A new study found that rats fed tart cherry powder on top of a high-fat, Western-style diet had lower body weight, fat mass, total cholesterol, triglyceride, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 levels. These findings suggest a potential link between tart cherry consumption and reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
A new study shows that a combination of two drugs can lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk by 20%, outperforming an ACE-diuretic combination. The therapy has the potential to improve control rates to over 80% and alter current guidelines for treating high blood pressure.
A new mathematical model could revolutionize how scientists study cellular signaling pathways, potentially leading to more effective treatments for cancer and other diseases. The model takes advantage of today's computing power to provide a superior tool for understanding the complex interactions between cell signals.
A team of University of Michigan scientists has identified a possible link between genetic mutations and toxic substance exposure in the development of motor neuron disease. The study found that abnormal protein changes caused by organophosphate exposure may contribute to the disease, offering new leads for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that only about 45% of cases used tumor markers AFP and HCG, with all three markers measured in just 16% of the time. This suggests low usage rates despite the importance of tumor markers in showing patient response to treatment and disease recurrence.
Researchers found that mice treated with low-molecular weight heparin before or after vein damage healed faster than those not treated. The study's findings support the use of heparin as a preventative measure for deep-vein thrombosis, which affects millions of Americans each year.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that pain levels in patients with fibromyalgia decreased when glutamate levels went down. This suggests that glutamate may play a role in the disease and could be used as a biomarker of disease severity, leading to potential new treatments.
A national study found that patients with high cholesterol who received nutrition counseling from registered dietitians were able to reach their LDL cholesterol goal in approximately eight months. The study, which included data from 377 patients, showed significant reductions in cholesterol levels and weight loss among those who follow...
Researchers at the University of Michigan have designed a small molecule that activates the p53 protein to kill tumor cells without causing damage to normal cells. The new drug, MI-219, is highly effective in cell cultures and appears safe for use in animals.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed an oil-based nanoemulsion vaccine that produces strong immunity against smallpox and HIV in animal studies. The vaccine uses a mixture of soybean oil, alcohol, water, and detergents emulsified into ultra-small particles to trigger the body's immune response.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine created a device that measures metabolic stress, detecting eye disease before symptoms appear. The instrument provides accurate results in detecting vision loss and characterizing disease progression.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that obese children are more likely to experience difficulties with airway obstruction and other breathing-related functions during surgery. The study also reveals a higher incidence of illnesses such as asthma, hypertension, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes among obese children.
A new study found that cognitive impairment is decreasing among people aged 70 and older, with better education and financial status being significant contributors. The decline in cognitive impairment may be attributed to improved cardiovascular health, as risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking were more prevalent in the 1990s.
A new study suggests that taking N-acetylcysteine before a CT scan or angiogram can protect at-risk patients from kidney damage caused by iodine-containing contrast agents. The inexpensive drug, which is quick, convenient and widely available, appears to be the best choice for those with weakened kidneys.
Researchers found that patients with depression may not experience improvements in hopefulness until several weeks or months after their depressive symptoms lift. This delay can lead to reduced adherence to treatment, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Researchers found that BRCA1 plays a role in regulating breast stem cells, which can develop into cancers. Women with BRCA1 mutations have a high incidence of breast cancer due to the unregulated proliferation of these stem cells.
A new study suggests that myostatin inhibitors, currently under study for medical conditions and bodybuilding, may also increase the risk of small, brittle tendons making muscle injuries more likely. Researchers found that myostatin's absence led to shorter, stiffer tendons in mice.
Researchers find a direct link between visceral fat and atherosclerosis, a condition that causes blood vessels to harden and narrow. The study suggests that anti-inflammatory medication could be used to reverse the process and reduce heart disease risk.
Research by Michigan Medicine suggests that overactive nerves in the head and neck may contribute to tinnitus. Acupuncture and trigger point therapy may be effective treatments for people with 'ringing in the ears'. The study found hyperactivity of touch-sensing neurons in animals, which could lead to new insights into the condition.
A new study found that reducing drug co-pays for employees with chronic illnesses increased the use of preventive medicines, leading to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The study involved over 35,000 employees and showed significant increases in use of important medications.
A new study from Michigan Medicine finds that congestive heart failure patients experience high disability rates and increased need for nursing-home care. The condition imposes substantial burdens on patients, families and the long-term care system.
A study found that nearly half of hospitals lack a system to track which patients have a catheter, and three-quarters lack a system to monitor catheter removal. Less than 10% use an approach proven to reduce UTI rates and decrease catheter time.
Research found that 30% of patients with ventricular arrhythmia received life-saving defibrillation more than two minutes after cardiac arrest, leading to significantly lower survival rates. Hospital characteristics, such as small size and lack of continuous monitoring, were associated with delayed defibrillation.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that only a third of breast cancer patients discussed reconstruction options with their surgeon. Women who did discuss reconstruction were four times more likely to choose a mastectomy, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making in surgical choices.
Researchers have discovered that the turbulence in electrical waves underlying ventricular fibrillation can be scaled using a universal formula related to body mass, and that genetic variations in mice may also apply to humans. This breakthrough paves the way for better translation of VF research results from animals to humans.
