poor treatment choices.
Men who survived childhood leukemia treatment into adulthood have lower bone mineral density, increasing their risk of osteoporosis. The study found that male survivors were more likely than female survivors to have weaker bones, and shorter individuals also faced higher risks.
The high cost of childhood vaccines leads to financial strain for physicians, with prices varying widely across medical practices. Many physicians are paying too much for vaccines while receiving too little reimbursement, but new data can help improve these areas.
A recent study found that Latina women are 5.6 times more likely to express regret over their breast cancer treatment compared to white women. The researchers discovered that despite similar treatment, Latinas reported higher dissatisfaction and a desire for more culturally tailored information.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a vitamin and mineral combination that may prevent hearing loss caused by loud noises. The formula, called AuraQuell, was successful in laboratory tests and is now being tested in human clinical trials.