Researchers found no benefit to regular screenings for women without risk factors after a hysterectomy. The cost of screenings per year of life saved can be up to $12 million, highlighting the need for more targeted screening strategies.
Dr. Peter Ward, a renowned U-M pathologist, has received the American Thoracic Society's highest honor for his pioneering research on inflammation and lung biology. His work has significantly broadened the understanding of lung health and disease, influencing the career development of many clinicians and scientists worldwide.
A new study reveals that Katie Couric's on-air colonoscopy led to a significant increase in colon cancer screenings nationwide. Colonoscopy rates jumped over 20% in the days and months following Couric's test, sustained for nearly a year. The 'Katie Couric Effect' also showed an increase in screenings among women and people under age 50.
Researchers at U-M developed a new method for separating viable sperm using microfluidics, which increased motile sperm to 98% and improved sperm structure and form. The technique has the potential to benefit men with low sperm numbers and infertility problems.
Researchers found a major neurochemical deficit in patients with multiple system atrophy, a rare degenerative disease, which correlates with worsened sleep problems. The study suggests that brain chemistry disruptions may also be linked to other neurological diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker, MSR1, that increases prostate cancer risk in African-American men. The study, which recruited over 400 black men from Flint, Mich., found that rare germ-line mutations were associated with an increased risk.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers reveals that protein RKIP governs prostate cancer cells' ability to enter nearby blood vessels, a crucial step in metastasis. Tumors with normal RKIP levels appear unable to invade blood vessels, while those without RKIP are more likely to spread.
A study found that physicians prioritize profits over patient benefits when considering cost savings. More than half of responding physicians believed money saved would go to insurance executives rather than patients or improved services. The study highlights the disconnect between doctor perceptions and long-term societal benefits.
A new study found that transferred patients are sicker and more likely to die than those admitted directly, damaging hospital scores on measures used by patients, insurers, and employers. The 'transfer effect' must be accounted for in hospital benchmarking tools to ensure accurate representation of quality care.
Researchers discovered a core set of essential genes that universally activate in human cancer, regardless of tissue origin. The findings suggest these genes are prime targets for new cancer-fighting drugs.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have identified 158 genes specific to pancreatic cancer in a new study, providing a more accurate accounting of the disease's molecular makeup. The team hopes to use this knowledge to develop new diagnostic tests and treatments tailored to individual patients.
Scientists have successfully induced the growth of new sensory hair cells in adult guinea pigs using gene therapy. The Math1 gene was inserted into non-sensory epithelial cells lining the inner ear, leading to the formation of new hair cells and attracting the growth of new fibers from auditory neurons.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found no correlation between backpack use and back pain in children. The research suggests that activity level and weight may play a greater role in causing back pain, rather than backpack use.
A recent study found that 20% of pregnant women show signs of depression, yet only 13.8% receive mental health counseling or treatment during pregnancy. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and screening to address post-partum depression risks associated with hormone imbalances and fetal exposure.
Researchers found that brief activation of beta-catenin in resting hair follicles can stimulate complex changes leading to normal hair growth. The discovery may hold potential for inducing hair growth, but caution is needed due to risks of uncontrolled beta-catenin activity.
A new study suggests that colonoscopy is more cost-effective in preventing colon cancer than promising Cox-II drugs. The study found that screening plus drugs was most effective but also the most costly option.
Children prescribed asthma medications have lower rates of emergency room visits compared to those without prescriptions. However, asthmatic African-American and urban children experience more frequent ER visits due to asthma attacks.
Children from lower-income families are more likely to have access to vision care, while those from higher-income families face barriers due to private insurance or lack of coverage. Cultural and social factors also play a role in disparities in eye care services.
Children from low-income families have lower birth weights and are shorter in stature than higher-income peers by age one. Proper nutrition through breast milk is crucial for healthy growth, while early introduction of baby food can hinder development.
A study by Physicians for Human Rights and the University of Michigan Health System found that two-thirds of federal forensic doctors reported detainee torture, with nearly half documenting evidence. The incidence of torture may be declining, but monitoring and evidence-gathering are crucial to overcoming the country's history of abuse.
Researchers use high-speed imaging to track movement of calcium waves in cell signaling, identifying a sequence of amino acids (LTL) that controls the pathway. The findings have implications for treating autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and uveitis.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that alcohol increases a person's vulnerability to injury in car crashes, regardless of blood-alcohol level. Drivers and passengers with any amount of alcohol in their system were more than one and a half times as likely to experience serious injuries, which severity was also 30% higher.
A clinical trial using VEGF gene transfer found no significant improvement in walking ability for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Researchers are exploring alternative approaches, including transcription factor-based therapies and cell therapy, to address the condition.
A new study conducted in 33 Michigan hospitals shows significant improvements in the use of proven treatments and lifestyle counseling for heart attack patients. The study, led by researchers at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, found that hospitals that implemented a system of reminders and checklists saw increases in ...
More than 80% of traumatic brain injury patients surveyed believe alternative medicine (CAM) therapies like massage, meditation, and herbal medicine are effective. However, only half have discussed their use with physicians, raising concerns about the lack of transparency.