A national study suggests that infants with complex congenital heart defects have a lower risk of dying if treated at experienced hospitals. The study found significant differences in mortality rates depending on the number of procedures performed at each hospital, with centers treating more cases having lower mortality rates.
A new survey from Michigan Medicine suggests that when women are told their risk of breast cancer is above average, they're more likely to take a hypothetical pill and overestimate its benefits. The study highlights the importance of considering individual risk information when making medical decisions.
A new marker, ALDH1, has been identified that can be used to detect and characterize cancer stem cells in breast tumors. These cells are responsible for fueling a tumor's growth and are linked to worse outcomes.
A comprehensive genetic analysis suggests that the ancestors of Native Americans originated from a single source in east Asia, with a unique genetic variant widespread across both continents. The study's findings support the land bridge theory and hint at evidence for coastal migration to South America.
Researchers found that bortezomib selectively inhibits melanoma tumor cells by overactivating the cancer-promoting gene c-MYC, leading to increased production of NOXA and promoting cell death. The study suggests a novel treatment strategy for various types of cancer.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that a pedometer program that counts every step, regardless of duration, is more satisfying for people with diabetes. This approach led to increased walking and better adherence compared to structured goals.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that nasal irrigations with saline are more effective than saline sprays in providing short-term relief of chronic nasal and sinus symptoms. The treatment resulted in a clinically significant improvement in quality of life, with participants experiencing 50% lower odds of frequent nasal symptoms.
A new study finds that 92% of older adults with diabetes have at least one other major chronic condition, and nearly half have three or more. The severity and type of co-existing condition matter, decreasing patients' ability to manage their diabetes.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center shows that targeted interventions for caregivers can significantly improve their physical and emotional quality of life. The FOCUS Program, a family-based intervention, provided benefits for spouses of prostate cancer patients, including reduced uncertainty and imp...
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that fear of weight gain is a significant obstacle to quitting smoking for many women, who often have unrealistic body images and eating problems. Despite this, most weight-concerned smokers can be successful in kicking the habit with help.
Two new studies, led by the University of Michigan Stroke Program, reveal that 69% of stroke victims don't reach the hospital within three hours of symptom onset, resulting in delayed tPA treatment. A middle-school education program shows promising results in improving recognition and response to stroke symptoms.
A recent study of depressed veterans found that younger, white, non-Hispanic men are at the highest risk for suicide, while those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a lower rate. The study also highlights the importance of substance abuse treatment in reducing suicidal behavior among depressed veterans.
A recent study found that women with HER-2 positive breast cancer who receive Taxol alongside chemotherapy experience improved survival rates. In contrast, estrogen-receptor-positive and HER-2-negative patients do not benefit from the added treatment, offering a targeted approach to personalized medicine.
A new study has identified a gene, HMMR, that may increase a woman's risk of breast cancer by more than a third. The research found that HMMR interacts with the well-known breast cancer gene BRCA1, suggesting a potential new pathway for further research.
Researchers have discovered gastric progenitor cells in mouse stomachs, which can give rise to all functional stomach glands. This discovery may aid understanding of normal cell turnover and potentially open doors for investigating gastric cancer origins.
New findings suggest that misfolded proinsulin can cause beta cell dysfunction and death, leading to an insulin shortage. This can result in the hallmark symptoms of diabetes, including high blood glucose levels.
Research found that fibromyalgia patients have reduced mu-opioid receptor availability in brain regions processing pain signals. This reduces the effectiveness of painkillers such as morphine, leading to increased pain among those with fibromyalgia.
The A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute supports fundamental research to advance understanding of human diseases. The institute's first five Taubman Scholars will receive flexible grants for promising disease-fighting research.
Middle-aged and older adults from African American and Latino backgrounds have poorer blood sugar control than their white counterparts, even when taking medications. The study identified medication adherence and emotional distress as key factors contributing to these disparities.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center finds that cancer patients and their spouses experience similar physical and emotional quality of life. The study, which analyzed data from 263 men with prostate cancer and their spouses, found significant differences in quality of life based on the phase of illness.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that parents who feel confident communicating with physicians are more likely to participate in medical decisions. Researchers also discovered that previously hospitalized parents are more involved in decision-making.
A new study suggests that finasteride, a generic drug for enlarged prostates, improves early detection of fast-growing prostate cancers. Finasteride reduces prostate size and cancer risk by 25 percent, making it easier for physicians to detect high-grade tumors early.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that nearly half of women with breast cancer experience musculoskeletal issues while taking aromatase inhibitors. Up to 15% of patients stop treatment due to these side effects, highlighting a need for interventions to manage symptoms.
A new study reveals that RNA polymerase II constantly scans the cell's DNA for damage, sending a stress signal to p53, a master protein that responds to DNA damage. This discovery sheds light on how cells protect themselves against cancer-producing DNA lesions.
A new generation of implanted heart-assisting pump has shown excellent survival rates and significant improvements in patient quality of life. The device, called the HeartMate II, helped 75% of patients stay alive for at least six months or until a donor heart became available.