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.
A recent study from Michigan Medicine researchers reveals that specific 'junk' RNA genes, known as microRNA34, work with the protective gene p53 to regulate cell growth and prevent cancer. The loss of these microRNAs is linked to common lung cancer.
A team of U-M researchers, including gynecologists and engineers, will use the grant to examine damage to pelvic muscles during vaginal deliveries. They aim to develop preventive strategies to reduce injury rates, which affect up to 300,000 women per year.
A vaccine against anthrax has been developed using nanoparticles, which triggers a strong immune response and induces immunity on mucous membranes, providing protection after bioterror attacks. The new vaccine is easy to store and administer without needles, making it a valuable tool for health authorities.
A Michigan Medicine study found that half of seniors have geriatric conditions affecting daily living, such as falls and incontinence. The study highlights the need for clinicians to address these common conditions, which can lead to disability if left untreated.
A Michigan-CDC study analyzed 43 US cities during the 1918-1919 Spanish flu pandemic and found that sustained non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) like quarantine, isolation, school closures, and public gathering cancellations significantly reduced mortality rates. The study's findings challenge conventional wisdom on the effectiven...
A new study found that emergency angioplasty treatment for heart attacks has increased dramatically over the last decade, with a notable decline in patients going without crucial care. However, 10% of eligible patients still do not receive this urgent treatment, highlighting gaps in care for certain subgroups.
Researchers found that gene fusions trigger cancer growth and could impact treatment choices, with some genes regulated by androgen. The discovery may lead to better diagnostics and targeted therapies for prostate cancer.
University of Michigan scientists are creating nanoparticles that can deliver morphine to wounded soldiers faster and more safely. The goal is to develop tiny drug-bearing particles that a fellow soldier could inject with a pen-like device, even in combat.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a gene, FOXP3, that suppresses tumor growth in breast cancer. The study found that when FOXP3 is normal, it keeps HER-2 levels low; however, when FOXP3 is missing or mutated, HER-2 levels are likely to rise.
Researchers propose new model for predicting post-hospital death risk in aortic dissection patients based on blood clotting in the false lumen. Partial clotting is associated with a much greater risk of death, while those with patent or completely thrombosed false lumens have intermediate and lower risks respectively.
A large study of over 17,000 men found that finasteride caused a small decrease in sexual function, but this effect diminished over time. The researchers concluded that finasteride is unlikely to cause significant sexual dysfunction for most men taking the drug.
A new study found that people's responses to placebo treatments are linked to their brain's dopamine activity, particularly in the nucleus accumbens. The study used two types of brain scans to investigate this phenomenon and suggests that individual expectations play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of placebos.
Researchers found a strong correlation between tumor responses during treatment and three months after completion, suggesting PET scans can be performed earlier to modify treatment plans. This could lead to better tumor control and survival rates, potentially changing standard practice guidelines.
Researchers found a significant link between genetic variation on chromosome 8 and the risk of colorectal cancer, with individuals carrying the specific marker being 23% more likely to develop the disease. The study suggests that this single genetic variation might account for 14% of colorectal cancer cases in Israel.
Scientists have identified a gene mutation causing one form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder, a common inherited neurological disease. The discovery enables a genetic test for people with this subtype, which was previously unidentified and lacked an unknown genetic basis.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are studying the impact of a Mediterranean diet on colon cancer risk. The study will compare the diet with a standard healthy eating plan and investigate its effects on protein levels and antioxidant compounds in the body. Participants who complete the six-month study will receive $270.
A new University of Michigan study shows that pill-splitting, slicing high-dose pills in half, can save Americans thousands of dollars on prescription drugs. Most participants said they would continue splitting pills if given a 50%-co-pay reduction, but some reported no issues with the practice.
U-M researchers found that a gene called Brahma is silent in some cancer cells but can be reactivated using inhibitor drugs. The study shows promise for developing new targeted therapies to slow or stop cancer progression.
Researchers have successfully implanted a tiny electrode array in the auditory nerve of cats, enabling them to hear a wide range of sounds. The device has several advantages over cochlear implants, including more precise activation of specific frequency signals and reduced electrical current requirements.
A University of Michigan study found that 86% of patients with follicular lymphoma survived after 8 years of treatment with Bexxar, a radioimmunotherapy drug. This success rate compares favorably to state-of-the-art chemotherapy regimens, making Bexxar an attractive option for patients.
A study reveals that genetic differences in Japanese and US patients with non-small cell lung cancer affect how well they respond to chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel and carboplatin. The research found that specific gene variations, such as CYP3A4 and ERCC2, influence treatment outcomes.
A study published in Aging Cell found that male mice fed a normal diet and NDGA showed significantly longer survival than control mice. However, no significant difference was observed in female mice. The researchers are now conducting further studies to confirm the results and determine the potential of NDGA as an anti-aging agent.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that up to 17% of physicians in a single state who claim to be pediatricians are not board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The researchers also discovered that another 12% of pediatricians did not complete a medical residency training program in pediatrics. Parents can check...
A new international study involving over 10,700 people with high blood pressure found that single-tablet combinations of drugs can bring blood pressure under control for up to 80% of US patients. The six-month treatment period saw a near-doubling of the proportion of patients achieving controlled blood pressure.
Researchers tested retinol-containing lotions on elderly patients, finding significant reductions in wrinkles, roughness, and overall aging severity. The study also showed increased collagen production, making the skin more resistant to injury and ulcer formation.
A new study from the University of Michigan Stroke Program finds that ICH patients who had a do-not-resuscitate order issued in the first 24 hours or had care withdrawn were twice as likely to die. Early limitations on care may be an overlooked factor in calculating ICH survival odds, according to researchers.
A new international study found that patients who received modern treatments after a heart attack or severe chest pain had significantly lower death rates, stroke risks, and heart failure. The study shows improved outcomes due to increased use of guideline-based treatments such as drugs, tests, and procedures.
Researchers found that rats fed tart cherries had lower cholesterol, blood sugar, fat storage in the liver, oxidative stress, and improved fat handling. The study suggests a potential benefit from anthocyanin-rich foods like tart cherries for heart disease and diabetes prevention.
A new study suggests that green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits production of molecules that cause destruction of cartilage and bone in people with rheumatoid arthritis. EGCG also suppresses inflammatory products in connective tissue.
A study of retired NFL players found nearly 15% experienced moderate to severe depression, with chronic pain levels nearly half of the population. The study also highlighted connections between depression, pain, and other issues like sleep, fitness, and social support.
A new study finds that higher doses of statins are cost-effective for patients with recent heart attacks, but may not provide significant benefits for those with stable coronary artery disease. The analysis could help evaluate the cost-effectiveness of other medications and treatments.
A new imaging method measures water diffusion in tumors to detect early response to treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Researchers found that changes in water diffusion could predict tumor response to chemotherapy as early as seven days after treatment began.