Researchers found that microfluidics can successfully facilitate IVF in mice, with lower sperm concentrations required compared to traditional culture dishes. The technology has promising potential as a viable option for human IVF, potentially offering an alternative to ICSI.
A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals a direct relationship between smoking and neurocognitive function in men with alcoholism. Long-term smokers showed diminished thinking ability and lower IQ compared to non-smokers, even after adjusting for other factors.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that pharmacies in predominantly minority and low-income areas have lower availability of opioid analgesic pain medications. The gap is pronounced, with 86.9% of white ZIP code pharmacies carrying sufficient supplies compared to 54.2% in minority ZIP codes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that hospitals using quality-improvement tactics reduced heart attack death rates by 21-26%. The effort involved a checklist to ensure patients received crucial treatments and lifestyle advice, leading to improved patient outcomes.
A study of 1,234 stroke patients found that heart and neck scans were less commonly used in women than men, despite being crucial for preventing second strokes. Women were 36% less likely to receive an echo-cardiogram and 43% less likely to have carotid artery exams.
Researchers at U-M have developed a new blood test for prostate cancer that uses 22 biomarkers to accurately identify cancerous samples. The test shows promise as a supplement or replacement for current PSA testing methods, which can produce false positives and unnecessary biopsies.
A novel genetic testing tool has been developed to screen for multiple retinal disease genes on a single microchip, offering faster and more accurate diagnoses for conditions like RP. The arRP-I chip is 23% less expensive than current sequencing methods and can detect both known and novel mutations.
A study by University of Michigan Health System researchers found that students who applied self-applied acupressure treatments to stimulation points on their legs, feet, hands and heads showed a statistically significant reduction in sleepiness compared to those who only relaxed. This discovery could have implications for improving al...
A study of 34 young pediatric residents found that working long hours and overnight shifts impairs their attention, judgment, and driving abilities. The researchers compared the effects of heavy work shifts with those of consuming three to four alcoholic drinks, revealing similar impairments in both cases.
Prostate cancer cells manipulate Wnt signaling proteins to establish themselves in bone tissue, producing dense bony lesions characteristic of prostate cancer. The study found that altered levels of Wnt activity promote osteoblastic lesions, while high levels of DKK-1 inhibit Wnt activity, leading to highly osteolytic tumor lesions.
A new study provides direct evidence that the brain's own pain-fighting chemicals play a role in the placebo effect, reducing feelings of pain. Participants who received a sham pain treatment reported increased activity in their mu opioid endorphin system after being told they were receiving a medicine.
A study found that women are more likely to choose mastectomy over breast-conserving surgery due to fears of recurrence and radiation treatment. Despite this, overall survival rates are the same for both procedures.
Researchers discovered that SH2-B, a protein increasing leptin sensitivity, maintains normal energy metabolism and body weight in mice. The absence of SH2-B impairs leptin signal transduction, leading to severe obesity.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have found that over half of patients with rapidly progressing hearing loss had antibodies against IESCA, a protein in the inner ear. The study suggests a direct test for antibodies could predict which patients will regain hearing with steroid treatment.
The risk of major cardiovascular problems was significantly lower among patients treated by high-volume doctors performing over 90 procedures per year compared to low-volume doctors. However, there was no difference in death rates before leaving the hospital between high- and low-volume physicians.
A new VA / U-M study of 912 patients with diabetes reveals that the quality of doctor-patient relationships and mental health play a significant role in patients' medication use when drug costs become a burden. Nearly 30% of low-trust patients skipped medicines due to cost, while depression doubled the risk of skipping medicines.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that a simple written-reminder system can reduce urinary catheter use by 7.6% and lead to a significant decrease in hospital-acquired infections. The system's cost is estimated to be lower than the savings it generates, with potential tens of thousands of dollars in annual savings.
A new study found that inhaling small amounts of carbon monoxide after transplant surgery can prevent the development of a lethal inflammatory reaction in mice. This could lead to a new treatment regimen for human patients, preventing complications such as obliterative bronchiolitis and improving their chances of survival.
A study by researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that patients learned more facts from educational videos than from their doctors during a clinic visit. However, the video was less effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels compared to face-to-face interactions with their doctors.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a receptor, dubbed B5, that plays a crucial role in the herpes simplex virus's ability to infect human cells. The team has developed a pig-cell system that could be used to test new anti-herpes drugs and has discovered that blocking the B5 receptor can prevent viral infection.
Researchers discover compound (-)-gossypol that targets Bcl-xL protein to induce programmed cell death in resistant cancer cells. The study suggests a potential treatment option for head and neck cancer patients who cannot undergo surgery.
A new study suggests that ACE inhibitors, which reduce blood pressure and prevent diabetes-related complications, should be made available at no cost to seniors with diabetes. This could lead to increased use of the medication and significant savings for Medicare, with estimates suggesting $1,606 in lifetime savings per recipient.
A new chemical sealant, poloxamer 188, has been shown to prevent heart failure in mice with muscular dystrophy by improving the heart's ability to relax and fill with blood. The treatment restored normal elastic properties in individual cardiac myocytes, reducing the risk of cardiac damage and failure.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have made significant discoveries on the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), a leading cause of death worldwide. Two new studies suggest that neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in AAA formation, particularly in the early stages of the condition.
