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.
New computer-based models describe how bacteria act within blood vessels and can be filtered out, offering insights into treatment options for bacteremia and sepsis. The models validate laboratory experiments in mice and have implications for developing new treatments for deadly bacterial infections.
A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that grapes can lower blood pressure and signs of heart muscle damage, and improve heart function in lab rats. The effect is thought to be due to the high level of phytochemicals - naturally occurring antioxidants - found in grapes.
A new study challenges common perceptions about the uninsured and emergency departments, finding that people with insurance are more likely to contribute to ED overcrowding. The research reveals that caring for patients, insured and uninsured, in an ED is more expensive than treating the same complaint in a doctor's office.
Researchers found that photodynamic therapy, combining a topical photosensitizer and laser treatment, increases collagen levels and produces other skin changes in sun-damaged skin. The treatment may be particularly effective for skin with severe sun damage.
Researchers found black patients with chronic pain were less likely to have their weight or BMI recorded, despite being at higher risk for obesity. Obesity contributes to greater disability and poorer functioning over and above the impact of pain level.
A pilot study found that occupational therapy training, combined with regular exercise, increased physical activity levels in patients with osteoarthritis. The study suggests that this approach could be an effective way to promote wellness among individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
University of Michigan researchers identified a key HIV accessory protein that evades the immune system. The discovery opens doors to developing new drugs that can target and eradicate infected cells, potentially eliminating the need for lifelong antiviral treatment.
A new study suggests that a simple five- or three-part rule can identify which cardiac arrest victims need hospital transportation, allowing EMS crews to use scarce resources wisely. The three-part rule may be sufficient to identify 99.8 percent of those who need to be transported.
Research from Michigan Medicine found that estrogen treatments stimulate collagen production in non-sun damaged skin, but have no effect on sun-damaged skin. The study suggests it's difficult to repair photoaged skin due to altered skin response to topical estrogen treatment.
A computerized reminder system called ClinfoTracker increased colorectal cancer screening rates by an average of 9 percent, from 41.7% to 66.5%, among 12 primary care practices in Michigan. The greatest improvements occurred at practices that were more technologically savvy and well-adapted.
Research from University of Michigan sleep experts reveals that babies born to moms with depression are more prone to having chaotic sleep patterns in the first half-year of life. The study found that infants born to depressed mothers nap more during the day, take longer to settle down at night, and wake up more often during the night.
A new study has found that women are 33 percent more likely to achieve full remission of their depression symptoms with the commonly used antidepressant citalopram compared to men. The study, which involved over 2,800 participants, controlled for various factors and suggests a biological basis for the difference in response.
A new nano vaccine for hepatitis B has been developed to address the drawbacks of current vaccines, which require refrigeration and can cause side effects. The vaccine uses a needle-free nasal delivery method and has been shown to be effective in producing strong immune responses in animal studies.
A U-M study finds that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a cost-effective way to prevent upper GI bleeding in patients taking aspirin for cardiac events. Starting PPI therapy at age 50 or older is estimated to be highly cost-effective, while starting at younger ages may only be marginally so.
A study found a link between genetic variation in the CHRNA5 gene, initial smoking experiences, and current smoking habits. Smokers were eight times more likely to report pleasurable first cigarettes, suggesting that genetics may play a role in nicotine addiction.
Despite having food allergies, many college students are not taking necessary precautions, such as carrying emergency medication and having a plan in place. Researchers found that only 50% of students with food allergies always avoid their allergenic foods, and 43% do not have an EpiPen on hand.
A small pilot study found that gabapentin reduced insomnia in recovering alcoholics and helped them stay away from alcohol more successfully. The study involved 21 insomniacs in recovery from alcohol dependence, with 30% of patients who received gabapentin relapsing to drinking compared to 80% of those on placebo.
Scientists identify a gene mutation in SLC17A8 that causes a previously unknown form of hereditary hearing loss, diminishing ability to hear high-frequency sounds. The mutation affects varying severity and onset age among individuals, highlighting the need for families and doctors to be alert for inherited hearing problems.
Minority women were significantly less likely to be aware of their odds of survival after five years, regardless of surgeon volume or hospital setting. Women who asked about treatment options had better knowledge, highlighting the need for clear communication from surgeons.
A study found that less than a quarter of nursing homes have a specific pandemic plan, while over half do not. The researchers emphasize the need for communication with health departments and hospitals, as well as staff training and planning for staff shortages.
A gene expression test could help determine which patients need more aggressive treatment, improving lung cancer survival rates. The study used a large dataset of lung cancer tissue samples to analyze hundreds of genes and predict patient outcomes.
A U-M study found that three-quarters of ER patients leave with a misunderstanding of their diagnosis, treatment, and post-visit instructions. Patients often reported feeling confident despite lacking understanding, highlighting the need for improved communication between ER teams and patients.
A new vision screening device can detect metabolic stress in the retina, potentially identifying diabetes early. The instrument measures flavoprotein autofluorescence (FA) activity to detect abnormal metabolism and tissue damage.
Researchers found that an HDAC inhibitor, SAHA, significantly diminishes the destructive effects of dendritic cells in graft-versus-host disease, offering a novel treatment option. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating the major complication of bone marrow transplants and autoimmune diseases.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that HER2-positive breast cancers have four to five times more cancer stem cells than HER2-negative cancers. The drug Herceptin was shown to reduce cancer stem cell numbers by 80 percent, targeting and destroying these cells.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center finds that more than three-quarters of bladder cancer patients are unaware of the link between smoking and bladder cancer. Quitting smoking can decrease the risk of developing bladder cancer by 40% within four years.
A U-M study found that breast asymmetry after cancer treatment significantly impacts a woman's quality of life, increasing the likelihood of depression, fear, and feelings of being less healthy. Women who experienced significant breast asymmetry were twice as likely to fear their cancer recurring than those with little to no asymmetry.
A University of Michigan study found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) may have different forms of the disease that require different kinds of treatment. The research suggests targeting specific inflammatory processes in the body could lead to more effective treatments for MS patients.
A new study reveals that perinatal death takes a significant emotional toll on obstetricians, with three-quarters reporting an emotional impact. Obstetricians often struggle with feelings of guilt and self-blame after a stillbirth or infant death, and worry about disciplinary action from no identified cause. Improved bereavement traini...
A new study published in Nature Medicine reveals why tPA, the most effective emergency stroke treatment, carries risks of brain bleeding. Researchers found that the leukemia drug Gleevec inhibits a protein receptor involved in this effect, suggesting it could prevent problems and improve treatment outcomes.
A University of Michigan study reveals how the CHFR gene affects breast cell division, leading to genomic instability and cancer. The loss of CHFR disrupts chromosome segregation, creating conditions for cancer cells to grow and thrive.
Researchers found that misoprostol suppresses key immune responses and allows deadly infection to occur. The study has implications for understanding rare but life-threatening infections during pregnancy. More than a half-million women have taken the two-drug combination safely since its FDA approval in 2000.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that activated vitamin D treatments can prevent heart muscle cells from growing bigger and reduce contractions associated with heart failure. The study's results suggest a new way to treat heart failure and provide hope for people affected by the condition.