A study found that teenagers face challenges in accessing relevant health information online, with common barriers including poorly designed websites, lack of targeted content, and ineffective search strategies. To improve access, researchers suggest teaching better search skills and designing websites more tailored to users' needs.
The study found that mortality rates are significantly lower for patients with a vascular surgeon performing the operation. High-volume surgeons and hospitals resulted in better outcomes, suggesting that experience counts when it comes to treating aortic aneurysms.
A new international study found that a heartburn medication called esomeprazole effectively prevented ulcers among long-term painkiller users. The study showed the drug produced few side effects and was safe for daily use, offering hope to patients who need to take painkillers regularly.
A three-year community campaign aimed at the public and health professionals increased the use of tPA, a life-saving emergency drug for stroke patients. The study found that 69% of eligible patients received tPA, compared to 2.2% in non-intervention areas.
Scientists have discovered two mutations in the ATCAY gene, responsible for Cayman ataxia in humans and similar neurological disorders in mice. The study provides a breakthrough in understanding rare genetic diseases and may lead to diagnostic tests and treatments.
A study found racial and ethnic disparities in pain perception, diagnosis, and treatment across various specialties. Disparities were seen in emergency departments, cancer clinics, chronic pain, and disability, with African Americans and Hispanics facing unequal access to pain medication and treatment.
A new gene mutation has been discovered for a rare form of inherited paralysis called hereditary spastic paraplegia. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnosis and potential treatments for the condition, which affects around 20,000 Americans.
The study found that uninsured patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms are more likely to be diagnosed late, leading to a higher mortality rate. Insured patients who received timely treatment had lower death rates, highlighting the importance of access to regular medical care.
TM has shown promising results in treating Wilson's disease by reducing copper levels, while also inhibiting tumor growth and inflammation in various cancers. The drug's potential to treat inflammatory fibrosis diseases is being explored through ongoing clinical trials.
A new study has found that the protein EZH2 is linked to aggressive and deadly breast tumors, with higher levels corresponding to worse patient outcomes. The discovery may lead to a new test for determining breast cancer prognosis more precisely.
A new study found that 16.5% of non-kidney transplant recipients develop chronic kidney failure, with older age, being a woman, and pre-transplant hepatitis C infection increasing the risk. The risk is higher for those whose kidneys fail after transplant, highlighting the need for better treatment regimens.
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 doctors hesitate to administer the Prevnar vaccine due to its high cost, especially among those with many uninsured patients. The vaccine protects against bacterial meningitis and other diseases, but its expense creates obstacles for families without insurance coverage.
Research shows a shift toward 'medicalization' of deviation from women's traditional roles, while men's depressive illness is increasingly described in terms connoting work and aggression. The study highlights the importance of accurate media representation in influencing patient-doctor communication about mental health concerns.
Hirschsprung's disease is caused by mutations in genes expressed in neural crest stem cells that impair their ability to form a normal intestinal nervous system. The study identifies Ret and other genes involved in the disease, offering new insights into its causes.
Researchers have discovered a modifier gene, Scnm1, that affects the severity of neurological diseases in mice and is also present in humans. The study found that when the genetic code for this gene is transcribed, it can produce non-functional protein that alters the physical effects of inherited diseases.
Researchers have discovered a gene mutation associated with an eye disease that resembles age-related macular degeneration. The study, led by Michigan Medicine scientists, has found that the mutation in RDS can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, affecting central vision and leading to permanent loss of vision.
Researchers identified a new gene, inversin, associated with nephronophthisis type 2, a deadly kidney disease in children. The discovery may lead to treatments and connections between the childhood disease and adult polycystic kidney disease.
A large study by the University of Michigan Health System found that entrenched attitudes, lack of communication, and limited data contribute to the controversy. The researchers surveyed nearly 1,000 doctors and analyzed state-by-state variation in hand surgery rates.
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.