A new study of 229 children found that regular snoring in childhood is linked to an increased risk of developing hyperactive behavior. The study also found that other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, such as daytime sleepiness, can predict future behavior problems.
Researchers identify a new marker, CD150, that helps distinguish hematopoietic stem cells from progenitor cells. The discovery uses the SLAM family of genes to precisely identify stem cells in tissue sections.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a nanoparticle-based treatment that targets cancer cells, increasing therapeutic response and reducing drug toxicity. The treatment uses dendrimers to deliver methotrexate and folate, allowing the cancer cells to internalize the drugs while minimizing harm to normal cells.
A new study suggests that minor surgery plus antibiotics can prevent foot-bone infections and amputations. Patients with diabetes are at high risk, especially those with poor circulation and kidney problems.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that adults use over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams in limited and appropriate ways, with a 73% compliance rate. In children, hydrocortisone cream was used primarily for insect bites, rashes, eczema, and itchy skin, with 72% of use following recommended guidelines.
A recent study published in Patient Education and Counseling found that 89% of women overestimated their lifetime risk of breast cancer, with an average estimate of 46%. Women who did not provide an estimate beforehand were more likely to feel anxious, while those who provided an estimate reported relief after learning the actual risk ...
A study comparing New York and Michigan angioplasty data shows major differences in patient selection. Despite this, the researchers found no difference in overall death risk when adjusting for underlying health conditions.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of open communication between parents, camp officials, and medical professionals about a child's health needs. Camps are advised to provide parents with detailed information about their programs, including risks associated with certain activities, and to have staff trained in first aid and CPR.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that high malpractice premiums are affecting the supply of obstetricians, particularly in states with the highest costs. Researchers found a significant increase in births-per-junior fellow in high-premium states compared to low-premium states.
Scientists develop gene transfer technology to block neuropathic pain by delivering a GABA-enhancing gene via a disabled herpes simplex virus. The treatment showed promise in animal studies, with pain-relieving effects lasting up to six weeks. A clinical trial in humans is planned.
Researchers at U-M have identified a method that produces viable eggs when thawed, allowing cancer patients to preserve fertility. The vitrification technique enables 98% survival of eggs after thawing, compared to traditional slow-freeze techniques.
Researchers found that 33% of men and 49% of women with asthma are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, which is related to asthma severity. The study suggests that doctors should examine their patients' sleep patterns more often to identify potential aggravating conditions.
The HIPAA privacy rule has made it harder and costlier for researchers to conduct follow-up surveys after hospitalization, resulting in a drastic drop in participation rates from 96% to 34%. The changes have also increased the cost of performing surveys and skewed the data due to patient demographics.
A new study found that statin use can decrease the risk of colon cancer in people taking cholesterol-lowering medications. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,900 participants and found a 47% reduced risk of colorectal cancer among those taking statins.
A large-scale study found that colonoscopy outperforms flexible sigmoidoscopy in detecting advanced pre-cancerous polyps in women, highlighting the need for unique screening approaches in women. The study suggests that women should get a colonoscopy after age 50 to prevent colon cancer.
Researchers found statin chemoprevention to be a promising strategy for managing patients with chronic ulcerative colitis, preventing 90-96% of colon cancers. Compared to frequent colonoscopic surveillance, this approach may improve quality of life and reduce costs.
Researchers found non-heart abnormalities in 61% of patients who underwent CTCA scans, including lung cancer, emphysema, and fluid buildup. The study emphasizes the need for a team-based approach to reading these scans, with both radiologists and technologists requiring specialized training.
A study found that patients with high circulating endothelial cell counts before treatment were more likely to have growing tumors, while those with low counts remained stable. This test may predict patient outcomes and survival, allowing doctors to tailor treatment and spare unnecessary side effects.
A phase II trial found that Herceptin can be used safely for bladder cancer with few serious adverse effects related to the drug. The study showed good responses to treatment in patients with HER2-positive bladder cancer, laying the foundation for a future phase III trial.
Researchers found that non-dippers had higher fasting glucose levels and were more likely to develop diabetes. Monitoring glucose levels is crucial for these patients to prevent cardiovascular problems.
Researchers found that speaking Spanish, offering health benefits, and addressing community needs are key factors in recruiting Hispanic participants for studies. The study, presented at the American Geriatrics Society meeting, aimed to understand how diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease affect Hispanics.
A national study found that 80% of US adults would pay an extra $3-$6 per month for health insurance to cover newly recommended vaccines. This trend has left millions underinsured, but the study suggests innovative ways to structure plans to improve coverage.
A recent Michigan Medicine study reveals that only 53.9% of children with elevated blood lead levels in Medicaid received critical subsequent follow-up testing, leaving many vulnerable to lead poisoning. Nearly half of those who did receive testing still had elevated blood lead levels, highlighting missed opportunities for prevention.
Researchers found that patients who mounted an immune response against beta amyloid experienced improved memory performance and reduced brain size, suggesting the removal of built-up protein. The new trial aims to stimulate an immune attack without raising brain inflammation risk.
A recent study found that fibromyalgia patients' level of depression has little impact on their intensity of pain experience, suggesting that treatments for each condition should be considered separately. Researchers hope that separating these two complex conditions can lead to more effective pain management.
A survey of 1,105 emergency physicians found that many are hesitant to use tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) due to bleeding risks, despite its potential to restore blood flow in the brain. Team-based approaches and risk-reducing measures may help increase tPA adoption.