Research from the University of Michigan found that even with prenatal diagnosis, infants with one or more risk factors have a significantly lower chance of survival. However, in utero diagnosis has led to more pregnant women receiving specialty care, resulting in a higher-risk group of patients.
A new international study found that the life-saving effect of eplerenone began soon after patients started taking the drug following their heart attacks. The study showed a significant reduction in deaths and hospitalizations among heart attack patients with heart failure, especially when combined with other heart medications.
African Americans with chronic pain experience significantly more symptoms than whites when seeking treatment, including greater levels of pain, depression, and impairment. Economic factors also play a significant role in producing these disparities.
A study found that personalized mailings can significantly increase mammogram use among older women with Medicare, who may need an extra push to get screened due to age-related risk factors. The intervention targeted women over 70 years old without recent mammograms and those with medical conditions preventing screening.
A new study by U-M researchers found that the common cold leads to significant economic impact, with Americans spending over $2.9 billion on over-the-counter drugs and nearly $1.1 billion on antibiotic prescriptions for symptomatic relief. The total economic cost of cold-related work loss exceeds $20 billion annually.
Researchers have identified stem cells in human breast cancer that can form new tumors and are resistant to treatment. The discovery may explain why current treatments for metastatic breast cancer often fail, and could lead to the development of new therapies targeted at these cells.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that medical students who have not yet completed their OB/GYN clerkship place more value on securing consent before performing pelvic examinations under anesthesia. This suggests a decline in the importance of obtaining patient consent for these procedures.
Researchers found that individuals with two copies of the met form of the COMT gene had a more pronounced response to pain, while those with two copies of the val form reported less pain and fewer negative emotions. The study used PET brain imaging and controlled jaw pain to investigate the role of genetic variation in pain tolerance.
A study published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science suggests that estrogen levels influence women's ability to suppress pain. The researchers used PET scans to examine the brain's response to pain in individuals with different gender, hormone, and genetic profiles.
The study found significant differences between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites in conditions increasing stroke risk, such as diabetes and blood-thinning drug use. Understanding these differences can help tailor stroke-prevention campaigns to the Hispanic community, increasing their effectiveness.
A new study provides validated guidelines for emergency physicians to care for chest-pain patients using cocaine, improving treatment outcomes and reducing complications. The protocol divides patients into high-risk and low-risk categories, allowing doctors to determine which patients can be safely discharged home.
A study found that many doctors' offices struggled to consistently obtain enough Prevnar vaccine, with over half reporting they had run out completely in the past year. The nation's 'patchwork' system of vaccination, driven by varying state practices and private insurance, contributed to these inconsistencies.
A new study reveals that sentinel lymph node mapping can be safely performed on patients with melanoma in the delicate head and neck area, allowing for early detection of cancer spread. The technique has been shown to accurately stage patients and identify those who need further treatment, potentially improving survival rates.
A recent study published by Michigan Medicine found that 15% of pregnant women consume alcohol, with most having less than one drink per week. However, a subgroup at high risk is identified, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to assess and counsel drinking behavior during prenatal visits.
Research reveals cocaine causes harm to brain cells that trigger feelings of pleasure, potentially explaining addiction and depression. The study found significant lower levels of dopamine neurons in cocaine users compared to non-users.
Researchers inserted a firefly gene into mice with cancer, allowing them to detect cell death in real-time. The technology uses luciferase to emit light only when cells start dying, enabling rapid testing of new drugs for cancer and other diseases.
Dr. Ferrara's ongoing laboratory research aims to develop improved therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease, a common complication of bone marrow transplants used to treat leukemia and other cancers.
Scientists discovered that a protein called ATR protects fragile sites from breaking during DNA replication, controlling genome stability. Fragile site breaks are common in tumor cells and near genes associated with tumors, suggesting defects in the ATR pathway may contribute to cancer progression.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that internet filters can effectively distinguish between health information and pornography when set at moderate levels. However, highly restrictive settings may block a significant portion of essential health sites, while still providing excellent porn ...
A new study reveals that nearly three-quarters of spinal cord injury patients want to exercise but only half actually do. The study also found that only 47% had been encouraged to exercise by their physicians, with 'lack of motivation' being a major barrier. Researchers aim to address these barriers through education and support programs.
A six-year study of 100 heart failure patients who received the HeartMate device at Michigan Medicine found excellent one-year survival rates and improved hospital stays. Eighty-two percent of patients were able to go home, and problems with the device have decreased as doctors gain experience.
A recent study has provided the first direct evidence that transplanted muscle cells can form muscle fibers and blood vessels in damaged hearts. Satellite cells from patients' thigh muscles were injected into their heart tissue, surviving and differentiating into mature muscle fibers without triggering an immune reaction.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic tool using PET scans to detect Alzheimer's disease more accurately. By analyzing brain activity, the scans can identify changes that occur before patients themselves may recognize problems.
A brain study reveals that people with lower back pain experience severe pain even from a gentle finger squeeze, while fibromyalgia patients feel the same level of pain. The study uses fMRI to measure brain activity and finds enhanced response to pain in some areas and diminished response in others.
A study found that exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy improved fatigue, distress, mental health, and physical function in Gulf War veterans. Physical function improved more in those who received CBT, while mental health issues showed significant gains with exercise or both.